Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston 10-Q 9 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
		Common Class A [Member]	Common Class B [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001331463	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	0	35,578,200
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'

Statements_of_Condition_unaudi

Statements of Condition (unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'		'
Cash and due from banks	$17,037		$641,033
Interest-bearing deposits	259		195
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	5,350,000		3,750,000
Federal funds sold	3,350,000		850,000
Investment securities:	'		'
Trading securities	247,158		247,174
Available-for-sale securities - includes $3,826 and $3,381 pledged as collateral at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively that may be repledged	3,993,329		3,995,310
Held-to-maturity securities - includes $60,611 and $65,996 pledged as collateral at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively that may be repledged	3,937,478	[1],[2]	4,138,661	[1],[2]
Total investment securities	8,177,965		8,381,145
Advances	29,699,600		27,516,678
Mortgage loans held for portfolio, net of allowance for credit losses of $1,812 and $2,221 at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively	3,347,987		3,368,476
Accrued interest receivable	71,213		83,458
Premises, software, and equipment, net	3,695		4,108
Derivative assets, net	7,902		4,318
Other assets	35,585		38,665
Total Assets	50,061,243		44,638,076
LIABILITIES	'		'
Deposits	522,003		517,565
Consolidated obligations (COs):	'		'
Bonds	24,477,903		23,465,906
Discount notes	20,247,904		16,060,781
Total consolidated obligations	44,725,807		39,526,687
Mandatorily redeemable capital stock	977,685		977,348
Accrued interest payable	98,461		83,386
Affordable Housing Program (AHP) payable	65,419		62,591
Derivative liabilities, net	599,447		608,152
Other liabilities	163,962		24,602
Total liabilities	47,152,784		41,800,331
Commitments and contingencies (Note 18)	'		'
CAPITAL	'		'
Capital stock b Class B b putable ($100 par value), 25,629 shares and 25,305 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively	2,562,857		2,530,471
Retained earnings:	'		'
Unrestricted	701,567		681,978
Restricted	114,026		106,812
Total retained earnings	815,593		788,790
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-469,991		-481,516
Total capital	2,908,459		2,837,745
Total Liabilities and Capital	$50,061,243		$44,638,076
[1]	Fair values of held-to-maturity securities were $4,305,122 and $4,499,441 at MarchB 31, 2014, and DecemberB 31, 2013, respectively.
[2]	Carrying value of held-to-maturity securities represents the sum of amortized cost and the amount of noncredit-related other-than-temporary impairment recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Statements_of_Condition_Parent

Statements of Condition (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities pledged as collateral that may be repledged	$3,826	$3,381
Held-to-maturity securities pledged as collateral that may be repledged (a)	60,611	65,996
Allowance for credit losses	1,812	2,221
Common Stock, Class B, putable shares issued	25,629	25,305
Common Stock, Class B, putable par value per share	$100	$100
Common Stock, Class B, putable shares outstanding	25,629	25,305
Fair value of held-to-maturity securities	$4,305,122	$4,499,441

Statements_of_Operations_unaud

Statements of Operations (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
INTEREST INCOME	'	'
Advances	$55,871	$59,111
Prepayment fees on advances, net	2,494	11,915
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	593	888
Federal funds sold	485	436
Trading securities	2,354	2,426
Available-for-sale securities	12,951	18,577
Held-to-maturity securities	30,015	32,101
Prepayment fees on investments	179	2,724
Mortgage loans held for portfolio	31,759	32,397
Other	0	2
Total interest income	136,701	160,577
INTEREST EXPENSE	'	'
Consolidated obligations - bonds	75,511	82,224
Consolidated obligations - discount notes	3,022	1,787
Deposits	7	11
Mandatorily redeemable capital stock	3,591	207
Other borrowings	1	0
Total interest expense	82,132	84,229
NET INTEREST INCOME	54,569	76,348
Reduction of provision for credit losses	-322	-1,087
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER REDUCTION OF PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES	54,891	77,435
OTHER INCOME (LOSS)	'	'
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on investment securities	0	-7
Net amount of impairment losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	-458	-414
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses on investment securities, credit portion	-458	-421
Litigation settlements	4,310	0
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	-2,223	-2,567
Service fees	1,670	1,417
Net unrealized gains (losses) on trading securities	754	-2,312
Net (losses) gains on derivatives and hedging activities	-1,383	1,088
Other	-136	98
Total other income (loss)	2,534	-2,697
OTHER EXPENSE	'	'
Compensation and benefits	9,791	8,504
Other operating expenses	5,069	4,492
Federal Housing Finance Agency (the FHFA)	808	1,040
Office of Finance	651	673
Other	635	746
Total other expense	16,954	15,455
INCOME BEFORE ASSESSMENTS	40,471	59,283
AHP	4,406	5,949
NET INCOME	$36,065	$53,334

Statements_of_Comprehensive_In

Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Net income	$36,065	$53,334
Other comprehensive income:	'	'
Net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	4,829	-6,946
Net noncredit portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses on held-to-maturity securities	'	'
Reclassification of noncredit portion included in net income	458	414
Accretion of noncredit portion	12,135	15,009
Total net noncredit portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses on held-to-maturity securities	12,593	15,423
Net unrealized (losses) gains relating to hedging activities	'	'
Unrealized (losses) gains	-6,014	428
Reclassification adjustment for previously deferred hedging gains and losses included in net income	5	4
Total net unrealized (losses) gains relating to hedging activities	-6,009	432
Pension and postretirement benefits	112	141
Total other comprehensive income	11,525	9,050
Total comprehensive income	$47,590	$62,384

Statements_of_Capital_unaudite

Statements of Capital (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning of year	$2,837,745	$3,566,099
Proceeds from sale of capital stock	32,723	22,056
Repurchase of capital stock	'	-275,010
Shares reclassified to mandatorily redeemable capital stock	-337	'
Comprehensive income	47,590	62,384
Cash dividends on capital stock	-9,262	-3,199
Period end	2,908,459	3,372,330
Retained Earnings, Unrestricted	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning of year	681,978	523,203
Comprehensive income	28,851	42,667
Cash dividends on capital stock	-9,262	-3,199
Period end	701,567	562,671
Retained Earnings, Restricted	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning of year	106,812	64,351
Comprehensive income	7,214	10,667
Period end	114,026	75,018
Retained Earnings, Total	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning of year	788,790	587,554
Comprehensive income	36,065	53,334
Cash dividends on capital stock	-9,262	-3,199
Period end	815,593	637,689
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning of year	-481,516	-476,620
Comprehensive income	11,525	9,050
Period end	-469,991	-467,570
Common Class B [Member]	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning of year, shares	25,305	34,552
Beginning of year	2,530,471	3,455,165
Proceeds from sale of capital stock, shares	327	220
Proceeds from sale of capital stock	32,723	22,056
Repurchase of capital stock, shares	'	-2,750
Repurchase of capital stock	'	-275,010
Shares reclassified to mandatorily redeemable capital stock, Shares	-3	'
Shares reclassified to mandatorily redeemable capital stock	-337	'
Period end, shares	25,629	32,022
Period end	$2,562,857	$3,202,211

Statements_of_Cash_Flows_unaud

Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES	'	'	'
Net income	$36,065	$53,334	'
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	-20,730	-10,330	'
Reduction of provision for credit losses	-322	-1,087	'
Change in net fair-value adjustments on derivatives and hedging activities	-10,584	-21,354	'
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses on investment securities, credit portion	458	421	'
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	2,223	2,567	'
Other adjustments	157	-127	'
Net change in:	'	'	'
Market value of trading securities	-754	2,312	'
Accrued interest receivable	12,245	12,202	'
Other assets	4,122	1,188	'
Accrued interest payable	15,075	12,978	'
Other liabilities	-529	2,628	'
Total adjustments	1,361	1,398	'
Net cash provided by operating activities	37,426	54,732	'
INVESTING ACTIVITIES	'	'	'
Interest-bearing deposits	-6,721	-83	'
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	-1,600,000	2,265,000	'
Federal funds sold	-2,500,000	-250,000	'
Premises, software, and equipment	-111	-150	'
Trading securities:	'	'	'
Proceeds from long-term	770	6,260	'
Available-for-sale securities:	'	'	'
Proceeds from long-term	742,899	436,962	'
Purchases of long-term	-564,860	-289,846	'
Held-to-maturity securities:	'	'	'
Proceeds from long-term	223,437	328,319	'
Advances to members:	'	'	'
Proceeds	75,402,733	39,592,334	'
Disbursements	-77,609,677	-38,758,387	'
Mortgage loans held for portfolio:	'	'	'
Proceeds	88,742	221,513	'
Purchases	-72,819	-252,299	'
Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets	2,446	3,726	'
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-5,893,161	3,303,349	'
FINANCING ACTIVITIES	'	'	'
Net change in deposits	4,827	68,051	'
Net payments on derivatives with a financing element	-4,456	-4,584	'
Net proceeds from issuance of consolidated obligations:	'	'	'
Discount notes	31,786,100	11,134,874	'
Bonds	3,190,006	1,495,356	'
Payments for maturing and retiring consolidated obligations:	'	'	'
Discount notes	-27,599,348	-13,793,189	'
Bonds	-2,168,879	-1,849,218	'
Proceeds from issuance of capital stock	32,723	22,056	'
Payments for redemption of mandatorily redeemable capital stock	0	-24,974	'
Payments for repurchase of capital stock	0	-275,010	'
Cash dividends paid	-9,234	-3,199	'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	5,231,739	-3,229,837	'
Net (decrease) increase in cash and due from banks	-623,996	128,244	'
Cash and due from banks at beginning of the year	641,033	240,945	240,945
Cash and due from banks at end of the period	17,037	369,189	641,033
Supplemental disclosures:	'	'	'
Interest paid	91,913	99,929	'
AHP payments	1,318	1,821	11,077
Noncash transfers of mortgage loans held for portfolio to real-estaste-owned (REO)	$3,227	$2,267	'

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation [Text Block]	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary have been included. All such adjustments consist of normal recurring accruals. The presentation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014. The unaudited financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston's audited financial statements and related notes in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) on March 24, 2014 (the 2013 Annual Report). Unless otherwise indicated or the context requires otherwise, all references in this discussion to “the Bank,” "we," "us," "our," or similar references mean the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston.

