Federated Hermes (FHI) 10-K 20 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Feb. 17, 2015
Entity Registrant Name	FEDERATED INVESTORS INC /PA/
Entity Central Index Key	1056288
Trading Symbol	FII
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float		$2,900,000,000
Class A [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			9,000
Class B [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			104,795,024

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$115,267	$104,443
Investments—affiliates	143,190	129,413
Investments—consolidated investment companies	31,853	53,476
Investments—other	7,028	4,846
Receivables, net of reserve of $34 and $59, respectively	27,965	29,320
Prepaid expenses	12,931	12,860
Other current assets	3,821	4,960
Total current assets	342,055	339,318
Long-Term Assets
Goodwill	658,837	658,743
Renewable investment advisory contracts	68,970	68,595
Other intangible assets, net	6,040	8,007
Property and equipment, net	38,638	40,088
Other long-term assets	25,979	21,046
Total long-term assets	798,464	796,479
Total assets	1,140,519	1,135,797
Current Liabilities
Short-term debt	25,500	77,917
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	34,930	36,364
Accrued compensation and benefits	75,661	70,272
Other current liabilities	13,230	29,652
Total current liabilities	149,321	214,205
Long-Term Liabilities
Long-term debt	216,750	198,333
Long-term deferred tax liability, net	140,849	121,203
Other long-term liabilities	20,250	20,195
Total long-term liabilities	377,849	339,731
Total liabilities	527,170	553,936
Commitments and contingencies (Note (18))
Temporary Equity
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	3,697	15,517
Permanent Equity
Retained earnings	505,394	1,022,608
Treasury stock, at cost, 4,586,809 and 24,715,473 shares Class B common stock, respectively	-165,258	-751,239
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-1,662	-1,208
Total Federated Investors, Inc. shareholders' equity	609,494	566,119
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	158	225
Total permanent equity	609,652	566,344
Total liabilities, temporary equity and permanent equity	1,140,519	1,135,797
Class A [Member]
Permanent Equity
Common stock	189	189
Class B [Member]
Permanent Equity
Common stock	$270,831	$295,769

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Receivables, reserve	$34	$59
Treasury stock, shares	4,586,809	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	109,505,456	129,505,456

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue
Investment advisory fees, net—affiliates	$461,919		$486,798		$560,978
Investment advisory fees, net—other	95,399		84,154		69,856
Administrative service fees, net—affiliates	213,136		222,487		225,529
Other service fees, net—affiliates	73,137		66,998		74,103
Other service fees, net—other	10,902		12,610		11,799
Other, net	4,757		5,318		3,441
Total revenue	859,250		878,365		945,706
Operating Expenses
Compensation and related	285,337		269,138		257,622
Distribution	197,943		212,901		253,445
Professional service fees	30,216		37,082		18,925
Office and occupancy	29,968		26,301		24,828
Systems and communications	25,794		25,801		25,716
Advertising and promotional	13,330		15,094		13,413
Travel and related	13,219		13,671		12,838
Other	25,494		26,634		26,326
Total operating expenses	621,301		626,622		633,113
Operating income	237,949		251,743		312,593
Nonoperating Income (Expenses)
Investment income, net	6,071		6,590		6,756
Gain on securities, net	4,972	[1]	16,986	[1]	6,911	[1]
Debt expense	-9,611		-12,464		-14,441
Other, net	-29		-3,840		-3,308
Total nonoperating income (expenses), net	1,403		7,272		-4,082
Income before income taxes	239,352		259,015		308,511
Income tax provision	89,530		92,660		110,883
Net income including the noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	149,822		166,355		197,628
Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	586		4,178		9,540
Net income	$149,236		$162,177		$188,088
Amounts Attributable to Federated Investors, Inc.
Earnings per share, Basic and Diluted	$1.42	[2]	$1.55	[2]	$1.79	[2]
Cash dividends per share	$1		$0.98		$2.47
[1]	Amounts related to consolidated investment companies totaled $(0.6) million, $2.6 million and $2.0 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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 $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net income including the noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	$149,822	$166,355	$197,628
Permanent Equity
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap	-67	-254	-2,052
Reclassification adjustment related to interest rate swap	2,983	4,140	4,615
Unrealized (loss) gain on securities available for sale	-88	4,179	5,339
Reclassification adjustment related to securities available for sale	-2,624	-6,237	-2,020
Foreign currency items	-658	-99	-334
Reclassification adjustment related to foreign currency items	0	0	127
Temporary Equity
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	0	5,771	-215
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-454	7,500	5,460
Comprehensive income including noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	149,368	173,855	203,088
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	609	6,829	-147
Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	-23	3,120	9,472
Comprehensive income attributable to Federated Investors, Inc.	$148,782	$163,906	$193,763

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Class A [Member]	Class B [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax [Member]	Total Shareholders' Equity [Member]	Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiary [Member]	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiaries / Temporary Equity [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data	USD ($)				USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$542,677				$253,139	$1,069,913	($772,481)	($8,612)	$541,959	$718	$506
Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2011		9,000	103,743,090	25,762,366
Net Income	197,560					188,088			188,088	9,472	68
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	5,675							5,675	5,675		-215
Subscriptions – redeemable noncontrolling interest holders											14,070
Consolidation/(deconsolidation)											5,353
Stock award activity, shares		0	1,019,773	-1,019,773
Stock award activity	22,351				20,747	-17,189	18,793		22,351
Dividends declared/Distributions to noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	-265,265					-256,319			-256,319	-8,946	-12,514
Purchase of treasury stock, shares			-321,687	321,687
Purchase of treasury stock	-6,334						-6,334		-6,334
Other	12					12			12
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	496,676				273,886	984,505	-760,022	-2,937	495,432	1,244	7,268
Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2012		9,000	104,441,176	25,064,280
Net Income	165,297					162,177			162,177	3,120	1,058
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,729							1,729	1,729		5,771
Subscriptions – redeemable noncontrolling interest holders											21,671
Consolidation/(deconsolidation)											64,292
Stock award activity, shares		0	994,150	-994,150
Stock award activity	23,617				22,072	-21,424	22,969		23,617
Dividends declared/Distributions to noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	-106,594					-102,455			-102,455	-4,139	-84,543
Purchase of treasury stock, shares			-645,343	645,343
Purchase of treasury stock	-14,186						-14,186		-14,186
Other	-195					-195			-195
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	566,344				295,958	1,022,608	-751,239	-1,208	566,119	225	15,517
Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2013		9,000	104,789,983	24,715,473
Net Income	149,213					149,236			149,236	-23	609
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-454							-454	-454		0
Subscriptions – redeemable noncontrolling interest holders											12,129
Consolidation/(deconsolidation)											-12,200
Stock award activity, shares		0	1,069,081	-1,069,081
Stock award activity	26,308				24,262	-23,548	25,594		26,308
Dividends declared/Distributions to noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	-104,878					-104,834			-104,834	-44	-12,358
Purchase of treasury stock, shares			-940,417	940,417
Purchase of treasury stock	-26,881						-26,881		-26,881
Retirement of treasury stock, shares				-20,000,000
Retirement of treasury stock	0				49,200	538,068	-587,268		0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$609,652				$271,020	$505,394	($165,258)	($1,662)	$609,494	$158	$3,697
Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2014		9,000	104,918,647	4,586,809

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Activities
Net income including the noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	$149,822	$166,355	$197,628
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Amortization of deferred sales commissions	12,699	9,153	7,465
Depreciation and other amortization	10,704	10,435	10,445
Share-based compensation expense	21,711	20,560	20,135
Gain on disposal of assets	-6,514	-14,950	-5,093
Provision for deferred income taxes	21,614	19,213	25,025
Fair-value adjustments for contingent liabilities	-1,589	-941	-793
Impairment of assets	0	3,731	3,000
Net (purchases) sales of trading securities	-2,580	66,246	66,403
Consolidation/deconsolidation of investment companies	-6,777	3,718	947
Deferred sales commissions paid	-17,316	-12,650	-12,102
Contingent deferred sales charges received	1,792	1,838	1,383
Other changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in receivables, net	1,821	-4,906	-2,552
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets	136	-1,675	3,578
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses	709	-9,698	7,727
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	6,250	4,543	-6,853
Net cash provided by operating activities	192,482	260,972	316,343
Investing Activities
Purchases of securities available for sale	-84,988	-91,866	-58,284
Cash paid for business acquisitions	-9,697	-8,524	-14,064
Proceeds from redemptions of securities available for sale	87,117	108,595	92,398
Cash paid for property and equipment	-8,850	-10,316	-8,675
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities	-16,418	-2,111	11,375
Financing Activities
Dividends paid	-104,840	-102,515	-256,750
Purchases of treasury stock	-27,239	-12,995	-6,633
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	-12,402	-88,682	-21,460
Contributions from noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	12,129	21,671	14,070
Cash paid for contingent liabilities	-2,991	0	0
Proceeds from shareholders for share-based compensation	2,046	1,545	1,604
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	2,666	1,973	2,974
Payments on debt	-34,000	-42,500	-42,500
Other financing activities	-609	-500	-711
Net cash used by financing activities	-165,240	-222,003	-309,406
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	10,824	36,858	18,312
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	104,443	67,585	49,273
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	115,267	104,443	67,585
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information, Cash paid during the year for:
Income taxes	66,733	72,196	79,817
Interest	$8,758	$11,288	$13,091

