Label	Element	Value
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Registrant Name	dei_EntityRegistrantName	FEDERATED EQUITY FUNDS
Prospectus Date	rr_ProspectusDate	Dec. 31, 2019
Class T Shares | Federated Kaufmann Small Cap Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	Federated Kaufmann Small Cap Fund (the "Fund")
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	RISK/RETURN SUMMARY: INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	The Fund's investment objective is to provide capital appreciation.
Expense [Heading]	rr_ExpenseHeading	RISK/RETURN SUMMARY: FEES AND EXPENSES
Expense Narrative [Text Block]	rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock	This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold the Fund's Class T Shares (T).
Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]	rr_ShareholderFeesCaption	Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Operating Expenses Caption [Text]	rr_OperatingExpensesCaption	Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Fee Waiver or Reimbursement over Assets, Date of Termination	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsDateOfTermination	January 1, 2021
Fee Waiver Or Reimbursement Over Assets, Later Of Termination Or Next Effective Prospectus	fef_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsLaterOfTerminationOrNextEffectiveProspectus	up to but not including the later of (the "Termination Date"): (a) January 1, 2021; or (b) the date of the Fund's next effective Prospectus.
Portfolio Turnover [Heading]	rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading	Portfolio Turnover
Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]	rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock	The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 33% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	33.00%
Other Expenses, New Fund, Based on Estimates [Text]	rr_OtherExpensesNewFundBasedOnEstimates	Because the Class T Shares have not yet commenced operations, "Other Expenses" are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
Expense Example [Heading]	rr_ExpenseExampleHeading	Example
Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]	rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock	This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that operating expenses are as shown in the table above and remain the same. Although your actual costs and returns may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Strategy [Heading]	rr_StrategyHeading	RISK/RETURN SUMMARY: INVESTMENTS, RISKS and PERFORMANCE What are the Fund's Main Investment Strategies?
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing primarily in the common stocks of small companies that are traded on national security exchanges, the NASDAQ stock market and on the over-the-counter market. Small companies will be defined as companies with market capitalizations similar to companies in the Russell 2000 Index (which had a market capitalization range of $15 million to $7 billion as of October 31, 2019) or the Standard & Poor's Small Cap 600 Index (which had a market capitalization range of $51.2 million to $4.4 billion as of October 31, 2019). The Fund will normally invest at least 80% of its net assets (which include the amount of any borrowing for investment purposes) in small companies and will notify shareholders at least 60 days in advance of any change in its investment policies that would permit the Fund to normally invest less than 80% of its net assets in investments in small companies. Such definition will be applied at the time of investment and the Fund will not be required to sell a stock because a company has grown outside the market capitalization range of small capitalization stocks. Up to 30% of the Fund's net assets may be invested in foreign securities. When investing in foreign securities, the Fund's Adviser and Sub-Adviser (collectively, "Adviser") may emphasize investment in a particular country or group of countries which may subject the Fund to the risks of investing in such country or group of countries to a greater extent than if the Fund's foreign security exposure was diversified over a greater number of countries. The Adviser's process for selecting investments is bottom-up and growth-oriented. The Fund may loan up to 30% of its total assets in the form of its portfolio securities to unaffiliated broker/dealers, banks or other recognized institutional borrowers to generate additional income. The Fund receives cash, U.S. Treasury obligations and/or other liquid securities as collateral. The Fund also may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. The Fund may invest in fixed-income securities, American Depositary Receipts and use derivative contracts (such as, for example, options, swaps and futures contracts) and/or hybrid instruments to implement elements of its investment strategy. For example, the Fund may use derivative contracts or hybrid instruments to increase or decrease the portfolio's exposure to the investment(s) underlying the derivative or hybrid instruments in an attempt to benefit from changes in the value of the underlying investment(s), to realize gains from trading a derivative contract or to hedge against potential losses. There can be no assurances the Fund's use of derivative contracts and/or hybrid instruments will work as intended. Derivative investments made by the Fund are included within the Fund's 80% policy and are calculated at market value.
Risk [Heading]	rr_RiskHeading	What are the Main Risks of Investing in the Fund?