Recently_Issued_and_Adopted_Ac

Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Guidance	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Guidance [Text Block]	'
	Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Guidance
	Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure. On January 17, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance clarifying when consumer mortgage loans collateralized by real estate should be reclassified to REO. Specifically, such collateralized mortgage loans should be reclassified to REO when either the creditor obtains legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure, or the borrower conveys all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy that loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and may be adopted under either the modified retrospective transition method or the prospective transition method. We are currently assessing the impact the amended guidance will have on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
	Framework for Adversely Classifying Loans, Other REO, and Other Assets and Listing Assets for Special Mention. On April 9, 2012, the FHFA issued Advisory Bulletin 2012-02, Framework for Adversely Classifying Loans, Other REO, and Other Assets and Listing Assets for Special Mention (AB 2012-02). AB 2012-02 establishes a standard and uniform methodology for adversely classifying loans, other REO, and certain other assets (excluding investment securities), and prescribes the timing of asset charge-offs based on these classifications. The guidance is generally consistent with the Uniform Retail Credit Classification and Account Management Policy issued by the federal banking regulators in June 2000. The adverse classification requirements were implemented as of January 1, 2014, and did not have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition. The charge-off requirements will be implemented no later than January 1, 2015, and are not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

Trading_Securities

Trading Securities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Trading Securities [Abstract]	'
Trading Securities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Trading Securities
	Major Security Types. Our trading securities as of March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, were (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Mortgage-backed securities (MBS)
	U.S. government-guaranteed – residential	$	13,853	$	14,331
	Government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) – residential	3,177		3,486
	GSE – commercial	230,128		229,357
	Total	$	247,158	$	247,174
	Net unrealized gains or losses on trading securities held for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, amounted to gains of $754,000 and losses of $2.3 million for securities held on March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	We do not participate in speculative trading practices and typically hold these investments over a longer time horizon.

AvailableforSale_Securities

Available-for-Sale Securities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]	'
Available-for-Sale Securities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Available-for-Sale Securities
	Major Security Types. Our available-for-sale securities as of March 31, 2014, were (dollars in thousands):
				Amounts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
		Amortized		Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
		Cost (1)		Gains			Losses			Value
	Supranational institutions	$	450,567	$	—		$	(25,744	)	$	424,823
	U.S. government-owned corporations	288,223		—			(34,171		)	254,052
	GSEs	251,655		341			(9,466		)	242,530
		990,445		341			(69,381		)	921,405
	MBS
	U.S. government guaranteed – residential	258,015		406			(2,306		)	256,115
	U.S. government guaranteed – commercial	626,119		—			(3,645		)	622,474
	GSEs – residential	2,215,686		5,303			(27,654		)	2,193,335
		3,099,820		5,709			(33,605		)	3,071,924
	Total	$	4,090,265	$	6,050		$	(102,986	)	$	3,993,329
	_______________________
	-1	Amortized cost of available-for-sale securities includes adjustments made to the cost basis of an investment for accretion, amortization, collection of cash, and fair-value hedge accounting adjustments.
	Our available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2013, were (dollars in thousands):
				Amounts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
		Amortized		Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
		Cost (1)		Gains			Losses			Value
	Supranational institutions	$	439,098	$	—		$	(23,963	)	$	415,135
	U.S. government-owned corporations	273,342		—			(34,557		)	238,785
	GSEs	896,767		2,292			(10,534		)	888,525
		1,609,207		2,292			(69,054		)	1,542,445
	MBS
	U.S. government guaranteed – residential	273,861		416			(2,680		)	271,597
	U.S. government guaranteed – commercial	309,506		77			(482		)	309,101
	GSEs – residential	1,904,501		5,237			(37,571		)	1,872,167
		2,487,868		5,730			(40,733		)	2,452,865
	Total	$	4,097,075	$	8,022		$	(109,787	)	$	3,995,310
	_______________________
	-1	Amortized cost of available-for-sale securities includes adjustments made to the cost basis of an investment for accretion, amortization, collection of cash, and fair-value hedge accounting adjustments.
	The following table summarizes our available-for-sale securities with unrealized losses as of March 31, 2014, which are aggregated by major security type and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position (dollars in thousands):
		Less than 12 Months					12 Months or More						Total
		Fair		Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
		Value		Losses			Value			Losses			Value		Losses
	Supranational institutions	$	—	$	—		$	424,823		$	(25,744	)	$	424,823	$	(25,744	)
	U.S. government-owned corporations	—		—			254,052			(34,171		)	254,052		(34,171		)
	GSEs	—		—			112,154			(9,466		)	112,154		(9,466		)
		—		—			791,029			(69,381		)	791,029		(69,381		)
	MBS
	U.S. government guaranteed – residential	—		—			198,101			(2,306		)	198,101		(2,306		)
	U.S. government guaranteed – commercial	571,533		(3,645		)	—			—			571,533		(3,645		)
	GSEs – residential	1,612,243		(26,980		)	34,931			(674		)	1,647,174		(27,654		)
		2,183,776		(30,625		)	233,032			(2,980		)	2,416,808		(33,605		)
	Total temporarily impaired	$	2,183,776	$	(30,625	)	$	1,024,061		$	(72,361	)	$	3,207,837	$	(102,986	)
	The following table summarizes our available-for-sale securities with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2013, which are aggregated by major security type and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position (dollars in thousands):
		Less than 12 Months					12 Months or More						Total
		Fair		Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
		Value		Losses			Value			Losses			Value		Losses
	Supranational institutions	$	—	$	—		$	415,135		$	(23,963	)	$	415,135	$	(23,963	)
	U.S. government-owned corporations	—		—			238,785			(34,557		)	238,785		(34,557		)
	GSEs	—		—			105,644			(10,534		)	105,644		(10,534		)
		—		—			759,564			(69,054		)	759,564		(69,054		)
	MBS
	U.S. government guaranteed – residential	211,044		(2,680		)	—			—			211,044		(2,680		)
	U.S. government guaranteed – commercial	164,407		(482		)	—			—			164,407		(482		)
	GSEs – residential	1,383,396		(37,571		)	—			—			1,383,396		(37,571		)
		1,758,847		(40,733		)	—			—			1,758,847		(40,733		)
	Total temporarily impaired	$	1,758,847	$	(40,733	)	$	759,564		$	(69,054	)	$	2,518,411	$	(109,787	)
	Redemption Terms. The amortized cost and fair value of our available-for-sale securities by contractual maturity at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, were (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2014					December 31, 2013
Year of Maturity	Amortized		Fair			Amortized			Fair
	Cost		Value			Cost			Value
Due in one year or less	$	130,035	$	130,376		$	780,589		$	782,881
Due after one year through five years	—		—			—			—
Due after five years through 10 years	—		—			—			—
Due after 10 years	860,410		791,029			828,618			759,564
	990,445		921,405			1,609,207			1,542,445
MBS (1)	3,099,820		3,071,924			2,487,868			2,452,865
Total	$	4,090,265	$	3,993,329		$	4,097,075		$	3,995,310
_______________________
-1	MBS are not presented by contractual maturity because their expected maturities will likely differ from contractual maturities because borrowers of the underlying loans may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment fees.

HeldtoMaturity_Securities

Held-to-Maturity Securities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Held-to-maturity Securities [Abstract]	'
Held-to-maturity Securities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Held-to-Maturity Securities
	Major Security Types. Our held-to-maturity securities as of March 31, 2014, were (dollars in thousands):
		Amortized Cost		Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Carrying Value		Gross Unrecognized Holding Gains			Gross Unrecognized Holding Losses			Fair Value
	U.S. agency obligations	$	7,881	$	—		$	7,881	$	611		$	—		$	8,492
	State or local housing-finance-agency obligations (HFA securities)	182,146		—			182,146		47			(21,201		)	160,992
	GSEs	17,296		—			17,296		2			—			17,298
		207,323		—			207,323		660			(21,201		)	186,782
	MBS
	U.S. government guaranteed – residential	25,776		—			25,776		567			—			26,343
	U.S. government guaranteed – commercial	196,202		—			196,202		860			—			197,062
	GSEs – residential	1,683,428		—			1,683,428		43,895			(307		)	1,727,016
	GSEs – commercial	683,508		—			683,508		37,149			—			720,657
	Private-label – residential	1,430,564		(311,436		)	1,119,128		322,452			(15,995		)	1,425,585
	Asset-backed securities (ABS) backed by home equity loans	23,012		(899		)	22,113		940			(1,376		)	21,677
		4,042,490		(312,335		)	3,730,155		405,863			(17,678		)	4,118,340
	Total	$	4,249,813	$	(312,335	)	$	3,937,478	$	406,523		$	(38,879	)	$	4,305,122
	Our held-to-maturity securities as of December 31, 2013, were (dollars in thousands):
		Amortized Cost		Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Carrying Value		Gross Unrecognized Holding Gains			Gross Unrecognized Holding Losses			Fair Value
	U.S. agency obligations	$	8,503	$	—		$	8,503	$	682		$	—		$	9,185
	HFA securities	183,625		—			183,625		30			(19,598		)	164,057
	GSEs	67,504		—			67,504		160			—			67,664
		259,632		—			259,632		872			(19,598		)	240,906
	MBS
	U.S. government guaranteed – residential	27,767		—			27,767		644			—			28,411
	U.S. government guaranteed – commercial	213,144		—			213,144		883			—			214,027
	GSEs – residential	1,773,905		—			1,773,905		45,472			(360		)	1,819,017
	GSEs – commercial	700,348		—			700,348		38,683			—			739,031
	Private-label – residential	1,465,379		(323,989		)	1,141,390		312,228			(17,595		)	1,436,023
	ABS backed by home equity loans	23,414		(939		)	22,475		986			(1,435		)	22,026
		4,203,957		(324,928		)	3,879,029		398,896			(19,390		)	4,258,535
	Total	$	4,463,589	$	(324,928	)	$	4,138,661	$	399,768		$	(38,988	)	$	4,499,441
	The following table summarizes our held-to-maturity securities with unrealized losses as of March 31, 2014, which are aggregated by major security type and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position (dollars in thousands):
		Less than 12 Months					12 Months or More					Total
		Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized
		Value		Losses			Value		Losses			Value			Losses
	HFA securities	$	—	$	—		$	154,668	$	(21,201	)	$	154,668		$	(21,201	)
	MBS
	GSEs – residential	30,533		(83		)	39,710		(224		)	70,243			(307		)
	Private-label – residential	21,241		(473		)	756,499		(57,267		)	777,740			(57,740		)
	ABS backed by home equity loans	—		—			20,141		(1,514		)	20,141			(1,514		)
		51,774		(556		)	816,350		(59,005		)	868,124			(59,561		)
	Total	$	51,774	$	(556	)	$	971,018	$	(80,206	)	$	1,022,792		$	(80,762	)
	The following table summarizes our held-to-maturity securities with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2013, which are aggregated by major security type and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position (dollars in thousands):
		Less than 12 Months					12 Months or More					Total
		Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized
		Value		Losses			Value		Losses			Value			Losses
	HFA securities	$	—	$	—		$	157,752	$	(19,598	)	$	157,752		$	(19,598	)
	MBS
	GSEs – residential	35,723		(144		)	42,229		(216		)	77,952			(360		)
	Private-label – residential	34,910		(317		)	910,016		(72,461		)	944,926			(72,778		)
	ABS backed by home equity loans	—		—			20,418		(1,586		)	20,418			(1,586		)
		70,633		(461		)	972,663		(74,263		)	1,043,296			(74,724		)
	Total	$	70,633	$	(461	)	$	1,130,415	$	(93,861	)	$	1,201,048		$	(94,322	)
	Redemption Terms. The amortized cost and fair value of our held-to-maturity securities by contractual maturity at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, are shown below (dollars in thousands). Expected maturities of some securities and MBS may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers of the underlying loans may have the right to call or prepay their obligations with or without call or prepayment fees.
		March 31, 2014							December 31, 2013
	Year of Maturity	Amortized		Carrying			Fair		Amortized			Carrying			Fair
		Cost		Value (1)			Value		Cost			Value (1)			Value
	Due in one year or less	$	17,296	$	17,296		$	17,298	$	67,504		$	67,504		$	67,664
	Due after one year through five years	5,663		5,663			6,065		2,794			2,794			2,984
	Due after five years through 10 years	23,694		23,694			23,784		27,229			27,229			27,427
	Due after 10 years	160,670		160,670			139,635		162,105			162,105			142,831
		207,323		207,323			186,782		259,632			259,632			240,906
	MBS (2)	4,042,490		3,730,155			4,118,340		4,203,957			3,879,029			4,258,535
Total	$	4,249,813	$	3,937,478		$	4,305,122	$	4,463,589		$	4,138,661		$	4,499,441
_______________________
-1	Carrying value of held-to-maturity securities represents the sum of amortized cost and the amount of noncredit-related other-than-temporary impairment recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
-2	MBS are not presented by contractual maturity because their expected maturities will likely differ from contractual maturities because borrowers of the underlying loans may have the right to call or prepay their obligations with or without call or prepayment fees.