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	(a) Nature of Operations
	Federated Investors, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, Federated) provides investment advisory, administrative, distribution and other services primarily to the Federated Funds and Separate Accounts in both domestic and international markets. For presentation purposes in the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Federated-sponsored mutual funds are considered to be affiliates of Federated.
	The majority of Federated’s revenue is derived from investment advisory services provided to the Federated Funds and Separate Accounts through various subsidiaries pursuant to investment advisory contracts. These subsidiaries are registered as investment advisers under the Advisers Act or operate in similar capacities under applicable jurisdictional law.
	Federated's U.S.-domiciled mutual funds are distributed by a wholly owned subsidiary registered as a broker/dealer under the 1934 Act and under applicable state laws. Federated's non-U.S.-domiciled products are distributed by wholly owned subsidiaries and a third-party distribution firm which are registered under applicable jurisdictional law. Federated’s investment products are primarily distributed within the wealth management and trust, broker/dealer, institutional and international markets.
	(b) Basis of Presentation
	The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). 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.
	(c) Reclassification of Prior Period Financial Statements
	Certain items previously reported have been reclassified to conform with the current year’s presentation.
	(d) Principles of Consolidation
	The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Federated and entities or sponsored products in which Federated holds a controlling financial interest. A controlling financial interest is determined by the extent of Federated’s (1) decision-making ability through voting interests, (2) decision-making ability and rights/obligations to benefits/losses through variable interest or (3) participation in the economic risks and rewards of the entity through variable interests. To the extent Federated’s controlling financial interest in a consolidated subsidiary represents less than 100% of the subsidiary’s equity, Federated recognizes noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries. In the case of consolidated sponsored products (see Note (4)), the noncontrolling interests represent equity which is redeemable or convertible for cash or other assets at the option of the equity holder. As such, these noncontrolling interests are deemed to represent temporary equity and are classified as redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries in the mezzanine section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. All other noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries are classified as permanent equity. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Federated applies the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) consolidation model for variable interest entities (VIEs). As a result, Federated applies two different approaches to consider VIEs for possible consolidation. For non-investment fund entities, Federated considers a qualitative model for identifying whether its interest in a VIE is a controlling financial interest. The qualitative model considers whether Federated has: (1) the ability to direct significant activities of the VIE, and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of and/or to provide rights to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Federated reevaluates the need for consolidation under this qualitative approach on an ongoing basis.
	For Federated’s interests in certain investment funds that meet the definition of VIEs, Federated evaluates the extent of its participation in the economic risks and rewards of the entity based on a quantitative model to determine whether consolidation is necessary. In cases where the results of the quantitative model indicate that Federated’s interest in such an entity absorbs the majority of the variability in the entity’s net assets, Federated is deemed to be the primary beneficiary and thus consolidates the entity.
	The equity method of accounting was used to account for an investment in an entity in which Federated’s noncontrolling equity investment was deemed to give it the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee. This equity-method investment was included in Other long-term assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The proportionate share of income or loss was included in Nonoperating Income (Expenses) – Other, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The investment was subject to review for other-than-temporary impairments as indicators arose. The carrying value of the investment was deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired in 2013 and 2012 and impairment charges of $3.7 million and $3.0 million, respectively, were recorded in Nonoperating Income (Expenses) – Other, net to write the asset down to zero carrying value as of December 31, 2013.
	(e) Business Combinations
	Beginning in 2009, business combinations are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. Results of operations of an acquired business are included from the date of acquisition. Management estimates the fair value of the acquired assets, including identifiable intangible assets, and assumed liabilities based on their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. Goodwill on the Consolidated Balance Sheets represents the cost of a business acquisition in excess of the fair value of the acquired net assets. The fair value of contingent consideration is recorded as a liability in Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of the acquisition date. This liability is re-measured at fair value each quarter end with changes in fair value recognized in Operating Expenses – Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income. For a discussion regarding the approach used to estimate the fair value of such liabilities, see Note (5).
	(f) Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents consist of all highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less at the date of acquisition, which includes money market accounts and deposits with banks.
	(g) Investments
	Federated's investments are categorized as Investments—affiliates, Investments—consolidated investment companies or Investments—other on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Investments—affiliates represent Federated’s available-for-sale investments in Federated-sponsored fluctuating-value mutual funds. These investments are carried at fair value with unrealized gains or losses on these securities included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Realized gains and losses on these securities are computed on a specific-identification basis and recognized in Gain on securities, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Investments—consolidated investment companies represent trading securities held by Federated as a result of consolidating certain Federated-sponsored investment companies. Investments—other represent other trading investments held in Separate Accounts for which Federated is the beneficiary. Trading securities are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in Gain on securities, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note (6) for additional information regarding investments held as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The fair value of Federated's investments is generally based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical instruments. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is generally based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, or model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. In the absence of observable market data inputs and/or value drivers, internally generated valuation techniques may be utilized in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable in the market place. See Note (5) for additional information regarding the fair value of investments held as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. On a periodic basis, management evaluates the carrying value of investments for impairment. With respect to its investments in fluctuating-value mutual funds, management considers various criteria, including the duration and extent of a decline in fair value, the ability and intent of management to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow the value to recover and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the fund and the underlying investments of the fund, to determine whether a decline in fair value is other than temporary. If, after considering these criteria, management believes that a decline is other than temporary, the carrying value of the security is written down to fair value through the Consolidated Statements of Income. There were no impairments to investments recognized during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
	(h) Derivatives and Hedging Instruments
	From time to time, Federated may consolidate an investment product that holds freestanding derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. Federated reports such derivative instruments at fair value and records the changes in fair value in Gain on securities, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	From time to time, Federated may also enter into and designate as accounting hedges derivative financial instruments to hedge interest-rate exposures with respect to variable-rate loan facilities (cash flow hedges) or to hedge foreign-currency exchange risk with respect to non-U.S. dollar trading investments in consolidated investment companies (net investment hedges). To qualify for hedge accounting, the derivative must be deemed to be highly effective in offsetting the designated changes in the hedged item. For cash flow hedges and net investment hedges, the effective portions of the change in the fair value of the derivative are reported as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and subsequently reclassified to earnings in the period or periods during which the hedged item affects earnings. The change in fair value of the ineffective portion of the derivative, if any, is recognized immediately in earnings. If it is determined that the derivative instrument is not highly effective, hedge accounting is discontinued. If hedge accounting is discontinued because it is no longer probable that a forecasted transaction will occur, the derivative will continue to be recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at its fair value with changes in fair value included in current earnings, and the gains and losses in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax will be recognized immediately into earnings. If hedge accounting is discontinued because the hedging instrument is sold, terminated or no longer designated, the amount reported in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax up to the date of sale, termination or de-designation continues to be reported in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax until the forecasted transaction or the hedged item affects earnings. See Note (5) and Note (10) for additional information on the fair value of the cash flow hedge held at December 31, 2014. Federated did not hold any net investment hedges at December 31, 2014 or 2013.
	(i) Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are initially recorded at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives ranging from 1 to 12 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or their respective lease terms. Depreciation and amortization expense is recorded in Office and occupancy on the Consolidated Statements of Income. As property and equipment are taken out of service, the cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed. During 2014 and 2013, $7.4 million and $5.1 million, respectively, of fully depreciated assets were taken out of service. The write-off of any residual net book value is reflected as a loss in Operating Expenses – Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Management reviews the remaining useful lives and carrying values of property and equipment to determine whether events and circumstances indicate that a change in the useful life or impairment in value may have occurred. Indicators of impairment monitored by management include a decrease in the market price of the asset, an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected in the acquisition or development of the asset, historical and projected cash flows associated with the asset and an expectation that the asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. Should there be an indication of a change in the useful life or an impairment in value, Federated compares the carrying value of the asset to the probability-weighted undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the underlying asset over its remaining useful life to determine whether an impairment has occurred. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the asset is written down to fair value which is determined based on prices of similar assets if available or discounted cash flows. Impairment adjustments are recognized in Operating Expenses – Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income. There were no impairment adjustments recognized during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	(j) Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use
	Certain internal and external costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining software for internal use are capitalized in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance relating to intangibles—goodwill and other—internal-use software. These capitalized costs are included in Property and equipment, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the software or four years. These assets are subject to the impairment test used for other categories of property and equipment described in Note (1)(i).
	(k) Intangible Assets and Goodwill
	Intangible assets, consisting primarily of goodwill and renewable investment advisory contracts acquired in connection with various acquisitions, are recorded at fair value determined using a discounted cash flow model as of the date of acquisition. The discounted cash flow model considers various factors to project future cash flows expected to be generated from the asset. Given the investment advisory nature of Federated’s business and of the businesses acquired over the years, these factors typically include: (1) an estimated rate of change for underlying managed assets; (2) expected revenue per managed asset; (3) incremental operating expenses; and (4) a discount rate. Management estimates a rate of change for underlying managed assets based on a combination of an estimated rate of market appreciation or depreciation and an estimated net redemption or sales rate. Expected revenue per managed asset and incremental operating expenses of the acquired asset are generally based on contract terms, average market participant data and historical experience. The discount rate is estimated at the current market rate of return. After the fair value of all separately identifiable assets has been estimated, goodwill is recorded to the extent the consideration paid for the acquisition exceeds the sum of the fair values of the separately identifiable acquired assets and assumed liabilities.
	Federated tests goodwill for impairment at least annually or when indicators of potential impairment exist. Goodwill is evaluated at the reporting unit level. Federated has determined that it has a single reporting unit consistent with its single operating segment based on the fact that Federated’s operations are managed as a single business: investment management. Federated does not have multiple operating segments or business components for which discrete financial information is available. Federated uses a qualitative approach to test for potential impairment of goodwill. If after considering various factors, management determines that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, a two-step process to test for and measure impairment is performed which begins with an estimation of the fair value of its reporting unit by considering Federated’s market capitalization. If Federated’s market capitalization falls to a level below its recorded book value of equity, Federated’s goodwill would be considered for possible impairment. There were no impairments to goodwill recognized during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012.
	Federated has determined that certain acquired assets, specifically, certain renewable investment advisory contracts, have indefinite useful lives. In reaching this conclusion, management considered the legal, regulatory and contractual provisions of the investment advisory contract that enable the renewal of the contract, the level of cost and effort required in renewing the investment advisory contract, and the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors that could impact the funds’ projected performance and existence. The contracts generally renew annually and the value of these acquired assets assumes renewal. These indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment annually using a qualitative approach which requires that positive and negative evidence collected as a result of considering various factors be weighed in order to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset or asset group is impaired. In addition, on a quarterly basis management reconsiders whether events or circumstances indicate that a change in the useful life may have occurred. Indicators of a possible change in useful life monitored by management include a significant decline in the level of managed assets, changes to legal, regulatory or contractual provisions of the renewable investment advisory contracts and reductions in underlying operating cash flows. Federated estimates the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and compares it to the book value of the asset to determine whether an impairment charge is necessary. Impairment is indicated when the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value. There were no impairments to indefinite-lived intangible assets recognized during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012.
	Federated generally amortizes finite-lived identifiable intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which range from 7 to 11 years. Management periodically evaluates the remaining useful lives and carrying values of the intangible assets to determine whether events and circumstances indicate that a change in the useful life or impairment in value may have occurred. Indicators of impairment monitored by management include a decline in the level of managed assets, changes to contractual provisions underlying certain intangible assets and reductions in underlying operating cash flows. Should there be an indication of a change in the useful life or impairment in value of the finite-lived intangible assets, Federated compares the carrying value of the asset to the projected undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the underlying asset over its remaining useful life to determine whether impairment has occurred. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the asset is written down to its fair value determined using discounted cash flows. Federated writes-off the cost and accumulated amortization balances for all fully amortized intangible assets. There were no impairments to finite-lived intangible assets recognized during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012.
	(l) Deferred Sales Commissions
	Federated pays upfront commissions to broker/dealers to promote the sale of certain mutual fund shares. Under various fund-related contracts, Federated is entitled to distribution and servicing fees from the mutual fund over the life of such shares. Both of these fees are calculated as a percentage of average managed assets associated with the related classes of shares. For certain share classes, Federated is also entitled to receive a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC), which is collected from certain redeeming shareholders.
	For share classes that pay both a distribution fee and CDSC, Federated generally capitalizes a portion of the upfront commissions as deferred sales commissions, dependent upon expected recoverability rates. The deferred sales commission asset (included in Other long-term assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets) is amortized over the estimated period of benefit of up to eight years. Deferred sales commission amortization expense was $12.7 million, $9.2 million and $7.5 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and was included in Operating Expenses – Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Distribution and shareholder service fees are recognized in Other service fees, net—affiliates on the Consolidated Statements of Income over the life of the mutual fund share class. CDSCs collected on these share classes are used to reduce the deferred sales commission asset. Federated reviews the carrying value of deferred sales commission assets on a periodic basis to determine whether a significant long-term decline in the equity or bond markets or other events or circumstances indicate that an impairment in value may have occurred. Should there be an indication of an impairment in value, Federated compares the carrying value of the asset to the probability-weighted undiscounted future cash flows of the underlying asset to determine whether an impairment has occurred. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the deferred sales commission asset is written down to its estimated fair value determined using discounted cash flows. There were no impairments to the deferred sales commission asset during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012.
	For share classes that do not pay both a distribution fee and CDSC, Federated expenses the cost of the upfront commission as incurred in Distribution expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income and credits Distribution expense for any CDSCs collected.
	(m) Foreign Currency Translation
	The balance sheets of certain wholly owned foreign subsidiaries of Federated and certain consolidated foreign-denominated investment products are translated at the current exchange rate as of the end of the reporting period and the related income or loss is translated at the average exchange rate in effect during the period. Net exchange gains and losses resulting from these translations are excluded from income and are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are reflected in Operating Expenses – Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	(n) Treasury Stock
	Federated accounts for acquisitions of treasury stock at cost and reports total treasury stock held as a deduction from Federated Investors shareholders’ equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. At the date of subsequent reissue, the treasury stock account is reduced by the cost of such stock on a specific-identification basis. Additional paid-in capital from treasury stock transactions is increased as Federated reissues treasury stock for more than the cost of the shares. If Federated issues treasury stock for less than its cost, Additional paid-in capital from treasury stock transactions is reduced to no less than zero. Once this account is at zero, any further required reductions are recorded to Retained earnings on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(o) Revenue Recognition
	Revenue from providing investment advisory, administrative and other services (including distribution and shareholder servicing) is recognized during the period in which the services are performed. Investment advisory, administrative and the majority of other service fees are generally calculated as a percentage of total net assets of the investment portfolios that are managed by Federated. The fair value of the investment portfolios is primarily determined using quoted market prices or independent third-party pricing services and broker or dealer price quotes. In limited circumstances, a quotation or price evaluation is not readily available from a pricing source. In these cases, pricing is determined by management based on a prescribed valuation process that has been approved by the directors/trustees of the sponsored products. For the periods presented, a de minimus amount of AUM were priced in this manner by Federated management. For Separate Accounts that are not registered investment companies under the 1940 Act, the fair value of portfolio investments is primarily determined as specified in applicable customer agreements, including in agreements between the customer and the customer's third-party custodian. Federated may waive certain fees for competitive reasons, such as to maintain positive or zero net yields on certain money market funds, to meet regulatory requirements or to meet contractual requirements. Federated waived fees of $764.3 million, $802.5 million and $709.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, nearly all of which was for competitive reasons. The decrease for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the same period of 2013 was primarily due to a $57.2 million decrease in competitive waivers, partially offset by a $21.6 million increase in fee waivers to maintain positive or zero net yields. Fee waivers may increase as a result of continued waivers to maintain positive or zero net yields and for other competitive reasons. Fee waivers to maintain positive or zero net yields are partially offset by a related reduction to distribution expense and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (see Note (3) for additional information on the net impact of these waivers).
	Federated has contractual arrangements with third parties to provide certain fund-related services. Management considers various factors to determine whether Federated’s revenue should be recorded based on the gross amount payable by the funds or net of payments to third-party service providers. Management’s analysis is based on whether Federated is acting as the principal service provider or as an agent. The primary factors considered include: (1) whether the customer holds Federated or the service provider responsible for the fulfillment and acceptability of the services to be provided; (2) whether Federated has any practical latitude in negotiating the price to pay a third-party provider; (3) whether Federated or the customer selects the ultimate service provider; and (4) whether Federated has credit risk in the arrangement. Generally, the less the customer is directly involved with or participates in making decisions regarding the ultimate third-party service provider, the more supportive the facts are that Federated is acting as the principal in these transactions and should therefore report gross revenues. As a result of considering these factors, investment advisory fees, distribution fees and certain other service fees are recorded gross of payments made to third parties.
	(p) Share-Based Compensation
	Federated recognizes compensation costs based on grant-date fair value for all share-based awards granted, modified or settled after January 1, 2006, as well as for any awards that were granted prior to January 1, 2006 for which requisite service has not yet been provided.
	Federated issues shares for share-based awards from treasury stock. For restricted stock awards, the fair value of the award is calculated as the difference between the closing fair value of Federated’s Class B common stock on the date of grant and the purchase price paid by the employee, if any. Federated’s awards are generally subject to graded vesting schedules. Compensation and related expense is adjusted for estimated forfeitures and is recognized on a straight-line or modified straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award. Compensation and related expense also includes dividends paid on forfeited awards. Forfeiture assumptions are evaluated on a quarterly basis and updated as necessary.
	For awards granted prior to January 1, 2006 with provisions that allow for accelerated vesting upon retirement, Federated recognizes expense over the vesting period of the awards, regardless of the employee’s attainment of retirement age. Beginning January 1, 2006, for all newly granted awards with provisions that allow for accelerated vesting upon retirement, Federated recognizes expense over the shorter of the vesting period or the period between grant date and the date on which the employee meets the minimum age requirement for retirement.
	(q) Leases
	Federated classifies leases as operating in accordance with the provisions of lease accounting. Rent expense under noncancelable operating leases with scheduled rent increases or rent holidays is accounted for on a straight-line basis over the lease term, beginning on the date of initial possession or the effective date of the lease agreement. The amount of the excess of straight-line rent expense over scheduled payments is recorded as a deferred liability. The liability is then amortized when scheduled payments are in excess of the straight-line rent expense. Build-out allowances and other such lease incentives are recorded as deferred credits, and are amortized on a straight-line basis as a reduction of rent expense beginning in the period they are deemed to be earned, which generally coincides with the effective date of the lease. The current portion of unamortized deferred lease costs and build-out allowances is included in Other current liabilities and the long-term portion is included in Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(r) Advertising Costs
	Federated generally expenses the cost of all advertising and promotional activities as incurred. Certain printed matter, however, such as sales brochures, are accounted for as prepaid supplies and are included in Other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets until they are distributed or are no longer expected to be used, at which time their costs are expensed. Federated expensed advertising costs of $2.2 million, $2.9 million and $2.7 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which were included in Advertising and promotional expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	(s) Income Taxes
	Federated accounts for income taxes under the liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Federated recognizes a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence regarding future taxable income, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
	(t) Earnings Per Share
	Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated under the two-class method. Pursuant to the two-class method, Federated’s unvested restricted stock awards with nonforfeitable rights to dividends are considered participating securities and are required to be considered in the computation of earnings per share. Dividends paid on unvested restricted shares and their proportionate share of undistributed earnings, if any, are excluded from the computation of earnings per share attributable to Federated Investors, Inc.
	(u) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax is reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity and includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale, foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gain or loss on the effective portion of derivative instruments designated and qualifying as a cash flow or net investment hedge.
	(v) Loss Contingencies
	Federated accrues for estimated costs, including legal costs related to existing lawsuits, claims and proceedings, if any, when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the costs can be reasonably estimated. Accruals are reviewed at least quarterly and are adjusted to reflect the impact and status of settlements, rulings, advice of counsel and other information pertinent to a particular matter. Significant differences could exist between the actual cost required to investigate, litigate and/or settle a claim or the ultimate outcome of a lawsuit and management’s estimate. These differences could have a material impact on Federated’s results of operations, financial position and/or cash flows. Recoveries of losses are recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Income when receipt is deemed probable, or when final approval is received by the insurance carrier.
	(w) Business Segments
	Business or operating segments are defined as a component of an enterprise that engages in activities from which it may earn revenue and incur expenses for which discrete financial information is available that is regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance.
Federated does not have multiple operating segments or business components for which discrete financial information is available. Federated operates in one operating segment, the investment management business, nearly all of which is conducted within the U.S. Federated’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is Federated’s chief operating decision maker. Federated’s CEO utilizes a consolidated approach to assess performance and allocate resources.

Concentration_Risk

Concentration Risk	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 over the last three years:
		2014			2013			2012
	Money market assets	32	%		39	%		47	%
	Equity assets	45	%		37	%		31	%
	Fixed-income assets	22	%		23	%		21	%
	The change in the relative proportion of Federated's revenue attributable to money market assets from 2013 to 2014 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. The change in the relative proportion of Federated's revenue attributable to money market assets from 2012 to 2013 was primarily the result of increases in fee waivers for certain money market funds to maintain positive or zero net yields. The change in the relative proportion of Federated's revenue attributable to equity assets from 2013 to 2014 was primarily the result of higher average equity assets due to net sales, and to a lesser extent, market appreciation. The change in the relative proportion of Federated's revenue attributable to equity assets from 2012 to 2013 was primarily the result of higher average equity assets due to market appreciation, and to a lesser extent, net sales. A significant change in Federated’s investment management business (such as its money market business) or a significant reduction in AUM (such as money market assets) due to regulatory changes, changes in the financial markets, such as 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
	Federated and its investment management business are subject to extensive regulation in the U.S. and abroad. Federated and its products (such as the Federated Funds) and strategies are subject to federal securities laws, principally the 1933 Act, 1934 Act, the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, state laws regarding securities fraud and regulations promulgated by various regulatory authorities, as well as foreign laws and regulations promulgated by foreign regulatory authorities. In 2014, among other developments, the SEC promulgated new money market reform in the form of the 2014 Rules. Federated is analyzing the potential impact of these reforms. Internationally, among other developments, European money market fund reforms, similar in some respects to the U.S. reforms, continued to be considered in 2014, but have not yet been finalized. Federated is reallocating certain resources from regulatory efforts and continues to dedicate internal and external resources to analyze the potential impact of the 2014 Rules, and certain related regulations, on Federated’s business, results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows. Federated also is reallocating resources to plan and begin the implementation of product development and restructuring initiatives in response to the 2014 Rules. See Item 1 - Business under the caption Regulatory Matters and Item 1A - Risk Factors under the caption Potential Adverse Effects of Changes in Laws and Regulations on Federated’s Investment Management Business for additional information.
	Historically Low Short-Term Interest Rates
	For several years, the 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 of 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 AUM 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 mix 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 years ended December 31:
	in millions	2014				2013				2012
	Revenue	$	(410.6	)		$	(389.0	)		$	(291.0	)
	Less: Reduction in Distribution expense	280.9				277.1				218.5
	Operating income	(129.7		)		(111.9		)		(72.5		)
	Less: Reduction in Noncontrolling interest	10.7				6.8				1.3
	Pre-tax impact	$	(119.0	)		$	(105.1	)		$	(71.2	)
	The negative pre-tax impact of fee waivers to maintain positive or zero net yields on certain money market funds increased in 2014 as compared to 2013 primarily as a result of lower yields on instruments held by the money market funds partially offset by lower average money market assets. During 2013, the negative pre-tax impact of fee waivers to maintain positive or zero net yields on certain money market funds increased compared to 2012 primarily as a result of lower yields on instruments held by the money market funds. (See Note (20) for information regarding the quarterly pre-tax impact of these fee waivers.)
	Based on recent commentary from the FOMC in a January 28, 2015 press release, (i.e. "the current 0 to 1/4 percent target range for the federal funds rate 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 first quarter of 2015 may result in a negative pre-tax impact on income of approximately $28 million, which is slightly less than the impact to each quarter included in 2014 (see Note (20) for additional information on the quarterly impact of these fee waivers). 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 likely reduce the negative pre-tax impact of these waivers. The actual amount of future fee waivers, the resulting negative impact of these waivers and Federated's ability to recover the net pre-tax impact of such waivers (that is, the ability to capture the pre-tax income going forward, not re-capture previously waived amounts) could vary significantly from management's estimates as they 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, Treasury Department, the SEC, FSOC and other governmental entities, changes in fees and expenses of the money market funds, changes in the mix of money market customer assets, changes in money market product structures and offerings, 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 any one or more third parties.
	A listing of Federated’s risk factors is included in Item 1A - Risk Factors.
	(b) Revenue Concentration by Investment Fund
	A significant portion of Federated's total revenue for 2014 was derived from services provided to a sponsored fund, the Federated Kaufmann Fund (11%). 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.

