Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income Including the Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries	$ 222,299	$ 294,901	$ 221,514
PERMANENT EQUITY
Foreign Currency Translation (Loss) Gain	(13,607)	612	(617)
Reclassification Adjustment Related to Foreign Currency Items	(191)	0	0
Unrealized Gain on Equity Securities	0	1,642	3,029
Reclassification Adjustment Related to Equity Securities	(29)	(2,521)	1,674
TEMPORARY EQUITY
Foreign Currency Translation Loss	(6,009)	0	(13)
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, net of tax	(19,836)	(267)	4,073
Comprehensive Income Including the Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries	202,463	294,634	225,587
Less: Comprehensive (Loss) Income Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiaries	(4,007)	3,084	3,189
Less: Comprehensive Income Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiary	0	476	9,393
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Federated Investors, Inc.	$ 206,470	$ 291,074	$ 213,005