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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (a) Nature of Operations Federated provides investment advisory, administrative, distribution and other services to the Federated Funds and Separate Accounts in both domestic and international markets. For presentation purposes in the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Federated Funds are considered to be affiliates of Federated. The majority of Federated's revenue is derived from investment advisory services provided to the Federated Funds and Separate Accounts through various subsidiaries pursuant to investment advisory contracts. These subsidiaries are registered as investment advisors under the Advisers Act or operate in similar capacities under applicable jurisdictional law. U.S.-domiciled Federated Funds are generally distributed by a wholly owned subsidiary registered as a broker/dealer under the 1934 Act and under applicable state laws. Non-U.S.-domiciled Federated Funds are generally distributed by wholly owned subsidiaries and a third-party distribution firm which are registered under applicable jurisdictional law. Federated's investment products are distributed within the wealth management and trust, broker/dealer, institutional and international markets. (b) Basis of Presentation The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the Consolidated Financial Statements. (c) Reclassification of Prior Period Financial Statements Certain items previously reported have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation. (d) Principles of Consolidation Federated performs an analysis for each Federated Fund or other entity in which Federated holds a financial interest to determine if it is a VIE or voting rights entity (VRE). Factors considered in this analysis include, but are not limited to, whether (1) it is a legal entity, (2) a scope exception applies, (3) a variable interest exists and (4) shareholders have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance, as well as the equity ownership, and any related party or de facto agent implications of Federated's involvement with the entity. Entities that are determined to be VIEs are consolidated if Federated is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. Entities that are determined to be VREs are generally consolidated if Federated holds the majority voting interest. Federated's conclusion to consolidate a Federated Fund may vary from period to period, most commonly as a result of changes in its percentage interest in the entity. To the extent Federated's interest in a consolidated entity represents less than 100% of the entity's equity, Federated recognizes noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries. In the case of consolidated Federated Funds, the noncontrolling interests represent equity which is redeemable or convertible for cash at the option of the equity holder. As such, these noncontrolling interests are deemed to represent temporary equity and are classified as Redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries in the mezzanine section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. All other noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries are classified as permanent equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities Federated has a controlling financial interest in a VIE and is, therefore, deemed to be the primary beneficiary of a VIE if it has (1) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Consolidation of Voting Rights Entities Federated has a controlling financial interest in a VRE if it can exert control over the financial and operating policies of the VRE, which generally occurs when Federated holds the majority voting interest (i.e., greater than 50% of the voting equity interest). (e) Business Combinations Business combinations are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. Results of operations of an acquired business are included from the date of acquisition. Management estimates the fair value of the acquired assets, including identifiable intangible assets, and assumed liabilities based on their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. Goodwill on the Consolidated Balance Sheets represents the cost of a business acquisition in excess of the fair value of the acquired net assets. The fair value of contingent consideration is recorded as a liability in Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of the acquisition date. This liability is re-measured at fair value each quarter end with changes in fair value recognized in Operating Expenses – Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income. (f) Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of investments in money market funds and deposits with banks. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to cash with original maturities of 90 days or less at the date of acquisition. (g) Investments Federated's investments are categorized as Investments—affiliates, Investments—consolidated investment companies or Investments—other on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Investments—affiliates represent Federated's available-for-sale investments in fluctuating-value Federated Funds. These investments are carried at fair value with unrealized gains or losses on these securities included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Realized gains and losses on these securities are computed on a specific-identification basis and recognized in Gain (loss) on securities, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Investments—consolidated investment companies represent trading securities held by Federated as a result of consolidating certain Federated Funds. Investments—other represent other trading investments held in Separate Accounts for which Federated owns the underlying securities. Trading securities are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in Gain (loss) on securities, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note (6) for additional information regarding investments held as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. The fair value of Federated's investments is generally based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical instruments. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is generally based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, or model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. In the absence of observable market data inputs and/or value drivers, internally generated valuation techniques may be utilized in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable in the market place. See Note (5) for additional information regarding the fair value of investments held as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. On a periodic basis, management evaluates the carrying value of investments for impairment. With respect to its investments in fluctuating-value Federated Funds, management considers various criteria, including the duration and extent of a decline in fair value, the ability and intent of management to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow the value to recover and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the fund and the underlying investments of the fund, to determine whether a decline in fair value is other than temporary. If, after considering these criteria, management believes that a decline is other than temporary, the carrying value of the security is written down to fair value through the Consolidated Statements of Income. There were no impairments to investments recognized during the year ended December 31, 2017. See Note (6) for information regarding impairments recognized during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. (h) Derivatives and Hedging Instruments From time to time, Federated may consolidate an investment product that holds freestanding derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. Federated reports such derivative instruments at fair value and records the changes in fair value in Gain (loss) on securities, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income. (i) Property and Equipment Property and equipment are initially recorded at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives ranging from 1 to 15 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or their respective lease terms. Depreciation and amortization expense is recorded in Office and occupancy on the Consolidated Statements of Income. As property and equipment are taken out of service, the cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed. During 2017 and 2016, $4.8 million and $1.4 million, respectively, of fully depreciated assets were taken out of service. The write-off of any residual net book value is reflected as a loss in Operating Expenses – Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Management reviews the remaining useful lives and carrying values of property and equipment to determine whether events and circumstances indicate that a change in the useful life or impairment in value may have occurred. Indicators of impairment monitored by management include a decrease in the market price of the asset, an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected in the acquisition or development of the asset, historical and projected cash flows associated with the asset and an expectation that the asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. Should there be an indication of a change in the useful life or an impairment in value, Federated compares the carrying value of the asset to the probability-weighted undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the underlying asset over its remaining useful life to determine whether an impairment has occurred. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the asset is written down to fair value which is determined based on prices of similar assets if available or discounted cash flows. Impairment adjustments are recognized in Operating Expenses – Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income. There were no impairments to property and equipment recognized during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 or 2015. (j) Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use Certain internal and external costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining software for internal use, including software licenses in a cloud computing arrangement, are capitalized in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance relating to Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software. These capitalized costs are included in Property and equipment, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the software or four years. These assets are subject to the impairment test used for property and equipment described above. (k) Intangible Assets, including Goodwill Intangible assets, consisting primarily of goodwill and renewable investment advisory contracts acquired in connection with various acquisitions, are recorded at fair value determined using a discounted cash flow model as of the date of acquisition. The discounted cash flow model considers various factors to project future cash flows expected to be generated from the asset. Given the investment advisory nature of Federated's business and of the businesses acquired over the years, these factors typically include: (1) an estimated rate of change for underlying managed assets; (2) expected revenue per managed asset; (3) incremental operating expenses; and (4) a discount rate. Management estimates a rate of change for underlying managed assets based on a combination of an estimated rate of market appreciation or depreciation and an estimated net redemption or sales rate. Expected revenue per managed asset and incremental operating expenses of the acquired asset are generally based on contract terms, average market participant data and historical experience. The discount rate is estimated at the current market rate of return. After the fair value of all separately identifiable assets has been estimated, goodwill is recorded to the extent the consideration paid for the acquisition exceeds the sum of the fair values of the separately identifiable acquired assets and assumed liabilities. Federated tests goodwill for impairment at least annually or when indicators of potential impairment exist. Goodwill is evaluated at the reporting unit level. Federated has determined that it has a single reporting unit consistent with its single operating segment based on the management of Federated's operations as a single business: investment management. Federated does not have multiple operating segments or business components for which discrete financial information is available. Federated uses a qualitative approach to test for potential impairment of goodwill. If, after considering various factors, management determines that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, a two-step process to test for and measure impairment is performed which begins with an estimation of the fair value of its reporting unit by considering Federated's market capitalization. If Federated's market capitalization falls to a level below its recorded book value of equity, Federated's goodwill would be considered for possible impairment. There were no impairments to goodwill recognized during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 or 2015. Federated has determined that certain acquired assets, primarily, certain renewable investment advisory contracts, have indefinite useful lives. In reaching this conclusion, management considered the legal, regulatory and contractual provisions of the investment advisory contract that enable the renewal of the contract, the level of cost and effort required in renewing the investment advisory contract, and the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors that could impact the funds' projected performance and existence. The contracts generally renew annually and the value of these acquired assets assumes renewal. There were no impairments to indefinite-lived intangible assets recognized during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 or 2015. See Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under the caption Critical Accounting Policies for additional information on the: (1) valuation in connection with the initial purchase price allocation; (2) ongoing evaluation for impairment; and (3) reconsideration of an asset's useful life. Federated generally amortizes finite-lived identifiable intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Management periodically evaluates the remaining useful lives and carrying values of the intangible assets to determine whether events and circumstances indicate that a change in the useful life or impairment in value may have occurred. Indicators of a potential impairment monitored by management include a significant decline in the level of managed assets, changes to contractual provisions underlying certain intangible assets and significant reductions in underlying operating cash flows. Should there be an indication of a change in the useful life or impairment in value of the finite-lived intangible assets, Federated compares the carrying value of the asset to the projected undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the underlying asset over its remaining useful life to determine whether impairment has occurred. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the asset is written down to its fair value determined using discounted cash flows. Federated writes-off the cost and accumulated amortization balances for all fully amortized intangible assets. There were no impairments to finite-lived intangible assets recognized during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 or 2015. (l) Deferred Sales Commissions Federated pays upfront commissions to broker/dealers to promote the sale of certain fund shares. Under various fund-related contracts, Federated is entitled to distribution and servicing fees from the fund over the life of such shares. Both of these fees are calculated as a percentage of average managed assets associated with the related classes of shares. For certain share classes, Federated is also entitled to receive a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC), which is collected from certain redeeming shareholders. For share classes that pay both a distribution fee and CDSC, Federated generally capitalizes a portion of the upfront commissions as deferred sales commissions, dependent upon expected recoverability rates. The deferred sales commission asset (included in Other long-term assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets) is amortized over the estimated period of benefit of up to eight years. Deferred sales commission amortization expense was $8.0 million, $12.0 million and $15.1 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and was included in Distribution expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Distribution and shareholder service fees are recognized in Other service fees, net—affiliates on the Consolidated Statements of Income over the life of the fund share class. CDSCs collected on these share classes are used to reduce the deferred sales commission asset. Federated reviews the carrying value of deferred sales commission assets on a periodic basis to determine whether a significant long-term decline in the equity or bond markets or other events or circumstances indicate that an impairment in value may have occurred. Should there be an indication of an impairment in value, Federated compares the carrying value of the asset to the probability-weighted undiscounted future cash flows of the underlying asset to determine whether an impairment has occurred. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the deferred sales commission asset is written down to its estimated fair value determined using discounted cash flows. There were no impairments to the deferred sales commission assets recognized during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 or 2015. For share classes that do not pay both a distribution fee and CDSC, Federated expenses the cost of the upfront commission as incurred in Distribution expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income and credits Distribution expense for any CDSCs collected. (m) Foreign Currency Translation The balance sheets of certain wholly owned foreign subsidiaries of Federated, certain consolidated foreign-denominated investment products and all other foreign-denominated cash or investment balances are translated at the current exchange rate as of the end of the reporting period and the related income or loss is translated at the average exchange rate in effect during the period. Net exchange gains and losses resulting from these translations are excluded from income and are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are reflected in Operating Expenses – Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income. (n) Treasury Stock Federated accounts for acquisitions of treasury stock at cost and reports total treasury stock held as a deduction from Federated Investors, Inc. shareholders' equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. At the date of subsequent reissue, the treasury stock account is reduced by the cost of such stock on a specific-identification basis. Additional paid-in capital from treasury stock transactions is increased as Federated reissues treasury stock for more than the cost of the shares. If Federated issues treasury stock for less than its cost, Additional paid-in capital from treasury stock transactions is reduced to no less than zero and any further required reductions are recorded to Retained earnings on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. (o) Revenue Recognition Revenue from providing investment advisory, administrative and other services (including distribution and shareholder servicing) is recognized during the period in which the services are performed. Investment advisory, administrative and the majority of other service fees are generally calculated as a percentage of total net assets of the investment portfolios that are managed by Federated. The fair value of the investment portfolios is primarily determined using quoted market prices or independent third-party pricing services and broker/dealer price quotes. In limited circumstances, a quotation or price evaluation is not readily available from a pricing source. In these cases, pricing is determined by management based on a prescribed valuation process that has been approved by the directors/trustees of the sponsored products. For the periods presented, a de minimis amount of AUM was priced in this manner by Federated management. For Separate Accounts that are not registered investment companies under the 1940 Act, the fair value of portfolio investments is primarily determined as specified in applicable customer agreements, including in agreements between the customer and the customer's third-party custodian. Federated may waive certain fees for competitive reasons, such as to maintain positive or zero net yields on certain money market funds, to meet regulatory requirements or to meet contractual requirements. Federated waived fees of $310.8 million, $413.7 million and $662.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, nearly all of which was for competitive reasons. The decrease for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to 2016 was primarily due to an $83.4 million decrease in Voluntary Yield-related Fee Waivers due primarily to higher yields on instruments held by the money market funds. Voluntary Yield-related Fee Waivers are partially offset by a related reduction to distribution expense and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. See Note (3) for additional information on the net impact of these waivers. Federated has contractual arrangements with third parties to provide certain fund-related services. Management considers various factors to determine whether Federated's revenue should be recorded based on the gross amount payable by the funds or net of payments to third-party service providers. Management's analysis is based on whether Federated is acting as the principal service provider or as an agent. The primary factors considered include: (1) whether the customer holds Federated or the service provider responsible for the fulfillment and acceptability of the services to be provided; (2) whether Federated has any practical latitude in negotiating the price to pay a third-party provider; (3) whether Federated or the customer selects the ultimate service provider; and (4) whether Federated has credit risk in the arrangement. Generally, the less the customer is directly involved with or participates in making decisions regarding the ultimate third-party service provider, the more supportive the facts are that Federated is acting as the principal in these transactions and should therefore report gross revenues. As a result of considering these factors, investment advisory fees, distribution fees and certain other service fees are recorded gross of payments made to third parties. (p) Share-Based Compensation Federated issues shares for share-based awards from treasury stock. Federated recognizes compensation costs based on grant-date fair value for all share-based awards. For restricted stock awards, the grant-date fair value of the award is calculated as the difference between the closing fair value of Federated's Class B common stock on the date of grant and the purchase price paid by the employee, if any. Federated's awards are generally subject to graded vesting schedules. Compensation and related expense is recognized on a straight-line or modified straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award and is adjusted for actual forfeitures as they occur. For awards with provisions that allow for accelerated vesting upon retirement, Federated recognizes expense over the shorter of the vesting period or the period between grant date and the date on which the employee meets the minimum required age for retirement. Compensation and related expense also includes dividends paid on forfeited awards. Excess tax benefits and deficiencies (including tax benefits from dividends paid on unvested restricted stock awards) are recognized in the Income tax provision in the Consolidated Statements of Income. (q) Leases Federated classifies leases as either capital or operating in accordance with the provisions of lease accounting. All leases for the periods presented are classified as operating leases. Rent expense under noncancelable operating leases with scheduled rent increases or rent holidays is accounted for on a straight-line basis over the lease term, beginning on the date of initial possession or the effective date of the lease agreement. The amount of the excess of straight-line rent expense over scheduled payments is recorded as a deferred liability. The liability is then amortized when scheduled payments are in excess of the straight-line rent expense. Build-out allowances and other such lease incentives are recorded as deferred credits, and are amortized on a straight-line basis as a reduction of rent expense beginning in the period they are deemed to be earned, which generally coincides with the effective date of the lease. The current portion of unamortized deferred lease costs and build-out allowances is included in Other current liabilities and the long-term portion is included in Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. (r) Advertising Costs Federated generally expenses the cost of all advertising and promotional activities as incurred. Certain printed matter, however, such as sales brochures, are accounted for as prepaid supplies and are included in Other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets until they are distributed or are no longer expected to be used, at which time their costs are expensed. Federated expensed advertising costs of $1.5 million, $2.7 million and $2.6 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which were included in Advertising and promotional expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income. (s) Income Taxes Federated accounts for income taxes under the liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Federated recognizes a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence regarding future taxable income, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. (t) Earnings Per Share Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated under the two-class method. Pursuant to the two-class method, Federated's unvested restricted stock awards with nonforfeitable rights to dividends are considered participating securities and are required to be considered in the computation of earnings per share. Unvested restricted shares, as well as the related dividends paid and their proportionate share of undistributed earnings, if any, are excluded from the computation of earnings per share. (u) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax is reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity and includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale, foreign currency translation adjustments and the unrealized gain or loss on the effective portion of derivative instruments designated and qualifying as a cash flow or net investment hedge. (v) Loss Contingencies Federated accrues for estimated costs, including legal costs related to existing lawsuits, claims and proceedings, if any, when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the costs can be reasonably estimated. Accruals are reviewed at least quarterly and are adjusted to reflect the impact and status of settlements, rulings, advice of counsel and other information pertinent to a particular matter. Significant differences could exist between the actual cost required to investigate, litigate and/or settle a claim or the ultimate outcome of a lawsuit, claim or proceeding and management's estimate. These differences could have a material impact on Federated's results of operations, financial position and/or cash flows. Recoveries of losses are recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Income when receipt is deemed probable, or when final approval is received by the insurance carrier. (w) Business Segments Business or operating segments are defined as a component of an enterprise that engages in activities from which it may earn revenue and incur expenses for which discrete financial information is available and is regularly evaluated by Federated's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who is the chief operating decision maker, in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. Federated does not have multiple operating segments or business components for which discrete financial information is available. Federated operates in one operating segment, the investment management business, nearly all of which is conducted within the U.S. Federated's CEO utilizes a consolidated approach to assess performance and allocate resources.

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- Definition The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2122369 + Details
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