CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net income	$ 116,965	$ 182,812	$ 144,209
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gain on available for sale investment securities during the period, net of income tax expense (benefit) of $1,038, $2 and $(956) respectively	3,318	13	7,505
Postretirement benefit, net of income tax (benefit) expense of $(127), $202 and $(99), respectively	(415)	642	(224)
Comprehensive income	119,868	183,467	151,490
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	1,973	(776)	2,930
Comprehensive income attributable to Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.	$ 117,895	$ 184,243	$ 148,560