Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net income	$ 33,499	$ 46,513	$ 100,819	$ 136,740
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale investment securities during the period, net of income tax expense (benefit) of $92, $80, $1,011 and $(218), respectively	296	262	3,235	(700)
Postretirement benefit, net of income tax benefit of $(30), $(7), $(88) and $(22), respectively	(94)	(24)	(283)	(70)
Comprehensive income	33,701	46,751	103,771	135,970
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	445	208	1,763	(380)
Comprehensive income attributable to Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.	$ 33,256	$ 46,543	$ 102,008	$ 136,350