Consolidation

Consolidation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure	Consolidation
	Federated is involved with various entities in the normal course of business that may be deemed to be voting rights entities (VREs) or 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 2014 and 2013.
	(a) Consolidated Voting Rights Entities
	Federated has a majority interest (50.5%) and acts as the general partner in Passport Research Ltd., a limited partnership. Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. is the limited partner with a 49.5% interest. The partnership is an investment adviser to two sponsored funds. Noncontrolling interests in this subsidiary are included in Nonredeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiary on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(b) 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.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, Federated was deemed to be the primary beneficiary of and therefore consolidated several investment companies as a result of its majority ownership interest in the investment companies. 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 at December 31:
	in millions	2014			2013
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	1.9		$	1.1
	Investments—consolidated investment companies		31.9			53.5
	Receivables		0.3			0.9
	Less: Liabilities		2.7			1.6
	Less: Redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries		3.7			15.5
	Federated's net interest in consolidated investment companies		$	27.7		$	38.4
	Federated's net interest in the consolidated investment companies of $27.7 million and $38.4 million at December 31, 2014 and 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 for one fund, and otherwise represent operating liabilities of the entities. The liabilities are primarily classified as Other current liabilities on Federated's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	During the fourth quarter of 2014, Federated consolidated two newly launched investment companies for which Federated provided the initial seed capital. Accordingly, Federated consolidated $7.3 million in Investments—consolidated investment companies on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of the date of consolidation.
	During the third quarter of 2014, Federated consolidated an investment company, in this case 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. 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. During the period of consolidation, approximately $8.8 million was redeemed by noncontrolling interests. During the fourth quarter of 2014, this fund was deconsolidated due to it merging into another sponsored money market fund. As a result, Federated deconsolidated $81.7 million in Investments—consolidated investment companies (of which $14.7 million represented Federated's investment subsequently recorded as Cash and cash equivalents) and $66.9 million in Redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of the date of deconsolidation. There was no impact to the Consolidated Statements of Income in 2014 as a result of deconsolidation.
	Also, during the third quarter of 2014, Federated deconsolidated an additional 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. There was no impact to the Consolidated Statements of Income in 2014 as a result 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, from time to time, Federated may choose to waive certain fees or assume operating expenses of sponsored investment companies for competitive, regulatory or contractual reasons (see Note (1)(o) for information regarding fee waivers). Federated has not provided financial support to any of these entities outside the ordinary course of business.
	(c) 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 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, Federated's investment and maximum risk of loss related to unconsolidated VIEs were entirely related to investment companies and totaled $252.1 million and $220.5 million, respectively. Of the $252.1 million and $220.5 million invested in these entities at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, $107.3 million and $92.2 million, respectively, represents investments in money market funds included in Cash and cash equivalents. The remaining $144.8 million and $128.3 million are primarily recorded in Investments—affiliates on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. AUM for these unconsolidated investment companies totaled $273.5 billion and $280.3 billion at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Receivables from sponsored investment companies for advisory and other services totaled $12.4 million and $13.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	In the ordinary course of business, from time to time, 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) for information regarding fee waivers). Federated has not provided financial support to any of these entities outside the ordinary course of business.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 market data inputs.
	Level 3 – Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable in active 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 at December 31:
			2014										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		$	115,267		$	0		$	0	$	115,267	$	104,443	$	0	$	0	$	104,443
	Available-for-sale equity securities		119,435			23,755			0		143,190		81,550		47,863		0		129,413
	Trading securities – equity		17,553			13,840			0		31,393		11,925		9,906		0		21,831
	Trading securities – debt		0			7,488			0		7,488		0		36,491		0		36,491
	Other1		31			14			0		45		0		159		0		159
	Total financial assets		$	252,286		$	45,097		$	0	$	297,383	$	197,918	$	94,419	$	0	$	292,337
	Financial Liabilities
	Interest rate swap		$	0		$	425		$	0	$	425	$	0	$	5,061	$	0	$	5,061
	Acquisition-related future consideration liabilities		0			0			1,909		1,909		0		0		6,489		6,489
	Other2		1,979			0			0		1,979		1,118		2		0		1,120
	Total financial liabilities		$	1,979		$	425		$	1,909	$	4,313	$	1,118	$	5,063	$	6,489	$	12,670
	1	Amounts include futures contracts and/or foreign currency forward contracts held within certain consolidated sponsored investment companies.
	2	Amounts include investments sold short, futures contracts and/or foreign currency forward contracts held within certain consolidated sponsored investment companies.
	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 December 31, 2014 or 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 $107.6 million and $94.4 million at December 31, 2014 and 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
	These equity trading securities primarily represent the equity securities held by consolidated sponsored 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 often classified as Level 1 when the 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 when a country's exchange is closed due to 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 a 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 December 31, 2014, $35 thousand of investments transferred from Level 1 to Level 2. During the same period, $0.1 million of investments transferred from Level 2 to Level 1. For the period between December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013, $0.1 million of investments transferred from Level 1 to Level 2. During the same period, $0.3 million of investments transferred from Level 2 to Level 1. Transfers into and out of Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy are reported at fair value as of the beginning of the period in which the transfers occur.
	Trading securities—debt
	At December 31, 2014 debt trading securities primarily represent U.S. bonds held by consolidated sponsored investment companies. At December 31, 2013, debt trading securities primarily represent foreign bonds held by consolidated sponsored investment companies. 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 Receivables, net or Other current liabilities 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).
	Futures contracts
	The fair value of futures contracts is primarily included in Receivables, net or Other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, representing contracts held by certain consolidated sponsored investment companies as part of their investment strategy. Pricing is determined by using the value reported at settlement or closing price (Level 1).
	Interest rate swap
	The fair value of Federated's Swap at December 31, 2014 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 (10) for additional 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 (18) 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 re-measured at fair value on a recurring basis with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. As of December 31, 2014, acquisition-related future consideration liabilities were primarily recorded in Other current liabilities ($1.9 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 unobservable data inputs (Level 3). As of December 31, 2014, significant inputs involving unobservable market data included (1) an estimated rate of change for underlying AUM ranging from 0% - 8% per year (weighted average of 4%); (2) an estimate of 0.03% of the impact of fee waivers to maintain positive or zero net yields on the contractually-derived net revenue per managed asset assumptions; and (3) an estimated discount rate of 16% based on the current estimated market rate of return. Assuming no other changes in model inputs, the fair value of the future consideration liability will increase, resulting in additional 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 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 year presented:
	in thousands	2014			2013			2012
	Beginning balance	$	6,489		$	11,759		$	13,404
	New acquisition adjustment1	0			330			3,361
	Changes in fair value2	(1,589		)	(941		)	(793		)
	Contingent consideration payments	(2,991		)	(4,659		)	(4,213		)
	Ending balance	$	1,909		$	6,489		$	11,759
	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	Amounts were included as a decrease to Operating Expenses – Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Investments sold short
	The fair value of investments sold short within a consolidated sponsored investment company is included in Other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The investments sold short primarily relate to domestic equity securities that are available in an active exchange market. The fair value of these investments sold short is based on unadjusted quoted market prices and is classified as Level 1.
	(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 December 31, 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.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	Investments
	Investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 included available-for-sale and trading securities. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, Federated held investments totaling $143.2 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 (see Note (1)(g)) were as follows:
			2014											2013
						Gross Unrealized						Estimated				Gross Unrealized					Estimated
												Fair									Fair
	in thousands		Cost			Gains			(Losses)			Value		Cost		Gains		(Losses)			Value
	Equity mutual funds		$	26,887		$	1,216		$	(737	)	$	27,366	$	24,737	$	2,423	$	0		$	27,160
	Fixed-income mutual funds		118,081			110			(2,367		)	115,824		102,072		786		(605		)	102,253
	Total fluctuating-value mutual funds		$	144,968		$	1,326		$	(3,104	)	$	143,190	$	126,809	$	3,209	$	(605	)	$	129,413
	The increase in available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2014 as compared to December 31, 2013, was primarily due to an increase of $16.1 million as a result of the deconsolidation of a sponsored investment company which resulted in the reclassification of Federated's investment from trading into available-for-sale securities during the same period, partially offset by net redemptions of available-for-sale securities of $2.1 million.
	Federated’s trading securities totaled $38.9 million and $58.3 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Federated consolidates certain investment companies into its Consolidated Financial Statements as a result of Federated’s controlling financial interest in the companies (see Note (4)). 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013. Investments—other on the Consolidated Balance Sheets represented other trading investments held in Separate Accounts for which Federated is the beneficiary.
	Federated’s trading securities as of December 31, 2014 were primarily composed of stocks of large U.S. and international companies ($21.3 million) and domestic debt securities ($7.5 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 Gain on securities, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income in connection with investments and economic derivatives held by certain consolidated investment companies for the years ended December 31:
	in thousands		2014			2013			2012
	Unrealized (loss) gain
	Trading securities		$	(2,578	)	$	2,036		$	1,614
	Derivatives1		(147		)	(49		)	72
	Realized gains2
	Available-for-sale securities		5,359			15,390			4,439
	Trading securities		4,514			1,306			1,200
	Derivatives1		214			1,083			310
	Realized losses2
	Available-for-sale securities		(91		)	(1,561		)	0
	Trading securities		(1,848		)	(870		)	(627		)
	Derivatives1		(451		)	(349		)	(97		)
	Gain on securities, net3		$	4,972		$	16,986		$	6,911
	1	Amounts related to the settlement of economic derivatives held by certain consolidated sponsored products.
	2	Realized gains and losses are computed on a specific-identification basis.
	3	Amounts related to consolidated investment companies totaled $(0.6) million, $2.6 million and $2.0 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Intangible_Assets_and_Goodwill

Intangible Assets and Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure	Intangible Assets and Goodwill
	Federated’s identifiable intangible assets and goodwill consisted of the following at December 31:
		2014							2013
	in thousands	Cost		Accumulated			Carrying		Cost		Accumulated			Carrying
				Amortization			Value				Amortization			Value
	Finite-lived intangible assets:
	Customer relationships	$	43,966	$	(39,891	)	$	4,075	$	43,966	$	(38,110	)	$	5,856
	Noncompete agreements	500		(435		)	65		4,594		(4,343		)	251
	Total finite-lived intangible assets	44,466		(40,326		)	4,140		48,560		(42,453		)	6,107
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Renewable investment advisory contracts	68,970		N/A			68,970		68,595		N/A			68,595
	Trade names	1,900		N/A			1,900		1,900		N/A			1,900
	Total indefinite-lived intangible assets	70,870		N/A			70,870		70,495		N/A			70,495
	Goodwill	658,837		N/A			658,837		658,743		N/A			658,743
	Total identifiable intangible assets and goodwill	$	774,173	$	(40,326	)	$	733,847	$	777,798	$	(42,453	)	$	735,345
	The decrease of $4.1 million in the cost of the total finite-lived intangible assets at December 31, 2014 as compared to December 31, 2013 relates to the write-off of a fully amortized noncompete agreement relating to a prior year acquisition.
	Amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets was $2.0 million, $2.6 million and $3.4 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. This expense was included in Operating Expenses – Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income for each period.
	Following is a schedule of expected aggregate annual amortization expense for intangible assets in each of the five succeeding years assuming no new acquisitions or impairments:
	in millions
	2015	$	1.4
	2016	1
	2017	0.6
	2018	0.6
	2019	0.5

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment Disclosure	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31:
	in thousands	Estimated Useful Life			2014			2013
	Computer software and hardware	2	to	7 years	$	49,069		$	52,206
	Leasehold improvements	Up to term of lease			22,558			18,355
	Transportation equipment	3	to	12 years	17,897			17,897
	Office furniture and equipment	5	to	10 years	6,544			6,421
	Total cost				96,068			94,879
	Accumulated depreciation				(57,430		)	(54,791		)
	Property and equipment, net				$	38,638		$	40,088
	Depreciation expense was $10.0 million, $9.1 million and $8.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and was recorded in Office and occupancy expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Insurance_Proceeds_Insurance_P

Insurance Proceeds Insurance Proceeds	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Other Current Liabilities Disclosure	Insurance Proceeds
	As Federated received payments on insurance claims submitted to cover costs primarily associated with various legal proceedings, the amounts were recorded as a liability. The retention of these advance insurance payments was contingent upon final approval of the claim by the insurance carrier. In the event that all or a portion of the claim had been denied, Federated would have been required to repay all or a portion of these advance payments. During the third and fourth quarters of 2012, Federated received final approvals from various insurance carriers related to $20.2 million of claims. Accordingly, Federated recognized $20.2 million on the Consolidated Statements of Income as a reduction to Professional service fees. Federated removed $10.0 million in Other current liabilities in the third quarter 2012 and the remaining $10.2 million in insurance proceeds was received in the fourth quarter 2012.

Debt_and_Interest_Rate_Swap

Debt and Interest Rate Swap	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt And Interest Rate Swap [Abstract]
Debt and Interest Rate Swap	Debt and Interest Rate Swap
	Debt consisted of the following at December 31:
			Weighted-Average Interest Rate
	dollars in thousands		20141		20132		2014		2013
	Term Loan		2.462	%	3.646	%	$	242,250	$	276,250
	Less: Short-term debt						25,500		77,917
	Long-term debt						$	216,750	$	198,333
	1	As of December 31, 2014, the weighted-average interest rate was calculated based on a fixed-rate in connection with the interest rate Swap and a variable rate for the amount of the Term Loan not covered by the Swap. See below for additional information.
	2	As of December 31, 2013, the weighted-average interest rate was calculated based on a fixed-rate in connection with the interest rate Swap in effect at that time.
	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 bears interest based on 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 at the time of refinancing. As of December 31, 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, requires quarterly principal payments totaling $25.5 million in each of the years 2015, 2016 and 2017, $55.8 million in 2018 and $110.0 million in 2019. During 2014, Federated repaid $34.0 million of its borrowings on the Term Loan.
	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 December 31, 2014, the Swap covered $127.5 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 December 31, 2014, was a liability of $0.4 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. During the next three months, management expects to charge the entire $0.4 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 December 31, 2014. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, $4.7 million, $6.5 million and $7.3 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 year ended December 31, 2014 (see the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 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.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure	Employee Benefit Plans
	(a) 401(k)/Profit Sharing Plan
	Federated offers defined contribution plans to its employees. Its 401(k) plan covers substantially all employees. Under the 401(k) plan, employees can make salary deferral contributions at a rate of 1% to 50% of their annual compensation (as defined in the 401(k) plan), subject to Internal Revenue Code limitations. Federated makes a matching contribution in an amount equal to 100% of the first 2% that each participant defers and 50% of the next 4% of deferral contributions for a total possible match of 4%. Forfeitures of unvested matching contributions are used to offset future matching contributions.
	Matching contributions to the 401(k) plan recognized in Compensation and related expense amounted to $4.6 million, $4.4 million and $4.2 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Vesting in Federated’s matching contributions commences once a participant in the 401(k) plan has worked at least 1,000 hours per year for two years. Upon completion of this initial service, 20% of Federated’s contribution included in a participant’s account vests and 20% vests for each of the following four years if the participant works at least 1,000 hours per year. Employees are immediately vested in their 401(k) salary deferral contributions.
	A Federated employee becomes eligible to participate in the profit sharing plan if the employee is employed on the last day of the year and has worked at least 500 hours for the year. The profit sharing plan is a defined contribution plan to which Federated may contribute amounts as authorized by its board of directors. No contributions were made to the profit sharing plan in 2014, 2013 or 2012. At December 31, 2014, the profit sharing plan held 0.5 million shares of Federated Class B common stock.
	(b) Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	Federated offers an employee stock purchase plan that allows employees to purchase a maximum of 750,000 shares of Class B common stock. Employees may contribute up to 10% of their salary to purchase shares of Federated’s Class B common stock on a quarterly basis at the market price. The shares purchased under this plan may be newly issued shares, treasury shares or shares purchased on the open market. During 2014, 8,804 shares were purchased by employees in this plan and, as of December 31, 2014, a total of 159,255 shares were purchased by employees in this plan on the open market since the plan’s inception in 1998.

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans

Share-Based Compensation Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Share-Based Compensation Plans

Share-Based Compensation Plans

Federated’s long-term stock-incentive compensation has been provided for under the Stock Incentive Plan (the Plan), as amended and subsequently approved by shareholders from time to time. Share-based awards are granted to reward Federated’s employees and non-management directors who have contributed to the success of Federated and to provide incentive to increase their efforts on behalf of Federated. Since the Plan’s inception, a total of 27.1 million shares of Class B common stock have been authorized for granting share-based awards in the form of restricted stock, stock options or other share-based awards. As of December 31, 2014, 4.1 million shares are available under the Plan.

Share-based compensation expense was $21.7 million, $20.6 million and $20.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The associated tax benefits recorded in connection with share-based compensation expense was $8.1 million, $7.7 million and $7.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. At December 31, 2014, the maximum remaining unrecognized compensation expense related to share-based awards approximated $72 million which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 6 years.

(a) Restricted Stock

Federated’s restricted stock awards represent shares of Federated Class B common stock that may be sold by the awardee only once the restrictions lapse, as dictated by the terms of the award. The awards are generally subject to graded vesting schedules that vary in length from three to ten years with a portion of the award vesting each year, as dictated by the terms of the award. For an award with a ten-year vesting period, the restrictions on the vested portion of the award typically lapse on the award’s fifth- and tenth-year anniversaries. Certain restricted stock awards granted pursuant to a key employee bonus program have a three-year graded vesting schedule with restrictions lapsing at each vesting date. During the period of restriction, the recipient receives dividends on all shares awarded, regardless of their vesting status.

