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Label Element Value
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Document Type dei_DocumentType 485BPOS
Document Period End Date dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate Nov. 30, 2011
Registrant Name dei_EntityRegistrantName DELAWARE GROUP EQUITY FUNDS II
Central Index Key dei_EntityCentralIndexKey 0000027574
Amendment Flag dei_AmendmentFlag false
Document Creation Date dei_DocumentCreationDate Mar. 26, 2012
Document Effective Date dei_DocumentEffectiveDate Mar. 26, 2012
Prospectus Date rr_ProspectusDate Mar. 26, 2012
(Institutional) | (Delaware Large Cap Value Fund)
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading

What is the Fund's investment objective?

Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

Delaware Large Cap Value Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading

What are the Fund's fees and expenses?

Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text] rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual fund operating expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover [Heading] rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio turnover

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block] rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 19% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 19.00%
Expense Example [Heading] rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and reflects the Manager's expense waivers and reimbursements for the 1-year contractual period and the total operating expenses without waivers for years 2 through 10. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading] rr_StrategyHeading

What are the Fund's principal investment strategies?

Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

Under normal circumstances, the Fund's investment manager, Delaware Management Company (Manager) will invest at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in securities of large-capitalization companies (the 80% policy). The Fund currently defines large-capitalization stocks as those with market capitalizations of $5 billion or greater at the time of purchase. Typically, the Manager seeks to select securities that it believes are undervalued in relation to their intrinsic value, as indicated by multiple factors, including the earnings and cash flow potential or the asset value of the respective issuers. We also consider a company's plans for future operations on a selective basis. We may sell a security if we no longer believe the security will contribute to meeting the investment objective of the Fund. The Fund's 80% policy can be changed without shareholder approval. However, shareholders would be given at least 60 days' notice prior to any change.
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading

What are the principal risks of investing in the Fund?

Risk Narrative [Text Block] rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

Investing in any mutual fund involves the risk that you may lose part or all of the money you invest. Over time, the value of your investment in the Fund will increase and decrease according to changes in the value of the securities in the Fund's portfolio. Principal risks include:

Investments not guaranteed by the Manager or its affiliates — Investments in the Fund are not and will not be deposits with or liabilities of Macquarie Bank Limited ABN 46 008 583 542 and its holding companies, including their subsidiaries or related companies (Macquarie Group), and are subject to investment risk, including possible delays in repayment and loss of income and capital invested. No Macquarie Group company guarantees or will guarantee the performance of the Fund, the repayment of capital from the Fund, or any particular rate of return.

Market risk — The risk that all or a majority of the securities in a certain market — such as the stock or bond market — will decline in value because of factors such as adverse political or economic conditions, future expectations, investor confidence, or heavy institutional selling.

Foreign risk — The risk that foreign securities (particularly in emerging markets) may be adversely affected by political instability; changes in currency exchange rates; inefficient markets and higher transaction costs; foreign economic conditions; or inadequate or different regulatory and accounting standards.

Derivatives risk — Derivative contracts, such as options, futures, and swaps, may involve additional expenses (such as the payment of premiums) and are subject to significant loss if a security, or a securities index to which a derivative contract is associated, moves in the opposite direction from what the portfolio manager anticipated. Derivative contracts are also subject to the risk that the counterparty may fail to perform its obligations under the contract due to financial difficulties (such as a bankruptcy or reorganization).

Liquidity risk — The possibility that securities cannot be readily sold within seven days at approximately the price at which a fund has valued them.

Government and regulatory risk — The risk that governments or regulatory authorities have, from time to time, taken or considered actions that could adversely affect various sectors of the securities markets.
Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney Investing in any mutual fund involves the risk that you may lose part or all of the money you invest. Over time, the value of your investment in the Fund will increase and decrease according to changes in the value of the securities in the Fund's portfolio.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

How has Delaware Large Cap Value Fund performed?

Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns for the 1-, 5-, and 10-year periods compare with those of a broad measure of market performance. The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future. The returns reflect expense caps in effect during certain of these periods. The returns would be lower without the expense caps. You may obtain the Fund's most recently available month-end performance by calling 800 523-1918 or by visiting our website at www.delawareinvestments.com/performance.
Performance Availability Phone [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone 800 523-1918
Performance Availability Website Address [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress www.delawareinvestments.com/performance
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading

Year-by-year total return (Institutional Class)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods illustrated in this bar chart, the Institutional Class' highest quarterly return was 17.44% for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and its lowest quarterly return was -18.74% for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average annual total returns for periods ended December 31, 2011

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate The after-tax returns shown are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates in effect during the periods presented and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred After-tax returns are not relevant for shares held in tax-deferred investment vehicles such as employer-sponsored 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
Performance Table Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's individual tax situation and may differ from the returns shown. After-tax returns are not relevant for shares held in tax-deferred investment vehicles such as employer-sponsored 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). The after-tax returns shown are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates in effect during the periods presented and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
(Institutional) | (Delaware Large Cap Value Fund) | Russell 1000® Value Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 0.39%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (2.64%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 3.89%
(Institutional) | (Delaware Large Cap Value Fund) | Institutional Class
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.64%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.25%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.89%
Fee waivers and expense reimbursements rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets    [5]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.89%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 91
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 284
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 493
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,096
Annual Return 2002 rr_AnnualReturn2002 (18.82%)
Annual Return 2003 rr_AnnualReturn2003 28.03%
Annual Return 2004 rr_AnnualReturn2004 10.28%
Annual Return 2005 rr_AnnualReturn2005 3.16%
Annual Return 2006 rr_AnnualReturn2006 23.72%
Annual Return 2007 rr_AnnualReturn2007 (2.91%)
Annual Return 2008 rr_AnnualReturn2008 (34.30%)
Annual Return 2009 rr_AnnualReturn2009 18.46%
Annual Return 2010 rr_AnnualReturn2010 15.93%
Annual Return 2011 rr_AnnualReturn2011 9.52%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel highest quarterly return was 17.44% for the quarter ended June 30, 2003
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Jun. 30, 2003
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 17.44%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel lowest quarterly return was -18.74% for the quarter ended September 30, 2002
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Sep. 30, 2002
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (18.74%)
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 9.52%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.82%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 3.45%
(Institutional) | (Delaware Large Cap Value Fund) | Institutional Class | return after taxes on distributions
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 8.71%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (1.60%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 2.75%
(Institutional) | (Delaware Large Cap Value Fund) | Institutional Class | return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 6.17%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.89%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 2.83%
(Retail) | (Delaware Large Cap Value Fund)
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading

What is the Fund's investment objective?

Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

Delaware Large Cap Value Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading

What are the Fund's fees and expenses?

Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. You may qualify for sales-charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Delaware Investments® Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor, in the Fund's prospectus under the section entitled "About your account," and in the Fund's statement of additional information under the section entitled "Purchasing shares."

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text] rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption [Text] rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual fund operating expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover [Heading] rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio turnover

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block] rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 19% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 19.00%
Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text] rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts You may qualify for sales-charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Delaware Investments® Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor, in the Fund's prospectus under the section entitled "About your account," and in the Fund's statement of additional information under the section entitled "Purchasing shares."
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount] rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount 50,000
Expense Example [Heading] rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and reflects the applicable waivers and reimbursements for the 1-year contractual period and the total operating expenses without waivers for years 2 through 10. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Strategy [Heading] rr_StrategyHeading

What are the Fund's principal investment strategies?

Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

Under normal circumstances, the Fund's investment manager, Delaware Management Company (Manager) will invest at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in securities of large-capitalization companies (the 80% policy). The Fund currently defines large-capitalization stocks as those with market capitalizations of $5 billion or greater at the time of purchase. Typically, the Manager seeks to select securities that it believes are undervalued in relation to their intrinsic value, as indicated by multiple factors, including the earnings and cash flow potential or the asset value of the respective issuers. We also consider a company's plans for future operations on a selective basis. We may sell a security if we no longer believe the security will contribute to meeting the investment objective of the Fund. The Fund's 80% policy can be changed without shareholder approval. However, shareholders would be given at least 60 days' notice prior to any change.
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading

What are the principal risks of investing in the Fund?

Risk Narrative [Text Block] rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

Investing in any mutual fund involves the risk that you may lose part or all of the money you invest. Over time, the value of your investment in the Fund will increase and decrease according to changes in the value of the securities in the Fund's portfolio. Principal risks include:

Investments not guaranteed by the Manager or its affiliates — Investments in the Fund are not and will not be deposits with or liabilities of Macquarie Bank Limited ABN 46 008 583 542 and its holding companies, including their subsidiaries or related companies (Macquarie Group), and are subject to investment risk, including possible delays in repayment and loss of income and capital invested. No Macquarie Group company guarantees or will guarantee the performance of the Fund, the repayment of capital from the Fund, or any particular rate of return.

Market risk — The risk that all or a majority of the securities in a certain market — such as the stock or bond market — will decline in value because of factors such as adverse political or economic conditions, future expectations, investor confidence, or heavy institutional selling.

Foreign risk — The risk that foreign securities (particularly in emerging markets) may be adversely affected by political instability; changes in currency exchange rates; inefficient markets and higher transaction costs; foreign economic conditions; or inadequate or different regulatory and accounting standards.

Derivatives risk — Derivative contracts, such as options, futures, and swaps, may involve additional expenses (such as the payment of premiums) and are subject to significant loss if a security, or a securities index to which a derivative contract is associated, moves in the opposite direction from what the portfolio manager anticipated. Derivative contracts are also subject to the risk that the counterparty may fail to perform its obligations under the contract due to financial difficulties (such as a bankruptcy or reorganization).

Liquidity risk — The possibility that securities cannot be readily sold within seven days at approximately the price at which a fund has valued them.

Government and regulatory risk — The risk that governments or regulatory authorities have, from time to time, taken or considered actions that could adversely affect various sectors of the securities markets.
Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney Investing in any mutual fund involves the risk that you may lose part or all of the money you invest. Over time, the value of your investment in the Fund will increase and decrease according to changes in the value of the securities in the Fund's portfolio.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

How has Delaware Large Cap Value Fund performed?

Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns for the 1-, 5-, and 10-year or lifetime periods compare with those of a broad measure of market performance. The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future. The returns reflect expense caps in effect during certain of these periods. The returns would be lower without the expense caps. You may obtain the Fund's most recently available month-end performance by calling 800 523-1918 or by visiting our website at www.delawareinvestments.com/performance.
Performance Availability Phone [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone 800 523-1918
Performance Availability Website Address [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress www.delawareinvestments.com/performance
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading

Year-by-year total return (Class A)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods illustrated in this bar chart, Class A's highest quarterly return was 17.36% for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and its lowest quarterly return was -18.85% for the quarter ended September 30, 2002. The maximum Class A sales charge of 5.75%, which is normally deducted when you purchase shares, is not reflected in the highest/lowest quarterly returns or in the bar chart. If this sales charge were included, the returns would be less than those shown. The average annual returns in the table below do include the sales charge.
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average annual total returns for periods ended December 31, 2011

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate The after-tax returns shown are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates in effect during the periods presented and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred After-tax returns are not relevant for shares held in tax-deferred investment vehicles such as employer-sponsored 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text] rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown After-tax performance is presented only for Class A shares of the Fund.
Performance Table Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