OtherThanTemporary_Impairment

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Analysis [Abstract]	'
Other-than-Temporary Impairment Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Other-Than-Temporary Impairment
	Available-for-Sale Securities
	We determined that none of our available-for-sale securities were other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2014. At March 31, 2014, we held certain available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position. These unrealized losses reflect the impact of normal yield and spread fluctuations attendant with security markets. These unrealized losses are considered temporary as we expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis on these available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position and neither intend to sell these securities nor is it more likely than not that we will be required to sell these securities before the anticipated recovery of each security's remaining amortized cost basis. Additionally, there have been no shortfalls of principal or interest on any available-for-sale security. Regarding securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2014:
	•	Debentures issued by a supranational institution that were in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2014, to return contractual principal and interest based on our review and analysis of independent third-party credit reports on the supranational institution, and the supranational institution's triple-A (or equivalent) rating by each of the nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (NRSROs) that rates it.
	•	Debentures issued by U.S. government-owned corporations are not obligations of the U.S. government and not guaranteed by the U.S. government. However, these securities are rated at the same level as the U.S. government by the NRSROs. These ratings reflect the U.S. government's implicit support of the government-owned corporation as well as the entity's underlying business and financial risk.
	•	The probability of default on debt issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) is remote given their status as GSEs and their support from the U.S. government.
	•	Our U.S. government-guaranteed securities are MBS issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae). The strength of Ginnie Mae's guarantees as a direct obligation from the U.S. government is sufficient to protect us from losses based on current expectations.
	•	Agency MBS. For MBS issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which we sometimes refer to as agency MBS in this report, the strength of the issuers' guarantees through direct obligation or support from the U.S. government is sufficient to protect us from losses based on current expectations.
	Held-to-Maturity Securities
	HFA Securities. We have reviewed our investments in HFA securities and have determined that unrealized losses reflect the impact of normal market yield and spread fluctuations and illiquidity in the credit markets. We have determined that all unrealized losses are temporary given the creditworthiness of the issuers and the underlying collateral, including an assessment of past payment history (no shortfalls of principal or interest), property vacancy rates, debt service ratios, over-collateralization and other credit enhancement, and third-party bond insurance as applicable. As of March 31, 2014, none of our held-to-maturity investments in HFA securities were rated below investment grade by an NRSRO. Because the decline in market value is attributable to changes in interest rates and credit spreads and to illiquidity in the credit markets and not to a significant deterioration in the fundamental credit quality of these obligations, and because we do not intend to sell the investments nor is it more likely than not that we will be required to sell the investments before recovery of the amortized cost basis, we do not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2014.
	Agency MBS. For agency MBS, we determined that the strength of the issuers' guarantees through direct obligation or support from the U.S. government is sufficient to protect us from losses based on current expectations. Additionally, there have been no shortfalls of principal or interest on any such security. As a result, we have determined that, as of March 31, 2014, all of the gross unrealized losses on such MBS are temporary. We do not believe that the declines in market value of these securities are attributable to credit quality, and because we do not intend to sell the investments, nor is it more likely than not that we will be required to sell the investments before recovery of the amortized cost basis, we do not consider any of these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2014.
	Private-Label Residential MBS and ABS Backed by Home Equity Loans. Our evaluation includes estimating the projected cash flows that we are likely to collect based on an assessment of available information, including the structure of the applicable security and certain assumptions to determine whether we will recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, such as:
	•	the remaining payment terms for the security;
	•	prepayment speeds;
	•	default rates;
	•	loss severity on the collateral supporting each security based on underlying loan-level borrower and loan characteristics;
	•	expected housing price changes; and
	•	interest-rate assumptions.
	To assess whether the entire amortized cost basis of private-label residential MBS will be recovered, cash-flow analyses for each of our private-label residential MBS were performed. These analyses use two third-party models.
	The first third-party model considers borrower characteristics and the particular attributes of the loans underlying our securities, in conjunction with assumptions about current home prices and future changes in home prices and interest rates, producing monthly projections of prepayments, defaults, and loss severities. A significant input to the first model is the forecast of future housing-price changes, based on an assessment of individual housing markets for the relevant states and core-based statistical areas (CBSA), as defined by the United States Office of Management and Budget. The FHLBank System governance committee (the OTTI Governance Committee) developed a short-term housing price forecast using whole percentages, with projected changes ranging from a decrease of 3.0 percent to an increase of 9.0 percent over the 12- month period beginning January 1, 2014. For the vast majority of markets, the short-term forecast has changes from a decrease of 1.0 percent to an increase of 4.0 percent. Thereafter home prices were projected to recover using one of five different recovery paths. Under those recovery paths, home prices were projected to increase as follows:
	Months		Recovery Range
	6-Jan		0	%	to	3.00%
	12-Jul		1	%	to	4.00%
	13-18		2	%	to	4.00%
	19-30		2	%	to	5.00%
	31-54		2	%	to	6.00%
	Thereafter		2.3	%	to	5.60%
	The month-by-month projections of future loan level performance are derived from the first model to determine projected prepayments, defaults, and loss severities. These projections are then input into a second model that then allocates the cash flows and losses among the various classes in the securitization structure in accordance with the cash-flow and loss-allocation rules prescribed by the securitization structure. In a securitization in which the credit enhancement for the senior securities is derived from the presence of subordinate securities, losses are generally allocated first to the subordinate securities until their principal balance is reduced to zero. The projected cash flows are based on a number of assumptions and expectations and the results of these models can vary significantly with changes in assumptions and expectations. The scenario of cash flows determined based on the model approach described above reflects a best estimate scenario and includes a base case current-to-trough housing price forecast and a base case housing price recovery path described in the prior paragraph.
	For those securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment was determined to have occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2014, the following table presents a summary of the average projected values over the remaining lives of the securities for the significant inputs used to measure the amount of the credit loss recognized in earnings, as well as related current credit enhancement. Credit enhancement is defined as the percentage of subordinated tranches, over-collateralization, and other credit enhancement, if any, in a security structure that will generally absorb losses before we will experience a credit loss on the security. The calculated averages represent the dollar-weighted averages of all the private-label residential MBS in each category shown (dollars in thousands).
							Significant Inputs
							Projected		Projected		Projected			Current
							Prepayment Rates		Default Rates		Loss Severities			Credit Enhancement
	Private-label MBS by Year of Securitization		Par Value				Weighted		Weighted		Weighted			Weighted
							Average		Average		Average			Average
							Percent		Percent		Percent			Percent
	Private-label residential MBS - Alt-A (1)
	2007		$	51,846			5.5	%	51.8	%	46.2	%		15.1	%
	2006		35,471				9.5		40.3		46.4			—
	Total Alt-A		$	87,317			7.2	%	47.1	%	46.2	%		9	%
	_______________________
	-1	Securities are classified in the table above based upon the current performance characteristics of the underlying loan pool and therefore the manner in which the loan pool backing the security has been modeled (as prime, Alt-A, or subprime), rather than their classification of the security at the time of issuance.
	The following table sets forth our securities for which other-than-temporary impairment credit losses were recognized during the life of the security through March 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands). Securities are classified in the table below based on their classifications at the time of issuance. We note that we have instituted litigation in relation to certain of the private-label MBS in which we invested. Our complaint asserts, among others, claims for untrue or misleading statements in the sale of securities. It is possible that classifications of private-label MBS as provided herein when based on classification at the time of issuance (as per the following tables in this Note 6, for example) as disclosed by those securities' issuance documents, as well as other statements about the securities, are inaccurate.
		March 31, 2014
	Other-Than-Temporarily Impaired Investment	Par				Amortized			Carrying			Fair
		Value				Cost			Value			Value
	Private-label residential MBS – Prime	$	61,948			$	52,443		$	39,890		$	53,513
	Private-label residential MBS – Alt-A	1,527,641				1,108,431			809,548			1,118,344
	ABS backed by home equity loans – Subprime	4,646				4,150			3,251			4,186
	Total other-than-temporarily impaired securities	$	1,594,235			$	1,165,024		$	852,689		$	1,176,043
	The following table presents a roll-forward of the amounts related to credit losses recognized in earnings. The roll-forward is the amount of credit losses on investment securities on which we recognized a portion of other-than-temporary impairment charges into accumulated other comprehensive loss (dollars in thousands).
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014				2013
	Balance at beginning of year	$	603,786			$	631,330
	Additions:
	Additional credit losses for which an other-than-temporary impairment charge was previously recognized(1)	458				421
	Reductions:
	Increase in cash flows expected to be collected which are recognized over the remaining life of the security	(8,684		)		(2,916		)
	Balance at end of period	$	595,560			$	628,835
	_______________________
	-1	For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, additional credit losses for which an other-than-temporary impairment charge was previously recognized relate to securities that were also previously impaired prior to January 1, 2014 and 2013.

