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Label Element Value
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Document Type dei_DocumentType Other
Document Period End Date dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate Jul. 15, 2011
Registrant Name dei_EntityRegistrantName Delaware Group Adviser Funds
Central Index Key dei_EntityCentralIndexKey 0000910682
Amendment Flag dei_AmendmentFlag false
Document Creation Date dei_DocumentCreationDate Jul. 28, 2011
Document Effective Date dei_DocumentEffectiveDate Jul. 15, 2011
Prospectus Date rr_ProspectusDate Jul. 15, 2011
(Delaware International Bond Fund Retail) | Delaware International Bond Fund
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading

What is the Fund's investment objective?

Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Delaware International Bond Fund seeks total return.

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 $100,000 in Delaware Investments® Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial advisor, in this 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 31% of the average value of its portfolio. The Manager expects that portfolio turnover will be in excess of 100% going forward.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 31.00%
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 $100,000 in Delaware Investments® Funds.
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount] rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount 100,000
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 bonds of foreign issuers. Generally, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in debt securities of issuers in at least three countries other than the United States, including foreign governments, quasi-governments, provincials, agencies, instrumentalities, supranational and corporate entities. The Fund invests in debt securities of issuers in both developed and emerging markets throughout the world. The Fund may invest up to 50% of its net assets in securities of issuers located in emerging markets. Securities may be denominated in foreign currencies, baskets of foreign currencies or the U.S. dollar. The Fund is considered "nondiversified" as defined in the 1940 Act, which means that it can invest in a smaller number of issuers than a diversified mutual fund.

The Fund may invest up to 30% of its net assets in below-investment-grade corporate bonds ("high yield" corporate bonds). This 30% limitation does not include high yield corporate bonds issued by emerging markets issuers. The Fund may also invest up to 50% of its net assets in below-investment-grade securities of issuers located in emerging markets.

The Fund may invest in debt securities having short, intermediate or long maturities.

The Fund may invest without limitation in derivatives, including futures, forwards, options, swap contracts and other derivative instruments to the extent consistent with its investment objective and applicable securities regulations. The Fund may invest in derivatives for hedging purposes (such as managing the Fund's exposure to changes in securities prices and foreign currencies or adjusting the Fund's exposure to certain markets) and for non-hedging purposes (such as attempting to generate additional returns for the Fund or managing the Fund's cash position).

In unusual market conditions, in order to meet large redemption requests, for temporary defensive purposes, and pending investment, the Fund may hold a substantial portion of its assets in cash or short-term fixed income obligations. The Fund's 80% policy described above may be changed without shareholder approval. However, shareholders will be given at least 60 days' notice prior to any such 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 a 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 a fund, the repayment of capital from a 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.

Credit risk -- The risk that a bond's issuer will be unable to make timely payments of interest and principal. Investing in so-called "junk" or "high yield" bonds entails greater risk of principal loss than the risk involved in investment grade bonds.

Interest rate risk -- The risk that securities will decrease in value if interest rates rise. The risk is generally associated with bonds.

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.

Emerging markets risk -- The risk associated with international investing will be greater in emerging markets than in more developed foreign markets because, among other things, emerging markets may have less stable political and economic environments. In addition, in many emerging markets, there is substantially less publicly available information about issuers and the information that is available tends to be of a lesser quality. Economic markets and structures tend to be less mature and diverse and the securities markets, which are subject to less government regulation or supervision, may also be smaller, less liquid, and subject to greater price volatility.

Currency risk -- The risk that the value of a portfolio's investments may be negatively affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

High yield (junk bond) risk -- The risk that high yield securities, commonly known as "junk bonds," are subject to reduced creditworthiness of issuers; increased risk of default and a more limited and less liquid secondary market; and greater price volatility and risk of loss of income and principal than are higher rated securities. High yield bonds are sometimes issued by municipalities with less financial strength and therefore less ability to make projected debt payments on the bonds.

Loans and other direct indebtedness risk -- The risk that the portfolio will not receive payment of principal, interest, and other amounts due in connection with these investments and will depend primarily on the financial condition of the borrower and the lending institution.

Pre-payment risk -- The risk that the principal on a bond that is held by a portfolio will be prepaid prior to maturity at a time when interest rates are lower than what that bond was paying. A portfolio may then have to reinvest that money at a lower interest rate.

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

Valuation risk -- The risk that a less liquid secondary market may make it more difficult for a fund to obtain precise valuations of certain securities in its portfolio.

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).

Non-diversification risk -- A non-diversified portfolio has the flexibility to invest as much as 50% of its assets in as few as two issuers with no single issuer accounting for more than 25% of the portfolio. The remaining 50% of the portfolio must be diversified so that no more than 5% of its assets are invested in the securities of a single issuer. Because a non-diversified portfolio may invest its assets in fewer issuers, the value of portfolio shares may increase or decrease more rapidly than if it were fully diversified.

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.
Risk Nondiversified Status [Text] rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

Non-diversification risk -- A non-diversified portfolio has the flexibility to invest as much as 50% of its assets in as few as two issuers with no single issuer accounting for more than 25% of the portfolio. The remaining 50% of the portfolio must be diversified so that no more than 5% of its assets are invested in the securities of a single issuer. Because a non-diversified portfolio may invest its assets in fewer issuers, the value of portfolio shares may increase or decrease more rapidly than if it were fully diversified.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

How has Delaware International Bond 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 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.

The Fund is the successor to The International Fixed Income Portfolio of the Delaware Pooled Trust pursuant to the reorganization (Reorganization) of The International Fixed Income Portfolio into Class A of the Fund, which will occur on or about July 29, 2011. Prior to the Reorganization, the Fund had no investment operations. Accordingly, the performance information shown below is historical information for The International Fixed Income Portfolio. Because the Fund's fees and expenses are higher than those of The International Fixed Income Portfolio, the Fund's performance would have been lower than that shown below for The International Fixed Income Portfolio. No performance information is shown below for the Fund's Class C and Class R shares because they had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus.

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, the Fund's highest quarterly return was 14.38% for the quarter ended June 30, 2002 and its lowest quarterly return was -7.35% for the quarter ended March 30, 2009.
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average annual total returns for periods ended December 31, 2010

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

Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's individual tax situation and may differ from the returns shown.
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.
(Delaware International Bond Fund Retail) | Delaware International Bond Fund | Class A
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases as a percentage of offering price rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice 4.50%
Maximum 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 1.45% [1]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.40%
Fee waivers and expense reimbursements rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (1.30%) [3]
Total annual fund operating expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements rr_NetExpensesOverAssets 1.10%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 557
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 1,046
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,560
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,968
Annual Return 2001 rr_AnnualReturn2001 (1.76%)
Annual Return 2002 rr_AnnualReturn2002 26.66%
Annual Return 2003 rr_AnnualReturn2003 22.39%
Annual Return 2004 rr_AnnualReturn2004 14.12%
Annual Return 2005 rr_AnnualReturn2005 (10.51%)
Annual Return 2006 rr_AnnualReturn2006 6.18%
Annual Return 2007 rr_AnnualReturn2007 10.42%
Annual Return 2008 rr_AnnualReturn2008 9.76%
Annual Return 2009 rr_AnnualReturn2009 7.88%
Annual Return 2010 rr_AnnualReturn2010 7.45%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel highest quarterly return was 14.38% for the quarter ended June 30, 2002
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 14.38%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel lowest quarterly return was -7.35% for the quarter ended March 30, 2009
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (7.35%)
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 7.45%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 8.33%
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 8.78%
(Delaware International Bond Fund Retail) | Delaware International Bond Fund | Class A | Return after taxes on distributions
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 5.84%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 5.96%
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 6.45%
(Delaware International Bond Fund Retail) | Delaware International Bond Fund | Class A | Return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 4.81%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 5.77%
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 6.24%
(Delaware International Bond Fund Retail) | Delaware International Bond Fund | Class C
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases as a percentage of offering price rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption price, whichever is lower rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice 1.00% [2]
Management fees rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.65%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 1.00%
Other expenses rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 1.45% [1]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 3.10%
Fee waivers and expense reimbursements rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (1.25%) [3]
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 840
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,516
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 3,324
Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01 188
Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03 840
Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05 1,516
Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10 3,324
(Delaware International Bond Fund Retail) | Delaware International Bond Fund | Class R
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases as a percentage of offering price rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice none
Maximum 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 1.45% [1]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.70%
Fee waivers and expense reimbursements rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (1.35%) [3]
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 710
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,309
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,933
(Delaware International Bond Fund Retail) | Delaware International Bond Fund | Barclays Capital Global Aggregate ex-USD Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 4.95%
5 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05 7.19%
10 Years rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10 7.42%
(Delaware International Bond Fund Institutional) | Delaware International Bond Fund
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading

What is the Fund's investment objective?

Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Delaware International Bond Fund seeks total return.

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 31% of the average value of its portfolio. The Manager expects that portfolio turnover will be in excess of 100% going forward.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 31.00%
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 bonds of foreign issuers. Generally, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in debt securities of issuers in at least three countries other than the United States, including foreign governments, quasi-governments, provincials, agencies, instrumentalities, supranational and corporate entities. The Fund invests in debt securities of issuers in both developed and emerging markets throughout the world. The Fund may invest up to 50% of its net assets in securities of issuers located in emerging markets. Securities may be denominated in foreign currencies, baskets of foreign currencies or the U.S. dollar. The Fund is considered "nondiversified" as defined in the 1940 Act, which means that it can invest in a smaller number of issuers than a diversified mutual fund.

The Fund may invest up to 30% of its net assets in below-investment-grade corporate bonds ("high yield" corporate bonds). This 30% limitation does not include high yield corporate bonds issued by emerging markets issuers. The Fund may also invest up to 50% of its net assets in below-investment-grade securities of issuers located in emerging markets.

The Fund may invest in debt securities having short, intermediate or long maturities.

The Fund may invest without limitation in derivatives, including futures, forwards, options, swap contracts and other derivative instruments to the extent consistent with its investment objective and applicable securities regulations. The Fund may invest in derivatives for hedging purposes (such as managing the Fund's exposure to changes in securities prices and foreign currencies or adjusting the Fund's exposure to certain markets) and for non-hedging purposes (such as attempting to generate additional returns for the Fund or managing the Fund's cash position).

In unusual market conditions, in order to meet large redemption requests, for temporary defensive purposes, and pending investment, the Fund may hold a substantial portion of its assets in cash or short-term fixed income obligations. The Fund's 80% policy described above may be changed without shareholder approval. However, shareholders will be given at least 60 days' notice prior to any such 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 a 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 a fund, the repayment of capital from a 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.

Credit risk -- The risk that a bond's issuer will be unable to make timely payments of interest and principal. Investing in so-called "junk" or "high yield" bonds entails greater risk of principal loss than the risk involved in investment grade bonds.

Interest rate risk -- The risk that securities will decrease in value if interest rates rise. The risk is generally associated with bonds.

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.

Emerging markets risk -- The risk associated with international investing will be greater in emerging markets than in more developed foreign markets because, among other things, emerging markets may have less stable political and economic environments. In addition, in many emerging markets, there is substantially less publicly available information about issuers and the information that is available tends to be of a lesser quality. Economic markets and structures tend to be less mature and diverse and the securities markets, which are subject to less government regulation or supervision, may also be smaller, less liquid, and subject to greater price volatility.

Currency risk -- The risk that the value of a portfolio's investments may be negatively affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

High yield (junk bond) risk -- The risk that high yield securities, commonly known as "junk bonds," are subject to reduced creditworthiness of issuers; increased risk of default and a more limited and less liquid secondary market; and greater price volatility and risk of loss of income and principal than are higher rated securities. High yield bonds are sometimes issued by municipalities with less financial strength and therefore less ability to make projected debt payments on the bonds.

Loans and other direct indebtedness risk -- The risk that the portfolio will not receive payment of principal, interest, and other amounts due in connection with these investments and will depend primarily on the financial condition of the borrower and the lending institution.

Pre-payment risk -- The risk that the principal on a bond that is held by a portfolio will be prepaid prior to maturity at a time when interest rates are lower than what that bond was paying. A portfolio may then have to reinvest that money at a lower interest rate.

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

Valuation risk -- The risk that a less liquid secondary market may make it more difficult for a fund to obtain precise valuations of certain securities in its portfolio.

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).

Non-diversification risk -- A non-diversified portfolio has the flexibility to invest as much as 50% of its assets in as few as two issuers with no single issuer accounting for more than 25% of the portfolio. The remaining 50% of the portfolio must be diversified so that no more than 5% of its assets are invested in the securities of a single issuer. Because a non-diversified portfolio may invest its assets in fewer issuers, the value of portfolio shares may increase or decrease more rapidly than if it were fully diversified.

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.
Risk Nondiversified Status [Text] rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

Non-diversification risk -- A non-diversified portfolio has the flexibility to invest as much as 50% of its assets in as few as two issuers with no single issuer accounting for more than 25% of the portfolio. The remaining 50% of the portfolio must be diversified so that no more than 5% of its assets are invested in the securities of a single issuer. Because a non-diversified portfolio may invest its assets in fewer issuers, the value of portfolio shares may increase or decrease more rapidly than if it were fully diversified.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

How has Delaware International Bond 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 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 800 362-7500 or by visiting our website at www.delawareinvestments.com/performance.

The Fund is the successor to The International Fixed Income Portfolio of the Delaware Pooled Trust pursuant to the reorganization (Reorganization) of The International Fixed Income Portfolio into Class A of the Fund, which will occur on or about July 29, 2011. Prior to the Reorganization, the Fund had no investment operations. Accordingly, the performance information shown below is historical information for The International Fixed Income Portfolio. Because the Fund's fees and expenses are higher than those of The International Fixed Income Portfolio, the Fund's performance would have been lower than that shown below for The International Fixed Income Portfolio. The performance information shown below is for the Fund's Class A shares because the Institutional Class shares had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus.
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, the Fund's highest quarterly return was 14.38% for the quarter ended June 30, 2002 and its lowest quarterly return was -7.35% for the quarter ended March 30, 2009.
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average annual total returns for periods ended December 31, 2010

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

Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's individual tax situation and may differ from the returns shown.
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.
(Delaware International Bond Fund Institutional) | Delaware International Bond Fund | Class A
  
Risk/Return: rr_RiskReturnAbstract  
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel highest quarterly return was 14.38% for the quarter ended June 30, 2002
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 14.38%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel lowest quarterly return was -7.35% for the quarter ended March 30, 2009
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (7.35%)
(Delaware International Bond Fund Institutional) | Delaware International Bond 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 1.45% [1]
Total annual fund operating expenses rr_ExpensesOverAssets 2.10%
Fee waivers and expense reimbursements rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets (1.25%) [4]
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 537
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 1,014
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 2,332
[1] "Other expenses" are based on estimates for the current fiscal year.
[2] Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase are subject to a 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC).
[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 plan and certain non-routine expenses) in order to prevent annual fund operating expenses from exceeding, in an aggregate amount, 0.85% of the Fund's average daily net assets from July 15, 2011 through July 28, 2012. In addition, the Fund's distributor, Delaware Distributors, L.P. (Distributor), has contracted to limit the Class A and Class R shares' 12b-1 fee for the Fund from July 15, 2011 through July 28, 2012 to no more than 0.25% and 0.50% of average daily net assets, respectively. These waivers and reimbursements may only be terminated 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 plan and certain non-routine expenses) in order to prevent annual fund operating expenses from exceeding, in an aggregate amount, 0.85% of the Fund's average daily net assets from July 15, 2011 through July 28, 2012. These waivers and reimbursements may only be terminated by agreement of the Manager and the Fund.