After-tax performance is presented only for Class A shares of the Fund. The after-tax returns for other Fund classes may vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's individual tax situation and may differ from the returns shown. After-tax returns are not relevant for shares held in tax-deferred investment vehicles such as employer-sponsored 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). The after-tax returns shown are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates in effect during the periods presented and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
(Retail) | (Delaware Large Cap Value Fund) | Russell 1000® Value Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 0.39%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (2.64%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 3.89%
(Retail) | (Delaware Large Cap Value Fund) | Class A
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases as a percentage of offering price rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 5.75%
Maximum contingent deferred sales charge (load) as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption price, whichever is lower rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.64%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.28% [2]
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.25%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.17%
Fee waivers and expense reimbursements rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets    [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.17%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 687
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 925
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,182
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,914
Annual Return 2002 rr_AnnualReturn2002 (19.03%)
Annual Return 2003 rr_AnnualReturn2003 27.69%
Annual Return 2004 rr_AnnualReturn2004 9.99%
Annual Return 2005 rr_AnnualReturn2005 2.89%
Annual Return 2006 rr_AnnualReturn2006 23.38%
Annual Return 2007 rr_AnnualReturn2007 (3.18%)
Annual Return 2008 rr_AnnualReturn2008 (34.46%)
Annual Return 2009 rr_AnnualReturn2009 18.01%
Annual Return 2010 rr_AnnualReturn2010 15.68%
Annual Return 2011 rr_AnnualReturn2011 9.21%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel highest quarterly return was 17.36% for the quarter ended June 30, 2003
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Jun. 30, 2003
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 17.36%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel lowest quarterly return was -18.85% for the quarter ended September 30, 2002
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Sep. 30, 2002
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (18.85%)
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 2.95%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (2.26%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 2.56%
(Retail) | (Delaware Large Cap Value Fund) | Class A | return after taxes on distributions
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 2.29%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (2.97%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 1.92%
(Retail) | (Delaware Large Cap Value Fund) | Class A | return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 1.90%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (2.07%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 2.08%
(Retail) | (Delaware Large Cap Value Fund) | Class B
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases as a percentage of offering price rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum contingent deferred sales charge (load) as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption price, whichever is lower rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice 4.00% [1]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.64%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.25%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.89%
Fee waivers and expense reimbursements rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets    [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.89%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 592
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 869
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,246
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,024
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 192
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 594
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 1,021
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 2,024
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 4.43%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (2.18%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 2.56%
(Retail) | (Delaware Large Cap Value Fund) | Class C
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases as a percentage of offering price rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum contingent deferred sales charge (load) as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption price, whichever is lower rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice 1.00% [1]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.64%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.25%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.89%
Fee waivers and expense reimbursements rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets    [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.89%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 292
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 594
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,021
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,212
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 192
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 594
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 1,021
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 2,212
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 7.43%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (1.81%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 2.42%
(Retail) | (Delaware Large Cap Value Fund) | Class R
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases as a percentage of offering price rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum contingent deferred sales charge (load) as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption price, whichever is lower rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.64%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.60%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.25%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.49%
Fee waivers and expense reimbursements rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.10%) [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.39%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 142
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 461
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 804
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,771
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel (lifetime: 6/2/03 - 12/31/11)
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 8.97%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (1.31%)
Lifetime rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 4.67%
(Institutional) | (Delaware Value Fund)
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading

What is the Fund's investment objective?

Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

Delaware Value® Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading

What are the Fund's fees and expenses?

Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text] rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual fund operating expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover [Heading] rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio turnover

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block] rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 24% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 24.00%
Expense Example [Heading] rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and reflects the Manager's expense waivers and reimbursements for the 1-year contractual period and the total operating expenses without waivers for years 2 through 10. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading] rr_StrategyHeading

What are the Fund's principal investment strategies?

Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in securities of large-capitalization companies (the 80% policy). The Fund invests primarily in securities of large-capitalization companies that we believe have long-term capital appreciation potential. The Fund currently defines large-capitalization stocks as those with market capitalizations of $5 billion or greater at the time of purchase. Typically, we seek to select securities that we believe are undervalued in relation to their intrinsic value, as indicated by multiple factors, including the earnings and cash flow potential or the asset value of the respective issuers. We also consider a company's plans for future operations on a selective basis. We may sell a security if we no longer believe the security will contribute to meeting the investment objective of the Fund. The Fund's 80% policy can be changed without shareholder approval. However, shareholders would be given at least 60 days' notice prior to any change.
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading

What are the principal risks of investing in the Fund?

Risk Narrative [Text Block] rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

Investing in any mutual fund involves the risk that you may lose part or all of the money you invest. Over time, the value of your investment in the Fund will increase and decrease according to changes in the value of the securities in the Fund's portfolio. Principal risks include:

Investments not guaranteed by the Manager or its affiliates — Investments in the Fund are not and will not be deposits with or liabilities of Macquarie Bank Limited ABN 46 008 583 542 and its holding companies, including their subsidiaries or related companies (Macquarie Group), and are subject to investment risk, including possible delays in repayment and loss of income and capital invested. No Macquarie Group company guarantees or will guarantee the performance of the Fund, the repayment of capital from the Fund, or any particular rate of return.

