Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net income	$ 32,758	$ 45,971
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale investment securities during the period, net of income tax expense (benefit) of $517 and $(351), respectively	1,658	(1,131)
Postretirement benefit, net of income tax benefit of $(30) and $(7), respectively	(94)	(23)
Comprehensive income	34,322	44,817
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	705	(366)
Comprehensive income attributable to Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.	$ 33,617	$ 45,183