Franklin Resources (BEN) 10-Q 30 Jan 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 23, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Franklin Resources Inc
Entity Central Index Key	38777
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-21
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		621,826,792

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Revenues
Investment management fees	$1,382.40	$1,373.80
Sales and distribution fees	595	636.7
Shareholder servicing fees	65.8	76.1
Other	21.1	22.9
Total operating revenues	2,064.30	2,109.50
Operating Expenses
Sales, distribution and marketing	731.5	776.7
Compensation and benefits	375.5	349
Information systems and technology	51.2	50.2
Occupancy	34.3	33.1
General, administrative and other	89.8	87.4
Total operating expenses	1,282.30	1,296.40
Operating Income	782	813.1
Other Income (Expenses)
Investment and other income, net	51.7	48.2
Interest expense	-11.3	-12.6
Other income, net	40.4	35.6
Income before taxes	822.4	848.7
Taxes on income	256.1	252.7
Net income	566.3	596
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	6.7	-17.2
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	-6.8	9.4
Net Income Attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc.	$566.40	$603.80
Earnings per Share
Basic	$0.91	$0.96
Diluted	$0.91	$0.96
Dividends per Share	$0.65	$0.12

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$566.30	$596
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net unrealized losses on investments, net of tax	-0.2	-10
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax	-61.5	8.1
Net unrealized gains (losses) on defined benefit plans, net of tax	1	-1.3
Total other comprehensive loss	-60.7	-3.2
Total comprehensive income	505.6	592.8
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	6.7	-17.2
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	-6.8	9.4
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc.	$505.70	$600.60

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$7,885.20	$7,596
Receivables	926.7	950
Investments	2,653.10	2,516.10
Investments, at fair value	1,859.40	1,845.60
Deferred taxes, net	77.6	98.1
Property and equipment, net	523.4	530.7
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net	2,307.90	2,325.90
Other	172	178.2
Total Assets	16,296.80	16,357.10
Liabilities
Compensation and benefits	238.9	465.1
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	194.2	237.5
Dividends	406.7	76.9
Commissions	419.4	440.3
Income taxes	192.6	23.4
Debt	1,198.30	1,198.20
Deferred taxes	259.7	259.3
Other	257.3	258.4
Total liabilities	4,068.30	3,909.90
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 9)
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	74	234.8
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued	0	0
Common stock, $0.10 par value, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 600,000,000 and 622,893,090 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014	62.2	62.3
Retained earnings	11,672	11,625.60
Appropriated retained earnings of consolidated variable interest entities	0	13.9
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-178.4	-117.7
Total Franklin Resources, Inc. stockholders’ equity	11,555.80	11,584.10
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	598.7	628.3
Total stockholders’ equity	12,154.50	12,212.40
Total Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Stockholders’ Equity	16,296.80	16,357.10
Consolidated sponsored investment products [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	60.6	44.9
Receivables	14.6	16.2
Investments, at fair value	996.8	1,373.70
Other	0.6	0.7
Total Assets	1,072.60	1,435.50
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	16.2	18.5
Debt of consolidated sponsored investment products	105.7	122.3
Other	12.3	12.4
Total liabilities	134.2	153.2
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	74	234.8
Stockholders' Equity
Total Franklin Resources, Inc. stockholders’ equity	285	436.5
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	579.4	611
Total stockholders’ equity	864.4	1,047.50
Total Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Stockholders’ Equity	1,072.60	1,435.50
Consolidated variable interest entities [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	66.6	74.3
Receivables	9	23
Investments, at fair value	754.1	788.4
Other	0	0
Total Assets	829.7	885.7
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	22.8	35.3
Debt of consolidated variable interest entities	795.5	828.5
Other	0	0
Total liabilities	818.3	863.8
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	0	0
Stockholders' Equity
Total Franklin Resources, Inc. stockholders’ equity	11.4	21.9
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity	11.4	21.9
Total Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Stockholders’ Equity	829.7	885.7
Franklin Resources, Inc. [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$7,758	$7,476.80

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Investments, at fair value	$1,859.40	$1,845.60
Preferred stock, par value	$1	$1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	622,426,648	622,893,090
Common stock, shares outstanding	622,426,648	622,893,090

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Net Income	$566.30	$596
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization of deferred sales commissions	30.2	34.2
Depreciation and other amortization	24.9	25.1
Stock-based compensation	35.4	30.9
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	-1.9	-2.8
Gains on sale of assets	-9.5	-20.2
Income from investments in equity method investees	-6.7	-24.9
Net (gains) losses on other investments of consolidated sponsored investment products	-5.9	16.2
Net gains of consolidated variable interest entities	-1.6	-6.6
Deferred income taxes	23.8	-10.4
Other	10.5	8.2
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase in receivables, prepaid expenses and other	-6.7	-126.2
Decrease (increase) in trading securities, net	5.2	-36.8
Decrease (increase) in trading securities of consolidated sponsored investment products, net	16	-230.4
Decrease in accrued compensation and benefits	-220.6	-193.9
Increase (decrease) in commissions payable	-20.9	16.4
Increase in income taxes payable	171.7	194.5
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	-37.8	55.4
Net cash provided by operating activities	572.4	324.7
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Purchase of investments	-71.7	-80.1
Liquidation of investments	69.4	194.1
Purchase of investments by consolidated sponsored investment products	-51.5	-95.2
Liquidation of investments by consolidated sponsored investment products	122.5	32.1
Purchase of investments by consolidated variable interest entities	-88.8	-45
Liquidation of investments by consolidated variable interest entities	126.8	128
Decrease in loans receivable, net	0	30.9
Additions of property and equipment, net	-16.1	-15
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents from net deconsolidation of sponsored investment products	-0.1	-34
Net cash provided by investing activities	90.5	115.8
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Increase (decrease) in deposits	-0.3	66.5
Issuance of common stock	0	7.2
Dividends paid on common stock	-75.8	-64.1
Repurchase of common stock	-151.2	-137.1
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	1.9	2.8
Proceeds from issuance of debt by consolidated sponsored investment products	218.5	190.3
Payments on debt by consolidated sponsored investment products	-234.5	-176.8
Payments on debt by consolidated variable interest entities	-44.1	-60
Payments on contingent consideration liabilities	-7.1	-2.7
Noncontrolling interests	-35.3	101.4
Net cash used in financing activities	-327.9	-72.5
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-45.8	8.6
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	289.2	376.6
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	7,596	6,323.10
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	7,885.20	6,699.70
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for income taxes	57	68
Cash paid for interest	12.9	14.2
Cash paid for interest by consolidated variable interest entities and consolidated sponsored investment products	$9	$11.90

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	The unaudited interim financial statements of Franklin Resources, Inc. (“Franklin”) and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) included herein have been prepared by the Company in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Under these rules and regulations, some information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been shortened or omitted. Management believes that all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the financial position and the results of operations for the periods shown have been made. All adjustments are normal and recurring. These financial statements should be read together with the Company’s audited financial statements included in its Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 (“fiscal year 2014”). Certain amounts for the comparative prior fiscal year period have been reclassified to conform to the financial statement presentation as of and for the period ended December 31, 2014.

New_Accounting_Guidance

New Accounting Guidance	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
New Accounting Guidance	New Accounting Guidance
	On October 1, 2014, the Company adopted new Financial Accounting Standards Board guidance that provides an entity the election to measure the financial assets and financial liabilities of a consolidated collateralized financing entity using the more observable fair value of either the financial assets or financial liabilities, and elected this measurement alternative for its consolidated collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”). The adoption resulted in a $14.2 million increase in debt of consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”), a $13.9 million reduction in appropriated retained earnings of consolidated VIEs and a $0.3 million reduction in retained earnings as of October 1, 2014. The Company’s subsequent earnings from the consolidated CLOs reflect changes in fair value of its own economic interests in the CLOs, and no longer include gains or losses on assets and liabilities of the CLOs, which were primarily attributable to noncontrolling interests.
	There were no significant updates to the new accounting guidance not yet adopted by the Company as disclosed in its Form 10-K for fiscal year 2014.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	Stockholders’ Equity
	The changes in total stockholders’ equity were as follows:
	(in millions)		Franklin			Nonredeemable			Total
			Resources, Inc.			Noncontrolling			Stockholders’
			Stockholders’			Interests			Equity
	for the three months ended December 31, 2014		Equity
	Balance at October 1, 2014		$	11,584.10		$	628.3		$	12,212.40
	Adjustment for adoption of new accounting guidance		(14.2		)				(14.2		)
	Net income		566.4			6.7			573.1
	Other comprehensive loss		(60.7		)				(60.7		)
	Cash dividends on common stock		(405.6		)				(405.6		)
	Repurchase of common stock		(151.2		)				(151.2		)
	Net distributions					(36.3		)	(36.3		)
	Other1		37						37
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	11,555.80		$	598.7		$	12,154.50
	__________________
	1	Primarily relates to stock-based compensation plans.
	(in millions)		Franklin			Nonredeemable			Total
			Resources, Inc.			Noncontrolling			Stockholders’
			Stockholders’			Interests			Equity
	for the three months ended December 31, 2013		Equity
	Balance at October 1, 2013		$	10,073.10		$	612.4		$	10,685.50
	Net income (loss)		603.8			(17.2		)	586.6
	Net income reclassified to appropriated retained earnings		4.8			(4.8		)	—
	Other comprehensive loss		(3.2		)				(3.2		)
	Cash dividends on common stock		(75.9		)				(75.9		)
	Repurchase of common stock		(137.1		)				(137.1		)
	Net distributions					(13.1		)	(13.1		)
	Other1		41.6						41.6
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	10,507.10		$	577.3		$	11,084.40
	__________________
	1	Primarily relates to stock-based compensation plans.
	During the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company repurchased 2.7 million and 2.5 million shares of its common stock at a cost of $151.2 million and $137.1 million under its stock repurchase program. In December 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 30.0 million additional shares of its common stock under the stock repurchase program. At December 31, 2014, 27.1 million shares remained available for repurchase under the program, which is not subject to an expiration date.

