Uniform Net Capital Rule Requirements - Net capital and aggregated indebtedness information for broker/dealer subsidiaries (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Waddell & Reed, Inc. (W&R)
Net capital and aggregated indebtedness information for entity's broker/dealer subsidiaries
Net capital	$ 60,758	$ 57,109
Required capital	250	250
Excess of required capital	60,508	56,859
Ivy Funds Distributor, Inc. (IFDI)
Net capital and aggregated indebtedness information for entity's broker/dealer subsidiaries
Net capital	20,217	25,688
Required capital	1,909	1,336
Excess of required capital	$ 18,308	$ 24,352
Ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital	1.42	0.78