Market risk — The risk that all or a majority of the securities in a certain market — such as the stock or bond market — will decline in value because of factors such as adverse political or economic conditions, future expectations, investor confidence, or heavy institutional selling.

Foreign risk — The risk that foreign securities (particularly in emerging markets) may be adversely affected by political instability; changes in currency exchange rates; inefficient markets and higher transaction costs; foreign economic conditions; or inadequate or different regulatory and accounting standards.

Derivatives risk — Derivative contracts, such as options, futures, and swaps, may involve additional expenses (such as the payment of premiums) and are subject to significant loss if a security, or a securities index to which a derivative contract is associated, moves in the opposite direction from what the portfolio manager anticipated. Derivative contracts are also subject to the risk that the counterparty may fail to perform its obligations under the contract due to financial difficulties (such as a bankruptcy or reorganization).

Liquidity risk — The possibility that securities cannot be readily sold within seven days at approximately the price at which a fund has valued them.

Government and regulatory risk — The risk that governments or regulatory authorities have, from time to time, taken or considered actions that could adversely affect various sectors of the securities markets.
Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney Investing in any mutual fund involves the risk that you may lose part or all of the money you invest. Over time, the value of your investment in the Fund will increase and decrease according to changes in the value of the securities in the Fund's portfolio.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

How has Delaware Value® Fund performed?

Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns for the 1-, 5-, and 10-year periods compare with those of a broad measure of market performance. The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future. The returns reflect expense caps in effect during certain of these periods. The returns would be lower without the expense caps. You may obtain the Fund's most recently available month-end performance by calling 800 523-1918 or by visiting our website at www.delawareinvestments.com/performance.
Performance Availability Phone [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone 800 523-1918
Performance Availability Website Address [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress www.delawareinvestments.com/performance
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading

Year-by-year total return (Institutional Class)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods illustrated in this bar chart, the Institutional Class' highest quarterly return was 16.20% for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and its lowest quarterly return was -18.26% for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average annual total returns for periods ended December 31, 2011

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate The after-tax returns shown are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates in effect during the periods presented and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred After-tax returns are not relevant for shares held in tax-deferred investment vehicles such as employer-sponsored 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
Performance Table Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's individual tax situation and may differ from the returns shown. After-tax returns are not relevant for shares held in tax-deferred investment vehicles such as employer-sponsored 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). The after-tax returns shown are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates in effect during the periods presented and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
(Institutional) | (Delaware Value Fund) | Russell 1000® Value Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 0.39%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (2.64%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 3.89%
(Institutional) | (Delaware Value Fund) | Institutional Class
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.65%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.35%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.00%
Fee waivers and expense reimbursements rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.15%) [6]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 0.85%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 87
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 303
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 538
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,211
Annual Return 2002 rr_AnnualReturn2002 (16.91%)
Annual Return 2003 rr_AnnualReturn2003 27.62%
Annual Return 2004 rr_AnnualReturn2004 13.48%
Annual Return 2005 rr_AnnualReturn2005 5.74%
Annual Return 2006 rr_AnnualReturn2006 23.88%
Annual Return 2007 rr_AnnualReturn2007 (2.77%)
Annual Return 2008 rr_AnnualReturn2008 (32.88%)
Annual Return 2009 rr_AnnualReturn2009 17.77%
Annual Return 2010 rr_AnnualReturn2010 16.03%
Annual Return 2011 rr_AnnualReturn2011 9.14%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel highest quarterly return was 16.20% for the quarter ended June 30, 2003
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Jun. 30, 2003
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 16.20%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel lowest quarterly return was -18.26% for the quarter ended September 30, 2002
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Sep. 30, 2002
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (18.26%)
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 9.14%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.54%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 4.37%
(Institutional) | (Delaware Value Fund) | Institutional Class | return after taxes on distributions
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 8.38%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (1.22%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 3.80%
(Institutional) | (Delaware Value Fund) | Institutional Class | return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 5.94%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (0.68%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 3.63%
(Retail) | (Delaware Value Fund)
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading

What is the Fund's investment objective?

Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

Delaware Value® Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading

What are the Fund's fees and expenses?

Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. You may qualify for sales-charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Delaware Investments® Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor, in the Fund's prospectus under the section entitled "About your account," and in the Fund's statement of additional information under the section entitled "Purchasing shares."

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text] rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption [Text] rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual fund operating expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover [Heading] rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio turnover

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block] rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 24% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 24.00%
Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text] rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts You may qualify for sales-charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Delaware Investments® Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor, in the Fund's prospectus under the section entitled "About your account," and in the Fund's statement of additional information under the section entitled "Purchasing shares."
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount] rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount 50,000
Expense Example [Heading] rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and reflects the applicable waivers and reimbursements for the 1-year contractual period and the total operating expenses without waivers for years 2 through 10. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Strategy [Heading] rr_StrategyHeading

What are the Fund's principal investment strategies?

Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in securities of large-capitalization companies (the 80% policy). The Fund invests primarily in securities of large-capitalization companies that we believe have long-term capital appreciation potential. The Fund currently defines large-capitalization stocks as those with market capitalizations of $5 billion or greater at the time of purchase. Typically, we seek to select securities that we believe are undervalued in relation to their intrinsic value, as indicated by multiple factors, including the earnings and cash flow potential or the asset value of the respective issuers. We also consider a company's plans for future operations on a selective basis. We may sell a security if we no longer believe the security will contribute to meeting the investment objective of the Fund. The Fund's 80% policy can be changed without shareholder approval. However, shareholders would be given at least 60 days' notice prior to any change.
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading

What are the principal risks of investing in the Fund?

Risk Narrative [Text Block] rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

Investing in any mutual fund involves the risk that you may lose part or all of the money you invest. Over time, the value of your investment in the Fund will increase and decrease according to changes in the value of the securities in the Fund's portfolio. Principal risks include:

Investments not guaranteed by the Manager or its affiliates — Investments in the Fund are not and will not be deposits with or liabilities of Macquarie Bank Limited ABN 46 008 583 542 and its holding companies, including their subsidiaries or related companies (Macquarie Group), and are subject to investment risk, including possible delays in repayment and loss of income and capital invested. No Macquarie Group company guarantees or will guarantee the performance of the Fund, the repayment of capital from the Fund, or any particular rate of return.

Market risk — The risk that all or a majority of the securities in a certain market — such as the stock or bond market — will decline in value because of factors such as adverse political or economic conditions, future expectations, investor confidence, or heavy institutional selling.

Foreign risk — The risk that foreign securities (particularly in emerging markets) may be adversely affected by political instability; changes in currency exchange rates; inefficient markets and higher transaction costs; foreign economic conditions; or inadequate or different regulatory and accounting standards.

Derivatives risk — Derivative contracts, such as options, futures, and swaps, may involve additional expenses (such as the payment of premiums) and are subject to significant loss if a security, or a securities index to which a derivative contract is associated, moves in the opposite direction from what the portfolio manager anticipated. Derivative contracts are also subject to the risk that the counterparty may fail to perform its obligations under the contract due to financial difficulties (such as a bankruptcy or reorganization).

Liquidity risk — The possibility that securities cannot be readily sold within seven days at approximately the price at which a fund has valued them.

Government and regulatory risk — The risk that governments or regulatory authorities have, from time to time, taken or considered actions that could adversely affect various sectors of the securities markets.
Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney Investing in any mutual fund involves the risk that you may lose part or all of the money you invest. Over time, the value of your investment in the Fund will increase and decrease according to changes in the value of the securities in the Fund's portfolio.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

How has Delaware Value® Fund performed?

Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns for the 1-, 5-, and 10-year or lifetime periods compare with those of a broad measure of market performance. The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future. The returns reflect expense caps in effect during certain of these periods. The returns would be lower without the expense caps. You may obtain the Fund's most recently available month-end performance by calling 800 523-1918 or by visiting our website at www.delawareinvestments.com/performance.
Performance Availability Phone [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone 800 523-1918
Performance Availability Website Address [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress www.delawareinvestments.com/performance
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading

Year-by-year total return (Class A)

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods illustrated in this bar chart, Class A's highest quarterly return was 16.07% for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and its lowest quarterly return was -18.28% for the quarter ended September 30, 2002. The maximum Class A sales charge of 5.75%, which is normally deducted when you purchase shares, is not reflected in the highest/lowest quarterly returns or in the bar chart. If this sales charge were included, the returns would be less than those shown. The average annual returns in the table below do include the sales charge.
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average annual total returns for periods ended December 31, 2011

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate The after-tax returns shown are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates in effect during the periods presented and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred After-tax returns are not relevant for shares held in tax-deferred investment vehicles such as employer-sponsored 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text] rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown After-tax performance is presented only for Class A shares of the Fund.
Performance Table Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

After-tax performance is presented only for Class A shares of the Fund. The after-tax returns for other Fund classes may vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's individual tax situation and may differ from the returns shown. After-tax returns are not relevant for shares held in tax-deferred investment vehicles such as employer-sponsored 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). The after-tax returns shown are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates in effect during the periods presented and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
(Retail) | (Delaware Value Fund) | Russell 1000® Value Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 0.39%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (2.64%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 3.89%
(Retail) | (Delaware Value Fund) | Class A
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases as a percentage of offering price rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 5.75%
Maximum contingent deferred sales charge (load) as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption price, whichever is lower rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.65%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.30%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.35%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.30%
Fee waivers and expense reimbursements rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.20%) [4]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.10%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 681
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 945
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,229
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,036
Annual Return 2002 rr_AnnualReturn2002 (17.07%)
Annual Return 2003 rr_AnnualReturn2003 27.45%
Annual Return 2004 rr_AnnualReturn2004 13.20%
Annual Return 2005 rr_AnnualReturn2005 5.46%
Annual Return 2006 rr_AnnualReturn2006 23.58%
Annual Return 2007 rr_AnnualReturn2007 (3.02%)
Annual Return 2008 rr_AnnualReturn2008 (33.16%)
Annual Return 2009 rr_AnnualReturn2009 17.65%
Annual Return 2010 rr_AnnualReturn2010 15.65%
Annual Return 2011 rr_AnnualReturn2011 8.97%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel highest quarterly return was 16.07% for the quarter ended June 30, 2003
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Jun. 30, 2003
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 16.07%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel lowest quarterly return was -18.28% for the quarter ended September 30, 2002
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Sep. 30, 2002
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (18.28%)
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 2.70%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (1.96%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 3.51%
(Retail) | (Delaware Value Fund) | Class A | return after taxes on distributions
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 2.07%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (2.57%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 2.99%
(Retail) | (Delaware Value Fund) | Class A | return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 1.75%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (1.85%)
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 2.89%
(Retail) | (Delaware Value Fund) | Class B
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases as a percentage of offering price rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum contingent deferred sales charge (load) as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption price, whichever is lower rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice 4.00% [1]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.65%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.35%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.00%
Fee waivers and expense reimbursements rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.15%) [4]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.85%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 588
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 888
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,289
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,135
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 188
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 613
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 1,064
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 2,135
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel (lifetime: 5/1/02 - 12/31/11)
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 4.21%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (1.92%)
Lifetime rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 3.58%
(Retail) | (Delaware Value Fund) | Class C