The following table summarizes activity of non-vested restricted stock awards for the year ended December 31, 2014:

Restricted

Weighted-

Shares

Average Grant-

Date Fair Value

Non-vested at January 1, 2014

4,132,374

$

21.67

Granted1

1,057,981

27.43

Vested

(879,010

)

23.4

Forfeited

(20,417

)

22.19

Non-vested at December 31, 2014

4,290,928

$

22.74

1

During 2014, Federated awarded 426,931 shares of restricted Federated Class B common stock in connection with a bonus program in which certain key employees received a portion of their bonus in the form of restricted stock under the Plan. This restricted stock, which was granted on the bonus payment date and issued out of treasury, generally vests over a three-year period. Also during 2014, Federated awarded 631,050 shares of restricted Federated Class B common stock to certain key employees. The restricted stock awards generally vest over ten-year periods with restrictions on the vested portions of the awards lapsing on the awards' fifth- and tenth-year anniversaries.

Federated awarded 1,057,981 shares of restricted Federated Class B common stock with a weighted-average grant-date fair value of $27.43 to employees during 2014; awarded 989,050 shares of restricted Federated Class B common stock with a weighted-average grant-date fair value of $24.25 to employees during 2013; and awarded 1,015,273 shares of restricted Federated Class B common stock with a weighted-average grant-date fair value of $18.06 to employees during 2012.

The total fair value of restricted stock vested during December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $24.4 million, $18.5 million and $14.1 million, respectively.

(b) Stock Options

The outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2014 were granted to non-management directors with exercise prices that equaled the market price of Federated’s Class B common stock on each grant date. All of these stock options were awarded with no requisite service requirement, were immediately exercisable and expire no later than ten years after the grant date. Each vested option may be exercised for the purchase of one share of Class B common stock at the exercise price.

The following table summarizes the status of and changes in Federated’s stock option program for the year ended

December 31, 2014:

Options

Weighted-Average

Weighted-Average

Aggregate

Exercise Price

Remaining

Intrinsic Value

Contractual

(in millions)

Life (in years)

Outstanding at January 1, 2014

52,500

$

32.18

Options exercised

(6,000

)

25.5

Expired unexercised

(10,500

)

30.42

Outstanding at December 31, 20141

36,000

$

33.81

2.5

$

0.1

1

All stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014 were vested and exercisable.

There were 6,000 options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2014 with an intrinsic value of $30 thousand. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no stock options exercised.

There were no stock options granted in 2014, 2013 or 2012.

(c) Non-management Director Stock Award

Federated awarded 5,100, 5,100 and 4,500 shares of Federated Class B common stock to non-management directors in the second quarters of 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. There were no additional awards to non-management directors in 2014, 2013 or 2012.

Common_Stock

Common Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure	Common Stock
	The Class A common stockholder has the entire voting rights of Federated; however, without the consent of the majority of the holders of the Class B common stock, the Class A common stockholder cannot alter Federated’s structure, dispose of all or substantially all of Federated’s assets, amend the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of Federated to adversely affect the Class B common stockholders, or liquidate or dissolve Federated. With respect to dividends, distributions and liquidation rights, the Class A common stock and Class B common stock have equal preferences and rights.
	(a) Dividends
	Cash dividends of $104.8 million, $102.5 million and $256.8 million were paid in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, to holders of Federated common stock. Of the amount paid in 2012, $156.9 million represented a $1.51 per share special dividend paid in the fourth quarter. All dividends are considered ordinary dividends for tax purposes.
	(b) Treasury Stock
	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 December 31, 2014. The program authorizes executive management to determine the timing and the amount of shares for each purchase. The repurchased stock is held in treasury for employee share-based compensation plans, potential acquisitions and other corporate activities. During the year ended December 31, 2014, Federated repurchased 0.9 million shares of common stock for $26.9 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 December 31, 2014, approximately 0.4 million shares remained available to be purchased under the current buyback program, which remains in effect. See Note (19) for information regarding a new share repurchase program approved on February 19, 2015.
	During the fourth quarter 2014, the board of directors authorized the retirement of 20 million treasury shares which restored these shares to authorized but unissued status. Federated recorded a $587.3 million reduction to Treasury stock, at cost using the specific-identification method and a $49.2 million reduction to Class B Common stock, at cost using the average cost method. The difference of $538.1 million was recorded as a reduction to Retained earnings. There was no impact to total equity as a result of this transaction.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure	Income Taxes
	Federated files a consolidated federal income tax return. Financial statement tax expense is determined under the liability method.
	Income tax provision consisted of the following expense/(benefit) components for the years ended December 31:
	in thousands	2014				2013				2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	63,266			$	66,408			$	78,422
	State	4,574				6,849				7,430
	Foreign	76				190				6
	Total Current	67,916				73,447				85,858
	Deferred:
	Federal	20,497				18,220				23,143
	State	916				1,347				1,878
	Foreign	201				(354		)		4
	Total Deferred	21,614				19,213				25,025
	Total	$	89,530			$	92,660			$	110,883
	The federal net tax effects of timing differences exceeding 5% of the respective year’s pretax income at the statutory federal income tax rate included in Income tax provision on the Consolidated Statements of Income were as follows: $(21.0) million, $(19.3) million and $(19.7) million related to intangible assets in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The reconciliation between the statutory income tax rate and the effective tax rate consisted of the following for the years ended December 31:
		2014			2013			2012
	Expected federal statutory income tax rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	Increase/(decrease):
	State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit	1.1			2.2			2.1
	Other	1.3			(1.0	)		0
	Effective tax rate (excluding noncontrolling interests)	37.4			36.2			37.1
	Income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0			(0.4	)		(1.2	)
	Effective tax rate per Consolidated Statements of Income	37.4	%		35.8	%		35.9	%
	The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following at December 31:
	in thousands	2014				2013
	Deferred Tax Assets
	Tax net operating loss carryforwards	$	17,620			$	17,017
	Compensation related	13,499				12,840
	Other	5,206				5,729
	Total deferred tax assets	36,325				35,586
	Valuation allowance	(17,224		)		(16,729		)
	Total deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance	$	19,101			$	18,857
	Deferred Tax Liabilities
	Intangible assets	$	134,841			$	112,923
	Property and equipment	8,319				8,770
	Deferred sales commissions	6,499				5,508
	State taxes	6,463				6,316
	Other	1,604				3,755
	Total gross deferred tax liability	$	157,726			$	137,272
	Net deferred tax liability	$	138,625			$	118,415
	At December 31, 2014, Federated had deferred tax assets related to state and foreign tax net operating loss carryforwards in certain taxing jurisdictions in the aggregate of $17.6 million, of which the state net operating losses will expire through 2034. The foreign net operating losses have no expiration period. A valuation allowance has been recognized for $15.6 million (or 99%) of the deferred tax asset for state tax net operating losses, and for $1.6 million (or 88%) of the deferred tax asset for foreign tax net operating losses. The valuation allowances were recorded due to management’s belief that it is more likely than not that Federated will not realize the full benefit of these net operating losses.
	At December 31, 2013, Federated had deferred tax assets related to state and foreign tax net operating loss carryforwards in certain taxing jurisdictions in the aggregate of $17.0 million, of which the state net operating losses will expire through 2033. The foreign net operating losses have no expiration period. A valuation allowance has been recognized for $15.1 million (or 99%) of the deferred tax asset for state tax net operating losses, and for $1.6 million (or 91%) of the deferred tax asset for foreign tax net operating losses. The valuation allowances were recorded due to management’s belief that it is more likely than not that Federated will not realize the full benefit of these net operating losses.
	Federated and its subsidiaries file annual income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various U.S. state and local jurisdictions, and in certain foreign jurisdictions. Based upon its review of these filings, there were no material unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2014 or 2013. Therefore, there were no material changes during 2014, and no reasonable possibility of a significant increase or decrease in unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.

Earnings_Per_Share_Attributabl

Earnings Per Share Attributable to Federated Investors, Inc. Shareholders	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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. for the years ended December 31:
	in thousands, except per share data		2014			2013			2012
	Numerator – Basic and Diluted
	Net income attributable to Federated Investors, Inc.		$	149,236		$	162,177		$	188,088
	Less: Total income available to participating unvested restricted shareholders1		(5,823		)	(6,065		)	(8,400		)
	Total net income attributable to Federated Common Stock2		$	143,413		$	156,112		$	179,688
	Denominator
	Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding		100,721			100,668			100,313
	Dilutive potential shares from stock options		2			1			0
	Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding		100,723			100,669			100,313
	Earnings per share
	Net income attributable to Federated Common Stock - Basic and Diluted2		$	1.42		$	1.55		$	1.79
	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 the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 27 thousand, 43 thousand and 247 thousand awarded stock options 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 year. In the event the awards become dilutive, these shares would be included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share and would result in a proportional amount of dilution.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Leases of Lessee Disclosure	Leases
	The following is a schedule by year of future minimum payments required under the operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2014:
	in millions
	2015	$	12.2
	2016	13.2
	2017	12.7
	2018	12.7
	2019	12.8
	2020 and thereafter	48.7
	Total minimum lease payments	$	112.3
	Federated held a material operating lease at December 31, 2014 for its corporate headquarters building in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This lease expires in 2021 and has renewal options for 2 successive terms of five years each. This lease includes provisions for leasehold improvement incentives, rent escalation and certain penalties for early termination. In addition, at December 31, 2014, Federated had various other operating lease agreements primarily involving additional facilities. These leases are noncancelable and expire on various dates through the year 2026. Most leases include renewal options and, in certain leases, escalation clauses.
	Rental expenses were $14.8 million, $11.8 million and $11.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and were recorded in Office and occupancy expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Attributable to Federated Shareholders	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Comprehensive (Loss) Income Note	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Attributable to Federated Investors, Inc. Shareholders
	The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax attributable to Federated shareholders are as follows:
	in thousands		Unrealized Loss				Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities				Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Foreign Currency Hedge3				Foreign Currency				Total
			on Interest Rate Swap1				Available for Sale2								Translation
															(Loss) Gain3
	Balance at December 31, 2011			$	(9,634	)		$	325			$	368			$	329			$	(8,612	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications and tax			(3,253		)		9,009				(1,631		)		1,484				5,609
	Tax impact			1,201				(3,670		)		332				(519		)		(2,656		)
	Reclassification adjustment, before tax			7,316				(3,408		)		1,169				(1,237		)		3,840
	Tax impact			(2,701		)		1,388				(238		)		433				(1,118		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)			2,563				3,319				(368		)		161				5,675
	Balance at December 31, 2012			$	(7,071	)		$	3,644			$	0			$	490			$	(2,937	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications and tax			(400		)		7,346				0				(149		)		6,797
	Tax impact			146				(3,167		)		0				50				(2,971		)
	Reclassification adjustment, before tax			6,518				(10,966		)		0				0				(4,448		)
	Tax impact			(2,378		)		4,729				0				0				2,351
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)			3,886				(2,058		)		0				(99		)		1,729
	Balance at December 31, 2013			$	(3,185	)		$	1,586			$	0			$	391			$	(1,208	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications and tax			(107		)		(142		)		0				(1,013		)		(1,262		)
	Tax impact			40				54				0				355				449
	Reclassification adjustment, before tax			4,743				(4,240		)		0				0				503
	Tax impact			(1,760		)		1,616				0				0				(144		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)			2,916				(2,712		)		0				(658		)		(454		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014			$	(269	)		$	(1,126	)		$	0			$	(267	)		$	(1,662	)
	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 Gain on securities, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	3	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax were recorded in Nonoperating Income (Expenses) - Other, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	(a) Contractual
	Federated is obligated to make certain future payments under various agreements to which it is a party, including debt and operating leases (see Note (10) and Note (16), respectively). The following table summarizes minimum noncancelable payments contractually due under Federated’s significant service contracts and employment arrangements:
			Payments due in
													After
	in millions		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		2019		Total
	Purchase obligations1		$	8.8	$	2.4	$	0.6	$	0.1	$	0	$	0	$	11.9
	Employment-related commitments2		17		6.5		5.4		0		0		0		28.9
	Total		$	25.8	$	8.9	$	6	$	0.1	$	0	$	0	$	40.8
	1	Federated is a party to various contracts pursuant to which it receives certain services including services for marketing and information technology, access to various fund-related information systems and research databases, trade order transmission and recovery services as well as other services. These contracts contain certain minimum noncancelable payments, cancellation provisions and renewal terms. The contracts expire on various dates through the year 2019. Costs for such services are expensed as incurred.
	2	Federated has certain domestic and international employment arrangements pursuant to which Federated is obligated to make minimum compensation payments.
	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 four contingent purchase price payments of $5.0 million, $4.2 million, $3.8 million and $2.1 million, were paid in the fourth quarters of 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. At December 31, 2014, management estimated remaining contingent payments could total $1 million over the one year that remains; 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 December 31, 2014, a liability of $1.2 million representing the estimated fair value of future consideration payments, which could be paid through 2016, was recorded in Other current liabilities (see Note (5) for a discussion regarding the valuation methodology). This liability is re-measured at each reporting date with changes in the fair value recognized in Operating Expenses – Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	As part of the 2008 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. In the first quarters of 2012, 2013 and 2014, $5.9 million, $3.4 million and $9.2 million were paid with regard to the third, fourth and final anniversary years, respectively.
	Pursuant to other acquisition agreements, Federated has made and 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 2015. As of December 31, 2014, liabilities totaling $0.7 million, representing the estimated fair value of future consideration payments, were recorded in Other current liabilities (see Note (5) for a discussion regarding the valuation methodology). The liabilities are re-measured at each reporting date with changes in the fair value recognized in Operating Expenses – Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Federated may be required to make certain incentive compensation-related payments through 2018 in connection with various significant employment arrangements. In addition to the $17.0 million of employment-related commitments to be paid in 2015 included in the table above, as of December 31, 2014, Federated may be required to pay up to an additional $28 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). Based on asset levels at December 31, 2014, $2.3 million would be paid in 2015 as a Fund Bonus payment. 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 U.S. 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 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. On November 25, 2014, the Court issued an order granting Federated's Motion to Dismiss in part and denying Federated's Motion to Dismiss in part. The Court dismissed CCM's claim for breach of contract and for breach of an implied obligation to use best efforts. Under the strict standards applicable to Motions to Dismiss that require the Court to accept the allegations of the Complaint as true and draw all inferences in CCM's favor, the Court concluded that CCM's "claim of fraud is at the edge of plausibility" but specifically noted that "[w]hether CCM can successfully prove facts necessary to support that artfully-pled theory remains to be seen."
	Federated continues to believe that CCM’s claims are meritless and intends to continue to vigorously defend this lawsuit as it proceeds through discovery and summary judgment. Federated continues to believe that at all times it acted in good faith and complied with its contractual obligations contained in the APA.
	As of December 31, 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, and the current stage of the lawsuit, no loss is estimable.
	Other Litigation. Federated also has claims asserted and threatened against it in the ordinary course of business. As of December 31, 2014, Federated does not believe that a material loss related to these claims is reasonably possible.
	See Item 1A - Risk Factors under the caption Potential Adverse Effects of Litigation, Investigations, Proceedings and Other Claims for additional information regarding risks related to claims asserted or threatened against Federated.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	On January 22, 2015, the board of directors declared a $0.25 per share dividend to shareholders of record as of February 6, 2015, resulting in $26.2 million being paid on February 13, 2015.
	On February 19, 2015, the board of directors authorized management to purchase up to 4 million additional shares of Federated Class B common stock with no stated expiration date for the buy back program. The program authorizes executive management to determine the timing and the amount of shares for each purchase. The repurchased stock is to be held in treasury for employee share-based compensation plans, potential acquisitions and other corporate activities, unless Federated's board of directors subsequently determines to retire and restore to authorized but unissued status the repurchased stock (rather than holding it in treasury). See Note (13) for additional information.