Advances

Advances	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances [Abstract]	'
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Advances
	General Terms. At both March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, we had advances outstanding with interest rates ranging from (0.22) percent to 8.37 percent, as summarized below (dollars in thousands). Advances with negative interest rates contain embedded interest-rate features that have met the requirements to be separated from the host contract and are recorded as stand-alone derivatives, and which we economically hedge with derivatives containing offsetting interest-rate features.
		March 31, 2014							December 31, 2013
	Year of Contractual Maturity	Amount				Weighted			Amount			Weighted
						Average						Average
						Rate						Rate
	Overdrawn demand-deposit accounts	$	9,588			0.44	%		$	9,287		0.43	%
	Due in one year or less	17,567,532				0.45			15,413,949			0.5
	Due after one year through two years	2,445,865				1.95			2,025,840			1.99
	Due after two years through three years	2,987,326				2.4			2,875,074			2.26
	Due after three years through four years	3,198,974				2.61			3,116,119			2.89
	Due after four years through five years	1,595,594				2.32			2,156,717			2.21
	Thereafter	1,617,352				2.95			1,614,278			2.98
	Total par value	29,422,231				1.25	%		27,211,264			1.35	%
	Premiums	42,254							49,447
	Discounts	(19,526		)					(20,290		)
	Market value of bifurcated derivatives (1)	1,117							892
	Hedging adjustments	253,524							275,365
	Total	$	29,699,600						$	27,516,678
	_________________________
	-1	At March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, we had certain advances with embedded features that met the requirements to be separated from the host contract and designate the embedded features as a stand-alone derivative.
	At both March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, we had putable advances outstanding totaling $2.6 billion.
	The following table sets forth our advances outstanding by the year of contractual maturity or next put date for putable advances (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2014							December 31, 2013
	Year of Contractual Maturity or Next Put Date	Par Value				Percentage			Par Value			Percentage
						of Total						of Total
	Overdrawn demand-deposit accounts	$	9,588			0	%		$	9,287		0	%
	Due in one year or less	19,915,957				67.7			17,778,624			65.4
	Due after one year through two years	2,359,365				8			1,938,590			7.1
	Due after two years through three years	2,266,901				7.7			2,477,674			9.1
	Due after three years through four years	1,797,724				6.1			1,619,094			6
	Due after four years through five years	1,466,344				5			1,824,967			6.7
	Thereafter	1,606,352				5.5			1,563,028			5.7
	Total par value	$	29,422,231			100	%		$	27,211,264		100	%
	At March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, we had callable advances outstanding totaling $30.0 million and $30.5 million, respectively.
	Interest-Rate-Payment Terms. The following table details interest-rate-payment types for our outstanding advances (dollars in thousands):
	Par value of advances	March 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Fixed-rate	$	24,655,943			$	25,578,977
	Variable-rate	4,766,288				1,632,287
	Total par value	$	29,422,231			$	27,211,264
	Credit-Risk Exposure. At March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, we had $9.5 billion and $7.8 billion, respectively, of advances issued to members with at least $1.0 billion of advances outstanding. These advances were made to three borrowers at both March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, representing 32.4 percent and 28.6 percent, respectively, of total par value of outstanding advances. For information related to our credit risk on advances and allowance for credit losses, see Note 9 — Allowance for Credit Losses.
	Prepayment Fees. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, net advance prepayment fees recognized in income are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):
			For the Three Months Ended March 31,
			2014				2013
	Prepayment fees received from borrowers		$	6,695			$	20,721
	Less: hedging fair-value adjustments on prepaid advances		(193		)		(11,510		)
	Less: net premiums associated with prepaid advances		(3,928		)		(3,911		)
	Less: deferred recognition of prepayment fees received from borrowers on advance prepayments deemed to be loan modifications		(80		)		—
	Prepayment fees recognized in income on advance restructurings deemed to be extinguishments		—				6,615
	Net prepayment fees recognized in income		$	2,494			$	11,915

Mortgage_Loans_Held_for_Portfo

Mortgage Loans Held for Portfolio	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Abstract]	'
Mortgage Loans Held for Portfolio Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Mortgage Loans Held for Portfolio
	We invest in mortgage loans through the Mortgage Partnership Finance® (MPF® program). These investments are either guaranteed or insured by federal agencies, as is the case with government mortgage loans, or are credit-enhanced by the related participating financial institution, as is the case with conventional mortgage loans. All such investments are held for portfolio.
	The following table presents certain characteristics of these investments (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Real estate
	Fixed-rate 15-year single-family mortgages	$	579,846		$	595,319
	Fixed-rate 20- and 30-year single-family mortgages	2,712,836			2,717,973
	Premiums	58,674			59,154
	Discounts	(3,307		)	(3,440		)
	Deferred derivative gains, net	1,750			1,691
	Total mortgage loans held for portfolio	3,349,799			3,370,697
	Less: allowance for credit losses	(1,812		)	(2,221		)
	Total mortgage loans, net of allowance for credit losses	$	3,347,987		$	3,368,476
	The following table details the par value of mortgage loans held for portfolio (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Conventional mortgage loans	$	2,855,491		$	2,873,935
	Government mortgage loans	437,191			439,357
	Total par value	$	3,292,682		$	3,313,292
	See Note 9 — Allowance for Credit Losses for information related to our credit risk from our investments in mortgage loans and allowance for credit losses based on these investments.
	"Mortgage Partnership Finance," and "MPF," are registered trademarks of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago.

Allowance_for_Credit_Losses

Allowance for Credit Losses	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Allowance for Credit Losses [Abstract]	'
Allowance for Credit Losses Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Allowance for Credit Losses
	An allowance for credit losses is a valuation allowance separately established for each identified portfolio segment, if necessary, to provide for probable losses inherent in our portfolio as of the statement of condition date. To the extent necessary, an allowance for credit losses for off-balance-sheet credit exposure is recorded as a liability.
	For additional information see Item 8 — Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 10 — Allowance for Credit Losses in the 2013 Annual Report.
	Secured Member Credit Products
	We manage our credit exposure to secured member credit products through an integrated approach that generally includes establishing a credit limit for each borrower, includes an ongoing review of each borrower's financial condition, and is coupled with collateral and lending policies that are intended to limit risk of loss while balancing borrowers' needs for a reliable source of funding.
	We continue to evaluate and make changes to our collateral guidelines based on market conditions. At March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, none of our secured member credit products outstanding were past due, on nonaccrual status, or considered impaired. In addition, there were no troubled debt restructurings related to credit products during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
	Based upon the collateral held as security, our credit extension and collateral policies, management's credit analysis, and the repayment history on secured member credit products, we have not recorded any allowance for credit losses on our secured member credit products at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013. At March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, no liability to reflect an allowance for credit losses for off-balance-sheet credit exposures was recorded. See Note 18 — Commitments and Contingencies for additional information on our off-balance-sheet credit exposure.
	For additional information on our secured member credit exposure to credit products, see Item 8 — Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 10 — Allowance for Credit Losses in the 2013 Annual Report.
	Government Mortgage Loans Held for Portfolio
	Based on our assessment of our servicers for our government loans, there is no allowance for credit losses for the government mortgage loan portfolio as of March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013. In addition, these mortgage loans are not placed on nonaccrual status due to the government guarantee or insurance on these loans and the contractual obligation of the loan servicers to repurchase their related loans when certain criteria are met.
	For additional information on our secured member credit exposure to credit products, see Item 8 — Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 10 — Allowance for Credit Losses in the 2013 Annual Report.
	Conventional Mortgage Loans Held for Portfolio
	Our methodology for determining our loan loss reserve consists of estimating loan loss severity using a third party model incorporating delinquency to default transition performance of the loans, relevant market conditions affecting the performance of the loans, and portfolio level credit protection, particularly credit enhancements. Our inputs to the third party model consist of loan-related characteristics, such as credit scores, occupancy statuses, loan-to-value ratios, property types and locations. We update our view of the loan transition performance and market conditions quarterly and periodically adjust our methodology to reflect the changes in the loans’ performances and the market.
	For additional information on our secured member credit exposure to credit products, see Item 8 — Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 10 — Allowance for Credit Losses in the 2013 Annual Report.
	Credit Quality Indicators. Key credit quality indicators for mortgage loans include the migration of past due loans, nonaccrual loans, loans in process of foreclosure, and impaired loans. The tables below set forth certain key credit quality indicators for our investments in mortgage loans at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2014
		Recorded Investment in Conventional Mortgage Loans			Recorded Investment in Government Mortgage Loans			Total
	Past due 30-59 days delinquent	$	29,827		$	13,988		$	43,815
	Past due 60-89 days delinquent	10,026			4,227			14,253
	Past due 90 days or more delinquent	42,845			19,762			62,607
	Total past due	82,698			37,977			120,675
	Total current loans	2,834,831			411,432			3,246,263
	Total mortgage loans	$	2,917,529		$	449,409		$	3,366,938
	Other delinquency statistics
	In process of foreclosure, included above (1)	$	16,985		$	7,590		$	24,575
	Serious delinquency rate (2)	1.5		%	4.4		%	1.88		%
	Past due 90 days or more still accruing interest	$	—		$	19,762		$	19,762
	Loans on nonaccrual status (3)	$	43,846		$	—		$	43,846
	_______________________
	-1	Includes loans where the decision of foreclosure or similar alternative such as pursuit of deed-in-lieu of foreclosure has been reported.
	-2	Loans that are 90 days or more past due or in the process of foreclosure expressed as a percentage of the recorded investment in the total loan portfolio class.
	-3	Includes conventional mortgage loans with contractual principal or interest payments 90 days or more past due and not accruing interest as well as loans modified within the previous six months under our temporary loan modification plan.
		December 31, 2013
		Recorded Investment in Conventional Mortgage Loans			Recorded Investment in Government Mortgage Loans			Total
	Past due 30-59 days delinquent	$	31,401		$	17,690		$	49,091
	Past due 60-89 days delinquent	10,786			4,618			15,404
	Past due 90 days or more delinquent	45,916			19,913			65,829
	Total past due	88,103			42,221			130,324
	Total current loans	2,848,158			409,478			3,257,636
	Total mortgage loans	$	2,936,261		$	451,699		$	3,387,960
	Other delinquency statistics
	In process of foreclosure, included above (1)	$	18,570		$	7,904		$	26,474
	Serious delinquency rate (2)	1.59		%	4.41		%	1.97		%
	Past due 90 days or more still accruing interest	$	—		$	19,913		$	19,913
	Loans on nonaccrual status (3)	$	46,208		$	—		$	46,208
	_______________________
	-1	Includes loans where the decision of foreclosure or similar alternative such as pursuit of deed-in-lieu of foreclosure has been reported.
	-2	Loans that are 90 days or more past due or in the process of foreclosure expressed as a percentage of the recorded investment in the total loan portfolio class.
	-3	Includes conventional mortgage loans with contractual principal or interest payments 90 days or more past due and not accruing interest as well as loans modified within the previous six months under our temporary loan modification plan.
	Individually Evaluated Impaired Loans. The following table presents the recorded investment, par value, and any related allowance for impaired loans individually assessed for impairment at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands).
			As of March 31, 2014								As of December 31, 2013
			Recorded Investment			Par Value			Related Allowance		Recorded Investment		Par Value		Related Allowance
	Individually evaluated impaired mortgage loans with no related allowance		$	3,572		$	3,556		$	—	$	3,231	$	3,223	$	—
	Individually evaluated impaired mortgage loans with a related allowance		2,511			2,486			644		3,440		3,415		605
	Total individually evaluated impaired mortgage loans		$	6,083		$	6,042		$	644	$	6,671	$	6,638	$	605
	The following table presents the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on these loans individually assessed for impairment during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands).
			For the Three Months Ended March 31,
			2014						2013
			Average Recorded Investment			Interest Income Recognized			Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
	Individually evaluated impaired mortgage loans with no related allowance		$	3,670		$	48		$	3,117	$	39
	Individually evaluated impaired mortgage loans with a related allowance		2,975			11			—		—
	Total individually evaluated impaired mortgage loans		$	6,645		$	59		$	3,117	$	39
	Roll-Forward of Allowance for Credit Losses on Mortgage Loans. The following table presents a roll-forward of the allowance for credit losses on conventional mortgage loans for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, as well as the recorded investment in mortgage loans by impairment methodology at March 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands). The recorded investment in a loan is the par amount of the loan, adjusted for accrued interest, unamortized premiums or discounts, deferred derivative gains and losses, and direct write-downs. The recorded investment is net of any valuation allowance.
	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Allowance for credit losses
Balance, beginning of year	$	2,221		$	4,414
Charge-offs	(87		)	(13		)
Recoveries	—			47
Reduction of provision for credit losses	(322		)	(1,087		)
Balance, end of period	$	1,812		$	3,361
Ending balance, individually evaluated for impairment	$	644		$	—
Ending balance, collectively evaluated for impairment	$	1,168		$	3,361
Recorded investment, end of period (1)
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	6,083		$	3,118
Collectively evaluated for impairment	$	2,911,446		$	3,049,521
_________________________
-1	These amounts exclude government mortgage loans because we make no allowance for credit losses based on our investments in government mortgage loans, as discussed above under — Government Mortgage Loans Held for Portfolio.
REO. At March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, we had $6.1 million and $5.3 million, respectively, in assets classified as REO. During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, we sold REO assets with a recorded carrying value of $2.2 million and $3.8 million, respectively. Upon the sale of these properties, and inclusive of any proceeds received from primary mortgage-insurance coverage, we recognized net losses totaling $157,000 and net gains totaling $127,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Gains and losses on the sale of REO assets are recorded in other income.

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi

Derivatives and Hedging Activities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivatives and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Derivatives and Hedging Activities
	The following table presents the fair value of derivatives, including the effect of netting adjustments and cash collateral as of March 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
		Notional				Derivative				Derivative
		Amount of				Assets				Liabilities
		Derivatives
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
	Interest-rate swaps	$	11,909,840			$	32,909			$	(555,873	)
	Forward-start interest-rate swaps	1,558,800				—				(57,616		)
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	13,468,640				32,909				(613,489		)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
	Interest-rate swaps	1,087,000				351				(20,222		)
	Interest-rate caps or floors	300,000				26				—
	Mortgage-delivery commitments (1)	15,795				1				(54		)
	Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	1,402,795				378				(20,276		)
	Total notional amount of derivatives	$	14,871,435
	Total derivatives before netting and collateral adjustments					33,287				(633,765		)
	Netting adjustments (2)					(34,318		)		34,318
	Cash collateral and related accrued interest					8,933				—
	Derivative assets and derivative liabilities					$	7,902			$	(599,447	)
	_______________________
	-1	Mortgage-delivery commitments are classified as derivatives with changes in fair value recorded in other income.
	-2	Amounts represent the effect of master-netting agreements intended to allow us to settle positive and negative positions with the same counterparty.
	The following table presents the fair value of derivatives as of December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		Notional				Derivative				Derivative
		Amount of				Assets				Liabilities
		Derivatives
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
	Interest-rate swaps	$	11,707,590			$	33,361			$	(568,477	)
	Forward-start interest-rate swaps	1,410,800				2,408				(53,875		)
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	13,118,390				35,769				(622,352		)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
	Interest-rate swaps	1,273,500				610				(20,146		)
	Interest-rate caps or floors	300,000				43				—
	Mortgage-delivery commitments (1)	11,056				5				(39		)
	Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	1,584,556				658				(20,185		)
	Total notional amount of derivatives	$	14,702,946
	Total derivatives before netting and collateral adjustments					36,427				(642,537		)
	Netting adjustments (2)					(34,385		)		34,385
	Cash collateral and related accrued interest					2,276				—
	Derivative assets and derivative liabilities					$	4,318			$	(608,152	)
	_______________________
	-1	Mortgage-delivery commitments are classified as derivatives with changes in fair value recorded in other income.
	-2	Amounts represent the effect of master-netting agreements intended to allow us to settle positive and negative positions with the same counterparty.
	Net (losses) gains on derivatives and hedging activities recorded in Other Income (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows (dollars in thousands).
			For the Three Months Ended March 31,
			2014				2013
	Derivatives and hedged items in fair-value hedging relationships:
	Interest-rate swaps		$	494			$	455
	Cash flow hedge ineffectiveness		(135		)		4
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Economic hedges:
	Interest-rate swaps		(1,836		)		875
	Interest-rate caps or floors		(17		)		39
	Mortgage-delivery commitments		111				(285		)
	Total net (losses) gains related to derivatives not designated as hedging instruments		(1,742		)		629
	Net (losses) gains on derivatives and hedging activities		$	(1,383	)		$	1,088
	The following tables present, by type of hedged item, the gains (losses) on derivatives and the related hedged items in fair-value hedge relationships and the impact of those derivatives on our net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Gain/(Loss) on				Gain/(Loss) on				Net Fair-Value				Effect of
		Derivative				Hedged Item				Hedge				Derivatives on
										Ineffectiveness				Net Interest
														Income (1)
	Hedged Item:
Advances	$	21,985			$	(21,841	)		$	144			$	(33,411	)
Investments	(31,560		)		31,791				231				(9,494		)
Deposits	(390		)		390				—				397
COs – bonds	7,886				(7,767		)		119				10,637
Total	$	(2,079	)		$	2,573			$	494			$	(31,871	)
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
	Gain/(Loss) on				Gain/(Loss) on				Net Fair-Value				Effect of
	Derivative				Hedged Item				Hedge				Derivatives on
									Ineffectiveness				Net Interest
													Income (1)
Hedged Item:
Advances	$	57,489			$	(57,274	)		$	215			$	(39,760	)
Investments	28,258				(28,093		)		165				(10,140		)
Deposits	(394		)		394				—				394
COs – bonds	(23,252		)		23,327				75				21,094
Total	$	62,101			$	(61,646	)		$	455			$	(28,412	)
______________
-1	The net interest on derivatives in fair-value hedge relationships is presented in the statement of operations as interest income or interest expense of the respective hedged item.
The gain or loss recognized in other comprehensive income for forward-start interest-rate swaps associated with CO bond hedged items in cash-flow hedging relationships was a loss of $6.0 million and a gain of $428,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings as a result of the discontinuance of cash-flow hedges because the original forecasted transactions were not expected to occur by the end of the originally specified time period or within a two-month period thereafter. As of March 31, 2014, the maximum length of time over which we are hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions is eight years.
As of March 31, 2014, the amount of deferred net losses on derivatives accumulated in other comprehensive loss, related to cash flow hedges expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next 12 months, is $12.5 million.
Managing Credit Risk on Derivatives. We enter into derivatives that we clear (cleared derivatives) with a derivatives clearing organization (DCO), which is also our counterparty on such derivatives, and derivatives that are not cleared with a DCO (bilateral derivatives). Certain of our bilateral derivatives master-netting agreements contain provisions that require us to post additional collateral with our bilateral derivatives counterparties if our credit ratings are lowered. Under the terms that govern such agreements, if our credit rating is lowered by Moody's Investor Service (Moody's) or Standard and Poor’s Rating Service
(S&P) to a certain level, we are required to deliver additional collateral on bilateral derivatives in a net liability position. In the event of a split between such credit ratings, the lower rating governs. The aggregate fair value of all bilateral derivatives with these provisions that were in a net-liability position (before cash collateral and related accrued interest) at March 31, 2014, was $599.4 million, for which we had delivered collateral with a post-haircut value of $463.9 million in accordance with the terms of the master-netting agreements. The following table sets forth the post-haircut value of incremental collateral that certain bilateral derivatives counterparties could have required us to deliver based on incremental credit rating downgrades at March 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands).
Post-haircut Value of Incremental Collateral to be Delivered
as of March 31, 2014
Ratings Downgrade (1)
From		To		Incremental Collateral(2)
AA+		AA or AA-		$	35,557
AA-		A+, A or A-		44,275
A-		below A-		39,000
_______________________
-1	Ratings are expressed in this table according to S&P's conventions but include the equivalent of such rating by Moody's. If there is a split rating, the lower rating is used.
-2	Additional collateral of $15.8 million could be called by counterparties as of March 31, 2014, at our current credit rating of AA+ (based on the lower of our credit ratings from S&P and Moody's) and is not included in the table.
For cleared derivatives, the DCO determines initial margin requirements and generally credit ratings are not factored into the initial margin. However, clearing members may require additional initial margin to be posted based on credit considerations, including but not limited to credit rating downgrades. We were not required to post additional initial margin with our clearing agents at March 31, 2014.
Offsetting of Certain Derivative Assets and Derivative Liabilities. We present derivatives, related cash collateral, including initial and variation margin, received or pledged and associated accrued interest, on a net basis by clearing member and/or by counterparty when it has met the netting requirements.
The following table presents separately the fair value of derivatives meeting or not meeting netting requirements, with and without the legal right of offset, including the related collateral received from or pledged to counterparties, based on the terms of our master netting arrangements or similar agreements as of March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands).
		31-Mar-14								31-Dec-13
		Derivative Assets				Derivative Liabilities				Derivative Assets				Derivative Liabilities
Derivatives meeting netting requirements
Gross recognized amount
Bilateral derivatives		$	29,540			$	(628,733	)		$	31,271			$	(639,372	)
Cleared derivatives		3,746				(4,978		)		5,151				(3,126		)
Total gross recognized amount		33,286				(633,711		)		36,422				(642,498		)
Gross amounts of netting adjustments and cash collateral
Bilateral derivatives		(29,340		)		29,340				(31,259		)		31,259
Cleared derivatives		3,955				4,978				(850		)		3,126
Total gross amounts of netting adjustments and cash collateral		(25,385		)		34,318				(32,109		)		34,385
Net amounts after netting adjustments and cash collateral
Bilateral derivatives		200				(599,393		)		12				(608,113		)
Cleared derivatives		7,701				—				4,301				—
Total net amounts after netting adjustments and cash collateral		7,901				(599,393		)		4,313				(608,113		)
Derivatives not meeting netting requirements
Mortgage delivery commitments		1				(54		)		5				(39		)
Total derivative assets and total derivative liabilities
Bilateral derivatives		200				(599,393		)		12				(608,113		)
Cleared derivatives		7,701				—				4,301				—
Mortgage delivery commitments		1				(54		)		5				(39		)
Total derivative assets and total derivative liabilities presented in the statement of condition		7,902				(599,447		)		4,318				(608,152		)
Non-cash collateral received or pledged, not offset (1)
Can be sold or repledged
Bilateral derivatives		—				65,571				—				71,063
Cannot be sold or repledged
Bilateral derivatives		—				416,823				—				420,910
Total non-cash collateral received or pledged, not offset		—				482,394				—				$	491,973
Net amount
Bilateral derivatives		200				(116,999		)		12				(116,140		)
Cleared derivatives		7,701				—				4,301				—
Mortgage delivery commitments		1				(54		)		5				(39		)
Total net amount		$	7,902			$	(117,053	)		$	4,318			$	(116,179	)
_______________________
-1	Includes noncash collateral at fair value. Any overcollateralization with a counterparty is not included in the determination of the net amount. At March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, we had additional net credit exposure of $6.0 million and $7.1 million, respectively, due to instances where our collateral pledged to a counterparty exceeded our net derivative liability position.

Deposits

Deposits	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Deposits [Abstract]	'
Deposits Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Deposits
	We offer demand and overnight deposits for members and qualifying nonmembers. In addition, we offer short-term interest-bearing deposit programs to members. Members that service mortgage loans may deposit funds collected in connection with mortgage loans pending disbursement of such funds to the owners of the mortgage loans. We classify these items as "other" in the following table.
	Deposits at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, include hedging adjustments of $753,000 and $1.1 million, respectively.
	The following table details interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing deposits (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Interest-bearing
	Demand and overnight	$	484,789	$	473,600
	Term	20,439		20,676
	Other	3,231		4,399
	Noninterest-bearing
	Other	13,544		18,890
	Total deposits	$	522,003	$	517,565
	The aggregate amount of time deposits with a denomination of $100,000 or more was $20.0 million as of both March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013.

Consolidated_Obligations

Consolidated Obligations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Consolidated Obligations Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Consolidated Obligations
	COs - Bonds. The following table sets forth the outstanding CO bonds for which we were primarily liable at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, by year of contractual maturity (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
	Year of Contractual Maturity	Amount			Weighted			Amount			Weighted
					Average						Average
					Rate (1)						Rate (1)
	Due in one year or less	$	7,360,345		1.35	%		$	7,646,100		0.99	%
	Due after one year through two years	4,421,015			1.68			4,454,885			2.07
	Due after two years through three years	3,136,550			1.5			2,903,390			1.93
	Due after three years through four years	3,437,175			2.24			3,245,980			2.17
	Due after four years through five years	1,959,010			1.89			1,651,560			1.85
	Thereafter	3,975,630			2.62			3,368,740			2.64
	Total par value	24,289,725			1.81	%		23,270,655			1.78	%
	Premiums	214,415						228,753
	Discounts	(20,584		)				(20,081		)
	Hedging adjustments	(5,653		)				(13,421		)
		$	24,477,903					$	23,465,906
	_______________________
	-1	The CO bonds' weighted-average rate excludes concession fees.
	Our CO bonds outstanding at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, included (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Par value of CO bonds
	Noncallable and nonputable	$	20,584,725		$	20,755,655
	Callable	3,705,000			2,515,000
	Total par value	$	24,289,725		$	23,270,655
	The following is a summary of the CO bonds for which we are primarily liable at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, by year of contractual maturity or next call date for callable CO bonds (dollars in thousands):
	Year of Contractual Maturity or Next Call Date		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Due in one year or less		$	10,725,345		$	10,066,100
	Due after one year through two years		4,511,015			4,459,885
	Due after two years through three years		2,756,550			2,838,390
	Due after three years through four years		3,002,175			3,105,980
	Due after four years through five years		1,539,010			1,476,560
	Thereafter		1,755,630			1,323,740
	Total par value		$	24,289,725		$	23,270,655
	The following table sets forth the CO bonds for which we were primarily liable by interest-rate-payment type at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Par value of CO bonds
	Fixed-rate	$	20,869,725		$	19,815,655
	Simple variable-rate	2,370,000			2,570,000
	Step-up	1,050,000			885,000
	Total par value	$	24,289,725		$	23,270,655
	COs – Discount Notes. Outstanding CO discount notes for which we were primarily liable, all of which are due within one year, were as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Book Value			Par Value				Weighted Average
									Rate (1)
	31-Mar-14	$	20,247,904		$	20,250,000			0.07	%
	31-Dec-13	$	16,060,781		$	16,062,000			0.07	%
	_______________________
	-1	The CO discount notes' weighted-average rate represents a yield to maturity excluding concession fees.

Affordable_Housing_Program

Affordable Housing Program	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Affordable Housing Program [Abstract]	'
Affordable Housing Program Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Affordable Housing Program
	The following table presents a roll-forward of the AHP liability for the three months ended March 31, 2014, and year ended December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		31-Mar-14			31-Dec-13
	Balance at beginning of year	$	62,591		$	50,545
	AHP expense for the period	4,406			24,229
	AHP direct grant disbursements	(1,318		)	(11,077		)
	AHP subsidy for AHP advance disbursements	(260		)	(1,148		)
	Return of previously disbursed grants and subsidies	—			42
	Balance at end of period	$	65,419		$	62,591

Capital

Capital	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Capital [Abstract]	'
Capital Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Capital
	We are subject to capital requirements under our capital plan, the Federal Home Loan Bank Act of 1932, as amended
	(the FHLBank Act), and FHFA regulations:
	1	Risk-based capital. We are required to maintain at all times permanent capital, defined as Class B stock, including Class B stock classified as mandatorily redeemable capital stock, and retained earnings, in an amount at least equal to the sum of our credit-risk capital requirement, market-risk capital requirement, and operations-risk capital requirement, calculated in accordance with FHFA rules and regulations, referred to herein as the risk-based capital requirement. Only permanent capital satisfies the risk-based capital requirement.
	2	Total regulatory capital. We are required to maintain at all times a total capital-to-assets ratio of at least four percent. Total regulatory capital is the sum of permanent capital, the amount paid-in for Class A stock, the amount of any general loss allowance if consistent with GAAP and not established for specific assets, and other amounts from sources determined by the FHFA as available to absorb losses. We have never issued Class A stock.
	3	Leverage capital. We are required to maintain at all times a leverage capital-to-assets ratio of at least five percent. A leverage capital-to-assets ratio is defined as permanent capital weighted 1.5 times divided by total assets.
	The FHFA may require us to maintain a greater amount of permanent capital than is required as defined by the risk-based capital requirements.
	The following tables demonstrate our compliance with our regulatory capital requirements at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
	Risk-Based Capital Requirements	March 31,				December 31,
		2014				2013
	Permanent capital
	Class B capital stock	$	2,562,857			$	2,530,471
	Mandatorily redeemable capital stock	977,685				977,348
	Retained earnings	815,593				788,790
	Total permanent capital	$	4,356,135			$	4,296,609
	Risk-based capital requirement
	Credit-risk capital	$	427,433			$	423,522
	Market-risk capital	103,396				136,943
	Operations-risk capital	159,248				168,140
	Total risk-based capital requirement	$	690,077			$	728,605
	Permanent capital in excess of risk-based capital requirement	$	3,666,058			$	3,568,004
			March 31, 2014							December 31, 2013
			Required				Actual			Required			Actual
	Capital Ratio
	Risk-based capital		$	690,077			$	4,356,135		$	728,605		$	4,296,609
	Total regulatory capital		$	2,002,450			$	4,356,135		$	1,785,523		$	4,296,609
	Total capital-to-asset ratio		4		%		8.7		%	4		%	9.6		%
	Leverage Ratio
	Leverage capital		$	2,503,062			$	6,534,203		$	2,231,904		$	6,444,913
	Leverage capital-to-assets ratio		5		%		13.1		%	5		%	14.4		%

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The following table presents a summary of changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
			Net Unrealized Loss on Available-for-sale Securities			Noncredit Portion of Other-than-temporary Impairment Losses on Held-to-maturity Securities			Net Unrealized Loss Relating to Hedging Activities			Pension and Postretirement Benefits			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Balance, December 31, 2012		$	(22,643	)	$	(385,175	)	$	(65,027	)	$	(3,775	)	$	(476,620	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
	Net unrealized (losses) gains		(6,946		)	—			428			—			(6,518		)
	Accretion of noncredit loss		—			15,009			—			—			15,009
	Net actuarial loss		—			—			—			3			3
	Reclassifications from other comprehensive income to net income
	Noncredit other-than-temporary impairment losses reclassified to credit loss (1)		—			414			—			—			414
	Amortization - hedging activities (2)		—			—			4			—			4
	Amortization - pension and postretirement benefits (3)		—			—			—			138			138
	Other comprehensive (loss) income		(6,946		)	15,423			432			141			9,050
	Balance, March 31, 2013		$	(29,589	)	$	(369,752	)	$	(64,595	)	$	(3,634	)	$	(467,570	)
	Balance, December 31, 2013		$	(101,765	)	$	(324,928	)	$	(51,594	)	$	(3,229	)	$	(481,516	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
	Net unrealized gains (losses)		4,829			—			(6,014		)	—			(1,185		)
	Accretion of noncredit loss		—			12,135			—			—			12,135
	Reclassifications from other comprehensive income to net income
	Noncredit other-than-temporary impairment losses reclassified to credit loss (1)		—			458			—			—			458
	Amortization - hedging activities (2)		—			—			5			—			5
	Amortization - pension and postretirement benefits (3)		—			—			—			112			112
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		4,829			12,593			(6,009		)	112			11,525
	Balance, March 31, 2014		$	(96,936	)	$	(312,335	)	$	(57,603	)	$	(3,117	)	$	(469,991	)
	_______________________
	-1	Recorded in net amount of impairment losses reclassified (from) to accumulated other comprehensive loss in the statement of operations.
	-2	Recorded in net gains on derivatives and hedging activities in the statement of operations.
	-3	Recorded in other operating expenses in the statement of operations.

Employee_Retirement_Plans

Employee Retirement Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Employee Retirement Plans Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Employee Retirement Plans
	Qualified Defined Benefit Multiemployer Plan. We participate in the Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan for Financial Institutions (the Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan), a funded, tax-qualified, noncontributory defined-benefit pension plan. The Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan is treated as a multiemployer plan for accounting purposes, but operates as a multiple-employer plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code. The plan covers substantially all of our officers and employees.
	Qualified Defined Contribution Plan. We also participate in the Pentegra Defined Contribution Plan for Financial
	Institutions, a tax-qualified defined contribution plan. The plan covers substantially all of our officers and employees. We contribute a percentage of the participants' compensation by making a matching contribution equal to a percentage of voluntary employee contributions, subject to certain limitations. Our matching contributions are charged to compensation and benefits expense.
	Nonqualified Defined Contribution Plan. We also maintain the Thrift Benefit Equalization Plan, a nonqualified, unfunded deferred compensation plan covering certain of our senior officers and directors. The plan's liability consists of the accumulated compensation deferrals and the accumulated earnings on these deferrals.
	The following table sets forth our net pension costs under our defined benefit plan and expenses relating to our defined contribution plans (dollars in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Qualified Defined Benefit Multiemployer Plan - Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan	$	763		$	253
	Qualified Defined Contribution Plan - Pentegra Defined Contribution Plan	236			229
	Nonqualified Defined Contribution Plan - Thrift Benefit Equalization Plan	99			89
	Nonqualified Supplemental Defined Benefit Retirement Plan. We also maintain a nonqualified, single-employer unfunded defined-benefit plan covering certain senior officers, for which our obligation is detailed below. We maintain a rabbi trust intended to meet future benefit obligations.
	Postretirement Benefits. We sponsor a fully insured postretirement benefit program that includes life insurance benefits for eligible retirees. We provide life insurance to all employees who retire on or after age 55 after completing six years of service. No contributions are required from the retirees. There are no funded plan assets that have been designated to provide postretirement benefits.
	The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit cost for our nonqualified supplemental defined benefit retirement plan and postretirement benefits for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
			Nonqualified Supplemental Defined Benefit Retirement Plan For the Three Months Ended March 31,					Postretirement Benefits For the Three Months Ended March 31,
			2014			2013		2014		2013
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost
	Service cost		$	125		$	116	$	7	$	9
	Interest cost		108			76		8		7
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		112			138		—		3
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	345		$	330	$	15	$	19

Fair_Values

Fair Values	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Fair Values
	A fair-value hierarchy is used to prioritize the inputs of valuation techniques used to measure fair value. A description of the application of the fair-value hierarchy, valuation techniques, and significant inputs is disclosed in Item 1 — Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 19 — Fair Values in the 2013 Annual Report. There have been no material changes in the fair-value hierarchy classification of financial assets and liabilities, valuation techniques, or significant inputs during the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	The carrying values, fair values, and fair-value hierarchy of our financial instruments at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, were as follows (dollars in thousands). These fair values do not represent an estimate of our overall market value as a going concern, which would take into account, among other things, our future business opportunities and the net profitability of our assets and liabilities.
		31-Mar-14
		Carrying			Total Fair Value			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Netting Adjustments and Cash Collateral
		Value
	Financial instruments
	Assets:
	Cash and due from banks	$	17,037		$	17,037		$	17,037		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Interest-bearing deposits	259			259			259			—			—			—
	Securities purchased under agreements to resell	5,350,000			5,349,886			—			5,349,886			—			—
	Federal funds sold	3,350,000			3,349,989			—			3,349,989			—			—
	Trading securities(1)	247,158			247,158			—			247,158			—			—
	Available-for-sale securities(1)	3,993,329			3,993,329			—			3,993,329			—			—
	Held-to-maturity securities(2)	3,937,478			4,305,122			—			2,696,868			1,608,254			—
	Advances	29,699,600			29,833,488			—			29,833,488			—			—
	Mortgage loans, net	3,347,987			3,399,033			—			3,399,033			—			—
	Accrued interest receivable	71,213			71,213			—			71,213			—			—
	Derivative assets(1)	7,902			7,902			—			33,287			—			(25,385		)
	Other assets (1)	11,050			11,050			5,374			5,676			—			—
	Liabilities:
	Deposits	(522,003		)	(522,002		)	—			(522,002		)	—			—
	COs:
	Bonds	(24,477,903		)	(24,656,262		)	—			(24,656,262		)	—			—
	Discount notes	(20,247,904		)	(20,248,411		)	—			(20,248,411		)	—			—
	Mandatorily redeemable capital stock	(977,685		)	(977,685		)	(977,685		)	—			—			—
	Accrued interest payable	(98,461		)	(98,461		)	—			(98,461		)	—			—
	Derivative liabilities(1)	(599,447		)	(599,447		)	—			(633,765		)	—			34,318
	Other:
	Commitments to extend credit for advances	—			(954		)	—			(954		)	—			—
	Standby letters of credit	(592		)	(592		)	—			(592		)	—			—
	_______________________
	-1	Carried at fair value on a recurring basis.
	-2	Private-label residential MBS and HFA securities are categorized as Level 3. Private-label residential MBS that have incurred other-than-temporary impairment losses are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. See the recurring and nonrecurring tables below for more details.
		31-Dec-13
		Carrying			Total Fair			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Netting Adjustments and Cash Collateral
		Value			Value
	Financial instruments
	Assets:
	Cash and due from banks	$	641,033		$	641,033		$	641,033		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Interest-bearing deposits	195			195			195			—			—			—
	Securities purchased under agreements to resell	3,750,000			3,749,942			—			3,749,942			—			—
	Federal funds sold	850,000			849,993			—			849,993			—			—
	Trading securities(1)	247,174			247,174			—			247,174			—			—
	Available-for-sale securities(1)	3,995,310			3,995,310			—			3,995,310			—			—
	Held-to-maturity securities(2)	4,138,661			4,499,441			—			2,877,334			1,622,107			—
	Advances	27,516,678			27,632,970			—			27,632,970			—			—
	Mortgage loans, net	3,368,476			3,396,499			—			3,396,499			—			—
	Accrued interest receivable	83,458			83,458			—			83,458			—			—
	Derivative assets(1)	4,318			4,318			—			36,427			—			(32,109		)
	Other assets(1)	10,086			10,086			5,197			4,889			—			—
	Liabilities:
	Deposits	(517,565		)	(517,552		)	—			(517,552		)	—			—
	COs:
	Bonds	(23,465,906		)	(23,584,981		)	—			(23,584,981		)	—			—
	Discount notes	(16,060,781		)	(16,061,486		)	—			(16,061,486		)	—			—
	Mandatorily redeemable capital stock	(977,348		)	(977,348		)	(977,348		)	—			—			—
	Accrued interest payable	(83,386		)	(83,386		)	—			(83,386		)	—			—
	Derivative liabilities(1)	(608,152		)	(608,152		)	—			(642,537		)	—			34,385
	Other:
	Commitments to extend credit for advances	—			(2,098		)	—			(2,098		)	—			—
	Standby letters of credit	(562		)	(562		)	—			(562		)	—			—
	_______________________
-1	Carried at fair value on a recurring basis.
-2	Private-label residential MBS and HFA securities are categorized as Level 3. Private-label residential MBS that have incurred other-than-temporary impairment losses are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. See the recurring and nonrecurring tables below for more details.
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis.
The following tables present our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on the statement of condition, which are recorded on a recurring basis at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, by fair-value hierarchy level (dollars in thousands):
	March 31, 2014
	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Netting			Total
										Adjustment (1)
Assets:
Trading securities:
U.S. government-guaranteed – residential MBS	$	—		$	13,853		$	—		$	—		$	13,853
GSEs – residential MBS	—			3,177			—			—			3,177
GSEs – commercial MBS	—			230,128			—			—			230,128
Total trading securities	—			247,158			—			—			247,158
Available-for-sale securities:
Supranational institutions	—			424,823			—			—			424,823
U.S. government-owned corporations	—			254,052			—			—			254,052
GSEs	—			242,530			—			—			242,530
U.S. government guaranteed – residential MBS	—			256,115			—			—			256,115
U.S. government guaranteed – commercial MBS	—			622,474			—			—			622,474
GSEs – residential MBS	—			2,193,335			—			—			2,193,335
Total available-for-sale securities	—			3,993,329			—			—			3,993,329
Derivative assets:
Interest-rate-exchange agreements	—			33,286			—			(25,385		)	7,901
Mortgage delivery commitments	—			1			—			—			1
Total derivative assets	—			33,287			—			(25,385		)	7,902
Other assets	5,374			5,676			—			—			11,050
Total assets at fair value	$	5,374		$	4,279,450		$	—		$	(25,385	)	$	4,259,439
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities
Interest-rate-exchange agreements	$	—		$	(633,711	)	$	—		$	34,318		$	(599,393	)
Mortgage delivery commitments	—			(54		)	—			—			(54		)
Total liabilities at fair value	$	—		$	(633,765	)	$	—		$	34,318		$	(599,447	)
_______________________
-1	These amounts represent the application of the netting requirements which allow us to settle positive and negative positions and also cash collateral and related accrued interest held or placed with the same clearing member and/or counterparty.
	December 31, 2013
	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Netting			Total
										Adjustment (1)
Assets:
Trading securities:
U.S. government-guaranteed – residential MBS	$	—		$	14,331		$	—		$	—		$	14,331
GSEs – residential MBS	—			3,486			—			—			3,486
GSEs – commercial MBS	—			229,357			—			—			229,357
Total trading securities	—			247,174			—			—			247,174
Available-for-sale securities:
Supranational institutions	—			415,135			—			—			415,135
U.S. government-owned corporations	—			238,785			—			—			238,785
GSEs	—			888,525			—			—			888,525
U.S. government guaranteed – residential MBS	—			271,597			—			—			271,597
U.S. government guaranteed – commercial MBS	—			309,101			—			—			309,101
GSEs – residential MBS	—			1,872,167			—			—			1,872,167
Total available-for-sale securities	—			3,995,310			—			—			3,995,310
Derivative assets:
Interest-rate-exchange agreements	—			36,422			—			(32,109		)	4,313
Mortgage delivery commitments	—			5			—			—			5
Total derivative assets	—			36,427			—			(32,109		)	4,318
Other assets	5,197			4,889			—			—			10,086
Total assets at fair value	$	5,197		$	4,283,800		$	—		$	(32,109	)	$	4,256,888
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities
Interest-rate-exchange agreements	$	—		$	(642,498	)	$	—		$	34,385		$	(608,113	)
Mortgage delivery commitments	—			(39		)	—			—			(39		)
Total liabilities at fair value	$	—		$	(642,537	)	$	—		$	34,385		$	(608,152	)
_______________________
-1	These amounts represent the application of the netting requirements which allow us to settle positive and negative positions and also cash collateral and related accrued interest held or placed with the same clearing member and/or counterparty.
Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
We measure certain held-to-maturity investment securities and REO at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, that is, they are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair-value adjustments only in certain circumstances (for example, upon recognizing an other-than-temporary impairment on a held-to-maturity security whose fair value has further declined).
The following tables present financial assets by level within the fair-value hierarchy which are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands).
	March 31, 2014
	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
REO	$	—		$	—		$	193		$	193
	31-Dec-13
	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
REO	$	—		$	—		$	115		$	115