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share
	The components of basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows:
	(in millions, except per share data)	Three Months Ended
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Net Income Attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc.	$	566.4	$	603.8
	Less: Allocation of earnings to participating nonvested stock and stock unit awards	3.6		3.5
	Net Income Available to Common Stockholders	$	562.8	$	600.3
	Weighted-average shares outstanding – basic	620.1		628.1
	Effect of non-participating nonvested stock unit awards and dilutive common stock options	0.1		0.4
	Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding – Diluted	620.2		628.5
	Earnings per Share
	Basic	$	0.91	$	0.96
	Diluted	0.91		0.96
	Non-participating nonvested stock unit awards excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive were 0.6 million and 0.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	Investments
	The disclosures below include details of the Company’s investments, excluding those of consolidated sponsored investment products (“SIPs”) and consolidated VIEs. See Note 8 – Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products for information related to the investments held by these entities.
	Investments consisted of the following:
	(in millions)		December 31,		September 30,
			2014		2014
	Investment securities, trading		$	1,270.40	$	1,277.50
	Investment securities, available-for-sale
	SIPs		541.9		517.6
	Securities of U.S. states and political subdivisions		8.7		11.3
	Securities of the U.S. Treasury and federal agencies		0.7		0.7
	Mortgage-backed securities – agency residential1		17.2		17.9
	Other equity securities		6.3		6.6
	Total investment securities, available-for-sale		574.8		554.1
	Investments in equity method investees		652.1		594.9
	Other investments		155.8		89.6
	Total		$	2,653.10	$	2,516.10
	__________________
	1	Consist of U.S. government-sponsored enterprise obligations.
	At December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, investment securities with aggregate carrying amounts of $5.7 million and $6.1 million were pledged as collateral.
	A summary of the gross unrealized gains and losses relating to investment securities, available-for-sale is as follows:
	(in millions)				Gross Unrealized
	as of December 31, 2014		Cost Basis		Gains			Losses			Fair Value
	SIPs		$	504.4	$	41.9		$	(4.4	)	$	541.9
	Securities of U.S. states and political subdivisions		8.5		0.2			—			8.7
	Securities of the U.S. Treasury and federal agencies		0.7		—			—			0.7
	Mortgage-backed securities – agency residential		17.1		0.1			—			17.2
	Other equity securities		5.6		0.7			—			6.3
	Total		$	536.3	$	42.9		$	(4.4	)	$	574.8
	(in millions)				Gross Unrealized
	as of September 30, 2014		Cost Basis		Gains			Losses			Fair Value
	SIPs		$	477	$	43.5		$	(2.9	)	$	517.6
	Securities of U.S. states and political subdivisions		11		0.3			—			11.3
	Securities of the U.S. Treasury and federal agencies		0.7		—			—			0.7
	Mortgage-backed securities – agency residential		18		—			(0.1		)	17.9
	Other equity securities		6.3		0.3			—			6.6
	Total		$	513	$	44.1		$	(3.0	)	$	554.1
	The following tables show the gross unrealized losses and fair values of available-for-sale securities with unrealized losses aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position:
			Less Than 12 Months					12 Months or Greater						Total
	(in millions)		Fair Value		Gross			Fair Value			Gross			Fair Value		Gross
					Unrealized						Unrealized					Unrealized
	as of December 31, 2014				Losses						Losses					Losses
	SIPs		$	112.1	$	(4.2	)	$	1.7		$	(0.2	)	$	113.8	$	(4.4	)
			Less Than 12 Months					12 Months or Greater						Total
	(in millions)		Fair Value		Gross			Fair Value			Gross			Fair Value		Gross
					Unrealized						Unrealized					Unrealized
	as of September 30, 2014				Losses						Losses					Losses
	SIPs		$	156.4	$	(2.7	)	$	1.5		$	(0.2	)	$	157.9	$	(2.9	)
	Mortgage-backed securities – agency residential		4		—			11.6			(0.1		)	15.6		(0.1		)
	Total		$	160.4	$	(2.7	)	$	13.1		$	(0.3	)	$	173.5	$	(3.0	)
	The Company recognized $1.0 million and $0.6 million of other-than-temporary impairment during the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, all of which related to available-for-sale SIPs, except for $0.2 million related to other investments during the 2013 period.
	At December 31, 2014, contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities were as follows:
	(in millions)		Cost Basis		Fair Value
	Due in one year or less		$	2.6	$	2.6
	Due after one year through five years		6.6		6.8
	Total		$	9.2	$	9.4
	Mortgage-backed securities are not included in the table above as their actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	The disclosures below include details of the Company’s fair value measurements, excluding those of consolidated SIPs and consolidated VIEs. See Note 8 – Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products for information related to fair value measurements of the assets and liabilities of these entities.
	The Company uses a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. The three levels of fair value hierarchy are set forth below. The Company’s assessment of the hierarchy level of the assets and liabilities measured at fair value is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
	Level 1	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2	Observable inputs other than Level 1 quoted prices, such as non-binding quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable or corroborated by observable market data. Level 2 quoted prices are generally obtained from two independent third-party brokers or dealers, including prices derived from model-based valuation techniques for which the significant assumptions are observable in the market or corroborated by observable market data. Quoted prices are validated through price variance analysis, subsequent sales testing, stale price review, price comparison across pricing vendors and due diligence reviews of third-party vendors.
	Level 3	Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity. These inputs require significant management judgment and reflect the Company’s estimation of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
	(in millions)		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
	as of December 31, 2014
	Assets
	Investment securities, trading		$	1,189.10			$	81.3			$	—			$	1,270.40
	Investment securities, available-for-sale
	SIPs		541.9				—				—				541.9
	Securities of U.S. states and political subdivisions		—				8.7				—				8.7
	Securities of the U.S. Treasury and federal agencies		—				0.7				—				0.7
	Mortgage-backed securities – agency residential		—				17.2				—				17.2
	Other equity securities		1.2				5.1				—				6.3
	Life settlement contracts		—				—				14.2				14.2
	Total Assets Measured at Fair Value		$	1,732.20			$	113			$	14.2			$	1,859.40
	Liabilities
	Contingent consideration liabilities		$	—			$	—			$	100.7			$	100.7
	(in millions)		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
	as of September 30, 2014
	Assets
	Investment securities, trading		$	1,196.10			$	81.4			$	—			$	1,277.50
	Investment securities, available-for-sale
	SIPs		517.6				—				—				517.6
	Securities of U.S. states and political subdivisions		—				11.3				—				11.3
	Securities of the U.S. Treasury and federal agencies		—				0.7				—				0.7
	Mortgage-backed securities – agency residential		—				17.9				—				17.9
	Other equity securities		1.7				4.9				—				6.6
	Life settlement contracts		—				—				14				14
	Total Assets Measured at Fair Value		$	1,715.40			$	116.2			$	14			$	1,845.60
	Liabilities
	Contingent consideration liabilities		$	—			$	—			$	98.5			$	98.5
	The fair values of substantially all trading investments, all available-for-sale SIPs and certain other equity securities are determined based on their published net asset values. The fair values of certain trading investments, all available-for-sale debt securities and certain other equity securities are determined using quoted market prices, if available, or independent third-party broker or dealer price quotes, which are evaluated for reasonableness. The fair value of life settlement contracts is determined using a discounted cash flow valuation technique.
	The fair value of contingent consideration liabilities is determined using an income-based method which considers the net present value of anticipated future cash flows. Substantially all of the balance relates to the Company’s commitment to acquire the remaining interests in K2 Advisors Holdings, LLC.
	There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, or into or out of Level 3, during the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
			2014								2013
	(in millions)		Life Settlement Contracts				Contingent				Life Settlement Contracts				Contingent
							Consideration								Consideration
	for the three months ended December 31,						Liabilities								Liabilities
	Balance at beginning of period		$	14			$	(98.5	)		$	13.8			$	(97.7	)
	Total realized and unrealized gains (losses)
	Included in investment and other income, net		0.6				—				0.7				—
	Included in general, administrative and other expense		—				(9.4		)		—				(5.9		)
	Other		—				(0.1		)		—				(0.3		)
	Purchases		0.1				—				0.1				—
	Sales		—				—				(0.7		)		—
	Settlements		(0.5		)		7.1				—				2.7
	Effect of exchange rate changes		—				0.2				—				—
	Balance at End of Period		$	14.2			$	(100.7	)		$	13.9			$	(101.2	)
	Change in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income relating to assets and liabilities held at end of period		$	0.3			$	(9.5	)		$	0.3			$	(6.2	)
	The valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in recurring Level 3 fair value measurements were as follows:
	(in millions)
	as of December 31, 2014		Fair Value				Valuation Technique		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Range (Weighted Average)
	Life settlement contracts		$	14.2			Discounted cash flow		Life expectancy		22–148 months (71)
									Discount rate		3.3%–19.0% (11.7%)
	Contingent consideration liabilities		100.7				Discounted cash flow		AUM growth rate		2.9%–19.8% (11.3%)
									EBITDA margin		21.7% - 29.6% (28.0%)
									Discount rate		14.00%
	(in millions)
	as of September 30, 2014		Fair Value				Valuation Technique		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Range (Weighted Average)
Life settlement contracts		$	14			Discounted cash flow		Life expectancy		23–150 months (71)
								Discount rate		3.3%–21.7% (11.7%)
Contingent consideration liabilities		98.5				Discounted cash flow		AUM growth rate		3.4%–20.2% (12.8%)
								EBITDA margin		21.9%–30.4% (28.2%)
								Discount rate		14.00%
For life settlement contracts, a significant increase (decrease) in the life expectancy or the discount rate in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.
For contingent consideration liabilities, a significant increase (decrease) in the AUM growth rate or EBITDA margin, or decrease (increase) in the discount rate, in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.
Financial instruments that were not measured at fair value were as follows:
(in millions)				December 31, 2014								September 30, 2014
		Fair Value		Carrying				Estimated				Carrying				Estimated
		Level		Value				Fair Value				Value				Fair Value
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		1		$	7,758.00			$	7,758.00			$	7,476.80			$	7,476.80
Other investments1		2 or 3		141.6				150.4				75.6				87.8
Financial Liabilities
Debt		2		1,198.30				1,239.50				1,198.20				1,235.80
_________________
1     Primarily consist of Level 3 assets.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt
	The disclosures below include details of the Company’s debt, excluding that of consolidated SIPs and consolidated VIEs. See Note 8 – Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products for information related to the debt of these entities.
	Debt consisted of the following:
	(in millions)	December 31,		30-Sep-14		Effective
		2014				Interest Rate
	$250 million 3.125% notes due May 2015	$	250	$	250	3.32	%
	$300 million 1.375% notes due September 2017	299.1		299		1.66	%
	$350 million 4.625% notes due May 2020	349.8		349.8		4.74	%
	$300 million 2.800% notes due September 2022	299.4		299.4		2.93	%
	Total Debt	$	1,198.30	$	1,198.20
	At December 31, 2014, the Company’s outstanding senior unsecured and unsubordinated notes had an aggregate face value of $1.2 billion. The notes have fixed interest rates with interest payable semi-annually and contain an optional redemption feature that allows the Company to redeem each series of notes prior to maturity in whole or in part at any time, at a make-whole redemption price. The indentures governing the notes contain limitations on the Company’s ability and the ability of its subsidiaries to pledge voting stock or profit participating equity interests in its subsidiaries to secure other debt without similarly securing the notes equally and ratably. The indentures also include requirements that must be met if the Company consolidates or merges with, or sells all or substantially all of its assets to, another entity. At December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with the covenants of the notes.
	At December 31, 2014, maturities for debt were as follows:
	(in millions)	Amount
	for the fiscal years ending September 30,
	2015	$	250
	2016	—
	2017	299.1
	2018	—
	2019	—
	Thereafter	649.2
	Total	$	1,198.30
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had $500.0 million of short-term commercial paper available for issuance under an uncommitted private placement program which has been inactive since April 2012.

CVIEs_and_CSIPs

CVIEs and CSIPs	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products	Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products
	The Company sponsors and manages various types of investment products, which consist of both VIEs and non-VIEs. The Company consolidates the VIE products for which it is the primary beneficiary and the non-VIE products which it controls. The Company has no right to the consolidated products’ assets, other than its direct equity investment in them, and/or investment management fees earned from them. The debt holders of these consolidated entities have no recourse to the Company’s assets beyond the level of its direct investment, therefore the Company bears no other risks associated with the entities’ liabilities.
	The balances of consolidated SIPS and consolidated VIEs included in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
		31-Dec-14												30-Sep-14
		Consolidated												Consolidated
	(in millions)	SIPs				VIEs				Total				SIPs				VIEs			Total
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	60.6			$	66.6			$	127.2			$	44.9			$	74.3		$	119.2
	Receivables	14.6				9				23.6				16.2				23			39.2
	Investments, at fair value	996.8				754.1				1,750.90				1,373.70				788.4			2,162.10
	Other assets	0.6				—				0.6				0.7				—			0.7
	Total Assets	$	1,072.60			$	829.7			$	1,902.30			$	1,435.50			$	885.7		$	2,321.20
	Liabilities
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	16.2			$	22.8			$	39			$	18.5			$	35.3		$	53.8
	Debt (at fair value at September 30, 2014)	—				795.5				795.5				—				828.5			828.5
	Debt	105.7				—				105.7				122.3				—			122.3
	Other liabilities	12.3				—				12.3				12.4				—			12.4
	Total liabilities	134.2				818.3				952.5				153.2				863.8			1,017.00
	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	74				—				74				234.8				—			234.8
	Stockholders’ Equity
	Franklin Resources, Inc.’s interests	285				11.4				296.4				436.5				21.9			458.4
	Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	579.4				—				579.4				611				—			611
	Total stockholders’ equity	864.4				11.4				875.8				1,047.50				21.9			1,069.40
	Total Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Stockholders’ Equity	$	1,072.60			$	829.7			$	1,902.30			$	1,435.50			$	885.7		$	2,321.20
	The consolidated SIPs and consolidated VIEs did not have a significant impact on net income attributable to the Company during the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	Consolidated SIPs
	Consolidated SIPs consist of limited partnerships and similar structures that the Company controls and other fund products in which the Company has a controlling financial interest. The Company consolidated 29 SIPs as of December 31, 2014, and 30 SIPs as of September 30, 2014. SIPs are typically consolidated when the Company makes an initial investment in a newly launched fund or limited partnership entity. They are deconsolidated when the Company redeems its investment in the SIP or its voting interests decrease to a minority percentage. The Company’s investments in SIPs subsequent to deconsolidation are accounted for as trading or available-for-sale investment securities, or equity method or cost method investments depending on the nature of the SIP and the Company’s level of ownership.
	Consolidated VIEs
	Consolidated VIEs consist of sponsored CLOs, which are asset-backed financing entities collateralized by a pool of corporate debt securities.
	The assets and liabilities of the CLOs were both carried at fair value through September 30, 2014. The Company adopted new accounting guidance on October 1, 2014 under which the liabilities are measured based on the fair value of the assets. Changes in the fair values of the assets and liabilities prior to the adoption of the new accounting guidance were as follows:
	(in millions)
	for the three months ended December 31, 2013	Amount
	Net gains from changes in fair value of assets	$	13.4
	Net losses from changes in fair value of liabilities	(7.7		)
	Total Net Gains	$	5.7
	During the three months ended December 31, 2014, the Company recognized $5.3 million of net gains related to its own economic interests in the CLOs. There was no net gain or loss resulting from changes in the values of the assets and liabilities of the CLOs as a result of the new accounting guidance.
	The following tables present information on the investments and debt of the CLOs:
	(in millions)	Investments
	as of December 31, 2014
	Unpaid principal balance	$	759.6
	Difference between unpaid principal balance and fair value	(5.5		)
	Fair Value	$	754.1
	(in millions)	Investments				Debt
	as of September 30, 2014
	Unpaid principal balance	$	787.1			$	861.9
	Difference between unpaid principal balance and fair value	1.3				(33.4		)
	Fair Value	$	788.4			$	828.5
	The unpaid principal balance of the debt of the CLOs was $825.5 million at December 31, 2014. There were no investments 90 days or more past due at December 31, 2014 or September 30, 2014.
	Investments
	Investments of consolidated SIPs and consolidated VIEs consisted of the following:
		31-Dec-14												30-Sep-14
		Consolidated												Consolidated
	(in millions)	SIPs				VIEs				Total				SIPs				VIEs			Total
	Investment securities, trading	$	214.5			$	—			$	214.5			$	249.6			$	—		$	249.6
	Other debt securities	151.6				754.1				905.7				205.6				788.4			994
	Other equity securities	630.7				—				630.7				918.5				—			918.5
	Total Investments	$	996.8			$	754.1			$	1,750.90			$	1,373.70			$	788.4		$	2,162.10
	Investment securities, trading held by consolidated SIPs consist of debt and equity securities that are traded in active markets. Other debt and equity securities held by consolidated SIPs primarily consist of direct investments in secured and unsecured debt securities and equity securities of entities in emerging markets, which are generally not traded in active markets. Other equity securities also include investments in funds that are not traded in active markets. Investments of consolidated VIEs consist of corporate debt securities.
	Debt
	Debt of consolidated SIPs and consolidated VIEs consisted of the following:
		December 31,				Effective			September 30,				Effective
		2014				Interest			2014				Interest
	(in millions)					Rate							Rate
	Debt of consolidated SIPs due fiscal years 2015-2019	$	105.7			4.1	%		$	122.3			3.87	%
Debt of consolidated VIEs due fiscal years 2018-2024	795.5				1.48	%		828.5				1.43	%
Total Debt	$	901.2						$	950.8
The debt of consolidated SIPs had both fixed and floating interest rates ranging from 2.19% to 5.81% at December 31, 2014, and from 2.19% to 5.89% at September 30, 2014. The repayment of amounts outstanding under the debt agreements is secured by the assets of the consolidated SIPs or a pledge of the right to call capital.
The debt of consolidated VIEs had floating interest rates ranging from 0.46% to 9.73% at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014.
At December 31, 2014, contractual maturities for debt of consolidated SIPs and consolidated VIEs were as follows:
(in millions)	Amount
for the fiscal years ending September 30,
2015	$	34
2016	—
2017	28.4
2018	224.9
2019	330.6
Thereafter	283.3
Total	$	901.2
Fair Value Measurements
The tables below present the balances of assets and liabilities of consolidated SIPs and consolidated VIEs measured at fair value on a recurring basis. See Note 6 – Fair Value Measurements for information related to the three levels of fair value hierarchy.
(in millions)	Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
as of December 31, 2014
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents of consolidated VIEs	$	66.6			$	—			$	—			$	66.6
Receivables of consolidated VIEs	—				9				—				9
Investments of consolidated VIEs	—				753.7				0.4				754.1
Investments of consolidated SIPs
Equity securities	131.8				26.2				602.8				760.8
Debt securities	2.4				82				151.6				236
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	$	200.8			$	870.9			$	754.8			$	1,826.50
Liabilities
Other liabilities of consolidated SIPs	$	4.7			$	—			$	—			$	4.7
(in millions)	Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
as of September 30, 2014
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents of consolidated VIEs	$	74.3			$	—			$	—			$	74.3
Receivables of consolidated VIEs	—				23				—				23
Investments of consolidated VIEs	—				787.9				0.5				788.4
Investments of consolidated SIPs
Equity securities	149.9				304				614.3				1,068.20
Debt securities	2.4				96.8				206.3				305.5
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	$	226.6			$	1,211.70			$	821.1			$	2,259.40
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses of consolidated VIEs	$	—			$	35.3			$	—			$	35.3
Debt of consolidated VIEs	—				781.3				47.2				828.5
Other liabilities of consolidated SIPs	4				0.6				—				4.6
Total Liabilities Measured at Fair Value	$	4			$	817.2			$	47.2			$	868.4
The investments in fund products for which fair value was estimated using reported net asset value (“NAV”) as a practical expedient consisted of the following:
(in millions)	Redemption Frequency		Fair Value Level		December 31,				September 30,
					2014				2014
Global fixed-income fund	Monthly		2		$	—			$	275.1
Hedge funds	Monthly or quarterly		2		26.1				27.2
Real estate and private equity funds	Nonredeemable		3		409.6				392.3
Hedge funds	Triennially		3		1.1				1.2
Total					$	436.8			$	695.8
The investments in real estate and private equity funds are expected to be returned through distributions as a result of liquidations of the funds’ underlying assets over a weighted-average period of 3.6 years and 3.9 years at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014. The consolidated SIPs’ unfunded commitments to these funds totaled $128.0 million and $139.2 million at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, of which the Company was contractually obligated to fund $2.8 million and $3.1 million based on its ownership percentage in the SIPs.
There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the three months ended December 31, 2014. There were no transfers into Level 2 from Level 1, and transfers into Level 1 from Level 2 were $0.1 million during the three months ended December 31, 2013.
The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
(in millions)	Investments of								Investments of				Total				Debt of
	Consolidated SIPs								Consolidated				Level 3				Consolidated
for the three months ended December 31, 2014	Equity				Debt				VIEs				Assets				VIEs
Balance at October 1, 2014	$	614.3			$	206.3			$	0.5			$	821.1			$	(47.2	)
Adjustment for adoption of new accounting guidance	—				—				—				—				47.2
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in investment and other income, net	8.3				3.9				(0.1		)		12.1				—
Purchases	47.3				1.7				—				49				—
Sales	(65.1		)		(57.2		)		—				(122.3		)		—
Settlements	—				(0.6		)		—				(0.6		)		—
Effect of exchange rate changes	(2.0		)		(2.5		)		—				(4.5		)		—
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	602.8			$	151.6			$	0.4			$	754.8			$	—
Change in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income relating to assets and liabilities held at December 31, 2014	$	2.6			$	3.6			$	(0.1	)		$	6.1			$	—
(in millions)	Investments of								Investments of Consolidated VIEs				Total				Debt of
	Consolidated SIPs												Level 3				Consolidated
for the three months ended December 31, 2013	Equity				Debt								Assets				VIEs
Balance at October 1, 2013	$	470.9			$	272.3			$	0.5			$	743.7			$	(59.7	)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in investment and other income, net	(3.7		)		(27.7		)		—				(31.4		)		7.5
Purchases	50.2				22.2				—				72.4				—
Sales	(15.6		)		(13.9		)		—				(29.5		)		—
Effect of exchange rate changes	0.8				1.5				—				2.3				—
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	502.6			$	254.4			$	0.5			$	757.5			$	(52.2	)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income relating to assets and liabilities held at December 31, 2013	$	(3.3	)		$	(28.8	)		$	—			$	(32.1	)		$	7.5
There were no transfers into or out of Level 3 during the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
The valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in recurring Level 3 fair value measurements were as follows:
(in millions)
as of December 31, 2014	Fair Value				Valuation Technique		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Range (Weighted Average)
Debt securities	$	151.6			Discounted cash flow		Discount rate		3.6%–18.0% (10.1%)
							Risk premium		0.0%–8.0% (2.4%)
Equity securities	150.4				Market comparable companies		EBITDA multiple		3.1–11.0 (8.0)
							Discount for lack of marketability		25.0%–50.0% (33.2%)
	22				Discounted cash flow		Discount rate		6.3%–20.0% (13.4%)
	19.7				Market pricing		Price to book value ratio		1.8-2.8 (2.3)
(in millions)
as of September 30, 2014	Fair Value				Valuation Technique		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Range (Weighted Average)
Debt securities	$	206.3			Discounted cash flow		Discount rate		3.6%–18.0% (11.9%)
							Risk premium		0.0%–8.0% (1.9%)
Equity securities	152.9				Market comparable companies		EBITDA multiple		3.1–11.0 (8.0)
							Discount for lack of marketability		25.0%–50.0% (33.2%)
	38.1				Discounted cash flow		Discount rate		6.0%–20.0% (16.9%)
	29.8				Market pricing		Price to book value ratio		1.8–2.8 (2.1)
Level 3 debt securities held by consolidated SIPs consisted of corporate loans and notes, mezzanine loans and convertible debentures, and equity securities consisted primarily of common and preferred shares at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014.
The fair values of Level 3 assets and liabilities that were determined based on NAV or third-party pricing information are excluded from the above two tables. At December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, the asset exclusions consisted of $410.7 million and $393.5 million of investments in various funds held by consolidated SIPs for which fair value was estimated using NAV as a practical expedient. At September 30, 2014, $47.2 million of debt of consolidated VIEs that was valued using third-party broker or dealer price quotes was also excluded.
Following are descriptions of the sensitivity of the Level 3 recurring fair value measurements to changes in the significant unobservable inputs presented in the above tables.
For securities utilizing the discounted cash flow valuation technique, a significant increase (decrease) in the discount rate, risk premium or discount for lack of marketability in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. The discount for lack of marketability used to determine fair value may include other factors such as liquidity or credit risk. Generally, a change in the discount rate is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the risk premium and discount for lack of marketability.
For securities utilizing the market comparable companies valuation technique, a significant increase (decrease) in the EBITDA multiple in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. A significant increase (decrease) in the discount for lack of marketability in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. The discount for lack of marketability used to determine fair value may include other factors such as liquidity or credit risk.
For securities utilizing a market pricing valuation technique, a significant increase (decrease) in the price to book value ratio would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.
Financial instruments of consolidated SIPs and consolidated VIEs that were not measured at fair value were as follows:
(in millions)			December 31, 2014								September 30, 2014
	Fair Value		Carrying				Estimated				Carrying				Estimated
	Level		Value				Fair Value				Value				Fair Value
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents of consolidated SIPs	1		$	60.6			$	60.6			$	44.9			$	44.9
Financial Liabilities
Debt of consolidated VIEs1	2 or 3		795.5				783.3				—				—
Debt of consolidated SIPs	3		105.7				104.1				122.3				122
_________________
1     Substantially all is Level 2.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests of consolidated SIPs were as follows:
(in millions)
for the three months ended December 31,	2014				2013
Balance at beginning of period	$	234.8			$	121.8
Net (loss) income	(6.8		)		9.4
Net subscriptions	1				114.5
Net deconsolidations	(155.0		)		(91.9		)
Balance at End of Period	$	74			$	153.8
Non-consolidated VIEs
VIEs for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary consist of sponsored and other investment products from which the Company earns investment management fees and/or in which it has an equity ownership interest.
The carrying values of the investment management fees receivable from and the equity ownership interests in these VIEs included in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets are set forth below. These amounts represent the Company’s maximum exposure to loss from these investment products.
(in millions)	December 31,				September 30,
	2014				2014
Receivables	$	48.3			$	49.8
Investments	196.4				202
Total	$	244.7			$	251.8
The Company’s total AUM of non-consolidated VIEs was $40.6 billion at December 31, 2014 and $42.4 billion at September 30, 2014.
While the Company has no contractual obligation to do so, it routinely makes cash investments in the course of launching SIPs. The Company also may voluntarily elect to provide its SIPs with additional direct or indirect financial support based on its business objectives. The Company did not provide financial or other support to its SIPs during fiscal year 2014 or the three months ended December 31, 2014.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Legal Proceedings
	The Company is from time to time involved in litigation relating to claims arising in the normal course of business. Management is of the opinion that the ultimate resolution of such claims will not materially affect the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations or liquidity. In management’s opinion, an adequate accrual has been made as of December 31, 2014 to provide for any probable losses that may arise from such matters for which the Company could reasonably estimate an amount.
	Other Commitments and Contingencies
	At December 31, 2014, there were no changes that would have a material effect on the other commitments and contingencies reported in the Company’s Form 10-K for fiscal year 2014.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	Stock awards generally entitle holders to the right to sell the underlying shares of the Company’s common stock once the awards vest. Stock unit awards generally entitle holders to receive the underlying shares of common stock once the awards vest. Certain performance-based long-term stock and stock unit awards have been granted that generally vest based on the achievement of predetermined Company financial performance goals. In the event a performance measure is not achieved at or above a specified threshold level, the portion of the award tied to such performance measure is forfeited.
	Stock and stock unit award activity was as follows:
	(shares in thousands)	Shares		Weighted-Average
				Grant-Date
				Fair Value
	Nonvested balance at October 1, 2014	3,473		$	48.55
	Granted	2,636		55.69
	Vested	(525	)	41.88
	Forfeited/canceled	(123	)	41.6
	Nonvested Balance at December 31, 2014	5,461		$	52.8
	Total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock and stock unit awards, net of estimated forfeitures, was $233.7 million at December 31, 2014. This cost is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average vesting period of 2.1 years.

Other_Income_Expenses

Other Income (Expenses)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Income (Expenses)	Other Income (Expenses)
	Other income (expenses) consisted of the following:
		Three Months Ended
		December 31,
	(in millions)	2014			2013
	Investment and Other Income, Net
	Dividend income	$	2.2		$	3.1
	Interest income	2			2.3
	Gains (losses) on trading investment securities, net	(3.0		)	3.4
	Realized gains on sale of investment securities, available-for-sale	4.8			19.6
	Realized losses on sale of investment securities, available-for-sale	(0.3		)	(0.6		)
	Income from investments in equity method investees	6.7			24.9
	Other-than-temporary impairment of investments	(1.0		)	(0.6		)
	Gains (losses) on investments of consolidated SIPs, net	2.9			(5.3		)
	Gains from consolidated VIEs, net	5.3			5.7
	Foreign currency exchange gains (losses), net	23.3			(10.5		)
	Other, net	8.8			6.2
	Total	51.7			48.2
	Interest Expense	(11.3		)	(12.6		)
	Other Income, Net	$	40.4		$	35.6
	Substantially all of the Company’s dividend income and realized gains and losses on sale of available-for-sale securities were generated by investments in its non-consolidated SIPs. Interest income was primarily generated by trading investment securities and cash equivalents. Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities were $36.5 million and $125.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	Net gains (losses) recognized on the Company’s trading investment securities that were held at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $(3.0) million and $1.9 million. Net gains (losses) recognized on trading investment securities of consolidated SIPs that were held at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $(5.9) million and $10.0 million.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component were as follows:
	(in millions)	Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments			Currency Translation Adjustments			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Defined Benefit Plans			Total
	for the three months ended December 31, 2014
	Balance at October 1, 2014	$	31		$	(143.6	)	$	(5.1	)	$	(117.7	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	3			(61.5		)	1			(57.5		)
	Reclassifications to net investment and other income, net of tax	(3.2		)	—			—			(3.2		)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(0.2		)	(61.5		)	1			(60.7		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	30.8		$	(205.1	)	$	(4.1	)	$	(178.4	)
	(in millions)	Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments			Currency Translation Adjustments			Unrealized Losses on Defined Benefit Plans			Total
	for the three months ended December 31, 2013
	Balance at October 1, 2013	$	71.9		$	(63.2	)	$	(2.6	)	$	6.1
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	0.9			8.1			(1.3		)	7.7
	Reclassifications to net investment and other income, net of tax	(10.9		)	—			—			(10.9		)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(10.0		)	8.1			(1.3		)	(3.2		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	61.9		$	(55.1	)	$	(3.9	)	$	2.9

Fair_Value_Measurements_Polici

Fair Value Measurements (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	The Company uses a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. The three levels of fair value hierarchy are set forth below. The Company’s assessment of the hierarchy level of the assets and liabilities measured at fair value is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
	Level 1	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2	Observable inputs other than Level 1 quoted prices, such as non-binding quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable or corroborated by observable market data. Level 2 quoted prices are generally obtained from two independent third-party brokers or dealers, including prices derived from model-based valuation techniques for which the significant assumptions are observable in the market or corroborated by observable market data. Quoted prices are validated through price variance analysis, subsequent sales testing, stale price review, price comparison across pricing vendors and due diligence reviews of third-party vendors.
	Level 3	Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity. These inputs require significant management judgment and reflect the Company’s estimation of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
	The fair values of substantially all trading investments, all available-for-sale SIPs and certain other equity securities are determined based on their published net asset values. The fair values of certain trading investments, all available-for-sale debt securities and certain other equity securities are determined using quoted market prices, if available, or independent third-party broker or dealer price quotes, which are evaluated for reasonableness. The fair value of life settlement contracts is determined using a discounted cash flow valuation technique.
	The fair value of contingent consideration liabilities is determined using an income-based method which considers the net present value of anticipated future cash flows.

CVIEs_and_CSIPs_Policies

CVIEs and CSIPs (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Abstract]
Consolidation	The Company sponsors and manages various types of investment products, which consist of both VIEs and non-VIEs. The Company consolidates the VIE products for which it is the primary beneficiary and the non-VIE products which it controls. The Company has no right to the consolidated products’ assets, other than its direct equity investment in them, and/or investment management fees earned from them. The debt holders of these consolidated entities have no recourse to the Company’s assets beyond the level of its direct investment, therefore the Company bears no other risks associated with the entities’ liabilities.

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Changes in total stockholders' equity and redeemable noncontrolling interests	The changes in total stockholders’ equity were as follows:
	(in millions)		Franklin			Nonredeemable			Total
			Resources, Inc.			Noncontrolling			Stockholders’
			Stockholders’			Interests			Equity
	for the three months ended December 31, 2014		Equity
	Balance at October 1, 2014		$	11,584.10		$	628.3		$	12,212.40
	Adjustment for adoption of new accounting guidance		(14.2		)				(14.2		)
	Net income		566.4			6.7			573.1
	Other comprehensive loss		(60.7		)				(60.7		)
	Cash dividends on common stock		(405.6		)				(405.6		)
	Repurchase of common stock		(151.2		)				(151.2		)
	Net distributions					(36.3		)	(36.3		)
	Other1		37						37
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	11,555.80		$	598.7		$	12,154.50
	__________________
	1	Primarily relates to stock-based compensation plans.
	(in millions)		Franklin			Nonredeemable			Total
			Resources, Inc.			Noncontrolling			Stockholders’
			Stockholders’			Interests			Equity
	for the three months ended December 31, 2013		Equity
	Balance at October 1, 2013		$	10,073.10		$	612.4		$	10,685.50
	Net income (loss)		603.8			(17.2		)	586.6
	Net income reclassified to appropriated retained earnings		4.8			(4.8		)	—
	Other comprehensive loss		(3.2		)				(3.2		)
	Cash dividends on common stock		(75.9		)				(75.9		)
	Repurchase of common stock		(137.1		)				(137.1		)
	Net distributions					(13.1		)	(13.1		)
	Other1		41.6						41.6
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	10,507.10		$	577.3		$	11,084.40
	__________________
	1	Primarily relates to stock-based compensation plans.

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of earnings per share basic and diluted	The components of basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows:
	(in millions, except per share data)	Three Months Ended
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Net Income Attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc.	$	566.4	$	603.8
	Less: Allocation of earnings to participating nonvested stock and stock unit awards	3.6		3.5
	Net Income Available to Common Stockholders	$	562.8	$	600.3
	Weighted-average shares outstanding – basic	620.1		628.1
	Effect of non-participating nonvested stock unit awards and dilutive common stock options	0.1		0.4
	Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding – Diluted	620.2		628.5
	Earnings per Share
	Basic	$	0.91	$	0.96
	Diluted	0.91		0.96

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]
Summary of Investments	Investments consisted of the following:
	(in millions)		December 31,		September 30,
			2014		2014
	Investment securities, trading		$	1,270.40	$	1,277.50
	Investment securities, available-for-sale
	SIPs		541.9		517.6
	Securities of U.S. states and political subdivisions		8.7		11.3
	Securities of the U.S. Treasury and federal agencies		0.7		0.7
	Mortgage-backed securities – agency residential1		17.2		17.9
	Other equity securities		6.3		6.6
	Total investment securities, available-for-sale		574.8		554.1
	Investments in equity method investees		652.1		594.9
	Other investments		155.8		89.6
	Total		$	2,653.10	$	2,516.10
	__________________
	1	Consist of U.S. government-sponsored enterprise obligations.
Summary of the gross unrealized gains and losses relating to investment securities, available-for-sale	A summary of the gross unrealized gains and losses relating to investment securities, available-for-sale is as follows:
	(in millions)				Gross Unrealized
	as of December 31, 2014		Cost Basis		Gains			Losses			Fair Value
	SIPs		$	504.4	$	41.9		$	(4.4	)	$	541.9
	Securities of U.S. states and political subdivisions		8.5		0.2			—			8.7
	Securities of the U.S. Treasury and federal agencies		0.7		—			—			0.7
	Mortgage-backed securities – agency residential		17.1		0.1			—			17.2
	Other equity securities		5.6		0.7			—			6.3
	Total		$	536.3	$	42.9		$	(4.4	)	$	574.8
	(in millions)				Gross Unrealized
	as of September 30, 2014		Cost Basis		Gains			Losses			Fair Value
	SIPs		$	477	$	43.5		$	(2.9	)	$	517.6
	Securities of U.S. states and political subdivisions		11		0.3			—			11.3
	Securities of the U.S. Treasury and federal agencies		0.7		—			—			0.7
	Mortgage-backed securities – agency residential		18		—			(0.1		)	17.9
	Other equity securities		6.3		0.3			—			6.6
	Total		$	513	$	44.1		$	(3.0	)	$	554.1
Summary of gross unrealized losses and fair values of investment securities in a continuous unrealized loss position	The following tables show the gross unrealized losses and fair values of available-for-sale securities with unrealized losses aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position:
			Less Than 12 Months					12 Months or Greater						Total
	(in millions)		Fair Value		Gross			Fair Value			Gross			Fair Value		Gross
					Unrealized						Unrealized					Unrealized
	as of December 31, 2014				Losses						Losses					Losses
	SIPs		$	112.1	$	(4.2	)	$	1.7		$	(0.2	)	$	113.8	$	(4.4	)
			Less Than 12 Months					12 Months or Greater						Total
	(in millions)		Fair Value		Gross			Fair Value			Gross			Fair Value		Gross
					Unrealized						Unrealized					Unrealized
	as of September 30, 2014				Losses						Losses					Losses
	SIPs		$	156.4	$	(2.7	)	$	1.5		$	(0.2	)	$	157.9	$	(2.9	)
	Mortgage-backed securities – agency residential		4		—			11.6			(0.1		)	15.6		(0.1		)
	Total		$	160.4	$	(2.7	)	$	13.1		$	(0.3	)	$	173.5	$	(3.0	)
Schedule of contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities	At December 31, 2014, contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities were as follows:
	(in millions)		Cost Basis		Fair Value
	Due in one year or less		$	2.6	$	2.6
	Due after one year through five years		6.6		6.8
	Total		$	9.2	$	9.4

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
	(in millions)	Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
	as of December 31, 2014
	Assets
	Investment securities, trading	$	1,189.10			$	81.3			$	—			$	1,270.40
	Investment securities, available-for-sale
	SIPs	541.9				—				—				541.9
	Securities of U.S. states and political subdivisions	—				8.7				—				8.7
	Securities of the U.S. Treasury and federal agencies	—				0.7				—				0.7
	Mortgage-backed securities – agency residential	—				17.2				—				17.2
	Other equity securities	1.2				5.1				—				6.3
	Life settlement contracts	—				—				14.2				14.2
	Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	$	1,732.20			$	113			$	14.2			$	1,859.40
	Liabilities
	Contingent consideration liabilities	$	—			$	—			$	100.7			$	100.7
	(in millions)	Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
	as of September 30, 2014
	Assets
	Investment securities, trading	$	1,196.10			$	81.4			$	—			$	1,277.50
	Investment securities, available-for-sale
	SIPs	517.6				—				—				517.6
	Securities of U.S. states and political subdivisions	—				11.3				—				11.3
	Securities of the U.S. Treasury and federal agencies	—				0.7				—				0.7
	Mortgage-backed securities – agency residential	—				17.9				—				17.9
	Other equity securities	1.7				4.9				—				6.6
	Life settlement contracts	—				—				14				14
	Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	$	1,715.40			$	116.2			$	14			$	1,845.60
	Liabilities
	Contingent consideration liabilities	$	—			$	—			$	98.5			$	98.5
Schedule of changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
		2014								2013
	(in millions)	Life Settlement Contracts				Contingent				Life Settlement Contracts				Contingent
						Consideration								Consideration
	for the three months ended December 31,					Liabilities								Liabilities
	Balance at beginning of period	$	14			$	(98.5	)		$	13.8			$	(97.7	)
	Total realized and unrealized gains (losses)
	Included in investment and other income, net	0.6				—				0.7				—
	Included in general, administrative and other expense	—				(9.4		)		—				(5.9		)
	Other	—				(0.1		)		—				(0.3		)
	Purchases	0.1				—				0.1				—
	Sales	—				—				(0.7		)		—
	Settlements	(0.5		)		7.1				—				2.7
	Effect of exchange rate changes	—				0.2				—				—
	Balance at End of Period	$	14.2			$	(100.7	)		$	13.9			$	(101.2	)
	Change in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income relating to assets and liabilities held at end of period	$	0.3			$	(9.5	)		$	0.3			$	(6.2	)
Schedule of valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in level 3 fair value measurements	The valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in recurring Level 3 fair value measurements were as follows:
	(in millions)
	as of December 31, 2014	Fair Value				Valuation Technique		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Range (Weighted Average)
	Life settlement contracts	$	14.2			Discounted cash flow		Life expectancy		22–148 months (71)
								Discount rate		3.3%–19.0% (11.7%)
	Contingent consideration liabilities	100.7				Discounted cash flow		AUM growth rate		2.9%–19.8% (11.3%)
								EBITDA margin		21.7% - 29.6% (28.0%)
								Discount rate		14.00%
	(in millions)
	as of September 30, 2014	Fair Value				Valuation Technique		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Range (Weighted Average)
	Life settlement contracts	$	14			Discounted cash flow		Life expectancy		23–150 months (71)
								Discount rate		3.3%–21.7% (11.7%)
	Contingent consideration liabilities	98.5				Discounted cash flow		AUM growth rate		3.4%–20.2% (12.8%)
								EBITDA margin		21.9%–30.4% (28.2%)
								Discount rate		14.00%
Schedule of financial instruments not measured at fair value	Financial instruments that were not measured at fair value were as follows:
	(in millions)			December 31, 2014								September 30, 2014
		Fair Value		Carrying				Estimated				Carrying				Estimated
		Level		Value				Fair Value				Value				Fair Value
	Financial Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	1		$	7,758.00			$	7,758.00			$	7,476.80			$	7,476.80
	Other investments1	2 or 3		141.6				150.4				75.6				87.8
	Financial Liabilities
	Debt	2		1,198.30				1,239.50				1,198.20				1,235.80
	_________________
	1     Primarily consist of Level 3 assets.

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of outstanding debt	Debt consisted of the following:
	(in millions)	December 31,		30-Sep-14		Effective
		2014				Interest Rate
	$250 million 3.125% notes due May 2015	$	250	$	250	3.32	%
	$300 million 1.375% notes due September 2017	299.1		299		1.66	%
	$350 million 4.625% notes due May 2020	349.8		349.8		4.74	%
	$300 million 2.800% notes due September 2022	299.4		299.4		2.93	%
	Total Debt	$	1,198.30	$	1,198.20
Schedule of contractual maturities of debt	At December 31, 2014, maturities for debt were as follows:
	(in millions)	Amount
	for the fiscal years ending September 30,
	2015	$	250
	2016	—
	2017	299.1
	2018	—
	2019	—
	Thereafter	649.2
	Total	$	1,198.30

CVIEs_and_CSIPs_Tables

CVIEs and CSIPs (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Abstract]
Schedule of balances of consolidated VIEs and consolidated SIPs	The balances of consolidated SIPS and consolidated VIEs included in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
		31-Dec-14												30-Sep-14
		Consolidated												Consolidated
	(in millions)	SIPs				VIEs				Total				SIPs				VIEs			Total
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	60.6			$	66.6			$	127.2			$	44.9			$	74.3		$	119.2
	Receivables	14.6				9				23.6				16.2				23			39.2
	Investments, at fair value	996.8				754.1				1,750.90				1,373.70				788.4			2,162.10
	Other assets	0.6				—				0.6				0.7				—			0.7
	Total Assets	$	1,072.60			$	829.7			$	1,902.30			$	1,435.50			$	885.7		$	2,321.20
	Liabilities
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	16.2			$	22.8			$	39			$	18.5			$	35.3		$	53.8
	Debt (at fair value at September 30, 2014)	—				795.5				795.5				—				828.5			828.5
	Debt	105.7				—				105.7				122.3				—			122.3
	Other liabilities	12.3				—				12.3				12.4				—			12.4
	Total liabilities	134.2				818.3				952.5				153.2				863.8			1,017.00
	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	74				—				74				234.8				—			234.8
	Stockholders’ Equity
	Franklin Resources, Inc.’s interests	285				11.4				296.4				436.5				21.9			458.4
	Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	579.4				—				579.4				611				—			611
	Total stockholders’ equity	864.4				11.4				875.8				1,047.50				21.9			1,069.40
	Total Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Stockholders’ Equity	$	1,072.60			$	829.7			$	1,902.30			$	1,435.50			$	885.7		$	2,321.20
Schedule of assets and liabilities of the CLOs carried at fair value	Changes in the fair values of the assets and liabilities prior to the adoption of the new accounting guidance were as follows:
	(in millions)
	for the three months ended December 31, 2013	Amount
	Net gains from changes in fair value of assets	$	13.4
	Net losses from changes in fair value of liabilities	(7.7		)
	Total Net Gains	$	5.7
Unpaid principal balance and fair value of investments and debt of CLOs	The following tables present information on the investments and debt of the CLOs:
	(in millions)	Investments
	as of December 31, 2014
	Unpaid principal balance	$	759.6
	Difference between unpaid principal balance and fair value	(5.5		)
	Fair Value	$	754.1
	(in millions)	Investments				Debt
	as of September 30, 2014
	Unpaid principal balance	$	787.1			$	861.9
	Difference between unpaid principal balance and fair value	1.3				(33.4		)
	Fair Value	$	788.4			$	828.5
Schedule of investments of consolidated VIEs and consolidated SIPs	Investments of consolidated SIPs and consolidated VIEs consisted of the following:
		31-Dec-14												30-Sep-14
		Consolidated												Consolidated
	(in millions)	SIPs				VIEs				Total				SIPs				VIEs			Total
	Investment securities, trading	$	214.5			$	—			$	214.5			$	249.6			$	—		$	249.6
	Other debt securities	151.6				754.1				905.7				205.6				788.4			994
	Other equity securities	630.7				—				630.7				918.5				—			918.5
	Total Investments	$	996.8			$	754.1			$	1,750.90			$	1,373.70			$	788.4		$	2,162.10
Schedule of debt of consolidated VIEs and consolidated SIPs	Debt of consolidated SIPs and consolidated VIEs consisted of the following:
		December 31,				Effective			September 30,				Effective
		2014				Interest			2014				Interest
	(in millions)					Rate							Rate
	Debt of consolidated SIPs due fiscal years 2015-2019	$	105.7			4.1	%		$	122.3			3.87	%
	Debt of consolidated VIEs due fiscal years 2018-2024	795.5				1.48	%		828.5				1.43	%
	Total Debt	$	901.2						$	950.8
Schedule of contractual maturities for debt of consolidated VIEs and consolidated SIPs	At December 31, 2014, contractual maturities for debt of consolidated SIPs and consolidated VIEs were as follows:
	(in millions)	Amount
	for the fiscal years ending September 30,
	2015	$	34
	2016	—
	2017	28.4
	2018	224.9
	2019	330.6
	Thereafter	283.3
	Total	$	901.2
Schedule of balances of assets and liabilities of consolidated VIEs and consolidated SIPs measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The tables below present the balances of assets and liabilities of consolidated SIPs and consolidated VIEs measured at fair value on a recurring basis. See Note 6 – Fair Value Measurements for information related to the three levels of fair value hierarchy.
	(in millions)	Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
	as of December 31, 2014
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents of consolidated VIEs	$	66.6			$	—			$	—			$	66.6
	Receivables of consolidated VIEs	—				9				—				9
	Investments of consolidated VIEs	—				753.7				0.4				754.1
	Investments of consolidated SIPs
	Equity securities	131.8				26.2				602.8				760.8
	Debt securities	2.4				82				151.6				236
	Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	$	200.8			$	870.9			$	754.8			$	1,826.50
	Liabilities
	Other liabilities of consolidated SIPs	$	4.7			$	—			$	—			$	4.7
	(in millions)	Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
	as of September 30, 2014
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents of consolidated VIEs	$	74.3			$	—			$	—			$	74.3
	Receivables of consolidated VIEs	—				23				—				23
	Investments of consolidated VIEs	—				787.9				0.5				788.4
	Investments of consolidated SIPs
	Equity securities	149.9				304				614.3				1,068.20
	Debt securities	2.4				96.8				206.3				305.5
	Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	$	226.6			$	1,211.70			$	821.1			$	2,259.40
	Liabilities
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses of consolidated VIEs	$	—			$	35.3			$	—			$	35.3
	Debt of consolidated VIEs	—				781.3				47.2				828.5
	Other liabilities of consolidated SIPs	4				0.6				—				4.6
	Total Liabilities Measured at Fair Value	$	4			$	817.2			$	47.2			$	868.4
Schedule of investments in fund products for which fair value was estimated using NAV as a practical expedient	The investments in fund products for which fair value was estimated using reported net asset value (“NAV”) as a practical expedient consisted of the following:
	(in millions)	Redemption Frequency		Fair Value Level		December 31,				September 30,
						2014				2014
	Global fixed-income fund	Monthly		2		$	—			$	275.1
	Hedge funds	Monthly or quarterly		2		26.1				27.2
	Real estate and private equity funds	Nonredeemable		3		409.6				392.3
	Hedge funds	Triennially		3		1.1				1.2
	Total					$	436.8			$	695.8
Schedule of changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities of consolidated VIEs and consolidated SIPs	The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
	(in millions)	Investments of								Investments of				Total				Debt of
		Consolidated SIPs								Consolidated				Level 3				Consolidated
	for the three months ended December 31, 2014	Equity				Debt				VIEs				Assets				VIEs
	Balance at October 1, 2014	$	614.3			$	206.3			$	0.5			$	821.1			$	(47.2	)
	Adjustment for adoption of new accounting guidance	—				—				—				—				47.2
	Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in investment and other income, net	8.3				3.9				(0.1		)		12.1				—
	Purchases	47.3				1.7				—				49				—
	Sales	(65.1		)		(57.2		)		—				(122.3		)		—
	Settlements	—				(0.6		)		—				(0.6		)		—
	Effect of exchange rate changes	(2.0		)		(2.5		)		—				(4.5		)		—
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	602.8			$	151.6			$	0.4			$	754.8			$	—
	Change in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income relating to assets and liabilities held at December 31, 2014	$	2.6			$	3.6			$	(0.1	)		$	6.1			$	—
	(in millions)	Investments of								Investments of Consolidated VIEs				Total				Debt of
		Consolidated SIPs												Level 3				Consolidated
	for the three months ended December 31, 2013	Equity				Debt								Assets				VIEs
	Balance at October 1, 2013	$	470.9			$	272.3			$	0.5			$	743.7			$	(59.7	)
	Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in investment and other income, net	(3.7		)		(27.7		)		—				(31.4		)		7.5
	Purchases	50.2				22.2				—				72.4				—
	Sales	(15.6		)		(13.9		)		—				(29.5		)		—
	Effect of exchange rate changes	0.8				1.5				—				2.3				—
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	502.6			$	254.4			$	0.5			$	757.5			$	(52.2	)
	Change in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income relating to assets and liabilities held at December 31, 2013	$	(3.3	)		$	(28.8	)		$	—			$	(32.1	)		$	7.5
Schedule of valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in recurring Level 3 fair value measurements	The valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in recurring Level 3 fair value measurements were as follows:
	(in millions)
	as of December 31, 2014	Fair Value				Valuation Technique		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Range (Weighted Average)
	Debt securities	$	151.6			Discounted cash flow		Discount rate		3.6%–18.0% (10.1%)
								Risk premium		0.0%–8.0% (2.4%)
	Equity securities	150.4				Market comparable companies		EBITDA multiple		3.1–11.0 (8.0)
								Discount for lack of marketability		25.0%–50.0% (33.2%)
		22				Discounted cash flow		Discount rate		6.3%–20.0% (13.4%)
		19.7				Market pricing		Price to book value ratio		1.8-2.8 (2.3)
	(in millions)
	as of September 30, 2014	Fair Value				Valuation Technique		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Range (Weighted Average)
	Debt securities	$	206.3			Discounted cash flow		Discount rate		3.6%–18.0% (11.9%)
								Risk premium		0.0%–8.0% (1.9%)
	Equity securities	152.9				Market comparable companies		EBITDA multiple		3.1–11.0 (8.0)
								Discount for lack of marketability		25.0%–50.0% (33.2%)
		38.1				Discounted cash flow		Discount rate		6.0%–20.0% (16.9%)
		29.8				Market pricing		Price to book value ratio		1.8–2.8 (2.1)
Schedule of financial instruments of consolidated SIPs not measured at fair value	Financial instruments of consolidated SIPs and consolidated VIEs that were not measured at fair value were as follows:
	(in millions)			December 31, 2014								September 30, 2014
		Fair Value		Carrying				Estimated				Carrying				Estimated
		Level		Value				Fair Value				Value				Fair Value
	Financial Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents of consolidated SIPs	1		$	60.6			$	60.6			$	44.9			$	44.9
	Financial Liabilities
	Debt of consolidated VIEs1	2 or 3		795.5				783.3				—				—
	Debt of consolidated SIPs	3		105.7				104.1				122.3				122
	_________________
	1     Substantially all is Level 2.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests of consolidated SIPs were as follows:
	(in millions)
	for the three months ended December 31,	2014				2013
	Balance at beginning of period	$	234.8			$	121.8
	Net (loss) income	(6.8		)		9.4
	Net subscriptions	1				114.5
	Net deconsolidations	(155.0		)		(91.9		)
	Balance at End of Period	$	74			$	153.8
Schedule of maximum exposure to non-consolidated VIEs	The carrying values of the investment management fees receivable from and the equity ownership interests in these VIEs included in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets are set forth below. These amounts represent the Company’s maximum exposure to loss from these investment products.
	(in millions)	December 31,				September 30,
		2014				2014
	Receivables	$	48.3			$	49.8
	Investments	196.4				202
	Total	$	244.7			$	251.8

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Summary of nonvested stock and stock unit award activity	Stock and stock unit award activity was as follows:
	(shares in thousands)	Shares		Weighted-Average
				Grant-Date
				Fair Value
	Nonvested balance at October 1, 2014	3,473		$	48.55
	Granted	2,636		55.69
	Vested	(525	)	41.88
	Forfeited/canceled	(123	)	41.6
	Nonvested Balance at December 31, 2014	5,461		$	52.8

Other_Income_Expenses_Tables

Other Income (Expenses) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule of other income (expenses)	Other income (expenses) consisted of the following:
		Three Months Ended
		December 31,
	(in millions)	2014			2013
	Investment and Other Income, Net
	Dividend income	$	2.2		$	3.1
	Interest income	2			2.3
	Gains (losses) on trading investment securities, net	(3.0		)	3.4
	Realized gains on sale of investment securities, available-for-sale	4.8			19.6
	Realized losses on sale of investment securities, available-for-sale	(0.3		)	(0.6		)
	Income from investments in equity method investees	6.7			24.9
	Other-than-temporary impairment of investments	(1.0		)	(0.6		)
	Gains (losses) on investments of consolidated SIPs, net	2.9			(5.3		)
	Gains from consolidated VIEs, net	5.3			5.7
	Foreign currency exchange gains (losses), net	23.3			(10.5		)
	Other, net	8.8			6.2
	Total	51.7			48.2
	Interest Expense	(11.3		)	(12.6		)
	Other Income, Net	$	40.4		$	35.6

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component were as follows:
	(in millions)	Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments			Currency Translation Adjustments			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Defined Benefit Plans			Total
	for the three months ended December 31, 2014
	Balance at October 1, 2014	$	31		$	(143.6	)	$	(5.1	)	$	(117.7	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	3			(61.5		)	1			(57.5		)
	Reclassifications to net investment and other income, net of tax	(3.2		)	—			—			(3.2		)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(0.2		)	(61.5		)	1			(60.7		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	30.8		$	(205.1	)	$	(4.1	)	$	(178.4	)
	(in millions)	Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments			Currency Translation Adjustments			Unrealized Losses on Defined Benefit Plans			Total
	for the three months ended December 31, 2013
	Balance at October 1, 2013	$	71.9		$	(63.2	)	$	(2.6	)	$	6.1
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	0.9			8.1			(1.3		)	7.7
	Reclassifications to net investment and other income, net of tax	(10.9		)	—			—			(10.9		)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(10.0		)	8.1			(1.3		)	(3.2		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	61.9		$	(55.1	)	$	(3.9	)	$	2.9

New_Accounting_Guidance_New_Ac

New Accounting Guidance New Accounting Guidance - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 01, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Appropriated retained earnings of consolidated variable interest entities	$0	$13.90
Retained earnings	11,672	11,625.60
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Debt of consolidated variable interest entities			14.2
Appropriated retained earnings of consolidated variable interest entities			-13.9
Retained earnings			($0.30)

Stockholders_Equity_Narrative_

Stockholders' Equity - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Number of shares repurchased during period	2.7	2.5
Cost of shares repurchased during period	$151.20	$137.10
Additional number of shares authorized to be repurchased		30
Remaining number of shares authorized to be repurchased	27.1

Stockholders_Equity_Changes_in

Stockholders' Equity - Changes in Stockholders' Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Oct. 01, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Rollforward
Beginning balance	$11,584.10
Beginning balance	628.3
Beginning balance	12,212.40
Net Income Attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc.	566.4		603.8
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	6.7		-17.2
Net Income	566.3		596
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-60.7		-3.2
Ending balance	11,555.80
Ending balance	598.7
Ending balance	12,154.50
Franklin Resources, Inc. Stockholders' Equity [Member]
Stockholders' Equity Rollforward
Beginning balance	11,584.10		10,073.10
Net Income Attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc.	566.4		603.8
Net income (loss) reclassified to appropriated retained earnings			4.8
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-60.7		-3.2
Cash dividends on common stock	-405.6		-75.9
Repurchase of common stock	-151.2		-137.1
Other	37	[1]	41.6	[1]
Ending balance	11,555.80		10,507.10
Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Stockholders' Equity Rollforward
Beginning balance	628.3		612.4
Net income (loss) reclassified to appropriated retained earnings			-4.8
New subscriptions (redemptions)	-36.3		-13.1
Ending balance	598.7		577.3
Total Stockholders' Equity [Member]
Stockholders' Equity Rollforward
Beginning balance	12,212.40		10,685.50
Net Income	573.1		586.6
Net income (loss) reclassified to appropriated retained earnings			0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-60.7		-3.2
Cash dividends on common stock	-405.6		-75.9
Repurchase of common stock	-151.2		-137.1
New subscriptions (redemptions)	-36.3		-13.1
Other	37	[1]	41.6	[1]
Ending balance	12,154.50		11,084.40
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member]
Stockholders' Equity Rollforward
Adjustment for adoption of new accounting guidance					($14.20)
[1]	Primarily relates to stock-based compensation plans.

Earnings_per_Share_Narrative_D

Earnings per Share - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Shares of non participating nonvested stock unit awards excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS	0.6	0.1

Earnings_per_Share_Schedule_of

Earnings per Share - Schedule of Earnings per Share Basic and Diluted (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract]
Net Income Attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc.	$566.40	$603.80
Less: Allocation of earnings to participating nonvested stock and stock unit awards	3.6	3.5
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders	$562.80	$600.30
Weighted-average shares outstanding – basic	620.1	628.1
Effect of non-participating nonvested stock unit awards and dilutive common stock options	0.1	0.4
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding – Diluted	620.2	628.5
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic	$0.91	$0.96
Diluted	$0.91	$0.96

Investments_Narrative_Details

Investments - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments [Abstract]
Aggregate carrying values of investment securities pledged as collateral	$5.70		$6.10
Other-than-temporary impairment of investments	1	0.6
Other-than-temporary impairment of other investments		$0.20

Investments_Summary_of_Investm

Investments - Summary of Investments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investment [Line Items]
Investment securities, trading	$1,270.40		$1,277.50
Investment securities, available-for-sale	574.8		554.1
Investments in equity method investees	652.1		594.9
Other investments	155.8		89.6
Total Investments	2,653.10		2,516.10
Sponsored Investment Products [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Investment securities, available-for-sale	541.9		517.6
Securities of U.S. states and political subdivisions [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Investment securities, available-for-sale	8.7		11.3
Securities of the U.S. Treasury and federal agencies [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Investment securities, available-for-sale	0.7		0.7
Mortgage-backed securities - agency residential [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Investment securities, available-for-sale	17.2	[1]	17.9	[1]
Other Equity Securities [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Investment securities, available-for-sale	$6.30		$6.60
[1]	Consist of U.S. government-sponsored enterprise obligations.

Investments_Summary_of_gross_u

Investments - Summary of gross unrealized gains and losses relating to investment securities, available-for-sale (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investment [Line Items]
Cost Basis	$536.30	$513
Gross Unrealized Gains	42.9	44.1
Gross Unrealized Losses	-4.4	-3
Fair Value	574.8	554.1
Sponsored Investment Products [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Cost Basis	504.4	477
Gross Unrealized Gains	41.9	43.5
Gross Unrealized Losses	-4.4	-2.9
Fair Value	541.9	517.6
Securities of U.S. states and political subdivisions [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Cost Basis	8.5	11
Gross Unrealized Gains	0.2	0.3
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	8.7	11.3
Securities of the U.S. Treasury and federal agencies [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Cost Basis	0.7	0.7
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	0.7	0.7
Mortgage-backed securities - agency residential [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Cost Basis	17.1	18
Gross Unrealized Gains	0.1	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	-0.1
Fair Value	17.2	17.9
Other Equity Securities [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Cost Basis	5.6	6.3
Gross Unrealized Gains	0.7	0.3
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	$6.30	$6.60

Investments_Continuous_Loss_Po

Investments - Continuous Loss Position (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value		$160.40
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses		-2.7
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value		13.1
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Gross Unrealized Losses		-0.3
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		173.5
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses		-3
Sponsored Investment Products [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	112.1	156.4
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-4.2	-2.7
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	1.7	1.5
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Gross Unrealized Losses	-0.2	-0.2
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	113.8	157.9
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses	-4.4	-2.9
Mortgage-backed securities - agency residential [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value		4
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value		11.6
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Gross Unrealized Losses		-0.1
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		15.6
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Gross Unrealized Losses		($0.10)

Investments_Schedule_of_Maturi

Investments - Schedule of Maturities of available-for-sale debt securities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investments [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year or less, Amortized Cost Basis	$2.60
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Amortized Cost Basis	6.6
Total Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis	9.2
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year or less, Fair Value	2.6
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Fair Value	6.8
Total Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value	$9.40

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Transfers into Level 1 from Level 2 - assets	$0	$0
Transfers into Level 2 from Level 1 - assets	0	0
Transfers into Level 1 from Level 2 - liabilities	0	0
Transfers into Level 2 from Level 1 - liabilities	0	0
Transfers into Level 3 - assets	0	0
Transfers into Level 3 - liabilities	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3 - assets	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3 - liabilities	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investment securities, trading	$1,270.40		$1,277.50
Investment securities, available-for-sale	574.8		554.1
Life settlement contracts	14.2		14
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	1,859.40		1,845.60
Contingent consideration liabilities	100.7		98.5
Level 1 [Member]
Investment securities, trading	1,189.10		1,196.10
Life settlement contracts	0		0
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	1,732.20		1,715.40
Contingent consideration liabilities	0		0
Level 2 [Member]
Investment securities, trading	81.3		81.4
Life settlement contracts	0		0
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	113		116.2
Contingent consideration liabilities	0		0
Level 3 [Member]
Investment securities, trading	0		0
Life settlement contracts	14.2		14
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	14.2		14
Contingent consideration liabilities	100.7		98.5
Sponsored Investment Products [Member]
Investment securities, available-for-sale	541.9		517.6
Sponsored Investment Products [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Investment securities, available-for-sale	541.9		517.6
Sponsored Investment Products [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Investment securities, available-for-sale	0		0
Sponsored Investment Products [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Investment securities, available-for-sale	0		0
Securities of U.S. states and political subdivisions [Member]
Investment securities, available-for-sale	8.7		11.3
Securities of U.S. states and political subdivisions [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Investment securities, available-for-sale	0		0
Securities of U.S. states and political subdivisions [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Investment securities, available-for-sale	8.7		11.3
Securities of U.S. states and political subdivisions [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Investment securities, available-for-sale	0		0
Securities of the U.S. Treasury and federal agencies [Member]
Investment securities, available-for-sale	0.7		0.7
Securities of the U.S. Treasury and federal agencies [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Investment securities, available-for-sale	0		0
Securities of the U.S. Treasury and federal agencies [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Investment securities, available-for-sale	0.7		0.7
Securities of the U.S. Treasury and federal agencies [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Investment securities, available-for-sale	0		0
Mortgage-backed securities - agency residential [Member]
Investment securities, available-for-sale	17.2	[1]	17.9	[1]
Mortgage-backed securities - agency residential [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Investment securities, available-for-sale	0		0
Mortgage-backed securities - agency residential [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Investment securities, available-for-sale	17.2		17.9
Mortgage-backed securities - agency residential [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Investment securities, available-for-sale	0		0
Other Equity Securities [Member]
Investment securities, available-for-sale	6.3		6.6
Other Equity Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Investment securities, available-for-sale	1.2		1.7
Other Equity Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Investment securities, available-for-sale	5.1		4.9
Other Equity Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Investment securities, available-for-sale	$0		$0
[1]	Consist of U.S. government-sponsored enterprise obligations.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period - assets	$14	$13.80
Balance at beginning of period - liabilities	-98.5	-97.7
Purchases - assets	0.1	0.1
Purchases - liabilities	0	0
Sales - assets	0	-0.7
Sales - liabilities	0	0
Settlements - assets	-0.5	0
Settlements - liabilities	7.1	2.7
Balance at end of period - assets	14.2	13.9
Balance at end of period - liabilities	-100.7	-101.2
Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Effect of exchange rate changes	0	0
Change in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income relating to assets and liabilities held at period end	0.3	0.3
Contingent Consideration Liability [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Effect of exchange rate changes	0.2	0
Change in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income relating to assets and liabilities held at period end	-9.5	-6.2
Investment and other income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) - assets	0.6	0.7
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) - liabilities	0	0
General, administrative and other expense [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) - assets	0	0
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) - liabilities	-9.4	-5.9
Other Income [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) - assets	0	0
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) - liabilities	($0.10)	($0.30)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Quanti

Fair Value Measurements - Quantitative Information about Level 3 (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Life settlement contracts	14.2	14
Contingent consideration liabilities	100.7	98.5
Contingent Consideration Liability [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
AUM growth rate	2.90%	6.00%
EBITDA margin	21.70%	26.40%
Contingent Consideration Liability [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
AUM growth rate	19.80%	25.00%
EBITDA margin	29.60%	38.90%
Contingent Consideration Liability [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Discount Rate	14.00%	14.00%
AUM growth rate	11.30%	14.60%
EBITDA margin	28.00%	34.40%
Life settlement contracts [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Life Expectancy (in months)	22	25
Discount Rate	3.30%	3.30%
Life settlement contracts [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Life Expectancy (in months)	148	160
Discount Rate	19.00%	21.70%
Life settlement contracts [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Life Expectancy (in months)	71	76
Discount Rate	11.70%	11.70%
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Life settlement contracts	14.2	14
Contingent consideration liabilities	100.7	98.5
Level 3 [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Life settlement contracts	14.2	14
Contingent consideration liabilities	100.7	98.5

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu1

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of financial instruments not measured at fair value (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$7,885.20		$7,596		$6,699.70	$6,323.10
Carrying Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	7,758		7,476.80
Other Investments	141.6	[1]	75.6	[1]
Debt	1,198.30		1,198.20
Estimated Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	7,758		7,476.80
Other Investments	150.4	[1]	87.8	[1]
Debt	$1,239.50		$1,235.80
Debt [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Level	2
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Level	1
Other Investments [Member] | Time Deposits [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Level	2
Other Investments [Member] | Cost-method Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Level	3
[1]	Primarily consist of Level 3 assets.

Debt_Narrative_Details

Debt - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
Face value of senior notes	$1,200,000,000
Commercial Paper [Member]
Commercial paper available for issuance under an uncommitted private placement program	$500,000,000

Debt_Outstanding_Debt_Details

Debt - Outstanding Debt (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	$1,198.30	$1,198.20
Notes Due 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	250	250
Effective Interest Rate	3.32%	3.32%
Face value of senior notes	250
Stated interest rate	3.13%
Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	299.1	299
Effective Interest Rate	1.66%	1.66%
Face value of senior notes	300
Stated interest rate	1.38%
Notes Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	349.8	349.8
Effective Interest Rate	4.74%	4.74%
Face value of senior notes	350
Stated interest rate	4.63%
Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	299.4	299.4
Effective Interest Rate	2.93%	2.93%
Face value of senior notes	$300
Stated interest rate	2.80%

Debt_Debt_Maturity_Details

Debt - Debt Maturity (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$250
2016	0
2017	299.1
2018	0
2019	0
Thereafter	649.2
Total Debt	$1,198.30	$1,198.20

CVIEs_and_CSIPs_Narrative_Deta

CVIEs and CSIPs - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
Number of sponsored investment products consolidated	29		30
Gains from consolidated VIEs, net	$5,300,000	$5,700,000
Debt, unpaid principal balance	1,198,300,000		1,198,200,000
Liquidation weighted average period	3 years 7 months 0 days		3 years 10 months 24 days
Consolidated SIPs' unfunded commitments	128,000,000		139,200,000
Unfunded commitments company contractually obligated to fund	2,800,000		3,100,000
Transfers into Level 2 from Level 1 - assets	0	0
Transfers into Level 2 from Level 1 - liabilities	0	0
Transfers into Level 1 from Level 2 - assets	0	0
Transfers into Level 1 from Level 2 - liabilities	0	0
Investments in various funds held by consolidated SIPs for which fair value was estimated using NAV	436,800,000		695,800,000
AUM of non-consolidated VIEs	40,600,000,000		42,400,000,000
Consolidated sponsored investment products [Member]
Interest Rate, Minimum	2.19%		2.19%
Interest Rate, Maximum	5.81%		5.89%
Transfers into Level 2 from Level 1 - assets	0	0
Transfers into Level 2 from Level 1 - liabilities	0	0
Transfers into Level 1 from Level 2 - assets		100,000
Transfers into Level 1 from Level 2 - liabilities	0	0
Transfers into or out of Level 3 - assets	0	0
Transfers into or out of Level 3 - liabilities	0	0
Investments in various funds held by consolidated SIPs for which fair value was estimated using NAV	410,700,000		393,500,000
Consolidated variable interest entities [Member]
Floating interest rate, minimum	0.46%		0.46%
Floating interest rate, maximum	9.73%		9.73%
Debt of consolidated variable interest entities	795,500,000		828,500,000
Level 3 [Member] | Consolidated variable interest entities [Member]
Debt of consolidated variable interest entities			47,200,000
Collateralized Loan Obligations [Member]
Debt, unpaid principal balance	$825,500,000		$861,900,000

CVIEs_and_CSIPs_Schedule_of_ba

CVIEs and CSIPs - Schedule of balances of consolidated VIEs and consolidated SIPs (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$7,885.20	$7,596	$6,699.70	$6,323.10
Receivables	926.7	950
Investments, at fair value	1,859.40	1,845.60
Other assets	172	178.2
Total Assets	16,296.80	16,357.10
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	194.2	237.5
Other liabilities	257.3	258.4
Total liabilities	4,068.30	3,909.90
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	74	234.8	153.8	121.8
Franklin Resources, Inc.’s interests	11,555.80	11,584.10
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	598.7	628.3
Total stockholders’ equity	12,154.50	12,212.40
Total Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Stockholders' Equity	16,296.80	16,357.10
Consolidated sponsored investment products [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	60.6	44.9
Receivables	14.6	16.2
Investments, at fair value	996.8	1,373.70
Other assets	0.6	0.7
Total Assets	1,072.60	1,435.50
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	16.2	18.5
Debt of consolidated sponsored investment products	105.7	122.3
Other liabilities	12.3	12.4
Total liabilities	134.2	153.2
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	74	234.8
Franklin Resources, Inc.’s interests	285	436.5
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	579.4	611
Total stockholders’ equity	864.4	1,047.50
Total Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Stockholders' Equity	1,072.60	1,435.50
Consolidated variable interest entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	66.6	74.3
Receivables	9	23
Investments, at fair value	754.1	788.4
Other assets	0	0
Total Assets	829.7	885.7
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	22.8	35.3
Debt of consolidated variable interest entities	795.5	828.5
Other liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	818.3	863.8
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	0	0
Franklin Resources, Inc.’s interests	11.4	21.9
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity	11.4	21.9
Total Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Stockholders' Equity	829.7	885.7
Total VIEs and SIPs [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	127.2	119.2
Receivables	23.6	39.2
Investments, at fair value	1,750.90	2,162.10
Other assets	0.6	0.7
Total Assets	1,902.30	2,321.20
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	39	53.8
Debt of consolidated variable interest entities	795.5	828.5
Debt of consolidated sponsored investment products	105.7	122.3
Other liabilities	12.3	12.4
Total liabilities	952.5	1,017
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	74	234.8
Franklin Resources, Inc.’s interests	296.4	458.4
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	579.4	611
Total stockholders’ equity	875.8	1,069.40
Total Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Stockholders' Equity	$1,902.30	$2,321.20

CVIEs_and_CSIPs_Schedule_of_ch

CVIEs and CSIPs - Schedule of changes in fair values of underlying assets and liabilities of the Collateralized Loan Obligations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Abstract]
Net gains from changes in fair value of assets		$13.40
Net losses from changes in fair value of liabilities		-7.7
Total Net Gains	$5.30	$5.70

CVIEs_and_CSIPs_Unpaid_Princip

CVIEs and CSIPs - Unpaid Principal Balance and Fair Value of Investments and Long-Term Debt of Consolidated CLOs (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Total investments, unpaid principal balance	$2,653.10	$2,516.10
Total investments, fair value	1,859.40	1,845.60
Debt, unpaid principal balance	1,198.30	1,198.20
Collateralized Loan Obligations [Member]
Total investments, unpaid principal balance	759.6	787.1
Total investments, difference between unpaid principal and fair value	-5.5	1.3
Total investments, fair value	754.1	788.4
Debt, unpaid principal balance	825.5	861.9
Debt, difference between unpaid principal and fair value		-33.4
Debt, fair value		$828.50

CVIEs_and_CSIPs_Schedule_of_in

CVIEs and CSIPs - Schedule of investments of consolidated VIEs and consolidated SIPs (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Investment securities, trading	$1,270.40	$1,277.50
Total investments, fair value	1,859.40	1,845.60
Consolidated sponsored investment products [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Investment securities, trading	214.5	249.6
Other debt securities	151.6	205.6
Other equity securities	630.7	918.5
Total investments, fair value	996.8	1,373.70
Consolidated variable interest entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Investment securities, trading	0	0
Other debt securities	754.1	788.4
Other equity securities	0	0
Total investments, fair value	754.1	788.4
Total VIEs and SIPs [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Investment securities, trading	214.5	249.6
Other debt securities	905.7	994
Other equity securities	630.7	918.5
Total investments, fair value	$1,750.90	$2,162.10

CVIEs_and_CSIPs_Schedule_of_de

CVIEs and CSIPs - Schedule of debt of consolidated VIEs and consolidated SIPs (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Consolidated variable interest entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Debt of consolidated variable interest entities	$795.50	$828.50
Effective Interest Rate	1.48%	1.43%
Consolidated sponsored investment products [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Debt of consolidated sponsored investment products	105.7	122.3
Effective Interest Rate	4.10%	3.87%
Total VIEs and SIPs [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Debt of consolidated variable interest entities	795.5	828.5
Debt of consolidated sponsored investment products	105.7	122.3
Total Debt	$901.20	$950.80

CVIEs_and_CSIPs_Schedule_of_co

CVIEs and CSIPs - Schedule of contractual maturities for debt of consolidated VIEs and consolidated SIPs (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
2015	$250
2016	0
2017	299.1
2018	0
2019	0
Thereafter	649.2
Total VIEs and SIPs [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
2015	34
2016	0
2017	28.4
2018	224.9
2019	330.6
Thereafter	283.3
Total Debt	$901.20	$950.80

CVIEs_and_CSIPs_Schedule_of_ba1

CVIEs and CSIPs - Schedule of balances of assets and liabilities of consolidated VIEs and consolidated SIPs measured at fair value (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$7,885.20	$7,596	$6,699.70	$6,323.10
Investments, at fair value	1,859.40	1,845.60
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	1,859.40	1,845.60
Consolidated variable interest entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	66.6	74.3
Investments, at fair value	754.1	788.4
Equity securities	0	0
Debt securities	754.1	788.4
Debt of consolidated variable interest entities	795.5	828.5
Consolidated sponsored investment products [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	60.6	44.9
Investments, at fair value	996.8	1,373.70
Equity securities	630.7	918.5
Debt securities	151.6	205.6
Total [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	66.6	74.3
Receivables of consolidated VIEs	9	23
Investments, at fair value	754.1	788.4
Equity securities	760.8	1,068.20
Debt securities	236	305.5
Accounts payable and accrued expenses of consolidated VIEs		35.3
Debt of consolidated variable interest entities		828.5
Other liabilities of consolidated SIPs	4.7	4.6
Total VIEs and SIPs [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	127.2	119.2
Investments, at fair value	1,750.90	2,162.10
Equity securities	630.7	918.5
Debt securities	905.7	994
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	1,826.50	2,259.40
Debt of consolidated variable interest entities	795.5	828.5
Total Liabilities Measured at Fair Value		868.4
Level 1 [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	1,732.20	1,715.40
Level 1 [Member] | Consolidated variable interest entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	66.6	74.3
Receivables of consolidated VIEs	0	0
Investments, at fair value	0	0
Accounts payable and accrued expenses of consolidated VIEs		0
Debt of consolidated variable interest entities		0
Level 1 [Member] | Consolidated sponsored investment products [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Equity securities	131.8	149.9
Debt securities	2.4	2.4
Other liabilities of consolidated SIPs	4.7	4
Level 1 [Member] | Total VIEs and SIPs [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	200.8	226.6
Total Liabilities Measured at Fair Value		4
Level 2 [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	113	116.2
Level 2 [Member] | Consolidated variable interest entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Receivables of consolidated VIEs	9	23
Investments, at fair value	753.7	787.9
Accounts payable and accrued expenses of consolidated VIEs		35.3
Debt of consolidated variable interest entities		781.3
Level 2 [Member] | Consolidated sponsored investment products [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Equity securities	26.2	304
Debt securities	82	96.8
Other liabilities of consolidated SIPs	0	0.6
Level 2 [Member] | Total VIEs and SIPs [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	870.9	1,211.70
Total Liabilities Measured at Fair Value		817.2
Level 3 [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	14.2	14
Level 3 [Member] | Consolidated variable interest entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Receivables of consolidated VIEs	0	0
Investments, at fair value	0.4	0.5
Accounts payable and accrued expenses of consolidated VIEs		0
Debt of consolidated variable interest entities		47.2
Level 3 [Member] | Consolidated sponsored investment products [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Equity securities	602.8	614.3
Debt securities	151.6	206.3
Other liabilities of consolidated SIPs	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Total VIEs and SIPs [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	754.8	821.1
Total Liabilities Measured at Fair Value		$47.20

CVIEs_and_CSIPs_Schedule_of_in1

CVIEs and CSIPs - Schedule of investments in fund products for which fair value was estimated using NAV as a practical expedient (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Investments in funds products for which fair value was estimated using NAV	$436.80	$695.80
Global Fixed-Income Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Investments in funds products for which fair value was estimated using NAV	0	275.1
Hedge Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Investments in funds products for which fair value was estimated using NAV	26.1	27.2
Hedge Funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Investments in funds products for which fair value was estimated using NAV	1.1	1.2
Real Estate and Private Equity Funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Investments in funds products for which fair value was estimated using NAV	$409.60	$392.30

CVIEs_and_CSIPs_Schedule_of_ch1

CVIEs and CSIPs - Schedule of changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities of consolidated VIEs and consolidated SIPs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period - assets	$14	$13.80
Balance at beginning of period - liabilities	-98.5	-97.7
Purchases - assets	0.1	0.1
Purchases - liabilities	0	0
Sales - assets	0	-0.7
Sales - liabilities	0	0
Settlements - assets	-0.5	0
Settlements - liabilities	7.1	2.7
Balance at end of period - assets	14.2	13.9
Balance at end of period - liabilities	-100.7	-101.2
Equity Securities [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets	0
Balance at beginning of period - assets	614.3	470.9
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in investment and other income, net - assets	8.3	-3.7
Purchases - assets	47.3	50.2
Sales - assets	-65.1	-15.6
Settlements - assets	0
Effect of exchange rate changes	-2	0.8
Balance at end of period - assets	602.8	502.6
Change in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income relating to assets and liabilities held at period end	2.6	-3.3
Debt Securities [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets	0
Balance at beginning of period - assets	206.3	272.3
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in investment and other income, net - assets	3.9	-27.7
Purchases - assets	1.7	22.2
Sales - assets	-57.2	-13.9
Settlements - assets	-0.6
Effect of exchange rate changes	-2.5	1.5
Balance at end of period - assets	151.6	254.4
Change in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income relating to assets and liabilities held at period end	3.6	-28.8
Investments of Consolidated VIEs [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets	0
Balance at beginning of period - assets	0.5	0.5
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in investment and other income, net - assets	-0.1	0
Purchases - assets	0	0
Sales - assets	0	0
Settlements - assets	0
Effect of exchange rate changes	0	0
Balance at end of period - assets	0.4	0.5
Change in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income relating to assets and liabilities held at period end	-0.1	0
Debt of Consolidated VIEs [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets	47.2
Balance at beginning of period - liabilities	-47.2	-59.7
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in investment and other income, net - liabilities	0	7.5
Purchases - liabilities	0	0
Sales - liabilities	0	0
Settlements - liabilities	0
Effect of exchange rate changes	0	0
Balance at end of period - liabilities	0	-52.2
Change in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income relating to assets and liabilities held at period end	0	7.5
Level 3 [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets	0
Balance at beginning of period - assets	821.1	743.7
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in investment and other income, net - assets	12.1	-31.4
Purchases - assets	49	72.4
Sales - assets	-122.3	-29.5
Settlements - assets	-0.6
Effect of exchange rate changes	-4.5	2.3
Balance at end of period - assets	754.8	757.5
Change in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income relating to assets and liabilities held at period end	$6.10	($32.10)

CVIEs_and_CSIPs_Schedule_of_va

CVIEs and CSIPs - Schedule of valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in recurring Level 3 fair value measurements (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Discount Rate	3.60%	3.60%
Risk premium	0.00%	0.00%
Debt Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Discount Rate	18.00%	18.00%
Risk premium	8.00%	8.00%
Debt Securities [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Discount Rate	10.10%	11.90%
Risk premium	2.40%	1.90%
Equity Securities [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Price to book value ratio		1.8
Equity Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Discount for lack of marketability	25.00%	25.00%
EBITDA multiple	3.1	3.1
Price to book value ratio	1.8
Equity Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Discount Rate	6.30%	6.00%
Equity Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Discount for lack of marketability	50.00%	50.00%
EBITDA multiple	11	11
Price to book value ratio	2.8	2.8
Equity Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Discount Rate	20.00%	20.00%
Equity Securities [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Discount for lack of marketability	33.20%	33.20%
EBITDA multiple	8	8
Price to book value ratio	2.3	2.1
Equity Securities [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Discount Rate	13.40%	16.90%
Consolidated sponsored investment products [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Debt securities	151.6	205.6
Equity securities	630.7	918.5
Consolidated sponsored investment products [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Debt securities	151.6	206.3
Equity securities	602.8	614.3
Consolidated sponsored investment products [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Equity securities	22	38.1
Consolidated sponsored investment products [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Market pricing approach valuation technique [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Equity securities	19.7	29.8
Consolidated sponsored investment products [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Market comparable companies approach valuation technique [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Sponsored Investment Products [Line Items]
Equity securities	150.4	152.9

CVIEs_and_CSIPs_Schedule_of_fi

CVIEs and CSIPs - Schedule of financial instruments of consolidated VIEs and consolidated SIPs not measured at fair value (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$7,885.20		$7,596	$6,699.70	$6,323.10
Consolidated sponsored investment products [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	60.6		44.9
Debt of consolidated SIPs	105.7		122.3
Consolidated variable interest entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	66.6		74.3
Debt of consolidated variable interest entities	795.5		828.5
Carrying Value [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	7,758		7,476.80
Carrying Value [Member] | Consolidated sponsored investment products [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	60.6		44.9
Debt of consolidated SIPs	105.7		122.3
Carrying Value [Member] | Consolidated variable interest entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Debt of consolidated variable interest entities	795.5
Estimated Fair Value [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	7,758		7,476.80
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Consolidated sponsored investment products [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	60.6		44.9
Debt of consolidated SIPs	104.1		122
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Consolidated variable interest entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Debt of consolidated variable interest entities	$783.30	[1]
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Fair Value Level	1
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Consolidated sponsored investment products [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Fair Value Level	1
Debt of consolidated SIPs [Member] | Consolidated sponsored investment products [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Fair Value Level	3
[1]	1 Substantially all is Level 2.

CVIEs_and_CSIPs_Redeemable_Non

CVIEs and CSIPs - Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$234.80	$121.80
Net (loss) income	-6.8	9.4
Ending balance	74	153.8
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Net subscriptions	1	114.5
Net deconsolidations	($155)	($91.90)

CVIEs_and_CSIPs_Schedule_of_Ma

CVIEs and CSIPs - Schedule of Maximum Exposure to Loss on non-consolidated VIEs (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Non-consolidated VIEs carrying value	$244.70	$251.80
Receivables [Member]
Non-consolidated VIEs carrying value	48.3	49.8
Investments [Member]
Non-consolidated VIEs carrying value	$196.40	$202

StockBased_Compensation_Narrat

Stock-Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested awards net of estimated forfeitures	$233.70
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	2 years 1 month 0 days

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested beginning balance shares	3,473
Nonvested beginning balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$48.55
Shares granted	2,636
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value of shares granted	$55.69
Shares vested	-525
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value of shares vested	$41.88
Shares forfeited/canceled	-123
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value of shares forfeited/canceled	$41.60
Nonvested ending balance shares	5,461
Nonvested ending balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$52.80

Other_Income_Expenses_Narrativ

Other Income (Expenses) - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities	$36.50	$125.60
Recognized net gains (losses) on trading investment securities	-3	1.9
Net gains (losses) on trading investment securities of consolidated SIPs	($5.90)	$10

Other_Income_Expenses_Schedule

Other Income (Expenses) - Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income and Expense by Component (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Dividend income	$2.20	$3.10
Interest income	2	2.3
Gains (losses) on trading investment securities, net	-3	3.4
Realized gains on sale of investment securities, available-for-sale	4.8	19.6
Realized losses on sale of investment securities, available-for-sale	-0.3	-0.6
Income from investments in equity method investees	6.7	24.9
Other-than-temporary impairment of investments	-1	-0.6
Gains (losses) on investments of consolidated SIPs, net	2.9	-5.3
Gains from consolidated VIEs, net	5.3	5.7
Foreign currency exchange gains (losses), net	23.3	-10.5
Other, net	8.8	6.2
Total	51.7	48.2
Interest expense	-11.3	-12.6
Other Income, Net	$40.40	$35.60

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	($117.70)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax	-0.2	-10
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax	-61.5	8.1
Net unrealized gains (losses) on defined benefit plans, net of tax	1	-1.3
Total other comprehensive loss	-60.7	-3.2
Balance at end of period	-178.4
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	31	71.9
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	3	0.9
Reclassifications to net investment and other income, net of tax	-3.2	-10.9
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax	-0.2	-10
Balance at end of period	30.8	61.9
Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	-143.6	-63.2
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	-61.5	8.1
Reclassifications to net investment and other income, net of tax	0	0
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax	-61.5	8.1
Balance at end of period	-205.1	-55.1
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Defined Benefit Plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	-5.1	-2.6
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	1	-1.3
Reclassifications to net investment and other income, net of tax	0	0
Net unrealized gains (losses) on defined benefit plans, net of tax	1	-1.3
Balance at end of period	-4.1	-3.9
Total [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	6.1		-117.7
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	-57.5	7.7
Reclassifications to net investment and other income, net of tax	-3.2	-10.9
Total other comprehensive loss	-60.7	-3.2
Balance at end of period	($178.40)	$2.90	($117.70)