Revenue Recognition - Disaggregation of revenue (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Ivy Funds Class Y
Revenue Recognition
Maximum service plan fee (as a percent)	0.25%
Ivy Funds Class A
Revenue Recognition
Maximum distribution plan fee (as a percent)	0.25%
Ivy Funds Class C
Revenue Recognition
Maximum service plan fee (as a percent)	0.25%
Maximum distribution plan fee (as a percent)	0.75%
Ivy Funds Class E
Revenue Recognition
Maximum service plan fee (as a percent)	0.25%
Ivy Funds Class R
Revenue Recognition
Maximum service plan fee (as a percent)	0.50%
Maximum | Ivy Funds Class E
Revenue Recognition
Sales charge (as a percent)	5.75%