Risk Narrative [Text Block]	rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock	All mutual funds take investment risks. Therefore, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund. The primary factors that may reduce the Fund's returns include: Stock Market Risk. The value of equity securities in the Fund's portfolio will fluctuate and, as a result, the Fund's Share price may decline suddenly or over a sustained period of time. Information publicly available about a company, whether from the company's financial statements or other disclosures or from third parties, or information available to some but not all market participants, can affect the price of a company's shares in the market. Among other factors, equity securities may decline in value because of an increase in interest rates or changes in the stock market. Recent and potential future changes in industry and/or economic trends, as well as changes in monetary policy made by central banks and/or their governments, also can affect the level of interest rates and contribute to the development of or increase in volatility, illiquidity, shareholder redemptions and other adverse effects (such as a decline in a company's stock price), which could negatively impact the Fund's performance. Risk Related to Investing for Growth. Due to their relatively high valuations, growth stocks are typically more volatile than value stocks. For instance, the price of a growth stock may experience a larger decline on a forecast of lower earnings, a negative fundamental development, or an adverse market development. Further, growth stocks may not pay dividends or may pay lower dividends than value stocks. This means they depend more on price changes for returns and may be more adversely affected in a down market compared to value stocks that pay higher dividends. Small-Cap Company Risk. The Fund may invest in small capitalization (or "small-cap") companies. Small-cap companies may have less liquid stock, a more volatile share price, unproven track records, a limited product or service base, and limited access to capital. The above factors could make small-cap companies more likely to fail than larger companies, and increase the volatility of the Fund's portfolio, performance and Share price. Sector Risk. Because the Fund may allocate relatively more assets to certain industry sectors than others, the Fund's performance may be more susceptible to any developments which affect those sectors emphasized by the Fund. Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk refers to the possibility that the Fund may not be able to sell a security or close out a derivative contract when it wants to. If this happens, the Fund will be required to continue to hold the security or keep the position open, and the Fund could incur losses. OTC derivative contracts generally carry greater liquidity risk than exchange-traded contracts. Risk of Foreign Investing. Because the Fund invests in securities issued by foreign companies and national governments, the Fund's Share price may be more affected by foreign economic and political conditions, taxation policies and accounting and auditing standards than could otherwise be the case. Risk of Investing in ADRs and Domestically Traded Securities of Foreign Issuers. Because the Fund may invest in American Depositary Receipts and other domestically traded securities of foreign companies, the Fund's Share price may be more affected by foreign economic and political conditions, taxation policies and accounting and auditing standards than would otherwise be the case. Custodial Services and Related Investment Costs. Custodial services and other costs relating to investment in international securities markets generally are more expensive due to differing settlement and clearance procedures than those of the United States. The inability of the Fund to make intended securities purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. In addition, security settlement and clearance procedures in some emerging market countries may not fully protect the Fund against loss of its assets. Currency Risk. Exchange rates for currencies fluctuate daily. Foreign securities are normally denominated and traded in foreign currencies. As a result, the value of the Fund's foreign investments and the value of the shares may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar. Eurozone Related Risk. A number of countries in the European Union (EU) have experienced, and may continue to experience, severe economic and financial difficulties. Additional EU member countries may also fall subject to such difficulties. These events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments in euro-denominated securities and derivatives contracts, securities of issuers located in the EU or with significant exposure to EU issuers or countries. Risk of Investing in Derivative Contracts and Hybrid Instruments. Derivative contracts and hybrid instruments involve risks different from, or possibly greater than, risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. Specific risk issues related to the use of such contracts and instruments include valuation and tax issues, increased potential for losses and/or costs to the Fund and a potential reduction in gains to the Fund. Each of these issues is described in greater detail in this Prospectus. Derivative contracts and hybrid instruments may also involve other risks described in this Prospectus such as stock market, credit, currency, liquidity and leverage risks. Credit Risk. Credit risk includes the possibility that a party to a transaction (such as a derivative transaction) involving the Fund will fail to meet its obligations. This could cause the Fund to lose money or to lose the benefit of the transaction or prevent the Fund from selling or buying other securities to implement its investment strategy. Leverage Risk. Leverage risk is created when an investment (such as a derivative transaction) exposes the Fund to a level of risk that exceeds the amount invested. Changes in the value of such an investment magnify the Fund's risk of loss and potential for gain. Interest Rate Risk. Prices of fixed-income securities generally fall when interest rates rise. The longer the duration of a fixed-income security, the more susceptible it is to interest-rate risk. Recent and potential future changes in monetary policy made by central banks and/or their governments are likely to affect the level of interest rates. Risk Related to the Economy. The value of the Fund's portfolio may decline in tandem with a drop in the overall value of the markets in which the Fund invests and/or other markets. Economic, political and financial conditions, or industry or economic trends and developments may, from time to time, and for varying periods of time, cause the Fund to experience volatility, illiquidity, shareholder redemptions, or other potentially adverse effects. Technology Risk. The Adviser uses various technologies in managing the Fund, consistent with its investment objective and strategy described in this prospectus. For example, proprietary and third-party data and systems are utilized to support decision making for the Fund. Data imprecision, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems, which may negatively affect Fund performance. The Shares offered by this Prospectus are not deposits or obligations of any bank, are not endorsed or guaranteed by any bank and are not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. government, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency.
Risk Lose Money [Text]	rr_RiskLoseMoney	All mutual funds take investment risks. Therefore, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund.
RIsk Not Insured [Text]	rr_RiskNotInsured	The Shares offered by this Prospectus are not deposits or obligations of any bank, are not endorsed or guaranteed by any bank and are not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. government, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	Performance: Bar Chart and Table Risk/Return Bar Chart
Performance Narrative [Text Block]	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	The bar chart and performance table below reflect historical performance data for the Fund. The Fund's Class T Shares ("T class") has not yet commenced operations. The Fund currently offers six other classes of shares: Class A Shares ("A class"), Class B Shares, Class C Shares, Class R Shares, Institutional Shares and Class R6 Shares. The T class performance information shown below is for the Fund's A class and has not been adjusted to reflect the expenses of the T class. The T class is expected to have a lower net expense ratio than the A class as the T class does not include a Rule 12b-1 distribution fee and therefore the financial performance of the two share classes may differ accordingly. The bar chart and performance table below are intended to help you analyze the Fund's investment risks in light of its historical returns. The bar chart shows the variability of the Fund's T class total returns on a calendar year-by-year basis. The Average Annual Total Return table shows returns for each class averaged over the stated periods, and includes comparative performance information. The Fund's performance will fluctuate, and past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of future results. Updated performance information for the Fund is available under the "Products" section at FederatedInvestors.com or by calling 1-800-341-7400.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]	rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns	The bar chart and performance table below reflect historical performance data for the Fund. The bar chart and performance table below are intended to help you analyze the Fund's investment risks in light of its historical returns. The bar chart shows the variability of the Fund's T class total returns on a calendar year-by-year basis.
Performance Availability Phone [Text]	rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone	1-800-341-7400
Performance Availability Website Address [Text]	rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress	FederatedInvestors.com
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]	rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture	The Fund's performance will fluctuate, and past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of future results.
Bar Chart [Heading]	rr_BarChartHeading	Federated Kaufmann Small Cap Fund - T Class
Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]	rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads	The total returns shown in the bar chart do not reflect the payment of any sales charges or recurring shareholder account fees. If these charges or fees had been included, the returns shown would have been lower.
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]	rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock	The total returns shown in the bar chart do not reflect the payment of any sales charges or recurring shareholder account fees. If these charges or fees had been included, the returns shown would have been lower. The Fund's T class total return for the nine-month period from January 1, 2019 to September 30, 2019, was 20.77%. Within the periods shown in the bar chart, the Fund's T class highest quarterly return was 26.68% (quarter ended June 30, 2009). Its lowest quarterly return was (26.86)% (quarter ended September 30, 2011).
Performance Table Heading	rr_PerformanceTableHeading	Average Annual Total Return Table
Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate	rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate	After-tax returns are calculated using a standard set of assumptions. The stated returns assume the highest historical federal income and capital gains tax rates. These after-tax returns do not reflect the effect of any applicable state and local taxes.
Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred	rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred	After-tax returns are not relevant to investors holding Shares through a 401(k) plan, an Individual Retirement Account or other tax-advantaged investment plan.
Performance Table Narrative	rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock	The Fund's T class has not yet commenced operations. The T class performance information shown below is for the Fund's A class as described above. In addition to Return Before Taxes, Return After Taxes is shown for the Fund's T class to illustrate the effect of federal taxes on Fund returns. Actual after-tax returns depend on each investor's personal tax situation, and are likely to differ from those shown. After-tax returns are calculated using a standard set of assumptions. The stated returns assume the highest historical federal income and capital gains tax rates. These after-tax returns do not reflect the effect of any applicable state and local taxes. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors holding Shares through a 401(k) plan, an Individual Retirement Account or other tax-advantaged investment plan. (For the Period Ended December 31, 2018)
Class T Shares | Federated Kaufmann Small Cap Fund | T
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	2.50%
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption proceeds, as applicable)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	none
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends (and other Distributions) (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther	none
Redemption Fee (as a percentage of amount redeemed, if applicable)	rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption	none
Exchange Fee	rr_ExchangeFeeOverRedemption	none
Management Fee	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.80%
Distribution (12b-1) Fee	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	none
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.46%	[1]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.02%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.28%
Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.16%)	[2]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.12%
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 377
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	646
5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	935
10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 1,757
2009	rr_AnnualReturn2009	36.58%
2010	rr_AnnualReturn2010	31.61%
2011	rr_AnnualReturn2011	(14.18%)
2012	rr_AnnualReturn2012	21.27%
2013	rr_AnnualReturn2013	40.35%
2014	rr_AnnualReturn2014	5.66%
2015	rr_AnnualReturn2015	4.98%
2016	rr_AnnualReturn2016	5.77%
2017	rr_AnnualReturn2017	37.88%
2018	rr_AnnualReturn2018	6.88%
Year to Date Return, Label	rr_YearToDateReturnLabel	The Fund's T class total return for the nine-month period
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2019
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn	20.77%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	highest quarterly return
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Jun. 30, 2009
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	26.68%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	lowest quarterly return
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2011
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(26.86%)
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	1.00%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	10.32%
10 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	15.67%
Class T Shares | Federated Kaufmann Small Cap Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions | T
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(0.69%)
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	7.88%
10 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	13.67%
Class T Shares | Federated Kaufmann Small Cap Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | T
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	1.34%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	7.36%
10 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	12.59%
Class T Shares | Federated Kaufmann Small Cap Fund | Russell 2000® Growth Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(9.31%)	[3]
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	5.13%	[3]
10 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	13.52%	[3]
Class T Shares | Federated Kaufmann Small Cap Fund | Morningstar Small Growth Funds Average
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	(5.76%)	[4]
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	5.12%	[4]
10 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	13.36%	[4]

[1] Because the Class T Shares have not yet commenced operations, "Other Expenses" are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

[2] The Adviser and certain of its affiliates on their own initiative have agreed to waive certain amounts of their respective fees and/or reimburse expenses. Total annual fund operating expenses (excluding Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, extraordinary expenses and proxy-related expenses paid by the Fund, if any) paid by the Fund's T class (after the voluntary waivers and/or reimbursements) will not exceed 1.10% (the "Fee Limit"), up to but not including the later of (the "Termination Date"): (a) January 1, 2021; or (b) the date of the Fund's next effective Prospectus. While the Adviser and its affiliates currently do not anticipate terminating or increasing these arrangements prior to the Termination Date, these arrangements may only be terminated or the Fee Limit increased prior to the Termination Date with the agreement of the Fund's Board of Trustees.

[3] The Russell 2000® Growth Index measures the performance of the small-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe.

[4] Morningstar figures represent the average of the total returns reported by all the mutual funds designated by Morningstar as falling into the respective category indicated. They do not reflect sales charges.