Consolidated Statements of Income (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Compensation and related costs, share-based compensation	$ 12,941	$ 14,186	$ 40,620	$ 39,192

Represents the expense recognized during the period arising from share-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants or contractors.

No definition available.

Name:	wdr_ShareBasedCompensationExpense
Namespace Prefix:	wdr_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration