Uniform Net Capital Rule Requirements - Net capital and aggregated indebtedness information for broker/dealer subsidiaries (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Waddell & Reed, Inc. (W&R)
Net capital and aggregated indebtedness information for entity's broker/dealer subsidiaries
Net capital	$ 52,639	$ 21,719
Required capital	250	250
Excess of required capital	52,389	21,469
Ivy Funds Distributor, Inc. (IFDI)
Net capital and aggregated indebtedness information for entity's broker/dealer subsidiaries
Net capital	12,894	17,310
Required capital	2,152	2,956
Excess of required capital	$ 10,742	$ 14,354
Ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital	2.50	2.56

The amount of net capital in excess of the minimum required net capital.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Rule 15c3-1
-Number 240
-Section 15c3-1

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- Definition

Minimum amount of net capital required to be maintained by entity's broker-dealer subsidiary to engage in securities transactions.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Rule 15c3-1
-Number 240
-Section 15c3-1

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- Definition

Net capital is equal to the net worth of the broker dealer, less certain items such as exchange memberships, carrying value of securities not readily marketable, haircuts on marketable securities in proprietary accounts, furniture and equipment and other illiquid assets as defined.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Rule 15c3-1
-Number 240
-Section 15c3-1

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- Definition

Indebtedness divided by net capital.

+ References

No definition available.

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No definition available.

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