Supplementary_Quarterly_Financ

Supplementary Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information	Supplementary Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
	in thousands, except per share data, for the quarters ended		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,
	2014
	Revenue		$	211,496		$	212,981		$	216,915		$	217,858
	Operating income		56,645			58,842			60,828			61,634
	Net income including the noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries		35,645			37,314			37,259			39,605
	Amounts attributable to Federated Investors, Inc.
	Net income		35,194			36,869			37,560			39,613
	Earnings per share – Basic and Diluted		0.34			0.35			0.36			0.38
	Impact of Minimum Yield Waivers
	Revenue		(106,722		)	(102,287		)	(101,727		)	(99,815		)
	Less: Reduction in Distribution expense		74,288			70,149			68,748			67,665
	Operating income		(32,434		)	(32,138		)	(32,979		)	(32,150		)
	Less: Reduction in Noncontrolling interest		2,729			2,501			2,772			2,696
	Pre-tax impact		(29,705		)	(29,637		)	(30,207		)	(29,454		)
	2013
	Revenue		$	227,972		$	223,806		$	211,866		$	214,722
	Operating income		68,199			66,028			57,758			59,758
	Net income including the noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries1		44,688			41,861			37,629			42,176
	Amounts attributable to Federated Investors, Inc.
	Net income1		42,994			40,408			37,704			41,071
	Earnings per share – Basic and Diluted1		0.41			0.39			0.36			0.39
	Impact of Minimum Yield Waivers
	Revenue		(87,342		)	(91,946		)	(105,081		)	(104,661		)
	Less: Reduction in Distribution expense		64,751			66,938			72,140			73,338
	Operating income		(22,591		)	(25,008		)	(32,941		)	(31,323		)
	Less: Reduction in Noncontrolling interest		844			1,267			2,665			2,024
	Pre-tax impact		(21,747		)	(23,741		)	(30,276		)	(29,299		)
	1	Federated recorded impairment charges of $3.1 million and $0.6 million related to an equity-method investment in the third and fourth quarters of 2013, respectively.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature of Operations [Text Block]	(a) Nature of Operations
	Federated Investors, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, Federated) provides investment advisory, administrative, distribution and other services primarily to the Federated Funds and Separate Accounts in both domestic and international markets. For presentation purposes in the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Federated-sponsored mutual funds are considered to be affiliates of Federated.
	The majority of Federated’s revenue is derived from investment advisory services provided to the Federated Funds and Separate Accounts through various subsidiaries pursuant to investment advisory contracts. These subsidiaries are registered as investment advisers under the Advisers Act or operate in similar capacities under applicable jurisdictional law.
	Federated's U.S.-domiciled mutual funds are distributed by a wholly owned subsidiary registered as a broker/dealer under the 1934 Act and under applicable state laws. Federated's non-U.S.-domiciled products are distributed by wholly owned subsidiaries and a third-party distribution firm which are registered under applicable jurisdictional law. Federated’s investment products are primarily distributed within the wealth management and trust, broker/dealer, institutional and international markets.
Basis of Accounting [Text Block]	(b) Basis of Presentation
	The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). 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.
Reclassifications of Prior Period Financial Statements [Text Block]	(c) Reclassification of Prior Period Financial Statements
	Certain items previously reported have been reclassified to conform with the current year’s presentation.
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(d) Principles of Consolidation
	The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Federated and entities or sponsored products in which Federated holds a controlling financial interest. A controlling financial interest is determined by the extent of Federated’s (1) decision-making ability through voting interests, (2) decision-making ability and rights/obligations to benefits/losses through variable interest or (3) participation in the economic risks and rewards of the entity through variable interests. To the extent Federated’s controlling financial interest in a consolidated subsidiary represents less than 100% of the subsidiary’s equity, Federated recognizes noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries. In the case of consolidated sponsored products (see Note (4)), the noncontrolling interests represent equity which is redeemable or convertible for cash or other assets at the option of the equity holder. As such, these noncontrolling interests are deemed to represent temporary equity and are classified as redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries in the mezzanine section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. All other noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries are classified as permanent equity. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Federated applies the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) consolidation model for variable interest entities (VIEs). As a result, Federated applies two different approaches to consider VIEs for possible consolidation. For non-investment fund entities, Federated considers a qualitative model for identifying whether its interest in a VIE is a controlling financial interest. The qualitative model considers whether Federated has: (1) the ability to direct significant activities of the VIE, and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of and/or to provide rights to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Federated reevaluates the need for consolidation under this qualitative approach on an ongoing basis.
	For Federated’s interests in certain investment funds that meet the definition of VIEs, Federated evaluates the extent of its participation in the economic risks and rewards of the entity based on a quantitative model to determine whether consolidation is necessary. In cases where the results of the quantitative model indicate that Federated’s interest in such an entity absorbs the majority of the variability in the entity’s net assets, Federated is deemed to be the primary beneficiary and thus consolidates the entity.
	The equity method of accounting was used to account for an investment in an entity in which Federated’s noncontrolling equity investment was deemed to give it the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee. This equity-method investment was included in Other long-term assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The proportionate share of income or loss was included in Nonoperating Income (Expenses) – Other, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The investment was subject to review for other-than-temporary impairments as indicators arose. The carrying value of the investment was deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired in 2013 and 2012 and impairment charges of $3.7 million and $3.0 million, respectively, were recorded in Nonoperating Income (Expenses) – Other, net to write the asset down to zero carrying value as of December 31, 2013.
Business Combinations and Other Purchase of Business Transactions, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(e) Business Combinations
	Beginning in 2009, business combinations are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. Results of operations of an acquired business are included from the date of acquisition. Management estimates the fair value of the acquired assets, including identifiable intangible assets, and assumed liabilities based on their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. Goodwill on the Consolidated Balance Sheets represents the cost of a business acquisition in excess of the fair value of the acquired net assets. The fair value of contingent consideration is recorded as a liability in Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of the acquisition date. This liability is re-measured at fair value each quarter end with changes in fair value recognized in Operating Expenses – Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income. For a discussion regarding the approach used to estimate the fair value of such liabilities, see Note (5).
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(f) Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents consist of all highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less at the date of acquisition, which includes money market accounts and deposits with banks.
Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(g) Investments
	Federated's investments are categorized as Investments—affiliates, Investments—consolidated investment companies or Investments—other on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Investments—affiliates represent Federated’s available-for-sale investments in Federated-sponsored fluctuating-value mutual funds. These investments are carried at fair value with unrealized gains or losses on these securities included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Realized gains and losses on these securities are computed on a specific-identification basis and recognized in Gain on securities, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Investments—consolidated investment companies represent trading securities held by Federated as a result of consolidating certain Federated-sponsored investment companies. Investments—other represent other trading investments held in Separate Accounts for which Federated is the beneficiary. Trading securities are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in Gain on securities, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note (6) for additional information regarding investments held as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The fair value of Federated's investments is generally based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical instruments. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is generally based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, or model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. In the absence of observable market data inputs and/or value drivers, internally generated valuation techniques may be utilized in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable in the market place. See Note (5) for additional information regarding the fair value of investments held as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. On a periodic basis, management evaluates the carrying value of investments for impairment. With respect to its investments in fluctuating-value mutual funds, management considers various criteria, including the duration and extent of a decline in fair value, the ability and intent of management to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow the value to recover and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the fund and the underlying investments of the fund, to determine whether a decline in fair value is other than temporary. If, after considering these criteria, management believes that a decline is other than temporary, the carrying value of the security is written down to fair value through the Consolidated Statements of Income. There were no impairments to investments recognized during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(h) Derivatives and Hedging Instruments
	From time to time, Federated may consolidate an investment product that holds freestanding derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. Federated reports such derivative instruments at fair value and records the changes in fair value in Gain on securities, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	From time to time, Federated may also enter into and designate as accounting hedges derivative financial instruments to hedge interest-rate exposures with respect to variable-rate loan facilities (cash flow hedges) or to hedge foreign-currency exchange risk with respect to non-U.S. dollar trading investments in consolidated investment companies (net investment hedges). To qualify for hedge accounting, the derivative must be deemed to be highly effective in offsetting the designated changes in the hedged item. For cash flow hedges and net investment hedges, the effective portions of the change in the fair value of the derivative are reported as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and subsequently reclassified to earnings in the period or periods during which the hedged item affects earnings. The change in fair value of the ineffective portion of the derivative, if any, is recognized immediately in earnings. If it is determined that the derivative instrument is not highly effective, hedge accounting is discontinued. If hedge accounting is discontinued because it is no longer probable that a forecasted transaction will occur, the derivative will continue to be recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at its fair value with changes in fair value included in current earnings, and the gains and losses in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax will be recognized immediately into earnings. If hedge accounting is discontinued because the hedging instrument is sold, terminated or no longer designated, the amount reported in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax up to the date of sale, termination or de-designation continues to be reported in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax until the forecasted transaction or the hedged item affects earnings. See Note (5) and Note (10) for additional information on the fair value of the cash flow hedge held at December 31, 2014. Federated did not hold any net investment hedges at December 31, 2014 or 2013.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(i) Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are initially recorded at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives ranging from 1 to 12 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or their respective lease terms. Depreciation and amortization expense is recorded in Office and occupancy on the Consolidated Statements of Income. As property and equipment are taken out of service, the cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed. During 2014 and 2013, $7.4 million and $5.1 million, respectively, of fully depreciated assets were taken out of service. The write-off of any residual net book value is reflected as a loss in Operating Expenses – Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Management reviews the remaining useful lives and carrying values of property and equipment to determine whether events and circumstances indicate that a change in the useful life or impairment in value may have occurred. Indicators of impairment monitored by management include a decrease in the market price of the asset, an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected in the acquisition or development of the asset, historical and projected cash flows associated with the asset and an expectation that the asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. Should there be an indication of a change in the useful life or an impairment in value, Federated compares the carrying value of the asset to the probability-weighted undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the underlying asset over its remaining useful life to determine whether an impairment has occurred. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the asset is written down to fair value which is determined based on prices of similar assets if available or discounted cash flows. Impairment adjustments are recognized in Operating Expenses – Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income. There were no impairment adjustments recognized during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Internal Use Software, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(j) Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use
	Certain internal and external costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining software for internal use are capitalized in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance relating to intangibles—goodwill and other—internal-use software. These capitalized costs are included in Property and equipment, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the software or four years. These assets are subject to the impairment test used for other categories of property and equipment described in Note (1)(i).
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(k) Intangible Assets and Goodwill
	Intangible assets, consisting primarily of goodwill and renewable investment advisory contracts acquired in connection with various acquisitions, are recorded at fair value determined using a discounted cash flow model as of the date of acquisition. The discounted cash flow model considers various factors to project future cash flows expected to be generated from the asset. Given the investment advisory nature of Federated’s business and of the businesses acquired over the years, these factors typically include: (1) an estimated rate of change for underlying managed assets; (2) expected revenue per managed asset; (3) incremental operating expenses; and (4) a discount rate. Management estimates a rate of change for underlying managed assets based on a combination of an estimated rate of market appreciation or depreciation and an estimated net redemption or sales rate. Expected revenue per managed asset and incremental operating expenses of the acquired asset are generally based on contract terms, average market participant data and historical experience. The discount rate is estimated at the current market rate of return. After the fair value of all separately identifiable assets has been estimated, goodwill is recorded to the extent the consideration paid for the acquisition exceeds the sum of the fair values of the separately identifiable acquired assets and assumed liabilities.
	Federated tests goodwill for impairment at least annually or when indicators of potential impairment exist. Goodwill is evaluated at the reporting unit level. Federated has determined that it has a single reporting unit consistent with its single operating segment based on the fact that Federated’s operations are managed as a single business: investment management. Federated does not have multiple operating segments or business components for which discrete financial information is available. Federated uses a qualitative approach to test for potential impairment of goodwill. If after considering various factors, management determines that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, a two-step process to test for and measure impairment is performed which begins with an estimation of the fair value of its reporting unit by considering Federated’s market capitalization. If Federated’s market capitalization falls to a level below its recorded book value of equity, Federated’s goodwill would be considered for possible impairment. There were no impairments to goodwill recognized during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012.
	Federated has determined that certain acquired assets, specifically, certain renewable investment advisory contracts, have indefinite useful lives. In reaching this conclusion, management considered the legal, regulatory and contractual provisions of the investment advisory contract that enable the renewal of the contract, the level of cost and effort required in renewing the investment advisory contract, and the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors that could impact the funds’ projected performance and existence. The contracts generally renew annually and the value of these acquired assets assumes renewal. These indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment annually using a qualitative approach which requires that positive and negative evidence collected as a result of considering various factors be weighed in order to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset or asset group is impaired. In addition, on a quarterly basis management reconsiders whether events or circumstances indicate that a change in the useful life may have occurred. Indicators of a possible change in useful life monitored by management include a significant decline in the level of managed assets, changes to legal, regulatory or contractual provisions of the renewable investment advisory contracts and reductions in underlying operating cash flows. Federated estimates the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and compares it to the book value of the asset to determine whether an impairment charge is necessary. Impairment is indicated when the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value. There were no impairments to indefinite-lived intangible assets recognized during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012.
	Federated generally amortizes finite-lived identifiable intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which range from 7 to 11 years. Management periodically evaluates the remaining useful lives and carrying values of the intangible assets to determine whether events and circumstances indicate that a change in the useful life or impairment in value may have occurred. Indicators of impairment monitored by management include a decline in the level of managed assets, changes to contractual provisions underlying certain intangible assets and reductions in underlying operating cash flows. Should there be an indication of a change in the useful life or impairment in value of the finite-lived intangible assets, Federated compares the carrying value of the asset to the projected undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the underlying asset over its remaining useful life to determine whether impairment has occurred. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the asset is written down to its fair value determined using discounted cash flows. Federated writes-off the cost and accumulated amortization balances for all fully amortized intangible assets. There were no impairments to finite-lived intangible assets recognized during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012.
Deferred Sales Commissions [Policy Text Block]	(l) Deferred Sales Commissions
	Federated pays upfront commissions to broker/dealers to promote the sale of certain mutual fund shares. Under various fund-related contracts, Federated is entitled to distribution and servicing fees from the mutual fund over the life of such shares. Both of these fees are calculated as a percentage of average managed assets associated with the related classes of shares. For certain share classes, Federated is also entitled to receive a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC), which is collected from certain redeeming shareholders.
	For share classes that pay both a distribution fee and CDSC, Federated generally capitalizes a portion of the upfront commissions as deferred sales commissions, dependent upon expected recoverability rates. The deferred sales commission asset (included in Other long-term assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets) is amortized over the estimated period of benefit of up to eight years. Deferred sales commission amortization expense was $12.7 million, $9.2 million and $7.5 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and was included in Operating Expenses – Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Distribution and shareholder service fees are recognized in Other service fees, net—affiliates on the Consolidated Statements of Income over the life of the mutual fund share class. CDSCs collected on these share classes are used to reduce the deferred sales commission asset. Federated reviews the carrying value of deferred sales commission assets on a periodic basis to determine whether a significant long-term decline in the equity or bond markets or other events or circumstances indicate that an impairment in value may have occurred. Should there be an indication of an impairment in value, Federated compares the carrying value of the asset to the probability-weighted undiscounted future cash flows of the underlying asset to determine whether an impairment has occurred. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the deferred sales commission asset is written down to its estimated fair value determined using discounted cash flows. There were no impairments to the deferred sales commission asset during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012.
	For share classes that do not pay both a distribution fee and CDSC, Federated expenses the cost of the upfront commission as incurred in Distribution expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income and credits Distribution expense for any CDSCs collected.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	(m) Foreign Currency Translation
	The balance sheets of certain wholly owned foreign subsidiaries of Federated and certain consolidated foreign-denominated investment products are translated at the current exchange rate as of the end of the reporting period and the related income or loss is translated at the average exchange rate in effect during the period. Net exchange gains and losses resulting from these translations are excluded from income and are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are reflected in Operating Expenses – Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Treasury Stock [Policy Text Block]	(n) Treasury Stock
	Federated accounts for acquisitions of treasury stock at cost and reports total treasury stock held as a deduction from Federated Investors shareholders’ equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. At the date of subsequent reissue, the treasury stock account is reduced by the cost of such stock on a specific-identification basis. Additional paid-in capital from treasury stock transactions is increased as Federated reissues treasury stock for more than the cost of the shares. If Federated issues treasury stock for less than its cost, Additional paid-in capital from treasury stock transactions is reduced to no less than zero. Once this account is at zero, any further required reductions are recorded to Retained earnings on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(o) Revenue Recognition
	Revenue from providing investment advisory, administrative and other services (including distribution and shareholder servicing) is recognized during the period in which the services are performed. Investment advisory, administrative and the majority of other service fees are generally calculated as a percentage of total net assets of the investment portfolios that are managed by Federated. The fair value of the investment portfolios is primarily determined using quoted market prices or independent third-party pricing services and broker or dealer price quotes. In limited circumstances, a quotation or price evaluation is not readily available from a pricing source. In these cases, pricing is determined by management based on a prescribed valuation process that has been approved by the directors/trustees of the sponsored products. For the periods presented, a de minimus amount of AUM were priced in this manner by Federated management. For Separate Accounts that are not registered investment companies under the 1940 Act, the fair value of portfolio investments is primarily determined as specified in applicable customer agreements, including in agreements between the customer and the customer's third-party custodian. Federated may waive certain fees for competitive reasons, such as to maintain positive or zero net yields on certain money market funds, to meet regulatory requirements or to meet contractual requirements. Federated waived fees of $764.3 million, $802.5 million and $709.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, nearly all of which was for competitive reasons. The decrease for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the same period of 2013 was primarily due to a $57.2 million decrease in competitive waivers, partially offset by a $21.6 million increase in fee waivers to maintain positive or zero net yields. Fee waivers may increase as a result of continued waivers to maintain positive or zero net yields and for other competitive reasons. Fee waivers to maintain positive or zero net yields are partially offset by a related reduction to distribution expense and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (see Note (3) for additional information on the net impact of these waivers).
	Federated has contractual arrangements with third parties to provide certain fund-related services. Management considers various factors to determine whether Federated’s revenue should be recorded based on the gross amount payable by the funds or net of payments to third-party service providers. Management’s analysis is based on whether Federated is acting as the principal service provider or as an agent. The primary factors considered include: (1) whether the customer holds Federated or the service provider responsible for the fulfillment and acceptability of the services to be provided; (2) whether Federated has any practical latitude in negotiating the price to pay a third-party provider; (3) whether Federated or the customer selects the ultimate service provider; and (4) whether Federated has credit risk in the arrangement. Generally, the less the customer is directly involved with or participates in making decisions regarding the ultimate third-party service provider, the more supportive the facts are that Federated is acting as the principal in these transactions and should therefore report gross revenues. As a result of considering these factors, investment advisory fees, distribution fees and certain other service fees are recorded gross of payments made to third parties.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	(p) Share-Based Compensation
	Federated recognizes compensation costs based on grant-date fair value for all share-based awards granted, modified or settled after January 1, 2006, as well as for any awards that were granted prior to January 1, 2006 for which requisite service has not yet been provided.
	Federated issues shares for share-based awards from treasury stock. For restricted stock awards, the fair value of the award is calculated as the difference between the closing fair value of Federated’s Class B common stock on the date of grant and the purchase price paid by the employee, if any. Federated’s awards are generally subject to graded vesting schedules. Compensation and related expense is adjusted for estimated forfeitures and is recognized on a straight-line or modified straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award. Compensation and related expense also includes dividends paid on forfeited awards. Forfeiture assumptions are evaluated on a quarterly basis and updated as necessary.
	For awards granted prior to January 1, 2006 with provisions that allow for accelerated vesting upon retirement, Federated recognizes expense over the vesting period of the awards, regardless of the employee’s attainment of retirement age. Beginning January 1, 2006, for all newly granted awards with provisions that allow for accelerated vesting upon retirement, Federated recognizes expense over the shorter of the vesting period or the period between grant date and the date on which the employee meets the minimum age requirement for retirement.
Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(q) Leases
	Federated classifies leases as operating in accordance with the provisions of lease accounting. Rent expense under noncancelable operating leases with scheduled rent increases or rent holidays is accounted for on a straight-line basis over the lease term, beginning on the date of initial possession or the effective date of the lease agreement. The amount of the excess of straight-line rent expense over scheduled payments is recorded as a deferred liability. The liability is then amortized when scheduled payments are in excess of the straight-line rent expense. Build-out allowances and other such lease incentives are recorded as deferred credits, and are amortized on a straight-line basis as a reduction of rent expense beginning in the period they are deemed to be earned, which generally coincides with the effective date of the lease. The current portion of unamortized deferred lease costs and build-out allowances is included in Other current liabilities and the long-term portion is included in Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Advertising Cost, Policy, Expensed Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block]	(r) Advertising Costs
	Federated generally expenses the cost of all advertising and promotional activities as incurred. Certain printed matter, however, such as sales brochures, are accounted for as prepaid supplies and are included in Other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets until they are distributed or are no longer expected to be used, at which time their costs are expensed. Federated expensed advertising costs of $2.2 million, $2.9 million and $2.7 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which were included in Advertising and promotional expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(s) Income Taxes
	Federated accounts for income taxes under the liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Federated recognizes a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence regarding future taxable income, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(t) Earnings Per Share
	Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated under the two-class method. Pursuant to the two-class method, Federated’s unvested restricted stock awards with nonforfeitable rights to dividends are considered participating securities and are required to be considered in the computation of earnings per share. Dividends paid on unvested restricted shares and their proportionate share of undistributed earnings, if any, are excluded from the computation of earnings per share attributable to Federated Investors, Inc.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Policy Text Block]	(u) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax is reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity and includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale, foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gain or loss on the effective portion of derivative instruments designated and qualifying as a cash flow or net investment hedge.
Loss Contingencies [Policy Text Block]	(v) Loss Contingencies
	Federated accrues for estimated costs, including legal costs related to existing lawsuits, claims and proceedings, if any, when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the costs can be reasonably estimated. Accruals are reviewed at least quarterly and are adjusted to reflect the impact and status of settlements, rulings, advice of counsel and other information pertinent to a particular matter. Significant differences could exist between the actual cost required to investigate, litigate and/or settle a claim or the ultimate outcome of a lawsuit and management’s estimate. These differences could have a material impact on Federated’s results of operations, financial position and/or cash flows. Recoveries of losses are recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Income when receipt is deemed probable, or when final approval is received by the insurance carrier.
Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(w) Business Segments
	Business or operating segments are defined as a component of an enterprise that engages in activities from which it may earn revenue and incur expenses for which discrete financial information is available that is regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance.
	Federated does not have multiple operating segments or business components for which discrete financial information is available. Federated operates in one operating segment, the investment management business, nearly all of which is conducted within the U.S. Federated’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is Federated’s chief operating decision maker. Federated’s CEO utilizes a consolidated approach to assess performance and allocate resources.
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Description [Text Block]	(a) Investment Companies
	Effective, January 1, 2014, Federated adopted 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 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 as the consolidated sponsored products continue to meet the investment company criteria.
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block]	(b) Revenue Recognition
	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.
	(c) Consolidation
	On February 18, 2015, the FASB issued as final, ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which affects reporting organizations that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. The update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The update allows for the use of either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective adoption approach. Management is currently evaluating the available transition methods and the potential impact of adoption on Federated's Consolidated Financial Statements.