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases as a percentage of offering price rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum contingent deferred sales charge (load) as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption price, whichever is lower rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice 1.00% [1]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.65%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.35%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.00%
Fee waivers and expense reimbursements rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.15%) [4]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.85%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 288
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 613
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,064
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,315
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 188
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 613
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 1,064
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 2,315
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel (lifetime: 5/1/02 - 12/31/11)
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 7.10%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (1.54%)
Lifetime rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 3.42%
(Retail) | (Delaware Value Fund) | Class R
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases as a percentage of offering price rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum contingent deferred sales charge (load) as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption price, whichever is lower rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice none
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.65%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.60%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.35%
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.60%
Fee waivers and expense reimbursements rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (0.25%) [4]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.35%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 137
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 481
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 847
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,879
Label rr_AverageAnnualReturnLabel (lifetime: 9/1/05 - 12/31/11)
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 8.71%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 (1.03%)
Lifetime rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 2.73%
[1] If you redeem Class B shares during the first year after you buy them, you will pay a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 4.00%, which declines to 3.25% during the second year, 2.75% during the third year, 2.25% during the fourth and fifth years, 1.50% during the sixth year, and 0% thereafter. Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase are subject to a 1.00% CDSC.
[2] The Board of Trustees (Board) adopted a formula for calculating 12b-1 plan expenses for the Fund's Class A shares that went into effect on May 2, 1994. The total 12b-1 fees to be paid by Class A shareholders of the Fund will be the sum of 0.10% of the average daily net assets representing the shares that were acquired prior to May 2, 1994 and 0.30% of the average daily net assets representing the shares that were acquired on or after May 2, 1994. All Class A shareholders will bear the 12b-1 fees at the same rate, the blended rate based upon the allocation of the 0.10% and 0.30% rates described above.
[3] The Fund's investment manager, Delaware Management Company (Manager), has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its investment advisory fees and/or pay/reimburse expenses (excluding any 12b-1 fees, taxes, interest, short sale and dividend interest expenses, brokerage fees, certain insurance costs, and nonroutine expenses or costs, including, but not limited to, those relating to reorganizations, litigation, conducting shareholder meetings, and liquidations) in order to prevent total annual fund operating expenses from exceeding 0.91% of the Fund's average daily net assets from March 26, 2012 through March 31, 2013. In addition, the Fund's distributor, Delaware Distributors, L.P. (Distributor), has contracted to limit the Fund's Class R shares' 12b-1 fees from March 26, 2012 through March 31, 2013 to no more than 0.50% of average daily net assets. These waivers and reimbursements may be terminated only by agreement of the Manager or Distributor, as applicable, and the Fund.
[4] The Fund's investment manager, Delaware Management Company (Manager), has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its investment advisory fees and/or pay/reimburse expenses (excluding any 12b-1 fees, taxes, interest, short sale and dividend interest expenses, brokerage fees, certain insurance costs, and nonroutine expenses or costs, including, but not limited to, those relating to reorganizations, litigation, conducting shareholder meetings, and liquidations) in order to prevent total annual fund operating expenses from exceeding 0.85% of the Fund's average daily net assets from March 26, 2012 through May 31, 2013. The Fund's distributor, Delaware Distributors, L.P. (Distributor), has also contracted to limit the Class A and Class R shares' 12b-1 fees from March 26, 2012 through May 31, 2013 to no more than 0.25% and 0.50% of average daily net assets, respectively. These waivers and reimbursements may be terminated only by agreement of the Manager or Distributor, as applicable, and the Fund.
[5] The Fund's investment manager, Delaware Management Company (Manager), has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its investment advisory fees and/or pay/reimburse expenses (excluding any 12b-1 fees, taxes, interest, short sale and dividend interest expenses, brokerage fees, certain insurance costs, and nonroutine expenses or costs, including, but not limited to, those relating to reorganizations, litigation, conducting shareholder meetings, and liquidations) in order to prevent total annual fund operating expenses from exceeding 0.91% of the Fund's average daily net assets from March 26, 2012 through March 31, 2013. These waivers and reimbursements may be terminated only by agreement of the Manager and the Fund.
[6] The Fund's investment manager, Delaware Management Company (Manager), has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its investment advisory fees and/or pay/reimburse expenses (excluding any 12b-1 fees, taxes, interest, short sale and dividend interest expenses, brokerage fees, certain insurance costs, and nonroutine expenses or costs, including, but not limited to, those relating to reorganizations, litigation, conducting shareholder meetings, and liquidations) in order to prevent total annual fund operating expenses from exceeding 0.85% of the Fund's average daily net assets from March 26, 2012 through May 31, 2013. These waivers and reimbursements may only be terminated by agreement of the Manager and the Fund.