Consolidated Statements of Income (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Income
Compensation and related costs, share-based compensation	$ 12,293	$ 12,960	$ 24,565	$ 22,828

Represents the expense recognized during the period arising from share-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants or contractors.

No definition available.

Name:	wdr_ShareBasedCompensationExpense
Namespace Prefix:	wdr_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration