Federated Hermes (FHI) 10-Q24 Oct 142014 Q3 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 20, 2014	Oct. 20, 2014
	Sep. 30, 2014	Class A [Member]	Class B [Member]
Entity Registrant Name	'FEDERATED INVESTORS INC /PA/	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001056288	'	'
Trading Symbol	'FII	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	9,000	104,589,597

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$90,465	$104,443
Investmentsbaffiliates	142,157	129,413
Investmentsbconsolidated investment companies	114,729	53,476
investments other trading	4,924	4,846
Receivables, net of reserve of $63 and $59, respectively	28,635	29,320
Prepaid expenses	8,827	12,860
Other current assets	5,450	4,960
Total current assets	395,187	339,318
Long-Term Assets	'	'
Goodwill	658,837	658,743
Renewable investment advisory contracts	68,970	68,595
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $39,873 and $42,453, respectively	6,493	8,007
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $55,668 and $54,791, respectively	36,633	40,088
Other long-term assets	25,498	21,046
Total long-term assets	796,431	796,479
Total assets	1,191,618	1,135,797
Current Liabilities	'	'
Short-term debt	25,500	77,917
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	37,683	36,364
Accrued compensation and benefits	58,459	70,272
Other current liabilities	15,939	29,652
Total current liabilities	137,581	214,205
Long-Term Liabilities	'	'
Long-term debt	223,125	198,333
Long-term deferred tax liability, net	136,893	121,203
Other long-term liabilities	19,975	20,195
Total long-term liabilities	379,993	339,731
Total liabilities	517,574	553,936
Commitments and contingencies (Note (12))	'	'
TEMPORARY EQUITY	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	78,795	15,517
PERMANENT EQUITY	'	'
Additional paid-in capital from treasury stock transactions	4	0
Retained earnings	1,040,354	1,022,608
Treasury stock, at cost, 24,855,859 and 24,715,473 shares Class B common stock, respectively	-758,138	-751,239
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-1,325	-1,208
Total Federated Investors, Inc. shareholders' equity	595,072	566,119
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	177	225
Total permanent equity	595,249	566,344
Total liabilities, temporary equity and permanent equity	1,191,618	1,135,797
Class A [Member]	'	'
PERMANENT EQUITY	'	'
Common stock	189	189
Class B [Member]	'	'
PERMANENT EQUITY	'	'
Common stock	$313,988	$295,769

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivables, reserve	$63	$59
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	39,873	42,453
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$55,668	$54,791
Treasury stock, shares	24,855,859	24,715,473
Class A [Member]	'	'
Common stock, no par value	$0	$0
Common stock, shares authorized	20,000	20,000
Common stock, shares issued	9,000	9,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	9,000	9,000
Class B [Member]	'	'
Common stock, no par value	$0	$0
Common stock, shares authorized	900,000,000	900,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	129,505,456	129,505,456

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Revenue	'		'		'		'
Investment advisory fees, netbaffiliates	$116,122		$112,067		$342,752		$371,092
Investment advisory fees, netbother	24,964		22,556		70,980		61,809
Administrative service fees, netbaffiliates	52,244		55,052		159,708		167,133
Other service fees, netbaffiliates	19,082		16,862		54,695		49,796
Other service fees, netbother	3,167		3,160		9,783		9,413
Other, net	1,336		2,169		3,474		4,400
Total revenue	216,915		211,866		641,392		663,643
Operating Expenses	'		'		'		'
Compensation and related	70,724		65,620		213,176		200,413
Distribution	50,149		51,051		147,963		163,099
Professional service fees	7,944		9,704		24,502		27,841
Office and occupancy	8,241		6,488		22,442		19,463
Systems and communications	6,392		6,464		19,021		19,173
Advertising and promotional	3,271		3,975		9,668		11,333
Travel and related	3,028		3,344		9,427		9,563
Other	6,338		7,462		18,878		20,773
Total operating expenses	156,087		154,108		465,077		471,658
Operating income	60,828		57,758		176,315		191,985
Nonoperating (Expenses) Income	'		'		'		'
Investment income, net	1,233		1,407		4,736		4,650
(Loss) gain on securities, net	-439	[1]	5,592	[1]	3,983	[1]	10,836	[1]
Debt expense	-2,162		-3,078		-7,824		-9,468
Other, net	-4		-3,133		-14		-3,203
Total nonoperating (expenses) income, net	-1,372		788		881		2,815
Income before income taxes	59,456		58,546		177,196		194,800
Income tax provision	22,197		20,917		66,978		70,621
Net income including the noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	37,259		37,629		110,218		124,179
Less: Net (loss) income attributable to the noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	-301		-75		595		3,073
Net income	$37,560		$37,704		$109,623		$121,106
Amounts attributable to Federated Investors, Inc.	'		'		'		'
Earnings per common sharebBasic and Diluted	$0.36	[2]	$0.36	[2]	$1.05	[2]	$1.16	[2]
Cash dividends per share	$0.25		$0.25		$0.75		$0.73

[1]	Amounts related to consolidated investment companies totaled ($1.5) million and ($0.4) million for the three and nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2014, respectively, and $1.0 million for both the three and nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2013, respectively.
[2]	Federated Common Stock excludes unvested restricted stock which are deemed participating securities in accordance with the two-class method of computing earnings per share.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net income including the noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	$37,259	$37,629	$110,218	$124,179
Permanent Equity	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap	14	-179	-85	-185
Reclassification adjustment related to interest rate swap	691	1,044	2,524	3,153
Unrealized (loss) gain on securities available for sale	-842	2,088	466	3,692
Reclassification adjustment related to securities available for sale	-780	-2,804	-2,654	-5,616
Foreign currency items	-530	193	-368	-108
Temporary Equity	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation loss	0	0	0	-36
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-1,447	342	-117	900
Comprehensive income including the noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	35,812	37,971	110,101	125,079
Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	-195	128	599	381
Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	-106	-202	-4	2,656
Comprehensive income attributable to Federated Investors, Inc.	$36,113	$38,045	$109,506	$122,042

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital From Treasury Stock Transactions [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax [Member]	Total Shareholders' Equity [Member]	Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiary [Member]	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiaries/Temporary Equity [Member]
In Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]		Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax [Member]	Total Shareholders' Equity [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$496,676	$273,886	$0	$984,505	($760,022)	($2,937)	$495,432	$1,244	$7,268
Net income	123,762	'	'	121,106	'	'	121,106	2,656	417
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	936	'	'	'	'	936	936	'	-36
Subscriptionsbredeemable noncontrolling interest holders	0	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	21,236
Consolidation/(deconsolidation)	0	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	64,292
Stock award activity	16,368	16,323	45	-11,314	11,314	'	16,368	'	'
Dividends declared/Distributions to noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	-80,491	'	'	-76,352	'	'	-76,352	-4,139	-2,769
Purchase of treasury stock	-7,170	'	0	0	-7,170	'	-7,170	'	'
Other	-129	'	'	-129	'	'	-129	'	'
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	549,952	290,209	45	1,017,816	-755,878	-2,001	550,191	-239	90,408
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	566,344	295,958	0	1,022,608	-751,239	-1,208	566,119	225	15,517
Net income	109,619	'	'	109,623	'	'	109,623	-4	599
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-117	'	'	'	'	-117	-117	'	0
Subscriptionsbredeemable noncontrolling interest holders	0	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	11,092
Consolidation/(deconsolidation)	0	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	54,690
Stock award activity	18,797	18,219	4	-13,192	13,766	'	18,797	'	'
Dividends declared/Distributions to noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	-78,729	'	'	-78,685	'	'	-78,685	-44	-3,103
Purchase of treasury stock	-20,665	'	0	0	-20,665	'	-20,665	'	'
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$595,249	$314,177	$4	$1,040,354	($758,138)	($1,325)	$595,072	$177	$78,795

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating Activities	'	'
Net income including the noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	$110,218	$124,179
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	'	'
Amortization of deferred sales commissions	8,915	6,717
Depreciation and other amortization	8,011	7,696
Share-based compensation expense	16,620	15,622
Gain on disposal of assets	-6,754	-10,399
Provision for deferred income taxes	14,850	15,885
Fair-value adjustments for contingent liabilities	-1,196	-47
Impairment of assets	0	3,100
Consolidation/deconsolidation of investment companies	-21,484	3,782
Net purchases of trading securities	-1,410	-13,967
Deferred sales commissions paid	-12,577	-9,353
Contingent deferred sales charges received	1,306	1,408
Other changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Decrease (increase) in receivables, net	1,152	-2,606
Decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets	4,592	1,029
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses	-13,919	-21,436
Increase in other liabilities	3,366	597
Net cash provided by operating activities	111,690	122,207
Investing Activities	'	'
Purchases of securities available for sale	-82,948	-87,615
Cash paid for business acquisitions	-9,697	-3,365
Proceeds from redemptions of securities avaliable for sale	87,117	88,369
Cash paid for property and equipment	-4,251	-8,779
Net cash used by investing activities	-9,779	-11,390
Financing Activities	'	'
Dividends paid	-78,691	-76,366
Purchases of treasury stock	-19,198	-6,897
Distributions to noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	-3,147	-6,908
Contributions from noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	11,092	21,236
Proceeds from shareholders for share-based compensation	577	45
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	1,712	1,111
Payments on debt	-27,625	-31,875
Other financing activities	-609	-486
Net cash used by financing activities	-115,889	-100,140
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-13,978	10,677
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	104,443	67,585
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$90,465	$78,262

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation	Sep. 30, 2014
Basis of Accounting [Abstract]	'
Basis of Accounting	'
	Basis of Presentation

	The interim Consolidated Financial Statements of Federated Investors, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, Federated) included herein have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). In the opinion of management, the financial statements reflect all adjustments that are of a normal recurring nature and necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented.

	In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

	These financial statements should be read in conjunction with Federated’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. Certain items previously reported have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation, including, but not limited to, the combination of certain line items on the Consolidated Statements of Income and the combination/expansion of certain line items on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
Significant Accounting Policies	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Significant Accounting Policies

	For a listing of Federated’s significant accounting policies, please refer to Federated’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Sep. 30, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements

	Effective January 1, 2014, Federated adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) accounting standards update (ASU) 2013-08, Financial Services-Investment Companies (Topic 946) amending the criteria for an entity to qualify as an investment company under GAAP. Any entity regulated under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act) is automatically an investment company under the new definition. The update also amends certain disclosure requirements and measurement criteria. The adoption of the update did not have a material impact on Federated's Consolidated Financial Statements.

	On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued as final, ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) which supersedes virtually all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. The update's core principle is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and prohibits early adoption. The update allows for the use of either the retrospective or modified retrospective approach of adoption. Management is currently evaluating the available transition methods and the potential impact of adoption on Federated's Consolidated Financial Statements.

Concentration_Risk

Concentration Risk	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]	'
Concentration Risk	'
	Concentration Risk

	(a) Revenue Concentration by Asset Class

	The following table summarizes the percentage of total revenue earned from Federated's asset classes for the periods presented:


		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
		2014			2013

	Money market assets	32	%		40	%
	Equity assets	44	%		36	%
	Fixed-income assets	23	%		23	%

	The decline in the relative proportion of Federated's revenue attributable to money market assets for the first nine months of 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013 was primarily the result of lower average money market assets and increases in fee waivers for certain money market funds to maintain positive or zero net yields. A significant change in Federated’s money market business or a significant reduction in money market assets due to regulatory changes, changes in the financial markets, including significant and rapid increases in interest rates over a short period of time causing certain investors to prefer direct investments in interest-bearing securities, the availability, supply and/or market interest in repurchase agreements and other investments, significant deterioration in investor confidence, further persistent declines in or additional prolonged periods of historically low short-term interest rates and resulting fee waivers, investor preferences for deposit products or other FDIC-insured products or other circumstances, could have a material adverse effect on Federated’s business, results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows.

	Current Regulatory Environment
	Domestic
	On July 23, 2014, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted final rules on money market fund reform (2014 Rules), which among other regulations, amends Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act. The 2014 Rules impose reforms that will require any institutional prime money market fund and any institutional municipal (or tax-exempt) money market fund that is registered under the 1940 Act to utilize market-based valuations to calculate a floating net asset value (NAV) rather than using the amortized cost method for valuing securities maturing in more than 60 days to seek to maintain a stable NAV. Using so-called market-based valuations and calculating the NAV to four decimal places, as the amendments to Rule 2a-7 require, will cause the NAV of such funds to float. A government money market fund, which includes any money market fund that invests 99.5% or more of its total assets in cash, government securities and/or repurchase agreements that are collateralized solely by government securities or cash, or a retail money market fund, which includes any money market fund that has policies and procedures reasonably designed to limit all beneficial owners of the money market fund to natural persons, will be allowed to continue using the amortized cost method (and/or the penny rounding method of pricing) in calculating its NAV. In times in which a money market fund is below certain liquidity thresholds, the 2014 Rules also will permit a money market fund, or, in certain circumstances, require a money market fund (other than a government money market fund), to impose liquidity fees of up to two percent on all redemptions, and permit a money market fund to limit (or gate) redemptions for up to 10 business days in any 90-day period. The 2014 Rules also will impose certain current event disclosure requirements on a new Form N-CR and certain other enhanced disclosure and reporting (including on Form N-MFP and Form PF), diversification, and stress-testing requirements on a money market fund. The 2014 Rules became effective on October 14, 2014. The mandatory compliance dates for the 2014 Rules are: (1) October 14, 2016 for the floating NAV requirements, liquidity fees and gates requirements and related disclosure requirements; (2) July 14, 2015 for the current event disclosure requirements on new Form N-CR and related website disclosure requirements; and (3) April 14, 2016 for other requirements not related to the floating NAV, fees, gates or disclosure requirements.
	Along with the 2014 Rules, the SEC also issued on July 23, 2014, a Notice of Proposed Rule 10b-10 Exemptive Relief, in which the SEC solicited comment on a proposal to exempt broker-dealers from the immediate confirmation delivery requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) for transactions effected in shares of floating NAV institutional prime money market funds and institutional municipal (or tax-exempt) money market funds. The SEC also issued separate proposals re-proposing amendments to Rule 2a-7 and Form N-MFP to remove any references to or requirement of reliance on credit ratings and to establish alternative standards of creditworthiness in place of credit ratings and proposing amendments to Rule 2a-7 to eliminate an exclusion from the issuer diversification provisions for securities with certain guarantees.
	In response to the SEC’s adoption of the 2014 Rules, the U.S. Treasury Department (Treasury Department) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) also issued on July 23, 2014 proposed rules, which money market fund shareholders may immediately rely upon, aimed at relieving tax burdens for shareholders that frequently purchase or redeem shares of a money market fund (such as through a broker-dealer or bank “sweep arrangement”) and that may experience a high volume of small capital gains and losses if they invest in an institutional prime money market fund or an institutional municipal (or tax-exempt) money market fund with a floating NAV. The IRS also issued final guidance in the form of Revenue Procedure 2014-45 addressing applicable wash sale rules and describing the circumstances in which the IRS will not treat a redemption of shares in a money market fund as creating a wash sale.
	Management believes that the floating NAV will be detrimental to Federated's money market fund business and could materially and adversely affect Federated’s business, results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows. Federated is dedicating internal and external resources to analyze the potential impact of the 2014 Rules, and related Treasury Department and IRS guidance, on Federated’s business, results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows. These efforts include consideration of Federated’s legislative, regulatory, legal, product structure and development, information system development, reporting capability, business and other options that may be available to seek to minimize the potential impact of any adverse consequences. Among product structure and development options, Federated is researching the feasibility of private funds that mirror existing Federated money market funds as investment options for qualified investors, and is exploring developing certain short-term funds that invest in eligible securities maturing in 60 days or less. Given the recent adoption of the SEC’s 2014 Rules, the extended compliance dates under the 2014 Rules, and the recent issuance of Treasury Department and IRS guidance on certain related tax matters, Federated is unable at this time to assess the degree of the impact the SEC's 2014 Rules may have on its business, results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows. Federated also is unable to assess at this time whether, or the degree to which, any potential options ultimately may be pursued or be successful.
	On July 31, 2014, the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) indicated that it intends to monitor the effectiveness of the 2014 Rules. FSOC may recommend new or heightened regulation for "nonbank financial companies" under Section 120 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act), which the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Governors) has indicated can include open-end investment companies, such as mutual funds (including money market funds). Management respectfully disagrees with the Governors' position. Management also believes that statements by Congress in a Congressional Appropriations Committee conference report that accompanied the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014, and in a House of Representatives’ Appropriations Committee conference report accompanying the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Bill, 2015, reflect Congress’ view that the regulation of money market funds is within the purview of the SEC, not FSOC.
	Federated is unable to assess whether, or the degree to which, any of the Federated Funds, including money market funds, could ultimately be designated a systematically important nonbank financial company by FSOC. In management's view, the issuance of final regulations is, and any reforms ultimately put into effect would be, detrimental to Federated's money market fund business and could materially and adversely affect Federated’s business, results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows. Federated is unable to assess the degree of any potential impact any reforms or other actions by the Governors, FSOC or other governmental entities may have on its business, results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows at this time.
	International
	European-based money market funds face regulatory reform pressure in Europe similar to that faced in the U.S. The European Commission released its money market fund reform proposal on September 4, 2013. The proposal would have permitted either floating NAV money market funds or constant NAV money market funds subject to capital requirements. Under the proposal, a constant NAV money market fund generally would have had to either build a capital buffer of 3% or convert to a floating NAV money market fund. On March 10, 2014, the European Parliament's economic and monetary affairs committee postponed a vote on the proposal until the next European Parliament, which will convene after parliamentary elections. Any proposal must be approved by the European Parliament and European Council and any final regulation could vary materially from that of any proposal. Management does not anticipate agreement on a final regulation until the first or second quarter of 2015.
	A proposal to implement a European Financial Transactions Tax (FTT) continues to be developed. Notwithstanding challenges to its legality, discussions have continued regarding the scope, application and allocation of the FTT. On May 6, 2014, a Declaration was signed by 10 of the 11 original participating European countries confirming their support for the FTT, clarifying that the FTT would be introduced on a step-by-step basis, and indicating that the initial phase of the FTT should be implemented by no later than January 1, 2016. Discussions regarding the adoption of the FTT between participating European countries have continued after the May 6, 2014 Declaration, focusing on, among other topics, the types of products that will be subject to the FTT, the volume of transactions covered and the potential revenue generated versus costs to the industry. Management does not expect the FTT to be effective until 2015 or early 2016.
	European money market reform and the imposition of the FTT, particularly if enacted with broad application, would each be detrimental to Federated's fund business and could materially and adversely affect Federated’s business, results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows. Federated is unable to assess the degree of any potential impact that European money market reform proposals or the FTT may have on its business, results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows until such proposals are finalized and approved or the FTT is enacted.
	On January 8, 2014, the Financial Stability Board (FSB) published for comment as a consultative document “Assessment Methodologies for Identifying Non-Bank Non-Insurer Global Systemically Important Financial Institutions” (Consultation). The Consultation sets forth proposed methodologies for identifying systemically important non-bank, non-insurance company financial institutions, including, among others, "market intermediaries" which the Consultation appears to define as including investment advisers, brokers and certain other intermediaries, and "investment funds," which the Consultation appears to define as including individual money market funds other open-end or closed-end mutual funds, and hedge funds and other private funds, or families of such funds following similar investment strategies. Management generally agrees with the Consultation’s approach of developing specific, measurable, published criteria for designating systemically important non-bank, non-insurance company financial institutions, but does not believe that money market funds should be so designated under the Consultation. Federated is unable to assess whether, or the degree to which Federated, any of its investment management subsidiaries or any of the Federated Funds, including money market funds, could ultimately be determined to be a systemically important non-bank, non-insurance company financial institution.
	Historically Low Short-Term Interest Rates
	For several years, the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve Board (FOMC) has kept the near-zero federal funds rate unchanged and short-term interest rates continued to be at all-time low levels. In certain money market funds, the gross yield earned by the fund is not sufficient to cover all of the fund's operating expenses due to these historically low short-term interest rates. Since the fourth quarter 2008, Federated has voluntarily waived fees (either through fee waivers or reimbursements or assumptions of expenses) in order for certain money market funds to maintain positive or zero net yields. These fee waivers have been partially offset by related reductions in distribution expense and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests as a result of Federated's mutual understanding and agreement with third-party intermediaries to share the impact of the waivers.

	These voluntary fee waivers are calculated as a percentage of assets under management (AUM or managed assets) in certain money market funds and thus will vary depending upon the asset levels in such funds. In addition, the level of waivers are dependent on several other factors including, but not limited to, yields on instruments available for purchase by the money market funds, changes in expenses of the money market funds and changes in the mix of money market assets. In any given period, a combination of these factors drives the amount of fee waivers necessary in order for certain funds to maintain positive or zero net yields. As an isolated variable, an increase in yields on instruments held by the money market funds will cause the pre-tax impact of fee waivers to decrease. Conversely, as an isolated variable, an increase in expenses of the money market funds would cause the pre-tax impact of fee waivers to increase.

	With regard to asset mix, changes in the relative amount of money market fund assets in prime and government money market funds as well as the distribution among certain share classes that vary in pricing structure will impact the level of fee waivers. Generally, prime money market funds waive less than government money market funds as a result of higher gross yields on the underlying investments. As such, as an isolated variable, an increase in the relative proportion of average managed assets invested in prime money market funds as compared to total average money market fund assets should typically result in lower waivers to maintain positive or zero net yields. Conversely, the opposite would also be true.

	The impact of such fee waivers on various components of Federated's Consolidated Statements of Income was as follows for the periods presented:


		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		September 30,							September 30,
	(in millions)	2014				2013			2014			2013

	Revenue	$	(101.7	)		$	(105.1	)	$	(310.7	)	$	(284.4	)
	Less: Reduction in Distribution expense	68.7				72.1			213.2			203.8

	Operating income	(33.0		)		(33.0		)	(97.5		)	(80.6		)
	Less: Reduction in Noncontrolling interests	2.8				2.7			8			4.8

	Pre-tax impact	$	(30.2	)		$	(30.3	)	$	(89.5	)	$	(75.8	)

	The negative pre-tax impact of fee waivers to maintain positive or zero net yields on certain money market funds was flat for the three-month period ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013 and increased for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013 primarily as a result of lower yields on instruments held by the money market funds.

	Based on recent commentary from the FOMC in a September 17, 2014 press release, "a highly accommodative stance of monetary policy remains appropriate," Federated is unable to predict when the FOMC will increase their target for the federal funds rate. As such, fee waivers to maintain positive or zero net yields on certain money market funds and the related reduction in distribution expense and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests could continue for the foreseeable future. Assuming asset levels and mix remain constant and based on recent market conditions, fee waivers for the fourth quarter 2014 may result in a negative pre-tax impact on income of approximately $30 million. See Management's Discussion and Analysis for additional information on management's expectations regarding fee waivers. While the level of fee waivers are impacted by various factors, increases in short-term interest rates that result in higher yields on securities purchased in money market fund portfolios would reduce the negative pre-tax impact of these waivers. The actual amount of future fee waivers and the resulting negative impact of these waivers are contingent on a number of variables including, but not limited to, changes in assets within the money market funds, yields on instruments available for purchase by the money market funds, actions by the Governors, the FOMC, the Treasury Department, the SEC, FSOC and other governmental entities, changes in expenses of the money market funds, changes in the mix of money market customer assets, changes in the distribution fee arrangements with third parties, Federated's willingness to continue the fee waivers and changes in the extent to which the impact of the waivers is shared by third parties.

	(b) Revenue Concentration by Investment Fund

	A significant portion of Federated's total revenue for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 was derived from services provided to a sponsored fund, the Federated Kaufmann Fund (11% for both the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014). A significant and prolonged decline in the AUM in this fund could have a material adverse effect on Federated’s future revenues and, to a lesser extent, net income, due to a related reduction to distribution expenses associated with this fund.

	A listing of Federated’s risk factors is included in Federated’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.

Variable_Interest_Entities

Variable Interest Entities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]	'
Variable Interest Entities	'
	Variable Interest Entities

	Federated is involved with various entities in the normal course of business that may be deemed to be voting rights entities (VREs) or variable interest entities (VIEs). In accordance with Federated’s consolidation accounting policy, Federated first determines whether the entity being evaluated is a VRE or a VIE. Once this determination is made, Federated proceeds with its evaluation of whether or not to consolidate the entity. The disclosures below represent the results of such evaluations pertaining to September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

	(a) Consolidated Variable Interest Entities

	From time to time, Federated invests in investment companies that meet the definition of a VIE for general corporate investment purposes or, in the case of newly launched products, in order to provide investable cash to establish a performance history. Most of Federated’s sponsored investment companies meet the definition of a VIE primarily due to their typical series fund structure in which the shareholders of each participating portfolio underlying the series fund generally lack the ability as an individual group to make decisions through voting rights regarding the board of directors/trustees of the fund. Federated’s investment in investment companies represents its maximum exposure to loss. Federated’s conclusion to consolidate an investment company may vary from period to period, most commonly as a result of changes in its percentage interest in the entity resulting from changes in the number of shares held by either Federated or third parties. Given that the entities follow investment company accounting, which prescribes fair-value accounting, a deconsolidation generally does not result in gains or losses for Federated.

	The following table presents the balances related to the consolidated investment companies that were included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as well as Federated's net interest in the investment companies for each period presented:


	(in millions)	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1.9	$	1.1

	Investments—consolidated investment companies	114.7		53.5

	Receivables	0.2		0.9

	Less: Liabilities	2.5		1.6

	Less: Redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	78.8		15.5

	Federated's net interest in consolidated investment companies	$	35.5	$	38.4


	Federated's net interest in the consolidated investment companies of $35.5 million and $38.4 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, represents the value of Federated's economic ownership interest in these sponsored investment companies. The assets of the consolidated investment companies are restricted for use by the respective investment company. The liabilities of the consolidated investment companies primarily represent investments sold short and operating liabilities of the entities. The liabilities are primarily classified as Other current liabilities on Federated’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

	During the quarter ended September 30, 2014, Federated consolidated a sponsored money market fund for which it was deemed to be the primary beneficiary following a September 30, 2014 vote by the fund shareholders' approving the merger of the fund into another sponsored money market fund and Federated absorbing the majority of the remaining net operating expenses of the fund through the merger date (estimated at $35 thousand) in early October 2014. Accordingly, Federated consolidated $90.5 million in Investments—consolidated investment companies (of which $14.7 million represented Federated's investment previously recorded as Cash and cash equivalents) and $75.7 million in Redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of the date of consolidation.

	This consolidated investment company is party to enforceable master netting arrangements for repurchase agreements entered into as part of the consolidated investment company's strategy. These repurchase agreements, totaling $90.5 million, are shown gross in Investments—consolidated investment companies on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. There were no financial instruments subject to netting agreements for which Federated is currently netting. Prior year information is not applicable, as the investment company was not consolidated at that time.

	In addition, during the quarter ended September 30, 2014, Federated deconsolidated an investment company. The decision to deconsolidate was based on a determination that Federated was no longer the primary beneficiary of the investment company as a result of new subscriptions in fund shares by unrelated third parties. Accordingly, Federated deconsolidated $30.6 million in Investments—consolidated investment companies, $6.8 million in Cash and cash equivalents and $21.0 million in Redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of the date of deconsolidation.

	Neither creditors nor equity investors in the investment companies have any recourse to Federated’s general credit. In the ordinary course of business, Federated may choose to waive certain fees or assume operating expenses of these sponsored investment companies for competitive, regulatory or contractual reasons (see Note (1)(o) of Federated’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for information regarding fee waivers). Federated has not provided financial support to any of these entities outside the ordinary course of business.

	(b) Non-Consolidated Variable Interest Entities

	Federated's involvement with certain investment companies that are deemed to be VIEs includes serving as the investment manager, or at times, holding a minority interest or both. Federated’s variable interest in these entities is not deemed to absorb the majority of the entity’s expected losses or receive the majority of the entity's expected residual returns. Therefore, Federated is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs and has not consolidated these entities.

	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Federated’s investment and maximum risk of loss related to unconsolidated VIEs were entirely related to investment companies and totaled $225.0 million and $220.5 million, respectively. AUM for these unconsolidated investment companies totaled $261.1 billion and $280.3 billion at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Accounts receivable from sponsored investment companies for advisory and other services totaled $12.3 million and $13.5 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

	In the ordinary course of business, Federated may choose to waive certain fees or assume operating expenses of these sponsored investment companies for competitive, regulatory or contractual reasons (see Note (1)(o) of Federated’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for information regarding fee waivers). Federated has not provided financial support to any of these entities outside the ordinary course of business.

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended
Investments	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	Investments

	Investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 included available-for-sale and trading securities. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Federated held investments totaling $142.2 million and $129.4 million, respectively, in fluctuating-value sponsored mutual funds that were classified as available-for-sale securities and were included in Investments—affiliates on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

	Available-for-sale securities were as follows:


			September 30, 2014												December 31, 2013
						Gross Unrealized						Estimated					Gross Unrealized					Estimated
						Gross Unrealized						Fair					Gross Unrealized					Fair
	(in thousands)		Cost			Gains			(Losses)			Value			Cost		Gains		(Losses)			Value
	Equity mutual funds		$	25,758		$	557		$	(238	)	$	26,077		$	24,737	$	2,423	$	0		$	27,160
	Equity mutual funds		$	25,758		$	557		$	(238	)	$	26,077		$	24,737	$	2,423	$	0		$	27,160
	Fixed-income mutual funds		117,291			110			(1,321		)	116,080			102,072		786		(605		)	102,253
	Fixed-income mutual funds		117,291			110			(1,321		)	116,080			102,072		786		(605		)	102,253
	Total fluctuating-value mutual funds		$	143,049		$	667		$	(1,559	)	$	142,157		$	126,809	$	3,209	$	(605	)	$	129,413
	Total fluctuating-value mutual funds		$	143,049		$	667		$	(1,559	)	$	142,157		$	126,809	$	3,209	$	(605	)	$	129,413

	The increase in available-for-sale securities at September 30, 2014 as compared to December 31, 2013, was primarily due to a $16.4 million increase from the deconsolidation of an investment company during the quarter ended September 30, 2014 which resulted in the reclassification of Federated's investment from trading securities to available-for-sale securities (see Note (5)(a) for additional information). This was partially offset by net redemptions of equity and fixed-income mutual funds during the same period.

	Federated’s trading securities totaled $119.7 million and $58.3 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Federated consolidates certain investment companies into its Consolidated Financial Statements as a result of Federated’s controlling financial interest in the companies. The increase in trading securities at September 30, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013, primarily relates to the consolidation of a new investment company at September 30, 2014, partially offset by the aforementioned deconsolidation (see Note (5)(a)). All investments held by these investment companies, which primarily represented sponsored investment companies, were included in Investments—consolidated investment companies on Federated’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Investments—other on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 represented other trading investments held in separate accounts for which Federated is the beneficiary.

	Federated’s trading securities as of September 30, 2014 were primarily composed of domestic debt securities ($98.7 million) and stocks of large international and U.S. companies ($15.5 million). Federated's trading securities as of December 31, 2013 were primarily composed of domestic and foreign debt securities ($36.5 million) and stocks of large U.S. and international companies ($17.0 million).

	The following table presents gains and losses recognized in (Loss) gain on securities, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income in connection with investments and economic derivatives held by certain consolidated investment companies:


			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands)		2014			2013			2014			2013
	(in thousands)		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Unrealized (loss) gain
	Trading securities		$	(1,115	)	$	748		$	(2,634	)	$	516
	Trading securities		$	(1,115	)	$	748		$	(2,634	)	$	516
	Derivatives1		(217		)	29			(290		)	(128		)
	Derivatives1		(217		)	29			(290		)	(128		)
	Realized gains2
	Available-for-sale securities3		1,325			4,759			4,330			10,917
	Available-for-sale securities3		1,325			4,759			4,330			10,917
	Trading securities		348			457			4,046			1,075
	Trading securities		348			457			4,046			1,075
	Derivatives1		14			275			176			874
	Derivatives1		14			275			176			874
	Realized losses2
	Available-for-sale securities3		(91		)	(381		)	(91		)	(1,320		)
	Trading securities		(610		)	(267		)	(1,353		)	(754		)
	Derivatives1		(93		)	(28		)	(201		)	(344		)
	(Loss) gain on securities, net4		$	(439	)	$	5,592		$	3,983		$	10,836
	(Loss) gain on securities, net4		$	(439	)	$	5,592		$	3,983		$	10,836

	1	Amounts related to economic derivatives held by certain consolidated investment companies.

	2	Realized gains and losses are computed on a specific-identification basis.

	3	Amounts related to redemptions of available-for-sale securities resulting in proceeds of $45.4 million and $87.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $32.6 million and $88.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

	4	Amounts related to consolidated investment companies totaled ($1.5) million and ($0.4) million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $1.0 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements

	Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or the price paid to transfer a liability as of the measurement date. A three-tier, fair-value reporting hierarchy exists for disclosure of fair value measurements based on the observability of the inputs to the valuation of financial assets and liabilities. The three levels are:

	Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Level 1 assets may include equity and debt securities that are traded in an active exchange market, including shares of mutual funds.

	Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. Level 2 assets and liabilities may include debt and equity securities, purchased loans and over-the-counter derivative contracts whose fair value is determined using a pricing model without significant unobservable data inputs in active exchange markets.

	Level 3 – Fair values derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable in active exchange markets.

	(a) Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis

	The following table presents fair value measurements for classes of Federated’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:


			September 30, 2014											December 31, 2013
			Fair Value Measurements Using											Fair Value Measurements Using
	(in thousands)		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Financial Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	90,465		$	0		$	0		$	90,465	$	104,443	$	0	$	0	$	104,443

	Available-for-sale equity securities		118,510			23,647			0			142,157		81,550		47,863		0		129,413

	Trading securities—equity		11,369			9,619			0			20,988		11,925		9,906		0		21,831

	Trading securities—debt		0			98,665			0			98,665		0		36,491		0		36,491

	Foreign currency forward contracts		0			11			0			11		0		159		0		159

	Total financial assets		$	220,344		$	131,942		$	0		$	352,286	$	197,918	$	94,419	$	0	$	292,337

	Financial Liabilities
	Interest rate swap		$	0		$	1,180		$	0		$	1,180	$	0	$	5,061	$	0	$	5,061

	Acquisition-related future consideration liabilities		0			0			5,293			5,293		0		0		6,489		6,489

	Other1		1,917			219			0			2,136		1,118		2		0		1,120

	Total financial liabilities		$	1,917		$	1,399		$	5,293		$	8,609	$	1,118	$	5,063	$	6,489	$	12,670


	1	Amounts include investments sold short within one of the consolidated investment companies and foreign currency forward contracts recorded within Other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

	The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Federated did not hold any nonfinancial assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2014 or December 31, 2013.

	Cash and cash equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include investments in money market funds and deposits with banks. Investments in Federated money market funds totaled $81.9 million and $94.4 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Cash investments in money market funds are valued under the market approach through the use of quoted market prices in an active market, which is the NAV of the funds, and are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.

	Available-for-sale equity securities
	Available-for-sale equity securities include investments in sponsored fluctuating-value mutual funds and are included in Investments—affiliates on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For investments in mutual funds that are publicly available, the securities are valued under the market approach through the use of quoted market prices available in an active market, which is the NAV of the funds, and are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. For one investment in a mutual fund that is not publicly available but for which the NAV is calculated daily and for which there are no redemption restrictions, the security is valued using NAV as a practical expedient and is classified as Level 2. There is no modeling or additional information needed to arrive at the fair values of any of these investments.
	Trading securities—equity
	Trading securities - equity primarily include the equity securities held by consolidated investment companies (included in Investments—consolidated investment companies on the Consolidated Balance Sheets) as well as certain equity investments held in separate accounts for which Federated is the beneficiary (included in Investments—other on the Consolidated Balance Sheets). For the publicly traded equity securities available in an active market, whether domestic or foreign, the fair value of these securities is classified as Level 1 when their fair value is based on unadjusted quoted market prices. From time to time, however, the fair value of certain equity securities traded principally in foreign markets and held by consolidated investment companies may be determined by third-party pricing services, and therefore classified as Level 2, when a country's exchange is closed, such as for a holiday, or when there has been a significant trend in the U.S. equity markets or in index futures trading between the time the foreign market closes and the pricing time of the consolidated investment company. The determination to use the third-party pricing service versus the unadjusted quoted market price is the cause for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for these securities. For the period between December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2014, there were $0.2 million of investments transferred from Level 1 to Level 2. For the period between December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013, there were no investments transferred between Level 1 and Level 2. Transfers into and out of Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy are reported at fair values as of the beginning of the period in which the transfers occur.

	Trading securities—debt
	Trading securities - debt primarily represented high-quality short-term debt securities held by a consolidated sponsored money market fund ($90.5 million). The remaining debt trading securities held at September 30, 2014 and the balance at December 31, 2013 primarily represented fixed-income securities held by consolidated sponsored investment companies (included in Investments—consolidated investment companies on the Consolidated Balance Sheets). The fair value of these securities may include observable market data such as valuations provided by independent pricing services after considering factors such as the yields or prices of investments of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, call rights and other potential prepayments, terms and type, reported transactions, indications as to values from dealers and general market conditions (Level 2).
	Foreign currency forward contracts
	The fair value of foreign currency forward contracts is primarily included in Other current liabilities or Receivables, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, representing contracts held by certain consolidated sponsored investment companies as part of their investment strategy. Pricing is determined by interpolating a value by utilizing the spot foreign exchange rate and forward points (based on the spot rate and currency interest rate differentials), which are all inputs that are observable in active markets (Level 2).
	Interest rate swap
	The fair value of Federated's interest rate swap is included in Other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Pricing is determined based on a third-party, model-derived valuation in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets (Level 2), including the Eurodollar future rate and yields for three- and thirty-year Treasury securities. See Note (8) for more information.

	Acquisition-related future consideration liabilities
	From time to time, pursuant to purchase and sale agreements entered into in connection with certain business combinations, Federated may be required to make future consideration payments if certain contingencies are met. See Note (12)(a) for additional information regarding the nature and timing of these payments. In connection with these arrangements entered into after January 1, 2009, Federated records a liability representing the estimated fair value of future consideration payments as of the acquisition date. The liability is subsequently remeasured at fair value on a recurring basis with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. As of September 30, 2014, acquisition-related future consideration liabilities were recorded in Other current liabilities ($2.9 million) and Other long-term liabilities ($2.4 million) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Management estimated the fair value of future consideration payments based primarily upon expected future cash flows using an income approach valuation methodology with data inputs unobservable in active markets (Level 3). As of September 30, 2014, significant inputs involving unobservable market data included (1) an estimated rate of change for underlying AUM ranging from (14)% - 6% per year (weighted average of 1%); (2) an estimate ranging from 0.02% - 0.03% per year of the impact of fee waivers to maintain positive or zero net yields on the contractually-derived net revenue per managed asset assumptions (weighted average of 0.02%); and (3) an estimated discount rate ranging from 16% - 18% based on the current estimated market rate of return (weighted average of 16%). Assuming no other changes in model inputs, the fair value of the future consideration liability will increase, resulting in additional expense recorded in Operating Expenses - Other in the period of change if: (1) the underlying AUM grow at a rate that is greater than the assumed rate, (2) the actual impact of fee waivers to maintain positive or zero net yields on the net revenue is less than the assumed amount or (3) the discount rate decreases. Conversely, the fair value of the future consideration liability will decrease, resulting in a reduction to expense, if the inverse occurs for any of these inputs, assuming no other changes.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for Federated’s liability for future consideration payments related to these acquisitions for each period presented:


		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
(in thousands)		2014			2013			2014			2013

Beginning balance		$	5,910		$	11,712		$	6,489		$	11,759

New acquisition/adjustment1		0			330			0			330

Changes in fair value2		(617		)	0			(1,196		)	(47		)

Ending balance		$	5,293		$	12,042		$	5,293		$	12,042


1	Amounts include the preliminary fair value estimate of the contingent payment liability recorded in connection with a new acquisition or the revision thereof upon finalization of the valuation process related to initial purchase accounting.

2	For all periods presented, the amounts were included as Operating Expenses - Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Investments sold short
The fair value of investments sold short within a consolidated investment company is included in Other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The investments primarily relate to domestic equity securities that are available in an active exchange market. The fair value of these investments is classified as Level 1 and is based on unadjusted quoted market prices.

(b) Fair Value Measurements on a Nonrecurring Basis

Federated did not hold any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at September 30, 2014.

(c) Fair Value Measurements of Other Financial Instruments

The fair value of Federated’s debt is estimated by management based upon expected future cash flows utilizing a discounted cash flow methodology under the income approach. The fair value of the liability is estimated using observable market data (Level 2) in estimating inputs including the discount rate. Based on this fair value estimate, the carrying value of debt appearing on the Consolidated Balance Sheets approximates fair value.

Debt_and_Interest_Rate_Swap

Debt and Interest Rate Swap	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt And Interest Rate Swap [Abstract]	'
Debt and Interest Rate Swap	'
	Debt and Interest Rate Swap

	Debt consisted of the following:


			Weighted-Average Interest Rates
	(dollars in thousands)		20141		20132		September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013

	Term Loan		3.005	%	3.646	%	$	248,625	$	276,250

	Less: Short-term debt						25,500		77,917

	Long-term debt						$	223,125	$	198,333


	1	As of September 30, 2014. The weighted-average interest rate is calculated based on a fixed-rate interest swap and a variable rate for the remaining amount of the Term Loan not covered by the interest rate swap. See below for additional information regarding the interest rate.

	2	As of December 31, 2013.

	On June 24, 2014, Federated entered into an unsecured Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement by and among Federated, certain of its subsidiaries as guarantors party thereto, a syndicate of 13 banks as Lenders party thereto led by PNC Bank, National Association as administrative agent, PNC Capital Markets LLC as sole bookrunner and joint lead arranger, Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. as joint lead arranger, Citibank, N.A. as syndication agent, and TD Bank, N.A. as documentation agent (Credit Agreement). The Credit Agreement amended and restated Federated's prior unsecured Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, which was dated June 10, 2011 and scheduled to mature on June 10, 2016 (Prior Credit Agreement). The borrowings under the Credit Agreement's term loan facility of $255 million equaled the remaining principal balance from the Prior Credit Agreement's term loan facility. The term loan facility bears interest based on the London Interbank Offering Rate (LIBOR) plus a spread, currently 112.5 basis points. The Credit Agreement qualified for modification accounting treatment.

	The Credit Agreement also refinanced the $200 million revolving credit facility under the Prior Credit Agreement. Federated had no borrowings outstanding on the previous revolving credit facility. As of September 30, 2014, the entire $200 million revolving credit facility was available for borrowings. Similar to the Prior Credit Agreement, certain subsidiaries entered into an Amended and Restated Continuing Agreement of Guaranty and Suretyship whereby these subsidiaries guarantee payment of all obligations incurred through the Credit Agreement. Federated pays an annual facility fee, currently 12.5 basis points. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement's revolving credit facility bear interest at LIBOR plus a spread, currently 100 basis points.

	The Credit Agreement matures on June 24, 2019 and, with respect to the term loan facility, requires quarterly principal payments of $6.4 million per quarter from July 1, 2014 through July 1, 2018 and $36.7 million per quarter from October 1, 2018 through April 1, 2019, with a final payment at maturity of $36.7 million.

	The interest rate swap (the Swap) that Federated entered into with PNC Bank, National Association and certain other banks during 2010 to hedge its interest rate risk associated with Federated's original term loan facility remains in effect. Under the Swap, Federated will receive payments based on LIBOR plus a spread and will make payments based on an annual fixed rate of 3.521% for the amount of the term loan covered by the Swap. As of September 30, 2014, the Swap covered $191.3 million of the term loan and will be reduced by $63.8 million per quarter, through the expiration of the Swap on April 1, 2015. The remaining amount of the term loan not covered by the Swap will bear interest at a spread, as previously noted, over LIBOR.

	The Swap requires monthly cash settlements of interest paid or received. The differential between the interest paid or interest received from the monthly settlements is recorded as adjustments to Debt expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Swap is accounted for as a cash flow hedge and has been determined to be highly effective. Federated evaluates effectiveness using the long-haul method. Changes in the fair value of the Swap will likely be offset by an equal and opposite change in the fair value of the hedged item, therefore very little, if any, net impact on reported earnings is expected. The fair value of the Swap agreement at September 30, 2014 was a liability of $1.2 million which was recorded in Other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The entire amount of this loss in fair value, net of tax, was recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2014. During the next six months, management expects to charge the entire $1.2 million loss to Debt expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income. This amount could differ from amounts actually recognized due to changes in interest rates subsequent to September 30, 2014. During the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014, $1.1 million and $4.0 million, respectively, were charged to Debt expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income as a component of Federated's fixed interest rate associated with the Swap. During the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013, $1.6 million and $4.9 million, respectively, were charged to Debt expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income as a component of Federated’s fixed interest rate associated with the Swap.
	The Credit Agreement includes representations and warranties, affirmative and negative financial covenants, including an interest coverage ratio covenant and a leverage ratio covenant, reporting requirements and other non-financial covenants. Federated was in compliance with all covenants at and during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 (see the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of Management's Discussion and Analysis for additional information). The Credit Agreement and the Swap also have certain stated events of default and cross default provisions which would permit the lenders/counterparties to accelerate the repayment of the debt or to terminate the Swap if not cured within the applicable grace periods. The events of default generally include breaches of contract, failure to make required loan payments, insolvency, cessation of business, deterioration in credit rating to below investment grade, notice of lien or assessment and other proceedings, whether voluntary or involuntary, that would require the repayment of amounts borrowed.

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans

Share-Based Compensation Plans	9 Months Ended
Share-Based Compensation Plans	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation Plans	'
	Share-Based Compensation Plans

	(a) Restricted Stock

	During the first nine months of 2014, Federated awarded 591,931 shares of restricted Federated Class B common stock, the majority of which were awarded in connection with a bonus program in which certain key employees received a portion of their bonus in the form of restricted stock under Federated’s Stock Incentive Plan. This restricted stock, which was granted on the bonus payment date and issued out of treasury, will generally vest over a three-year period.

	Federated awarded 989,050 shares of restricted Federated Class B common stock under its Stock Incentive Plan during 2013. Of this amount, 474,050 shares of restricted Federated Class B common stock were awarded in connection with the aforementioned bonus program in 2013. The remaining shares were awarded to certain key employees and generally vest over a ten-year period.

	(b) Stock Options

	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, there were 3,000 stock options exercised and no options issued. During the year ended December 31, 2013, there were no stock options issued or exercised.

	(c) Non-Management Director Stock Award

	There were 5,100 shares of Federated Class B common stock awarded to non-management directors during each of the second quarters of 2014 and 2013. There were no additional awards to non-management directors during 2014 or 2013.

Equity

Equity	9 Months Ended
Equity	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Equity	'
	Equity

	During 2008, the board of directors authorized a share repurchase program that allows Federated to buy back up to 5 million shares of Class B common stock. The program has no stated expiration date and no other programs existed as of September 30, 2014. The program authorizes executive management to determine the timing and the amount of shares for each purchase. The repurchased shares are held in treasury for employee share-based compensation plans, future acquisitions and other corporate activities. During the first nine months of 2014, Federated repurchased 0.7 million shares of Class B common stock for $20.7 million, the majority of which were repurchased in the open market. The remaining shares were repurchased in connection with employee separations and are not counted against the board-approved share repurchase program. At September 30, 2014, 0.6 million shares remained available to be purchased under the current buyback program.

Earnings_Per_Share_Attributabl

Earnings Per Share Attributable to Federated Investors, Inc. Shareholders	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share Attributable to Federated Investors, Inc. Shareholders	'
	Earnings Per Share Attributable to Federated Investors, Inc. Shareholders

	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share using the two-class method for amounts attributable to Federated Investors, Inc.:


			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands, except per share data)		2014			2013			2014			2013

	Numerator – Basic and Diluted
	Net income attributable to Federated Investors, Inc.		$	37,560		$	37,704		$	109,623		$	121,106

	Less: Total income available to participating unvested restricted shareholders1		(1,467		)	(1,426		)	(4,334		)	(4,619		)
	Total net income attributable to Federated Common Stock2		$	36,093		$	36,278		$	105,289		$	116,487

	Denominator
	Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding		100,729			100,677			100,748			100,637

	Dilutive potential shares from stock options		2			1			1			1

	Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding		100,731			100,678			100,749			100,638

	Earnings per share
	Net income attributable to Federated Common Stock – Basic and Diluted2		$	0.36		$	0.36		$	1.05		$	1.16


	1	Income available to participating unvested restricted shareholders includes dividends paid on unvested restricted shares and their proportionate share of undistributed earnings.

	2	Federated Common Stock excludes unvested restricted stock which are deemed participating securities in accordance with the two-class method of computing earnings per share.

	For both the three- and nine- month periods ended September 30, 2014, 27 thousand awarded stock options were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share. For the three- and nine- month periods ended September 30, 2013, 38 thousand and 45 thousand stock options, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share. In all cases, these options were antidilutive because the exercise price was greater than the average market price of Federated Class B common stock for each respective period. In the event the options become dilutive, these shares would be included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share and would result in a proportional amount of dilution.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies

	(a) Contractual

	In 2010, Federated acquired the money market management business of SunTrust Banks, Inc. (SunTrust Acquisition). As part of the SunTrust Acquisition, Federated is required to make annual contingent purchase price payments in the fourth quarters of each of the five years following the acquisition date. The contingent purchase price payments are calculated as a percentage of revenue less distribution expenses directly attributed to certain eligible assets. The first three contingent purchase price payments of $3.8 million, $4.2 million and $5.0 million, were paid in the fourth quarters of 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. At September 30, 2014, management estimated remaining contingent payments could total $4 million over the two years that remain; however, the actual amount of the contingent payments will vary based on asset levels and related net revenues and is not limited by any maximum amount. A wide range of outcomes for actual payments is possible due to the extent of reasonably possible flow-rate volatility for the respective AUM. As of September 30, 2014, a liability of $3.8 million representing the estimated fair value of future consideration payments was recorded in Other current liabilities ($2.1 million) and Other long-term liabilities ($1.7 million) (see Note (7)(a) for a discussion regarding the valuation methodology). This liability is remeasured at each reporting date with changes in the fair value recognized in Operating Expenses - Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

	In 2008, Federated completed the acquisition of certain assets of Clover Capital Management, Inc., an investment manager that specialized in value investing (Clover Capital Acquisition). As part of the Clover Capital Acquisition, Federated was required to make contingent purchase price payments based upon growth in revenues over the five-year period following the acquisition date. The contingent purchase price payments were recorded as additional goodwill at the time the contingency was resolved. The applicable growth targets were not met for the first two anniversary years, and as such, no related payments were made. The final three payments of $9.2 million (recorded in Other current liabilities as of December 31, 2013), $3.4 million and $5.9 million were paid in the first quarters of 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

	Pursuant to other acquisition agreements, Federated may be required to make additional purchase price payments based on a percentage of revenue less certain direct expenses attributable to eligible AUM. The payments could occur annually through 2017. As of September 30, 2014, liabilities totaling $1.5 million, representing the estimated fair value of future consideration payments were recorded in Other current liabilities ($0.8 million) and Other long-term liabilities ($0.7 million) (see Note (7)(a) for a discussion regarding the valuation methodology). The liabilities are remeasured at each reporting date with changes in the fair value recognized in Operating Expenses - Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

	Pursuant to various significant employment arrangements, Federated may be required to make certain incentive compensation-related payments through 2018. As of September 30, 2014, Federated may be required to pay up to $29 million over the remaining terms of the arrangements based on the achievement of performance goals. In addition, certain employees have incentive compensation opportunities related to the Federated Kaufmann Large Cap Fund (the Fund Bonus). Assuming asset levels and other variable inputs at September 30, 2014 remain constant throughout the year, the Fund Bonus payment in 2015 may approximate $2 million. Management is unable to reasonably estimate a range of possible bonus payments for the Fund Bonus for subsequent years due to the wide-range of possible growth-rate scenarios.

	(b) Guarantees and Indemnifications

	On an intercompany basis, various wholly owned subsidiaries of Federated guarantee certain financial obligations of Federated Investors, Inc., and Federated Investors, Inc. guarantees certain financial and performance-related obligations of various wholly owned subsidiaries. In addition, in the normal course of business, Federated has entered into contracts that provide a variety of indemnifications. Typically, obligations to indemnify third parties arise in the context of contracts entered into by Federated, under which Federated agrees to hold the other party harmless against losses arising out of the contract, provided the other party's actions are not deemed to have breached an agreed upon standard of care. In each of these circumstances, payment by Federated is contingent on the other party making a claim for indemnity, subject to Federated's right to challenge the other party's claim. Further, Federated’s obligations under these agreements may be limited in terms of time and/or amount. It is not possible to predict the maximum potential amount of future payments under these or similar agreements due to the conditional nature of Federated’s obligations and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement. Management believes that if Federated were to incur a loss in any of these matters, such loss would not have a material effect on its business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

	(c) Legal Proceedings

	CCM Rochester, Inc. (CCM). In December, 2008, Federated completed the acquisition of certain assets of CCM (f/k/a Clover Capital Management, Inc.), an investment manager that specialized in value investing. The purchase was consummated in the midst of the financial crisis. The payment terms under the Asset Purchase Agreement, dated September 12, 2008 (APA), included an upfront payment of $30 million paid by Federated Investors, Inc. at closing and the opportunity for contingent payments over a five year earn-out period following the acquisition date based on the growth in revenue associated with the acquired assets. Under the APA, in order to reach the maximum contingent payments totaling approximately $55 million, the revenue associated with the acquired assets would have had to have grown at a 30% compound annual growth rate. Under the APA, Federated Investors, Inc. paid CCM an additional $18 million, in the aggregate, in contingent payments for the last three years of the earn-out period.

	Shortly after the final contingent payment was paid to CCM, Federated Investors, Inc. was named as the defendant in a case filed on May 20, 2014 by CCM in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (CCM Rochester, Inc., f/k/a Clover Capital Management, Inc. v. Federated Investors, Inc., Case No. 14-cv-3600 (S.D.N.Y.)). In this lawsuit, CCM has asserted claims against Federated Investors, Inc. for fraudulent inducement, breach of contract (including CCM’s allegations relating to implied duties of best efforts and good faith and fair dealing) and indemnification based on Federated’s alleged failure to effectively market and distribute the investment products associated with the acquired assets and to pay CCM the maximum contingent payments. CCM seeks approximately $37 million in alleged damages plus attorneys’ fees from Federated Investors, Inc.

	Federated believes CCM’s claims are meritless, intends to vigorously defend this lawsuit and has filed a Motion to Dismiss the lawsuit on the basis that, among other reasons, CCM’s claims are implausible, contrary to the express terms of the APA and contrary to settled law. Federated believes that at all times it acted in good faith and complied with its contractual obligations contained in the APA. The Court has not yet ruled on Federated’s Motion to Dismiss. As of September 30, 2014, Federated believes a material loss related to this lawsuit is remote and, as such, does not believe this pending lawsuit is material to Federated or its consolidated financial statements. Based on this assessment of the status and nature of CCM’s claims, no loss is estimable.

	Other Litigation. Federated also has claims asserted and threatened against it in the ordinary course of business. Federated cannot assess or predict whether, when or what types of claims may be threatened or asserted, the types or amounts of damages or other remedies that may be sought (which may be material when threatened or asserted), whether claims that have been threatened will become formal asserted pending legal proceedings, or whether claims ultimately may be successful (whether through settlement or adjudication), entirely or in part, whether or not any such claims are threatened or asserted in or outside the ordinary course of business. Federated also may be initially unable to accurately assess a claim's impact. Given that the outcome of litigation is inherently unpredictable and uncertain, a result may arise from time to time that adversely impacts, potentially in a material way, Federated’s business, results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows. As of September 30, 2014, Federated does not believe that there are any pending legal proceedings asserted against Federated in the ordinary course of business that are material to Federated or its consolidated financial statements and, as such, does not believe that a material loss related to these claims is reasonably possible.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Attributable to Federated Investors, Inc. Shareholders	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income attributable to Federated Investors, Inc. Shareholders	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Attributable to Federated Investors, Inc. Shareholders

	The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax attributable to Federated Investors, Inc. shareholders are as follows:


	(in thousands)	Unrealized Loss			Unrealized				Foreign Currency			Total
		on Interest Rate Swap1			Gain (Loss) on Securities				Translation Gain
					Available for
					Sale2
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	(7,071	)		$	3,644		$	490		$	(2,937	)

	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications and tax	(290		)		6,308			(165		)	5,853

	Tax impact	105				(2,616		)	57			(2,454		)

	Reclassification adjustments, before tax	4,949				(9,597		)	0			(4,648		)

	Tax impact	(1,796		)		3,981			0			2,185

	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	2,968				(1,924		)	(108		)	936

	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(4,103	)		$	1,720		$	382		$	(2,001	)


	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(3,185	)		$	1,586		$	391		$	(1,208	)

	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications and tax	(134		)		744			(568		)	42

	Tax impact	49				(278		)	200			(29		)

	Reclassification adjustments, before tax	4,015				(4,240		)	0			(225		)

	Tax impact	(1,491		)		1,586			0			95

	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	2,439				(2,188		)	(368		)	(117		)

	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	(746	)		$	(602	)	$	23		$	(1,325	)


	1	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax were recorded in Debt expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

	2	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax were recorded in (Loss) gain on securities, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events

	On October 23, 2014, the board of directors declared a $0.25 per share dividend to shareholders of record as of November 7, 2014 to be paid on November 14, 2014.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen1

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
Recently adopted accounting standard	'Effective January 1, 2014, Federated adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) accounting standards update (ASU) 2013-08, Financial Services-Investment Companies (Topic 946) amending the criteria for an entity to qualify as an investment company under GAAP. Any entity regulated under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act) is automatically an investment company under the new definition. The update also amends certain disclosure requirements and measurement criteria. The adoption of the update did not have a material impact on Federated's Consolidated Financial Statements.
Accounting standard not yet adopted	'
Accounting standard not yet adopted	On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued as final, ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) which supersedes virtually all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. The update's core principle is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and prohibits early adoption. The update allows for the use of either the retrospective or modified retrospective approach of adoption. Management is currently evaluating the available transition methods and the potential impact of adoption on Federated's Consolidated Financial Statements.

Concentration_Risk_Tables

Concentration Risk (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Concentration Risk (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2014
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Revenue Concentration	'
	The following table summarizes the percentage of total revenue earned from Federated's asset classes for the periods presented:


		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
		2014			2013
		2014			2013
	Money market assets	32	%		40	%
	Equity assets	44	%		36	%
	Fixed-income assets	23	%		23	%
Voluntary Fee Waivers	'
	The impact of such fee waivers on various components of Federated's Consolidated Statements of Income was as follows for the periods presented:


		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		September 30,							September 30,
	(in millions)	2014				2013			2014			2013
	(in millions)	2014				2013			2014			2013
	Revenue	$	(101.7	)		$	(105.1	)	$	(310.7	)	$	(284.4	)
	Less: Reduction in Distribution expense	68.7				72.1			213.2			203.8
	Less: Reduction in Distribution expense	68.7				72.1			213.2			203.8
	Operating income	(33.0		)		(33.0		)	(97.5		)	(80.6		)
	Less: Reduction in Noncontrolling interests	2.8				2.7			8			4.8
	Less: Reduction in Noncontrolling interests	2.8				2.7			8			4.8
	Pre-tax impact	$	(30.2	)		$	(30.3	)	$	(89.5	)	$	(75.8	)

Variable_Interest_Entities_Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]	'
Consolidated VIEs	'
	The following table presents the balances related to the consolidated investment companies that were included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as well as Federated's net interest in the investment companies for each period presented:


	(in millions)	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1.9	$	1.1

	Investments—consolidated investment companies	114.7		53.5

	Receivables	0.2		0.9

	Less: Liabilities	2.5		1.6

	Less: Redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	78.8		15.5

	Federated's net interest in consolidated investment companies	$	35.5	$	38.4

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Investments (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Available-For-Sale Securities	'
	Available-for-sale securities were as follows:


			September 30, 2014												December 31, 2013
						Gross Unrealized						Estimated					Gross Unrealized					Estimated
						Gross Unrealized						Fair					Gross Unrealized					Fair
	(in thousands)		Cost			Gains			(Losses)			Value			Cost		Gains		(Losses)			Value
	Equity mutual funds		$	25,758		$	557		$	(238	)	$	26,077		$	24,737	$	2,423	$	0		$	27,160
	Equity mutual funds		$	25,758		$	557		$	(238	)	$	26,077		$	24,737	$	2,423	$	0		$	27,160
	Fixed-income mutual funds		117,291			110			(1,321		)	116,080			102,072		786		(605		)	102,253
	Fixed-income mutual funds		117,291			110			(1,321		)	116,080			102,072		786		(605		)	102,253
	Total fluctuating-value mutual funds		$	143,049		$	667		$	(1,559	)	$	142,157		$	126,809	$	3,209	$	(605	)	$	129,413
	Total fluctuating-value mutual funds		$	143,049		$	667		$	(1,559	)	$	142,157		$	126,809	$	3,209	$	(605	)	$	129,413
Gains and losses on investments	'
	The following table presents gains and losses recognized in (Loss) gain on securities, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income in connection with investments and economic derivatives held by certain consolidated investment companies:


			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands)		2014			2013			2014			2013
	(in thousands)		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Unrealized (loss) gain
	Trading securities		$	(1,115	)	$	748		$	(2,634	)	$	516
	Trading securities		$	(1,115	)	$	748		$	(2,634	)	$	516
	Derivatives1		(217		)	29			(290		)	(128		)
	Derivatives1		(217		)	29			(290		)	(128		)
	Realized gains2
	Available-for-sale securities3		1,325			4,759			4,330			10,917
	Available-for-sale securities3		1,325			4,759			4,330			10,917
	Trading securities		348			457			4,046			1,075
	Trading securities		348			457			4,046			1,075
	Derivatives1		14			275			176			874
	Derivatives1		14			275			176			874
	Realized losses2
	Available-for-sale securities3		(91		)	(381		)	(91		)	(1,320		)
	Trading securities		(610		)	(267		)	(1,353		)	(754		)
	Derivatives1		(93		)	(28		)	(201		)	(344		)
	(Loss) gain on securities, net4		$	(439	)	$	5,592		$	3,983		$	10,836
	(Loss) gain on securities, net4		$	(439	)	$	5,592		$	3,983		$	10,836

	1	Amounts related to economic derivatives held by certain consolidated investment companies.

	2	Realized gains and losses are computed on a specific-identification basis.

	3	Amounts related to redemptions of available-for-sale securities resulting in proceeds of $45.4 million and $87.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $32.6 million and $88.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

	4	Amounts related to consolidated investment companies totaled ($1.5) million and ($0.4) million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $1.0 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Classes of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	'
	The following table presents fair value measurements for classes of Federated’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:


			September 30, 2014											December 31, 2013
			Fair Value Measurements Using											Fair Value Measurements Using
	(in thousands)		Level 1			Level 2		Level 3			Total			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Financial Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	90,465		$	0	$	0		$	90,465		$	104,443	$	0	$	0	$	104,443

	Available-for-sale equity securities		118,510			23,647		0			142,157			81,550		47,863		0		129,413

	Trading securities—equity		11,369			9,619		0			20,988			11,925		9,906		0		21,831

	Trading securities—debt		0			98,665		0			98,665			0		36,491		0		36,491

	Foreign currency forward contracts		0			11		0			11			0		159		0		159

	Total financial assets		$	220,344		$	131,942	$	0		$	352,286		$	197,918	$	94,419	$	0	$	292,337

	Financial Liabilities
	Interest rate swap		$	0		$	1,180	$	0		$	1,180		$	0	$	5,061	$	0	$	5,061

	Acquisition-related future consideration liabilities		0			0		5,293			5,293			0		0		6,489		6,489

	Other1		1,917			219		0			2,136			1,118		2		0		1,120

	Total financial liabilities		$	1,917		$	1,399	$	5,293		$	8,609		$	1,118	$	5,063	$	6,489	$	12,670


	1	Amounts include investments sold short within one of the consolidated investment companies and foreign currency forward contracts recorded within Other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending fair value measurements of a Level 3 financial liability	'
	The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for Federated’s liability for future consideration payments related to these acquisitions for each period presented:


			Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
			September 30,					September 30,
	(in thousands)		2014			2013		2014			2013

	Beginning balance		$	5,910		$	11,712	$	6,489		$	11,759

	New acquisition/adjustment1		0			330		0			330

	Changes in fair value2		(617		)	0		(1,196		)	(47		)

	Ending balance		$	5,293		$	12,042	$	5,293		$	12,042


	1	Amounts include the preliminary fair value estimate of the contingent payment liability recorded in connection with a new acquisition or the revision thereof upon finalization of the valuation process related to initial purchase accounting.

	2	For all periods presented, the amounts were included as Operating Expenses - Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Debt_and_Interest_Rate_Swap_Ta

Debt and Interest Rate Swap (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt And Interest Rate Swap [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	Debt consisted of the following:


			Weighted-Average Interest Rates
	(dollars in thousands)		20141		20132		September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013

	Term Loan		3.005	%	3.646	%	$	248,625	$	276,250

	Less: Short-term debt						25,500		77,917

	Long-term debt						$	223,125	$	198,333


	1	As of September 30, 2014. The weighted-average interest rate is calculated based on a fixed-rate interest swap and a variable rate for the remaining amount of the Term Loan not covered by the interest rate swap. See below for additional information regarding the interest rate.

	2	As of December 31, 2013.

Earnings_Per_Share_Attributabl1

Earnings Per Share Attributable to Federated Investors, Inc. Shareholders (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share using the two-class method for amounts attributable to Federated Investors, Inc.:


			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands, except per share data)		2014			2013			2014			2013

	Numerator – Basic and Diluted
	Net income attributable to Federated Investors, Inc.		$	37,560		$	37,704		$	109,623		$	121,106

	Less: Total income available to participating unvested restricted shareholders1		(1,467		)	(1,426		)	(4,334		)	(4,619		)
	Total net income attributable to Federated Common Stock2		$	36,093		$	36,278		$	105,289		$	116,487

	Denominator
	Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding		100,729			100,677			100,748			100,637

	Dilutive potential shares from stock options		2			1			1			1

	Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding		100,731			100,678			100,749			100,638

	Earnings per share
	Net income attributable to Federated Common Stock – Basic and Diluted2		$	0.36		$	0.36		$	1.05		$	1.16


	1	Income available to participating unvested restricted shareholders includes dividends paid on unvested restricted shares and their proportionate share of undistributed earnings.

	2	Federated Common Stock excludes unvested restricted stock which are deemed participating securities in accordance with the two-class method of computing earnings per share.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Federated Investors, Inc. Shareholders (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax attributable to Federated Investors, Inc. shareholders are as follows:


	(in thousands)	Unrealized Loss			Unrealized				Foreign Currency			Total
		on Interest Rate Swap1			Gain (Loss) on Securities				Translation Gain
					Available for
					Sale2
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	(7,071	)		$	3,644		$	490		$	(2,937	)

	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications and tax	(290		)		6,308			(165		)	5,853

	Tax impact	105				(2,616		)	57			(2,454		)

	Reclassification adjustments, before tax	4,949				(9,597		)	0			(4,648		)

	Tax impact	(1,796		)		3,981			0			2,185

	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	2,968				(1,924		)	(108		)	936

	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(4,103	)		$	1,720		$	382		$	(2,001	)


	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(3,185	)		$	1,586		$	391		$	(1,208	)

	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications and tax	(134		)		744			(568		)	42

	Tax impact	49				(278		)	200			(29		)

	Reclassification adjustments, before tax	4,015				(4,240		)	0			(225		)

	Tax impact	(1,491		)		1,586			0			95

	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	2,439				(2,188		)	(368		)	(117		)

	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	(746	)		$	(602	)	$	23		$	(1,325	)


	1	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax were recorded in Debt expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

	2	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax were recorded in (Loss) gain on securities, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Concentration_Risk_Narrative_D

Concentration Risk Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	Federated Kaufmann Fund [Member]	Federated Kaufmann Fund [Member]	Scenario, Forecast [Member]
	Revenue Concentration By Investment Fund [Member]	Revenue Concentration By Investment Fund [Member]
Estimated Net Impact On Future Pre-Tax Income	'	'	$30
Concentration Risk, Percentage	11.00%	11.00%	'

Concentration_Risk_Schedule_of

Concentration Risk Schedule of Revenue Concentration (Details) (Revenue Concentration by Asset Class [Member])	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Money market assets [Member]	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	32.00%	40.00%
Equity assets [Member]	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	44.00%	36.00%
Fixed-income assets [Member]	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	23.00%	23.00%

Concentration_Risk_Voluntary_F

Concentration Risk Voluntary Fee Waivers (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	($101.70)	($105.10)	($310.70)	($284.40)
Less: Reduction in Distribution expense	68.7	72.1	213.2	203.8
Operating income	-33	-33	-97.5	-80.6
Less: Reduction in Noncontrolling interests	2.8	2.7	8	4.8
Pre-tax impact	($30.20)	($30.30)	($89.50)	($75.80)

Variable_Interest_Entities_Nar

Variable Interest Entities Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Jul. 21, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Jul. 21, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jul. 21, 2014
				Consolidated Entities [Member]	Deconsolidation [Member]	Other Investment Companies [Member]	Other Investment Companies [Member]	Investments [Member]	Investments [Member]	Investment Previously Recorded As Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
								Consolidated Entities [Member]	Deconsolidation [Member]	Consolidated Entities [Member]	Deconsolidation [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Federated's net interest in consolidated investment companies	'	$35,500,000	$38,400,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expected Net Operating Expenses of a Consolidated Investment Company	35,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investmentsbconsolidated investment companies	'	114,729,000	53,476,000	'	'	'	'	90,500,000	'	14,700,000	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	'	78,795,000	15,517,000	75,700,000	21,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Repurchase agreements included in investments - consolidated investment companies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	90,500,000	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	30,600,000	'	6,800,000
Carrying value of investment of nonconsolidated VIEs	'	'	'	'	'	225,000,000	220,500,000	'	'	'	'
Unconsolidated VIE maximum risk of loss	'	'	'	'	'	225,000,000	220,500,000	'	'	'	'
Unconsolidated VIE assets	'	'	'	'	'	261,100,000,000	280,300,000,000	'	'	'	'
Accounts Receivable from sponsored investment companies	'	$12,300,000	$13,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Variable_Interest_Entities_Con

Variable Interest Entities Consolidated Investment Companies (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'
Investments - consolidated investment companies	$114,729,000	$53,476,000
Less: Liabilities	2,500,000	1,600,000
Less: Redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	78,795,000	15,517,000
Federated's net interest in consolidated investment companies	35,500,000	38,400,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	1,900,000	1,100,000
Receivables [Member]	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	$200,000	$900,000

Investments_Narrative_Details

Investments Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 21, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Assets transferred into Available-for-sale from Trading [Domain]	Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	Stocks of large U.S. and international companies [Member]	Stocks of large U.S. and international companies [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, equity securities as a result of deconsolidation	'	'	$16,400,000	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	142,157,000	129,413,000	'	'	'	'	'
Trading Securities	$119,700,000	$58,300,000	'	$98,700,000	$36,500,000	$15,500,000	$17,000,000

Investments_AvailableForSale_S

Investments Available-For-Sale Securities (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	$143,049	$126,809
Gross Unrealized Gains	667	3,209
Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,559	-605
Available-for-sale securities	142,157	129,413
Equity Mutual Funds [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	25,758	24,737
Gross Unrealized Gains	557	2,423
Gross Unrealized Losses	-238	0
Available-for-sale securities	26,077	27,160
Fixed-Income Mutual Funds [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	117,291	102,072
Gross Unrealized Gains	110	786
Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,321	-605
Available-for-sale securities	$116,080	$102,253

Investments_Gain_on_Securities

Investments Gain on Securities, Net of Investment Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities	$45,400		$32,600		$87,117		$88,369
(Loss) gain on securities, net	-439	[1]	5,592	[1]	3,983	[1]	10,836	[1]
Consolidated Investment Companies [Member]	'		'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
(Loss) gain on securities, net	-1,500		1,000		-400		1,000
Trading Securities [Member]	'		'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Unrealized (loss) gain on trading securities	-1,115		748		-2,634		516
Realized gains	348	[2]	457	[2]	4,046	[2]	1,075	[2]
Realized losses	-610	[2]	-267	[2]	-1,353	[2]	-754	[2]
Derivatives [Member]	'		'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives	-217	[3]	29	[3]	-290	[3]	-128	[3]
Realized gains	14	[2],[3]	275	[2],[3]	176	[2],[3]	874	[2],[3]
Realized losses	-93	[2],[3]	-28	[2],[3]	-201	[2],[3]	-344	[2],[3]
Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'		'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Realized gains	1,325	[2],[4]	4,759	[2],[4]	4,330	[2],[4]	10,917	[2],[4]
Realized losses	($91)	[2],[4]	($381)	[2],[4]	($91)	[2],[4]	($1,320)	[2],[4]

[1]	Amounts related to consolidated investment companies totaled ($1.5) million and ($0.4) million for the three and nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2014, respectively, and $1.0 million for both the three and nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2013, respectively.
[2]	Realized gains and losses are computed on a specific-identification basis.
[3]	Amounts related to economic derivatives held by certain consolidated investment companies.
[4]	Amounts related to redemptions of available-for-sale securities resulting in proceeds of $45.4 million and $87.1 million for the three and nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2014, respectively, and $32.6 million and $88.4 million for the three and nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2013,B respectively.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Apr. 13, 2017	Apr. 13, 2017	Apr. 13, 2017	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
				Acquisition-related Future Consideration Liabilities [Member]	Acquisition-related Future Consideration Liabilities [Member]	Acquisition-related Future Consideration Liabilities [Member]	Other Current Liabilities [Member]	Other Long-term Liabilities [Member]	Money Market Funds [Member]	Money Market Funds [Member]	Investments [Member]
				Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Weighted Average [Member]					Consolidated Entities [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	$90,465,000	$104,443,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	$81,900,000	$94,400,000	'
Investments transferred from Level 1 to Level 2	200,000	'	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Trading Securities	119,700,000	58,300,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	90,500,000
Acquisition-related future consideration liabilities	$5,293,000	$6,489,000	'	'	'	'	$2,900,000	$2,400,000	'	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Estimated Rate of Change for Underlying Assets Under Management	'	'	'	-14.00%	6.00%	1.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Estimate of Impact of Fee Waivers	'	'	'	0.02%	0.03%	0.02%	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	'	'	'	16.00%	18.00%	16.00%	'	'	'	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Classe

Fair Value Measurements Classes of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Cash and cash equivalents	$90,465		$104,443
Available-for-sale securities	142,157		129,413
Trading securitiesbequity	20,988		21,831
Trading securitiesbdebt	98,665		36,491
Foreign currency forward contracts	11		159
Total financial assets	352,286		292,337
Interest rate swap	1,180		5,061
Acquisition-related future consideration liabilities	5,293		6,489
Other	2,136	[1]	1,120	[1]
Total financial liabilities	8,609		12,670
Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	90,465		104,443
Available-for-sale securities	118,510		81,550
Trading securitiesbequity	11,369		11,925
Trading securitiesbdebt	0		0
Foreign currency forward contracts	0		0
Total financial assets	220,344		197,918
Interest rate swap	0		0
Acquisition-related future consideration liabilities	0		0
Other	1,917	[1]	1,118	[1]
Total financial liabilities	1,917		1,118
Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0
Available-for-sale securities	23,647		47,863
Trading securitiesbequity	9,619		9,906
Trading securitiesbdebt	98,665		36,491
Foreign currency forward contracts	11		159
Total financial assets	131,942		94,419
Interest rate swap	1,180		5,061
Acquisition-related future consideration liabilities	0		0
Other	219	[1]	2	[1]
Total financial liabilities	1,399		5,063
Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Trading securitiesbequity	0		0
Trading securitiesbdebt	0		0
Foreign currency forward contracts	0		0
Total financial assets	0		0
Interest rate swap	0		0
Acquisition-related future consideration liabilities	5,293		6,489
Other	0	[1]	0	[1]
Total financial liabilities	$5,293		$6,489

[1]	Amounts include investments sold short within one of the consolidated investment companies and foreign currency forward contracts recorded within Other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Reconc

Fair Value Measurements Reconciliation of Fair Value Measurements of Liability for Future Consideration Payments (Details) (Acquisition-related Future Consideration Liabilities [Member], Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Acquisition-related Future Consideration Liabilities [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'		'		'
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Beginning balance	$5,910		$11,712		$6,489		$11,759
New acquisition/adjustment	0	[1]	330	[1]	0	[1]	330	[1]
Changes in fair value	-617	[2]	0	[2]	-1,196	[2]	-47	[2]
Ending balance	$5,293		$12,042		$5,293		$12,042

[1]	Amounts include the preliminary fair value estimate of the contingent payment liability recorded in connection with a new acquisition or the revision thereof upon finalization of the valuation process related to initial purchase accounting.
[2]	For all periods presented, the amounts were included as Operating Expenses - Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Debt_and_Interest_Rate_Swap_Na

Debt and Interest Rate Swap Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Debt and Interest Rate Swap Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 24, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Borrowings under credit agreement	'	'	'	'	$255,000,000	'
Term loan spread basis points	112.5	'	112.5	'	'	'
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	'	'	'	'	200,000,000	'
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	200,000,000	'	200,000,000	'	'	'
Line of credit facility, facility fee basis points	12.5	'	12.5	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility Spread Basis Points	100	'	100	'	'	'
Term loan, annual fixed rate associated with the swap	3.52%	'	3.52%	'	'	'
Term loan covered by the swap	191,300,000	'	191,300,000	'	'	'
Amortization of the Swap	63,800,000	'	63,800,000	'	'	'
Liability on swap agreement	1,180,000	'	1,180,000	'	'	5,061,000
Amount of swap liability to be charged to Debt expense during next twelve months	1,200,000	'	1,200,000	'	'	'
Amount of swap liability charged to Debt expense during the period	1,100,000	1,600,000	4,000,000	4,900,000	'	'
Other Current Liabilities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Liability on swap agreement	1,180,000	'	1,180,000	'	'	'
Term loan quarterly payment first four years	'	'	'	'	'	'
Required principal payments	'	'	6,400,000	'	'	'
Term loan quarterly payment year five	'	'	'	'	'	'
Required principal payments	'	'	36,700,000	'	'	'
Term loan payment due upon expiration	'	'	'	'	'	'
Required principal payments	'	'	$36,700,000	'	'	'

Debt_and_Interest_Rate_Swap_De

Debt and Interest Rate Swap Debt (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Debt And Interest Rate Swap [Abstract]	'		'
Term loan, weighted average interest rate	3.01%	[1]	3.65%	[2]
Term Loan	$248,625		$276,250
Less: Short-term debt	25,500		77,917
Long-term debt	$223,125		$198,333

[1]	As of SeptemberB 30, 2014. The weighted-average interest rate is calculated based on a fixed-rate interest swap and a variable rate for the remaining amount of the Term Loan not covered by the interest rate swap. See below for additional information regarding the interestB rate.
[2]	As of DecemberB 31, 2013.

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans_

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Share-Based Compensation Plans (Details)	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted Stock Granted in Period	'	'	591,931	989,050
Stock Options, Exercises in Period	'	'	3,000	0
Stock Options, Issued in Period	'	'	0	0
Shares of Federated Class B Common Stock to Non-Management Directors	5,100	5,100	'	'
Class B Common Stock Bonus [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restricted Stock Granted in Period	'	'	'	474,050
Restricted stock requisite service period	'	'	'3 years	'
Class B Common Stock Key Employees [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock requisite service period	'	'	'	'10 years

Equity_Details

Equity (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2008
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Class B [Member]	Class B [Member]
Number of shares authorized under share repurchase program	'	'	'	5
Repurchased shares	0.7	'	'	'
Amount paid for repurchase of common stock	$20,665	$7,170	'	'
Remaining number of shares authorized to be repurchased	'	'	0.6	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Attributabl2

Earnings Per Share Attributable to Federated Investors, Inc. Shareholders Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Stock option awards excluded from calculation of diluted EPS	27	38	27	45

Earnings_Per_Share_Attributabl3

Earnings Per Share Attributable to Federated Investors, Inc. Shareholders Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Net income attributable to Federated Investors, Inc.	$37,560		$37,704		$109,623		$121,106
Total income available to participating unvested restricted shareholders, basic	-1,467	[1]	-1,426	[1]	-4,334	[1]	-4,619	[1]
Total income available to participating unvested restricted shareholders, diluted	-1,467	[1]	-1,426	[1]	-4,334	[1]	-4,619	[1]
Total net income attributable to Federated Common Stock (Basic)	36,093	[2]	36,278	[2]	105,289	[2]	116,487	[2]
Total net income attributable to Federated Common Stock (Diluted)	$36,093	[2]	$36,278	[2]	$105,289	[2]	$116,487	[2]
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding	100,729		100,677		100,748		100,637
Dilutive potential shares from stock options	2		1		1		1
Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding	100,731		100,678		100,749		100,638
Net income attributable to Federated Common Stock - Basic and Diluted	$0.36	[2]	$0.36	[2]	$1.05	[2]	$1.16	[2]

[1]	Income available to participating unvested restricted shareholders includes dividends paid on unvested restricted shares and their proportionate share of undistributed earnings.
[2]	Federated Common Stock excludes unvested restricted stock which are deemed participating securities in accordance with the two-class method of computing earnings per share.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

17 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

25 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2008

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2010

Nov. 26, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2011

Mar. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2008

Jan. 31, 2014

Dec. 01, 2008

Sep. 30, 2014

SunTrust Acquisition [Member]

Clover Capital Acquisition [Member]

Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]

Other Current Liabilities [Member]

Other Long-term Liabilities [Member]

SunTrust Acquisition [Member]

Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]

SunTrust Acquisition [Member]

Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]

Business Acquisition Contingent Consideration Payable Period

'5 years

Contingent purchase price payments

$3,800,000

$4,200,000

$5,000,000

$9,200,000

$3,400,000

$5,900,000

$18,000,000

Estimated remaining contingent payments

4,000,000

55,000,000

Remaining Business Acquisitions Contingent Consideration

'2 years

Fair value of future consideration payments liability

5,293,000

6,489,000

3,800,000

1,500,000

2,900,000

2,100,000

800,000

2,400,000

1,700,000

700,000

Maximum performance incentive payable over remaining terms

29,000,000

Employee Incentive Compensation Fund Bonus Payable Succeeding Fiscal Year

2,000,000

Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Upfront Cash Paid

30,000,000

Prior Business Acquisition Required Compound Annual Growth Rate

30.00%

Alleged damages sought

$37,000,000

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Attributable to Federated Investors, Inc. Shareholders (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	($1,208)		($2,937)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications and tax	42		5,853
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications, tax total	-29		-2,454
Reclassification adjustments, before tax	-225		-4,648
Reclassification adjustment, tax total	95		2,185
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	-117		936
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-1,325		-2,001
Accumulated Net Loss from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	'		'
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-3,185	[1]	-7,071	[1]
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications and tax	-134	[1]	-290	[1]
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications, tax total	49	[1]	105	[1]
Reclassification adjustments, before tax	4,015	[1]	4,949	[1]
Reclassification adjustment, tax total	-1,491	[1]	-1,796	[1]
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	2,439	[1]	2,968	[1]
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-746	[1]	-4,103	[1]
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]	'		'
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	1,586	[2]	3,644	[2]
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications and tax	744	[2]	6,308	[2]
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications, tax total	-278	[2]	-2,616	[2]
Reclassification adjustments, before tax	-4,240	[2]	-9,597	[2]
Reclassification adjustment, tax total	1,586	[2]	3,981	[2]
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	-2,188	[2]	-1,924	[2]
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-602	[2]	1,720	[2]
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]	'		'
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	391		490
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications and tax	-568		-165
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications, tax total	200		57
Reclassification adjustments, before tax	0		0
Reclassification adjustment, tax total	0		0
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	-368		-108
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	$23		$382

[1]	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax were recorded in Debt expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
[2]	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax were recorded in (Loss) gain on securities, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	Oct. 23, 2014
Subsequent Event [Member]	'
Dividend declared	$0.25