Concentration_Risk_Concentrati

Concentration Risk Concentration Risk (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Schedules of Concentration of Risk, by Risk Factor [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the percentage of total revenue earned from Federated's asset classes over the last three years:
		2014			2013			2012
	Money market assets	32	%		39	%		47	%
	Equity assets	45	%		37	%		31	%
	Fixed-income assets	22	%		23	%		21	%
Voluntary Fee Waivers [Table Text Block]	The impact of such fee waivers on various components of Federated's Consolidated Statements of Income was as follows for the years ended December 31:
	in millions	2014				2013				2012
	Revenue	$	(410.6	)		$	(389.0	)		$	(291.0	)
	Less: Reduction in Distribution expense	280.9				277.1				218.5
	Operating income	(129.7		)		(111.9		)		(72.5		)
	Less: Reduction in Noncontrolling interest	10.7				6.8				1.3
	Pre-tax impact	$	(119.0	)		$	(105.1	)		$	(71.2	)

Consolidation_Tables

Consolidation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Consolidated and Unconsolidated 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 at December 31:
	in millions	2014			2013
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	1.9		$	1.1
	Investments—consolidated investment companies		31.9			53.5
	Receivables		0.3			0.9
	Less: Liabilities		2.7			1.6
	Less: Redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries		3.7			15.5
	Federated's net interest in consolidated investment companies		$	27.7		$	38.4

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 at December 31:
			2014										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		$	115,267		$	0		$	0	$	115,267	$	104,443	$	0	$	0	$	104,443
	Available-for-sale equity securities		119,435			23,755			0		143,190		81,550		47,863		0		129,413
	Trading securities – equity		17,553			13,840			0		31,393		11,925		9,906		0		21,831
	Trading securities – debt		0			7,488			0		7,488		0		36,491		0		36,491
	Other1		31			14			0		45		0		159		0		159
	Total financial assets		$	252,286		$	45,097		$	0	$	297,383	$	197,918	$	94,419	$	0	$	292,337
	Financial Liabilities
	Interest rate swap		$	0		$	425		$	0	$	425	$	0	$	5,061	$	0	$	5,061
	Acquisition-related future consideration liabilities		0			0			1,909		1,909		0		0		6,489		6,489
	Other2		1,979			0			0		1,979		1,118		2		0		1,120
	Total financial liabilities		$	1,979		$	425		$	1,909	$	4,313	$	1,118	$	5,063	$	6,489	$	12,670
	1	Amounts include futures contracts and/or foreign currency forward contracts held within certain consolidated sponsored investment companies.
	2	Amounts include investments sold short, futures contracts and/or foreign currency forward contracts held within certain consolidated sponsored investment companies.
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 year presented:
	in thousands	2014			2013			2012
	Beginning balance	$	6,489		$	11,759		$	13,404
	New acquisition adjustment1	0			330			3,361
	Changes in fair value2	(1,589		)	(941		)	(793		)
	Contingent consideration payments	(2,991		)	(4,659		)	(4,213		)
	Ending balance	$	1,909		$	6,489		$	11,759
	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	Amounts were included as a decrease to Operating Expenses – Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Available-For-Sale Securities	Available-for-sale securities (see Note (1)(g)) were as follows:
			2014											2013
						Gross Unrealized						Estimated				Gross Unrealized					Estimated
												Fair									Fair
	in thousands		Cost			Gains			(Losses)			Value		Cost		Gains		(Losses)			Value
	Equity mutual funds		$	26,887		$	1,216		$	(737	)	$	27,366	$	24,737	$	2,423	$	0		$	27,160
	Fixed-income mutual funds		118,081			110			(2,367		)	115,824		102,072		786		(605		)	102,253
	Total fluctuating-value mutual funds		$	144,968		$	1,326		$	(3,104	)	$	143,190	$	126,809	$	3,209	$	(605	)	$	129,413
Gains and losses on investments	The following table presents gains and losses recognized in Gain on securities, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income in connection with investments and economic derivatives held by certain consolidated investment companies for the years ended December 31:
	in thousands		2014			2013			2012
	Unrealized (loss) gain
	Trading securities		$	(2,578	)	$	2,036		$	1,614
	Derivatives1		(147		)	(49		)	72
	Realized gains2
	Available-for-sale securities		5,359			15,390			4,439
	Trading securities		4,514			1,306			1,200
	Derivatives1		214			1,083			310
	Realized losses2
	Available-for-sale securities		(91		)	(1,561		)	0
	Trading securities		(1,848		)	(870		)	(627		)
	Derivatives1		(451		)	(349		)	(97		)
	Gain on securities, net3		$	4,972		$	16,986		$	6,911
	1	Amounts related to the settlement of economic derivatives held by certain consolidated sponsored products.
	2	Realized gains and losses are computed on a specific-identification basis.
	3	Amounts related to consolidated investment companies totaled $(0.6) million, $2.6 million and $2.0 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Intangible_Assets_and_Goodwill1

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block]	Federated’s identifiable intangible assets and goodwill consisted of the following at December 31:
		2014							2013
	in thousands	Cost		Accumulated			Carrying		Cost		Accumulated			Carrying
				Amortization			Value				Amortization			Value
	Finite-lived intangible assets:
	Customer relationships	$	43,966	$	(39,891	)	$	4,075	$	43,966	$	(38,110	)	$	5,856
	Noncompete agreements	500		(435		)	65		4,594		(4,343		)	251
	Total finite-lived intangible assets	44,466		(40,326		)	4,140		48,560		(42,453		)	6,107
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Renewable investment advisory contracts	68,970		N/A			68,970		68,595		N/A			68,595
	Trade names	1,900		N/A			1,900		1,900		N/A			1,900
	Total indefinite-lived intangible assets	70,870		N/A			70,870		70,495		N/A			70,495
	Goodwill	658,837		N/A			658,837		658,743		N/A			658,743
	Total identifiable intangible assets and goodwill	$	774,173	$	(40,326	)	$	733,847	$	777,798	$	(42,453	)	$	735,345
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	Following is a schedule of expected aggregate annual amortization expense for intangible assets in each of the five succeeding years assuming no new acquisitions or impairments:
	in millions
	2015	$	1.4
	2016	1
	2017	0.6
	2018	0.6
	2019	0.5

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and equipment [Table Text Block]	Property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31:
	in thousands	Estimated Useful Life			2014			2013
	Computer software and hardware	2	to	7 years	$	49,069		$	52,206
	Leasehold improvements	Up to term of lease			22,558			18,355
	Transportation equipment	3	to	12 years	17,897			17,897
	Office furniture and equipment	5	to	10 years	6,544			6,421
	Total cost				96,068			94,879
	Accumulated depreciation				(57,430		)	(54,791		)
	Property and equipment, net				$	38,638		$	40,088

Debt_and_Interest_Rate_Swap_Ta

Debt and Interest Rate Swap (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt And Interest Rate Swap [Abstract]
Debt	Debt consisted of the following at December 31:
			Weighted-Average Interest Rate
	dollars in thousands		20141		20132		2014		2013
	Term Loan		2.462	%	3.646	%	$	242,250	$	276,250
	Less: Short-term debt						25,500		77,917
	Long-term debt						$	216,750	$	198,333
	1	As of December 31, 2014, the weighted-average interest rate was calculated based on a fixed-rate in connection with the interest rate Swap and a variable rate for the amount of the Term Loan not covered by the Swap. See below for additional information.
	2	As of December 31, 2013, the weighted-average interest rate was calculated based on a fixed-rate in connection with the interest rate Swap in effect at that time.

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans_

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes activity of non-vested restricted stock awards for the year ended December 31, 2014:
			Restricted		Weighted-
			Shares		Average Grant-
					Date Fair Value
	Non-vested at January 1, 2014		4,132,374			$	21.67
	Granted1		1,057,981			27.43
	Vested		(879,010	)		23.4
	Forfeited		(20,417	)		22.19
	Non-vested at December 31, 2014		4,290,928			$	22.74
	1	During 2014, Federated awarded 426,931 shares of restricted Federated Class B common stock in connection with a bonus program in which certain key employees received a portion of their bonus in the form of restricted stock under the Plan. This restricted stock, which was granted on the bonus payment date and issued out of treasury, generally vests over a three-year period. Also during 2014, Federated awarded 631,050 shares of restricted Federated Class B common stock to certain key employees. The restricted stock awards generally vest over ten-year periods with restrictions on the vested portions of the awards lapsing on the awards' fifth- and tenth-year anniversaries.
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]
	The following table summarizes the status of and changes in Federated’s stock option program for the year ended
	December 31, 2014:
			Options		Weighted-Average			Weighted-Average		Aggregate
					Exercise Price			Remaining		Intrinsic Value
								Contractual		(in millions)
								Life (in years)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014		52,500			$	32.18
	Options exercised		(6,000	)		25.5
	Expired unexercised		(10,500	)		30.42
	Outstanding at December 31, 20141		36,000			$	33.81		2.5		$	0.1
	1	All stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014 were vested and exercisable.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	Income tax provision consisted of the following expense/(benefit) components for the years ended December 31:
	in thousands	2014				2013				2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	63,266			$	66,408			$	78,422
	State	4,574				6,849				7,430
	Foreign	76				190				6
	Total Current	67,916				73,447				85,858
	Deferred:
	Federal	20,497				18,220				23,143
	State	916				1,347				1,878
	Foreign	201				(354		)		4
	Total Deferred	21,614				19,213				25,025
	Total	$	89,530			$	92,660			$	110,883
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The reconciliation between the statutory income tax rate and the effective tax rate consisted of the following for the years ended December 31:
		2014			2013			2012
	Expected federal statutory income tax rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	Increase/(decrease):
	State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit	1.1			2.2			2.1
	Other	1.3			(1.0	)		0
	Effective tax rate (excluding noncontrolling interests)	37.4			36.2			37.1
	Income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0			(0.4	)		(1.2	)
	Effective tax rate per Consolidated Statements of Income	37.4	%		35.8	%		35.9	%
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following at December 31:
	in thousands	2014				2013
	Deferred Tax Assets
	Tax net operating loss carryforwards	$	17,620			$	17,017
	Compensation related	13,499				12,840
	Other	5,206				5,729
	Total deferred tax assets	36,325				35,586
	Valuation allowance	(17,224		)		(16,729		)
	Total deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance	$	19,101			$	18,857
	Deferred Tax Liabilities
	Intangible assets	$	134,841			$	112,923
	Property and equipment	8,319				8,770
	Deferred sales commissions	6,499				5,508
	State taxes	6,463				6,316
	Other	1,604				3,755
	Total gross deferred tax liability	$	157,726			$	137,272
	Net deferred tax liability	$	138,625			$	118,415

Earnings_Per_Share_Attributabl1

Earnings Per Share Attributable to Federated Investors, Inc. Shareholders (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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. for the years ended December 31:
	in thousands, except per share data		2014			2013			2012
	Numerator – Basic and Diluted
	Net income attributable to Federated Investors, Inc.		$	149,236		$	162,177		$	188,088
	Less: Total income available to participating unvested restricted shareholders1		(5,823		)	(6,065		)	(8,400		)
	Total net income attributable to Federated Common Stock2		$	143,413		$	156,112		$	179,688
	Denominator
	Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding		100,721			100,668			100,313
	Dilutive potential shares from stock options		2			1			0
	Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding		100,723			100,669			100,313
	Earnings per share
	Net income attributable to Federated Common Stock - Basic and Diluted2		$	1.42		$	1.55		$	1.79
	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.

Leases_Tables

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	The following is a schedule by year of future minimum payments required under the operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2014:
	in millions
	2015	$	12.2
	2016	13.2
	2017	12.7
	2018	12.7
	2019	12.8
	2020 and thereafter	48.7
	Total minimum lease payments	$	112.3

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Attributable to Federated Shareholders (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax attributable to Federated shareholders are as follows:
	in thousands		Unrealized Loss				Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities				Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Foreign Currency Hedge3				Foreign Currency				Total
			on Interest Rate Swap1				Available for Sale2								Translation
															(Loss) Gain3
	Balance at December 31, 2011			$	(9,634	)		$	325			$	368			$	329			$	(8,612	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications and tax			(3,253		)		9,009				(1,631		)		1,484				5,609
	Tax impact			1,201				(3,670		)		332				(519		)		(2,656		)
	Reclassification adjustment, before tax			7,316				(3,408		)		1,169				(1,237		)		3,840
	Tax impact			(2,701		)		1,388				(238		)		433				(1,118		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)			2,563				3,319				(368		)		161				5,675
	Balance at December 31, 2012			$	(7,071	)		$	3,644			$	0			$	490			$	(2,937	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications and tax			(400		)		7,346				0				(149		)		6,797
	Tax impact			146				(3,167		)		0				50				(2,971		)
	Reclassification adjustment, before tax			6,518				(10,966		)		0				0				(4,448		)
	Tax impact			(2,378		)		4,729				0				0				2,351
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)			3,886				(2,058		)		0				(99		)		1,729
	Balance at December 31, 2013			$	(3,185	)		$	1,586			$	0			$	391			$	(1,208	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications and tax			(107		)		(142		)		0				(1,013		)		(1,262		)
	Tax impact			40				54				0				355				449
	Reclassification adjustment, before tax			4,743				(4,240		)		0				0				503
	Tax impact			(1,760		)		1,616				0				0				(144		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)			2,916				(2,712		)		0				(658		)		(454		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014			$	(269	)		$	(1,126	)		$	0			$	(267	)		$	(1,662	)
	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 Gain on securities, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	3	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax were recorded in Nonoperating Income (Expenses) - Other, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligations Disclosure [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes minimum noncancelable payments contractually due under Federated’s significant service contracts and employment arrangements:
			Payments due in
													After
	in millions		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		2019		Total
	Purchase obligations1		$	8.8	$	2.4	$	0.6	$	0.1	$	0	$	0	$	11.9
	Employment-related commitments2		17		6.5		5.4		0		0		0		28.9
	Total		$	25.8	$	8.9	$	6	$	0.1	$	0	$	0	$	40.8
	1	Federated is a party to various contracts pursuant to which it receives certain services including services for marketing and information technology, access to various fund-related information systems and research databases, trade order transmission and recovery services as well as other services. These contracts contain certain minimum noncancelable payments, cancellation provisions and renewal terms. The contracts expire on various dates through the year 2019. Costs for such services are expensed as incurred.
	2	Federated has certain domestic and international employment arrangements pursuant to which Federated is obligated to make minimum compensation payments.

Supplementary_Quarterly_Financ1

Supplementary Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]
	in thousands, except per share data, for the quarters ended		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,
	2014
	Revenue		$	211,496		$	212,981		$	216,915		$	217,858
	Operating income		56,645			58,842			60,828			61,634
	Net income including the noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries		35,645			37,314			37,259			39,605
	Amounts attributable to Federated Investors, Inc.
	Net income		35,194			36,869			37,560			39,613
	Earnings per share – Basic and Diluted		0.34			0.35			0.36			0.38
	Impact of Minimum Yield Waivers
	Revenue		(106,722		)	(102,287		)	(101,727		)	(99,815		)
	Less: Reduction in Distribution expense		74,288			70,149			68,748			67,665
	Operating income		(32,434		)	(32,138		)	(32,979		)	(32,150		)
	Less: Reduction in Noncontrolling interest		2,729			2,501			2,772			2,696
	Pre-tax impact		(29,705		)	(29,637		)	(30,207		)	(29,454		)
	2013
	Revenue		$	227,972		$	223,806		$	211,866		$	214,722
	Operating income		68,199			66,028			57,758			59,758
	Net income including the noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries1		44,688			41,861			37,629			42,176
	Amounts attributable to Federated Investors, Inc.
	Net income1		42,994			40,408			37,704			41,071
	Earnings per share – Basic and Diluted1		0.41			0.39			0.36			0.39
	Impact of Minimum Yield Waivers
	Revenue		(87,342		)	(91,946		)	(105,081		)	(104,661		)
	Less: Reduction in Distribution expense		64,751			66,938			72,140			73,338
	Operating income		(22,591		)	(25,008		)	(32,941		)	(31,323		)
	Less: Reduction in Noncontrolling interest		844			1,267			2,665			2,024
	Pre-tax impact		(21,747		)	(23,741		)	(30,276		)	(29,299		)
	1	Federated recorded impairment charges of $3.1 million and $0.6 million related to an equity-method investment in the third and fourth quarters of 2013, respectively.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity method investment impairment	$600,000	$3,100,000	$3,000,000	$3,700,000
Fully depreciated assets taken out of service					7,400,000	5,100,000
Internal Use Software Estimated Useful Lives					4 years
Deferred Sales Commission Asset B-Shares Estimated Period Of Benefit					8 years
Amortization of deferred sales commissions					12,699,000	9,153,000	7,465,000
Total Waived Fees					764,300,000	802,500,000	709,300,000
Change due to competitive waivers					57,200,000
Change In Voluntary Waiver Of Fees To Maintain Positive Or Zero Net Yields					21,600,000
Advertising Expense					$2,200,000	$2,900,000	$2,700,000
Minimum [Member]
Property and equipment, Useful Life					1 year
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life					7 years
Maximum [Member]
Property and equipment, Useful Life					12 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life					11 years

Concentration_Risk_Details

Concentration Risk (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015
Federated Kaufmann Fund [Member] | Revenue Concentration By Investment Fund [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	11.00%
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Estimated Net Impact On Future Pre Tax Income		$28

Concentration_Risk_Schedule_of

Concentration Risk Schedule of Revenue Concentration (Details) (Revenue Concentration by Asset Class [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Money market assets [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	32.00%	39.00%	47.00%
Equity assets [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	45.00%	37.00%	31.00%
Fixed-income assets [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	22.00%	23.00%	21.00%

Concentration_Risk_Voluntary_F

Concentration Risk Voluntary Fee Waivers (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue	($99,815)	($101,727)	($102,287)	($106,722)	($104,661)	($105,081)	($91,946)	($87,342)	($410,600)	($389,000)	($291,000)
Less: Reduction in Distribution expense	67,665	68,748	70,149	74,288	73,338	72,140	66,938	64,751	280,900	277,100	218,500
Operating income	-32,150	-32,979	-32,138	-32,434	-31,323	-32,941	-25,008	-22,591	-129,700	-111,900	-72,500
Less: Reduction in Noncontrolling interest	2,696	2,772	2,501	2,729	2,024	2,665	1,267	844	10,700	6,800	1,300
Pre-tax impact	($29,454)	($30,207)	($29,637)	($29,705)	($29,299)	($30,276)	($23,741)	($21,747)	($119,000)	($105,100)	($71,200)

Consolidation_Details

Consolidation (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 10, 2014	Jul. 21, 2014
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by parent	50.50%
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners	49.50%
Federated's net interest in consolidated investment companies	$27,700,000	$38,400,000
Investments—consolidated investment companies	31,853,000	53,476,000
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	3,697,000	15,517,000
Investments in money market products included in cash and cash equivalents	107,300,000	92,200,000
Investments in fund products included in investments - affiliates	144,800,000	128,300,000
Accounts receivable from sponsored investment companies	12,400,000	13,500,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated assets	1,900,000	1,100,000
Consolidated Entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries			75,700,000
Redemptions by Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries				8,800,000
Deconsolidation [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries				66,900,000	21,000,000
Other Investment Companies [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Unconsolidated VIE maximum risk of loss	252,100,000	220,500,000
Carrying value of investment of nonconsolidated VIEs	252,100,000	220,500,000
Unconsolidated VIE assets	273,500,000,000	280,300,000,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Deconsolidation [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated assets					6,800,000
Investments [Member] | Consolidated Entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investments—consolidated investment companies	7,300,000		90,500,000
Investments [Member] | Deconsolidation [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investments—consolidated investment companies				81,700,000	30,600,000
Investment Previously Recorded As Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] [Member] | Consolidated Entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investments—consolidated investment companies			14,700,000
Investment Previously Recorded As Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] [Member] | Deconsolidation [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investments—consolidated investment companies				$14,700,000

Consolidation_Consolidated_Inv

Consolidation Consolidated Investment Companies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investments—consolidated investment companies	$31,853,000	$53,476,000
Less: Liabilities	2,700,000	1,600,000
Less: Redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	3,697,000	15,517,000
Federated's net interest in consolidated investment companies	27,700,000	38,400,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated assets	1,900,000	1,100,000
Receivables [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated assets	$300,000	$900,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements Narrative (Details) (USD $)	13 Months Ended
	Feb. 09, 2016	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash and cash equivalents		$115,267,000	$104,443,000
Investments transferred from Level 1 to Level 2		35,000	100,000
Investments transferred from Level 2 to Level 1		100,000	300,000
Fair value of acquisition-related future consideration liabilities		1,909,000	6,489,000
SunTrust Acquisition [Member]
Fair value of acquisition-related future consideration liabilities		1,200,000
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Fair value of acquisition-related future consideration liabilities		1,900,000
Acquisition-related Future Consideration Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Estimate of Impact of Fee Waiver	0.03%
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	16.00%
Acquisition-related Future Consideration Liabilities [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Estimated Rate of Change for Underlying Assets Under Management	0.00%
Acquisition-related Future Consideration Liabilities [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Estimated Rate of Change for Underlying Assets Under Management	8.00%
Acquisition-related Future Consideration Liabilities [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Estimated Rate of Change for Underlying Assets Under Management	4.00%
Money Market Funds [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents		$107,600,000	$94,400,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_Classe

Fair Value Measurements Classes of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash and cash equivalents	$115,267		$104,443
Available-for-sale securities	143,190		129,413
Trading securities - equity	31,393		21,831
Trading securities - debt	7,488		36,491
Other assets	45	[1]	159	[1]
Total financial assets	297,383		292,337
Interest rate swap	425		5,061
Acquisition-related future consideration liabilities	1,909		6,489
Other liabilities	1,979	[2]	1,120	[2]
Total financial liabilities	4,313		12,670
Level 1 [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	115,267		104,443
Available-for-sale securities	119,435		81,550
Trading securities - equity	17,553		11,925
Trading securities - debt	0		0
Other assets	31	[1]	0	[1]
Total financial assets	252,286		197,918
Interest rate swap	0		0
Acquisition-related future consideration liabilities	0		0
Other liabilities	1,979	[2]	1,118	[2]
Total financial liabilities	1,979		1,118
Level 2 [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0
Available-for-sale securities	23,755		47,863
Trading securities - equity	13,840		9,906
Trading securities - debt	7,488		36,491
Other assets	14	[1]	159	[1]
Total financial assets	45,097		94,419
Interest rate swap	425		5,061
Acquisition-related future consideration liabilities	0		0
Other liabilities	0	[2]	2	[2]
Total financial liabilities	425		5,063
Level 3 [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Trading securities - equity	0		0
Trading securities - debt	0		0
Other assets	0	[1]	0	[1]
Total financial assets	0		0
Interest rate swap	0		0
Acquisition-related future consideration liabilities	1,909		6,489
Other liabilities	0	[2]	0	[2]
Total financial liabilities	$1,909		$6,489
[1]	Amounts include futures contracts and/or foreign currency forward contracts held within certain consolidated sponsored investment companies.
[2]	Amounts include investments sold short, futures contracts and/or foreign currency forward contracts held within certain consolidated sponsored investment companies.

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 $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
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	$6,489		$11,759		$13,404
New acquisition adjustment	0	[1]	330	[1]	3,361	[1]
Changes in fair value	-1,589	[2]	-941	[2]	-793	[2]
Contingent consideration payments	-2,991		-4,659		-4,213
Ending balance	$1,909		$6,489		$11,759
[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]	Amounts were included as a decrease to Operating Expenses – Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Investments_Narrative_Details

Investments Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 21, 2014
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	$143,190,000	$129,413,000
Net redemptions of available-for-sale securities	2,100,000
Trading securities	38,900,000	58,300,000
Assets transferred into Available-for-sale from Trading [Domain]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities			16,100,000
Stocks of large U.S. and international companies [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Trading securities	21,300,000	17,000,000
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Trading securities	$7,500,000	$36,500,000

Investments_AvailableForSale_S

Investments Available-For-Sale Securities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	$144,968	$126,809
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,326	3,209
Gross Unrealized Losses	-3,104	-605
Available-for-sale securities	143,190	129,413
Equity Funds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	26,887	24,737
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,216	2,423
Gross Unrealized Losses	-737	0
Available-for-sale securities	27,366	27,160
Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	118,081	102,072
Gross Unrealized Gains	110	786
Gross Unrealized Losses	-2,367	-605
Available-for-sale securities	$115,824	$102,253

Investments_Gain_on_Securities

Investments Gain on Securities, Net of Investment Income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Gain on securities, net	$4,972	[1]	$16,986	[1]	$6,911	[1]
Consolidated Investment Companies [Member]
Gain on securities, net	-600		2,600		2,000
Trading Securities [Member]
Unrealized (loss) gain on trading securities	-2,578		2,036		1,614
Realized gains	4,514	[2]	1,306	[2]	1,200	[2]
Realized losses	-1,848	[2]	-870	[2]	-627	[2]
Derivative [Member]
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives	-147	[3]	-49	[3]	72	[3]
Realized gains	214	[2],[3]	1,083	[2],[3]	310	[2],[3]
Realized losses	-451	[2],[3]	-349	[2],[3]	-97	[2],[3]
Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Realized gains	5,359	[2]	15,390	[2]	4,439	[2]
Realized losses	($91)	[2]	($1,561)	[2]	$0	[2]
[1]	Amounts related to consolidated investment companies totaled $(0.6) million, $2.6 million and $2.0 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
[2]	Realized gains and losses are computed on a specific-identification basis.
[3]	Amounts related to the settlement of economic derivatives held by certain consolidated sponsored products.

Intangible_Assets_and_Goodwill2

Intangible Assets and Goodwill Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Period Increase (Decrease)	($4.10)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense	$2	$2.60	$3.40

Intangible_Assets_and_Goodwill3

Intangible Assets and Goodwill Table (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Intangible Assets Including Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	$44,466	$48,560
Accumulated amortization finite-lived intangible assets	-40,326	-42,453
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	4,140	6,107
Indefinite-lived intangible assets (excluding goodwill)	70,870	70,495
Goodwill	658,837	658,743
Total intangible assets and goodwill, gross	774,173	777,798
Total identifiable intangible assets and goodwill	733,847	735,345
Intangible Assets Including Goodwill [Member]
Intangible Assets Including Goodwill [Line Items]
Accumulated amortization finite-lived intangible assets	-40,326	-42,453
Renewable Investment Advisory Rights [Member]
Intangible Assets Including Goodwill [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets (excluding goodwill)	68,970	68,595
Trade Names [Member]
Intangible Assets Including Goodwill [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets (excluding goodwill)	1,900	1,900
Customer Relationships [Member]
Intangible Assets Including Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	43,966	43,966
Accumulated amortization finite-lived intangible assets	-39,891	-38,110
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	4,075	5,856
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Intangible Assets Including Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	500	4,594
Accumulated amortization finite-lived intangible assets	-435	-4,343
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	$65	$251

Intangible_Assets_and_Goodwill4

Intangible Assets and Goodwill Future Amortization Expense Table (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$1.40
2016	1
2017	0.6
2018	0.6
2019	$0.50

Property_and_Equipment_Narrati

Property and Equipment Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$10	$9.10	$8.10

Property_and_Equipment_Table_D

Property and Equipment Table (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Gross	96,068	$94,879
Accumulated Depreciation	-57,430	-54,791
Property and equipment, net	38,638	40,088
Computer Software and Hardware [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Gross	49,069	52,206
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Gross	22,558	18,355
Transportation Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Gross	17,897	17,897
Office Furniture And Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Gross	6,544	$6,421
Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Useful Life	1 year
Minimum [Member] | Computer Software and Hardware [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Useful Life	2 years
Minimum [Member] | Transportation Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Office Furniture And Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Useful Life	12 years
Maximum [Member] | Computer Software and Hardware [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Maximum [Member] | Transportation Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Useful Life	12 years
Maximum [Member] | Office Furniture And Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, Useful Life	10 years

Insurance_Proceeds_Insurance_P1

Insurance Proceeds Insurance Proceeds (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Insurance Recoveries		$20.20
Advance Insurance Proceeds			10
Proceeds from Insurance Settlement	$10.20

Debt_and_Interest_Rate_Swap_Na

Debt and Interest Rate Swap Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 24, 2014
Borrowings under credit agreement				$255,000,000
Term loan spread basis points	112.5
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity				200,000,000
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	200,000,000
Line of credit facility, facility fee basis points	12.5
Line of credit facility spread basis points	100
Term loan quarterly payments, next twelve months	25,500,000
Term loan quarterly payments, year two	25,500,000
Term loan quarterly payments, year three	25,500,000
Term loan quarterly payments, year four	55,800,000
Term loan quarterly payments, year five	110,000,000
Payments on debt	34,000,000	42,500,000	42,500,000
Term loan, annual fixed rate associated with the swap	3.52%
Term loan covered by the swap	127,500,000
Amortization of the Swap	63,800,000
Interest rate swap	425,000	5,061,000
Amount of swap liability to be reclassified during next twelve months	425,000
Amount of swap liability charged to debt expense during the period	4,700,000	6,500,000	7,300,000
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Interest rate swap	$425,000

Debt_and_Interest_Rate_Swap_Ta1

Debt and Interest Rate Swap Table (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt And Interest Rate Swap [Abstract]
Term loan, weighted average interest rate	2.46%	[1]	3.65%	[2]
Term Loan	$242,250		$276,250
Less: Short-term debt	25,500		77,917
Long-term debt	$216,750		$198,333
[1]	As of December 31, 2014, the weighted-average interest rate was calculated based on a fixed-rate in connection with the interest rate Swap and a variable rate for the amount of the Term Loan not covered by the Swap. See below for additional information.
[2]	As of December 31, 2013, the weighted-average interest rate was calculated based on a fixed-rate in connection with the interest rate Swap in effect at that time.

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Narrati

Employee Benefit Plans Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Employer contribution expense	$4,600,000	$4,400,000	$4,200,000
401(k) Plan [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent	50.00%
Number of hours of service for vesting, per year	1,000
Number of years of service for vesting	2 years
Annual vesting percentage	20.00%
Number of years for incremental percentage vesting until participant fully vested in Company's matching contribution	4 years
401(k) Plan [Member] | First Salary Deferral Contribution [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Employee contribution percentage	2.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match	100.00%
401(k) Plan [Member] | Second Salary Deferral Contribution [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Employee contribution percentage	4.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match	50.00%
401(k) Plan [Member] | Total Potential Salary Deferral Contribution [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match	4.00%
401(k) Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Employee contribution percentage	1.00%
Deferred Profit Sharing [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Employer contribution expense	$0	$0	$0
Number of hours of service for eligibility in profit sharing plan, per year	500
Number of shares in profit sharing plan	500,000
Employee Stock [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent	10.00%
Maximum number of shares of Class B common stock for Employee Stock Purchase Plan	750,000
Defined Contribution Plan Number Of Shares Of Class B Common Stock Purchased Under Plan During Current Year	8,804
Defined Contribution Plan Number Of Shares Of Class B Common Stock Purchased Under Plan Since Inception	159,255

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans_1

Share-Based Compensation Plans Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended						6 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Number of Shares Authorized under Stock Incentive Plan							27,100,000			27,100,000
Number of Shares Available for Grant under Stock Incentive Plan							4,100,000			4,100,000
Share-based compensation expense										$21,711,000		$20,560,000	$20,135,000
Tax benefit from share-based compensation										8,100,000		7,700,000	7,600,000
Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized							72,000,000			72,000,000
Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition										6 years
Restricted Stock Granted in Period										1,057,981	[1]	989,050	1,015,273
Restricted Stock Granted in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value										$27.43	[1]	$24.25	$18.06
Restricted Stock, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value										24,400,000		18,500,000	14,100,000
Number of Shares of Common Stock Able To Be Purchased For Each Exercised Stock Option										1
Stock Options, Exercises in Period										6,000		0	0
Stock Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value										$30,000
Options, Granted In Period										0		0	0
Federated Class B common stock to non-management directors	0	5,100	0	5,100	0	4,500	0	0	0
Class B Common Stock Bonus [Member]
Award Requisite Service Period										3 years
Restricted Stock Granted in Period										426,931
Class B Common Stock Key Employees [Member]
Award Requisite Service Period										10 years
Restricted Stock Granted in Period										631,050
Stock Options Exercise Period, Years										10 years
Minimum [Member]
Award Requisite Service Period										3 years
Lapse of restrictions on vested portion of restricted stock award										5 years
Maximum [Member]
Award Requisite Service Period										10 years
Lapse of restrictions on vested portion of restricted stock award										10 years
[1]	During 2014, Federated awarded 426,931 shares of restricted Federated Class B common stock in connection with a bonus program in which certain key employees received a portion of their bonus in the form of restricted stock under the Plan. This restricted stock, which was granted on the bonus payment date and issued out of treasury, generally vests over a three-year period. Also during 2014, Federated awarded 631,050 shares of restricted Federated Class B common stock to certain key employees. The restricted stock awards generally vest over ten-year periods with restrictions on the vested portions of the awards lapsing on the awards' fifth- and tenth-year anniversaries.

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans_2

Share-Based Compensation Plans Nonvested Restricted Stock Units (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted Stock Awards, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested, Beginning Balance	4,132,374
Granted in Period	1,057,981	[1]	989,050	1,015,273
Vested in Period	-879,010
Forfeited in Period	-20,417
Nonvested, Ending Balance	4,290,928		4,132,374
Restricted Stock Awards, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance	$21.67
Granted in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$27.43	[1]	$24.25	$18.06
Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$23.40
Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$22.19
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance	$22.74		$21.67
Class B Common Stock Bonus [Member]
Restricted Stock Awards, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Granted in Period	426,931
Restricted Stock Awards, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Vesting period, years	3 years
Class B Common Stock Key Employees [Member]
Restricted Stock Awards, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Granted in Period	631,050
Restricted Stock Awards, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Vesting period, years	10 years
Minimum [Member]
Restricted Stock Awards, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Vesting period, years	3 years
Lapse of restrictions on vested portion of restricted stock award	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Restricted Stock Awards, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Vesting period, years	10 years
Lapse of restrictions on vested portion of restricted stock award	10 years
[1]	During 2014, Federated awarded 426,931 shares of restricted Federated Class B common stock in connection with a bonus program in which certain key employees received a portion of their bonus in the form of restricted stock under the Plan. This restricted stock, which was granted on the bonus payment date and issued out of treasury, generally vests over a three-year period. Also during 2014, Federated awarded 631,050 shares of restricted Federated Class B common stock to certain key employees. The restricted stock awards generally vest over ten-year periods with restrictions on the vested portions of the awards lapsing on the awards' fifth- and tenth-year anniversaries.

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans_3

Share-Based Compensation Plans Stock Options (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number, Beginning Balance	52,500
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance	$32.18
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	-6,000		0	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$25.50
Options, Expirations in Period	-10,500
Options, Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$30.42
Options Outstanding, Number, Ending Balance	36,000	[1]	52,500
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending Balance	$33.81	[1]	$32.18
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 6 months	[1]
Options, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$100,000	[1]
Options, Vested, Number	36,000
Options, Vested, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$33.81
Options, Vested, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 6 months
Options, Vested, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	100,000
Options, Exercisable, Number	36,000
Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$33.81
Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 6 months
Options, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$100,000
[1]	All stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014 were vested and exercisable.

Common_Stock_Narrative_Details

Common Stock Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2008
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends paid		$104,840,000	$102,515,000	$256,750,000
Payments of special dividends	156,900,000
Cash dividends per share		$1	$0.98	$2.47
Amount paid for repurchase of common stock		26,881,000	14,186,000	6,334,000
Retirement of treasury stock		0
Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized under share repurchase program					5,000,000
Remaining number of shares authorized to be repurchased		400,000
Special Cash Dividend [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Cash dividends per share	$1.51
Treasury Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchased shares, shares		940,417	645,343	321,687
Retirement of treasury stock, shares		-20,000,000
Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Retirement of treasury stock		-49,200,000
Retained Earnings [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Retirement of treasury stock		($538,068,000)

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred Federal	$20,497,000	$18,220,000	$23,143,000
Tax net operating loss carryforwards	17,620,000	17,017,000
Valuation Allowance, Amount	17,224,000	16,729,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	0	0
State Tax Net Operating Losses [Member]
Valuation Allowance, Amount	15,600,000	15,100,000
Deferred tax asset, valuation allowance	99.00%	99.00%
Foreign Tax Net Operating Losses [Member]
Valuation Allowance, Amount	1,600,000	1,600,000
Deferred tax asset, valuation allowance	88.00%	91.00%
Intangible Assets [Member]
Deferred Federal	-21,000,000	-19,300,000	-19,700,000
State and Foreign Tax Jurisdictions [Member]
Tax net operating loss carryforwards	$17,600,000	$17,000,000

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Inc

Income Taxes Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current:
Federal	$63,266	$66,408	$78,422
State	4,574	6,849	7,430
Foreign	76	190	6
Total Current	67,916	73,447	85,858
Deferred:
Federal	20,497	18,220	23,143
State	916	1,347	1,878
Foreign	201	-354	4
Total Deferred	21,614	19,213	25,025
Total	$89,530	$92,660	$110,883

Income_Taxes_Effective_Income_

Income Taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Expected federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Increase/(decrease)
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit	1.10%	2.20%	2.10%
Other	1.30%	-1.00%	0.00%
Effective tax rate (excluding noncontrolling interests)	37.40%	36.20%	37.10%
Income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0.00%	-0.40%	-1.20%
Effective tax rate per Consolidated Statements of Income	37.40%	35.80%	35.90%

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Tax_Asse

Income Taxes Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Tax Assets
Tax net operating loss carryforwards	$17,620	$17,017
Compensation related	13,499	12,840
Other	5,206	5,729
Total deferred tax assets	36,325	35,586
Valuation allowance	-17,224	-16,729
Total deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance	19,101	18,857
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Intangible assets	134,841	112,923
Property and equipment	8,319	8,770
Deferred sales commissions	6,499	5,508
State taxes	6,463	6,316
Other	1,604	3,755
Total gross deferred tax liability	157,726	137,272
Net deferred tax liability	$138,625	$118,415

Earnings_Per_Share_Attributabl2

Earnings Per Share Attributable to Federated Investors, Inc. Shareholders Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Stock option awards excluded from calculation of diluted EPS	27	43	247

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										12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Net income attributable to Federated Investors, Inc.	$39,613	$37,560	$36,869	$35,194	$41,071	[1]	$37,704	[1]	$40,408	$42,994	$149,236		$162,177		$188,088
Less: Total income available to participating unvested restricted shareholders, basic											-5,823	[2]	-6,065	[2]	-8,400	[2]
Less: Total income available to particpating unvested restricted shareholders, diluted											-5,823	[2]	-6,065	[2]	-8,400	[2]
Total net income attributable to Federated Common Stock - Basic											143,413	[3]	156,112	[3]	179,688	[3]
Total net income attributable to Federated Common Stock - Diluted											$143,413	[3]	$156,112	[3]	$179,688	[3]
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding											100,721		100,668		100,313
Dilutive potential shares from stock options											2		1		0
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding											100,723		100,669		100,313
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	$0.38	$0.36	$0.35	$0.34	$0.39	[1]	$0.36	[1]	$0.39	$0.41	$1.42	[3]	$1.55	[3]	$1.79	[3]
[1]	Federated recorded impairment charges of $3.1 million and $0.6 million related to an equity-method investment in the third and fourth quarters of 2013, respectively.
[2]	Income available to participating unvested restricted shareholders includes dividends paid on unvested restricted shares and their proportionate share of undistributed earnings.
[3]	Federated Common Stock excludes unvested restricted stock which are deemed participating securities in accordance with the two-class method of computing earnings per share.

Leases_Narrative_Details

Leases Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating Leases Number Of Renewal Terms	2
Operating Leases Number Of Years For Each Renewal Term	5 years
Rental expenses	$14.80	$11.80	$11.50

Leases_Future_Minimum_Rental_P

Leases Future Minimum Rental Payments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Leases [Abstract]
2015	$12.20
2016	13.2
2017	12.7
2018	12.7
2019	12.8
2020 and thereafter	48.7
Total minimum lease payments	$112.30

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Attributable to Federated Shareholders Schedule (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	($1,662)		($1,208)		($2,937)		($8,612)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications and tax	-1,262		6,797		5,609
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications, tax total	449		-2,971		-2,656
Reclassification adjustment, before tax	503		-4,448		3,840
Reclassifications adjustment, tax total	-144		2,351		-1,118
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	-454		1,729		5,675
Accumulated Net (Loss) Gain from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-269	[1]	-3,185	[1]	-7,071	[1]	-9,634	[1]
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications and tax	-107	[1]	-400	[1]	-3,253	[1]
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications, tax total	40	[1]	146	[1]	1,201	[1]
Reclassification adjustment, before tax	4,743	[1]	6,518	[1]	7,316	[1]
Reclassifications adjustment, tax total	-1,760	[1]	-2,378	[1]	-2,701	[1]
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	2,916	[1]	3,886	[1]	2,563	[1]
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-1,126	[2]	1,586	[2]	3,644	[2]	325	[2]
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications and tax	-142	[2]	7,346	[2]	9,009	[2]
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications, tax total	54	[2]	-3,167	[2]	-3,670	[2]
Reclassification adjustment, before tax	-4,240	[2]	-10,966	[2]	-3,408	[2]
Reclassifications adjustment, tax total	1,616	[2]	4,729	[2]	1,388	[2]
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	-2,712	[2]	-2,058	[2]	3,319	[2]
Accumulated Net (Loss) Gain for Derivatives used in Net Investment Hedge [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	0	[3]	0	[3]	0	[3]	368	[3]
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications and tax	0	[3]	0	[3]	-1,631	[3]
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications, tax total	0	[3]	0	[3]	332	[3]
Reclassification adjustment, before tax	0	[3]	0	[3]	1,169	[3]
Reclassifications adjustment, tax total	0	[3]	0	[3]	-238	[3]
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	0	[3]	0	[3]	-368	[3]
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-267	[3]	391	[3]	490	[3]	329	[3]
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications and tax	-1,013	[3]	-149	[3]	1,484	[3]
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications, tax total	355	[3]	50	[3]	-519	[3]
Reclassification adjustment, before tax	0	[3]	0	[3]	-1,237	[3]
Reclassifications adjustment, tax total	0	[3]	0	[3]	433	[3]
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	($658)	[3]	($99)	[3]	$161	[3]
[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 Gain on securities, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
[3]	Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax were recorded in Nonoperating Income (Expenses) - Other, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies Narrative (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

25 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2008

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2010

Nov. 26, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2011

Mar. 31, 2010

Jan. 31, 2014

Dec. 01, 2008

Fair value of acquisition-related future consideration liabilities

$1,909,000

$6,489,000

Contractual obligations to be paid in 2015

25,800,000

Maximum performance incentive payable over remaining terms

28,000,000

[1]

Bonus payable related to the Fund Bonus

2,300,000

Prior Business Acquisition Required Compound Annual Growth Rate

30.00%

Alleged damages sought

37,000,000

SunTrust Acquisition [Member]

Business Acquisition Contingent Consideration Payable Period

5 years

Contingent purchase price payments

2,100,000

3,800,000

4,200,000

5,000,000

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

1,000,000

Remaining Business Acquisition Contingent Consideration Payable Period

1 year

Fair value of acquisition-related future consideration liabilities

1,200,000

Clover Capital Acquisition [Member]

Business Acquisition Contingent Consideration Payable Period

5 years

Contingent purchase price payments

9,200,000

3,400,000

5,900,000

0

0

18,000,000

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

55,000,000

Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Upfront Cash Paid

30,000,000

Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]

Fair value of acquisition-related future consideration liabilities

700,000

Employment-related Commitments [Member]

Contractual obligations to be paid in 2015

$17,000,000

[1]

[1]

Federated has certain domestic and international employment arrangements pursuant to which Federated is obligated to make minimum compensation payments.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligations Disclosure (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
2015	$25.80
2016	8.9
2017	6
2018	0.1
2019	0
After 2019	0
Total	40.8
Purchase Obligations [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
2015	8.8	[1]
2016	2.4	[1]
2017	0.6	[1]
2018	0.1	[1]
2019	0	[1]
After 2019	0	[1]
Total	11.9	[1]
Employment-related Commitments [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
2015	17	[2]
2016	6.5	[2]
2017	5.4	[2]
2018	0	[2]
2019	0	[2]
After 2019	0	[2]
Total	$28.90	[2]
[1]	Federated is a party to various contracts pursuant to which it receives certain services including services for marketing and information technology, access to various fund-related information systems and research databases, trade order transmission and recovery services as well as other services. These contracts contain certain minimum noncancelable payments, cancellation provisions and renewal terms. The contracts expire on various dates through the year 2019. Costs for such services are expensed as incurred.
[2]	Federated has certain domestic and international employment arrangements pursuant to which Federated is obligated to make minimum compensation payments.

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2008	Jan. 22, 2015	Feb. 19, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends paid	$104,840	$102,515	$256,750
Class B [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized under 2015 share repurchase program					5
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends declared per share to shareholders						$0.25
Dividends paid				$26,200
Subsequent Event [Member] | Class B [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized under 2015 share repurchase program							4

Supplementary_Quarterly_Financ2

Supplementary Quarterly Financial Data Schedule (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended											6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$217,858,000	$216,915,000	$212,981,000	$211,496,000	$214,722,000		$211,866,000		$223,806,000	$227,972,000			$859,250,000		$878,365,000		$945,706,000
Operating income	61,634,000	60,828,000	58,842,000	56,645,000	59,758,000		57,758,000		66,028,000	68,199,000			237,949,000		251,743,000		312,593,000
Net income including the noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	39,605,000	37,259,000	37,314,000	35,645,000	42,176,000	[1]	37,629,000	[1]	41,861,000	44,688,000			149,822,000		166,355,000		197,628,000
Amounts attributable to Federated Investors, Inc.
Net income	39,613,000	37,560,000	36,869,000	35,194,000	41,071,000	[1]	37,704,000	[1]	40,408,000	42,994,000			149,236,000		162,177,000		188,088,000
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	$0.38	$0.36	$0.35	$0.34	$0.39	[1]	$0.36	[1]	$0.39	$0.41			$1.42	[2]	$1.55	[2]	$1.79	[2]
Impact of Minimum Yield Waivers
Revenue	-99,815,000	-101,727,000	-102,287,000	-106,722,000	-104,661,000		-105,081,000		-91,946,000	-87,342,000			-410,600,000		-389,000,000		-291,000,000
Less: Reduction in Distribution expense	67,665,000	68,748,000	70,149,000	74,288,000	73,338,000		72,140,000		66,938,000	64,751,000			280,900,000		277,100,000		218,500,000
Operating income	-32,150,000	-32,979,000	-32,138,000	-32,434,000	-31,323,000		-32,941,000		-25,008,000	-22,591,000			-129,700,000		-111,900,000		-72,500,000
Less: Reduction in Noncontrolling interest	2,696,000	2,772,000	2,501,000	2,729,000	2,024,000		2,665,000		1,267,000	844,000			10,700,000		6,800,000		1,300,000
Pre-tax impact	-29,454,000	-30,207,000	-29,637,000	-29,705,000	-29,299,000		-30,276,000		-23,741,000	-21,747,000			-119,000,000		-105,100,000		-71,200,000
Equity method investment impairment					$600,000		$3,100,000				$3,000,000	$3,700,000
[1]	Federated recorded impairment charges of $3.1 million and $0.6 million related to an equity-method investment in the third and fourth quarters of 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.