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Joint and Several Liability. COs are backed by the financial resources of the 12 district Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks or FHLBank System). The FHFA has authority to require any FHLBank to repay all or a portion of the principal and interest on COs for which another FHLBank is the primary obligor. No FHLBank has ever been asked or required to repay the principal or interest on any CO on behalf of another FHLBank. We evaluate the financial condition of the other FHLBanks primarily based on known regulatory actions, publicly available financial information, and individual long-term credit-rating action as of each period-end presented. Based on this evaluation, as of March 31, 2014, and through the filing of this report, we do not believe that it is reasonably likely that we will be required to repay the principal or interest on any CO on behalf of another FHLBank.
	We have considered applicable FASB guidance and determined it is not necessary to recognize a liability for the fair value of our joint and several liability for all of the COs. The joint and several obligation is mandated by FHFA regulations and is not the result of an arms-length transaction among the FHLBanks. The FHLBanks have no control over the amount of the guaranty or the determination of how each FHLBank would perform under the joint and several obligation. Because the FHLBanks are subject to the authority of the FHFA as it relates to decisions involving the allocation of the joint and several liability for the FHLBanks' COs, the FHLBanks' joint and several obligation is excluded from the initial recognition and measurement provisions. Accordingly, we have not recognized a liability for our joint and several obligation related to other FHLBanks' COs at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013. The par amounts of other FHLBanks' outstanding COs for which we are jointly and severally liable totaled $709.4 billion and $727.5 billion at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively. See Note 12 — Consolidated Obligations for additional information.
	Off-Balance-Sheet Commitments
	The following table sets forth our off-balance-sheet commitments as of March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
			March 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
			Expire within one year		Expire after one year		Total		Expire within one year		Expire after one year		Total
	Standby letters of credit outstanding (1)		$	2,728,447	$	221,126	$	2,949,573	$	2,873,616	$	247,399	$	3,121,015
	Commitments for unused lines of credit - advances (2)		1,287,071		—		1,287,071		1,283,361		—		1,283,361
	Commitments to make additional advances		6,175		60,601		66,776		436,954		60,078		497,032
	Commitments to invest in mortgage loans		15,795		—		15,795		11,056		—		11,056
	Unsettled CO bonds, at par (3)		444,350		—		444,350		36,400		—		36,400
	Unsettled CO discount notes, at par		—		—		—		1,215,000		—		1,215,000
	__________________________
	-1	The amount of standby letters of credit outstanding excludes commitments to issue standby letters of credit that expire within one year totaling $7.8 million as of March 31, 2014. Also excluded are commitments to issue standby letters of credit that expire within one year totaling $15.7 million at December 31, 2013.
	-2	Commitments for unused line-of-credit advances are generally for periods of up to 12 months. Since many of these commitments are not expected to be drawn upon, the total commitment amount does not necessarily indicate future liquidity requirements.
	-3	We had $255.0 million in unsettled CO bonds that were hedged with associated interest-rate swaps at March 31, 2014. We had no unsettled CO bonds that were hedged with associated interest-rate swaps at December 31, 2013.
	Standby Letters of Credit. Standby letters of credit are executed with members or housing associates for a fee. A standby letter of credit is a financing arrangement between us and a member or housing associate pursuant to which we agree to fund the associated member's or housing associate's obligation to a third-party beneficiary should that member or housing associate fail to fund such obligation. If we are required to make payment for a beneficiary's draw, the payment amount is converted into a collateralized advance to the member or housing associate. The original terms of these standby letters of credit range from final expiries in 7 days to 20 years. Our unearned fees for the value of the guarantees related to standby letters of credit are recorded in other liabilities and totaled $592,000 and $562,000 at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	We monitor the creditworthiness of our members and housing associates that have standby letter of credit agreements outstanding based on our evaluations of the financial condition of the member or housing associate. We review available financial data, which can include regulatory call reports filed by depository institution members, regulatory financial statements filed with the appropriate state insurance department by insurance company members, audited financial statements of housing associates, SEC filings, and rating-agency reports to ensure that potentially troubled members are identified as soon as possible. In addition, we have access to most members' regulatory examination reports. We analyze this information on a regular basis.
	Standby letters of credit are fully collateralized at the time of issuance. Based on our credit analyses and collateral requirements, we have not deemed it necessary to record any additional liability on these commitments.
	Commitments to Invest in Mortgage Loans. Commitments to invest in mortgage loans are generally for periods not to exceed 45 business days. Such commitments are recorded as derivatives at their fair values on the statement of condition.
	Pledged Collateral. We have pledged securities, as collateral, related to derivatives. See Note 10 — Derivatives and Hedging Activities for additional information about our pledged collateral and other credit-risk-related contingent features.
	Legal Proceedings. We are subject to various legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business from time to time. Management does not anticipate that the ultimate liability, if any, arising out of these matters will have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Transactions_with_Shareholders

Transactions with Shareholders	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Transactions with Shareholders [Abstract]	'
Transactions with Shareholders Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Transactions with Shareholders
	Related Parties. We define related parties as members with 10 percent or more of the voting interests of our capital stock outstanding. Under the FHLBank Act and FHFA regulations, each member directorship is designated to one of the six states in our district. Each member eligible to vote is entitled to cast by ballot one vote for each share of stock that it was required to hold as of the record date, which is December 31, of the year prior to each election, subject to the limitation that no member may cast more votes than the average number of shares of our stock that are required to be held by all members located in such member's state. Eligible members are permitted to vote all their eligible shares for one candidate for each open member directorship in the state in which the member is located and for each open independent directorship. A nonmember stockholder is not entitled to cast votes for the election of directors unless it was a member as of the record date. At March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, no shareholder owned more than 10 percent of the total voting interests due to statutory limits on members' voting rights, therefore, we did not have any related parties.
	Shareholder Concentrations. We consider shareholder concentrations as members or nonmembers whose capital stock holdings (including mandatorily redeemable capital stock) are in excess of 10 percent of total capital stock outstanding. The following tables present transactions with shareholders whose holdings of capital stock exceed 10 percent or more of total capital stock outstanding at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
	As of March 31, 2014	Capital Stock			Percent			Par		Percent of Total Par Value		Total Accrued		Percent of Total
		Outstanding			of Total			Value of		of Advances		Interest		Accrued Interest
								Advances				Receivable		Receivable on
														Advances
	Bank of America, N.A.(1)	$	857,835		24.2	%		$	106,939	0.4	%	$	410	1.3	%
	RBS Citizens N.A.	430,077			12.1			4,969,000		16.9		486		1.5
	-1	Bank of America, N.A. is a nonmember and its shares of capital stock are classified as mandatorily redeemable capital stock.
	As of December 31, 2013	Capital Stock			Percent			Par		Percent of Total Par Value		Total Accrued		Percent of Total
		Outstanding			of Total			Value of		of Advances		Interest		Accrued Interest
								Advances				Receivable		Receivable on
														Advances
	Bank of America, N.A. (1)	$	857,835		24.5	%		$	98,370	0.4	%	$	420	1.4	%
	RBS Citizens N.A.	430,077			12.3			2,269,149		8.3		187		0.6
	-1	Bank of America, N.A. is a nonmember and its shares of capital stock are classified as mandatorily redeemable capital stock.
	We held sufficient collateral to support the advances to the above institutions such that we do not expect to incur any credit losses on these advances.
	We recognized interest income on outstanding advances from the above shareholders during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 as follows (dollars in thousands):
			For the Three Months Ended March 31,
			2014			2013
	Bank of America, N.A.		$	1,253		$	1,349
	RBS Citizens N.A.		2,158			558
	Transactions with Directors' Institutions. We provide, in the ordinary course of business, products and services to members whose officers or directors serve on our board of directors. In accordance with FHFA regulations, transactions with directors' institutions are conducted on the same terms as those with any other member.
	The following table presents the outstanding balances of capital stock, advances, and accrued interest receivable with members whose officers or directors serve on our board of directors, and those balances as a percentage of our total balance as reported on our statement of condition (dollars in thousands):
		Capital Stock			Percent			Par		Percent of Total Par Value		Total Accrued		Percent of Total
		Outstanding			of Total			Value of		of Advances		Interest		Accrued Interest
								Advances				Receivable		Receivable on
														Advances
	As of March 31, 2014	$	81,983		2.3	%		$	630,182	2.1	%	$	1,270	3.9	%
	As of December 31, 2013	127,020			3.6			659,333		2.4		1,693		5.6

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Subsequent Events
	On April 24, 2014, the board of directors declared a cash dividend at an annualized rate of 1.49 percent based on capital stock balances outstanding during the first quarter of 2014. The dividend, including dividends on mandatorily redeemable capital stock, amounted to $12.9 million and was paid on May 2, 2014.
	On May 1, 2014, we conducted a partial repurchase of excess capital stock in the amount of $500.0 million. Of this amount, $373.7 million was repurchased from mandatorily redeemable capital stock.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance for Loan Losses Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Our methodology for determining our loan loss reserve consists of estimating loan loss severity using a third party model incorporating delinquency to default transition performance of the loans, relevant market conditions affecting the performance of the loans, and portfolio level credit protection, particularly credit enhancements. Our inputs to the third party model consist of loan-related characteristics, such as credit scores, occupancy statuses, loan-to-value ratios, property types and locations. We update our view of the loan transition performance and market conditions quarterly and periodically adjust our methodology to reflect the changes in the loans’ performances and the market.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
	We measure certain held-to-maturity investment securities and REO at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, that is, they are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair-value adjustments only in certain circumstances (for example, upon recognizing an other-than-temporary impairment on a held-to-maturity security whose fair value has further declined).
Joint and Several Liability Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	We evaluate the financial condition of the other FHLBanks primarily based on known regulatory actions, publicly available financial information, and individual long-term credit-rating action as of each period-end presented.

Trading_Securities_Trading_Sec

Trading Securities Trading Securities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Trading Securities [Abstract]	'
Trading Securities by Major Security Type [Table Text Block]	'
	Our trading securities as of March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, were (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Mortgage-backed securities (MBS)
	U.S. government-guaranteed – residential	$	13,853	$	14,331
	Government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) – residential	3,177		3,486
	GSE – commercial	230,128		229,357
	Total	$	247,158	$	247,174

AvailableforSale_Securities_Ta

Available-for-Sale Securities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Available-for-Sale (AFS) Securities by Major Security Types [Table Text Block]	'
	Our available-for-sale securities as of March 31, 2014, were (dollars in thousands):
				Amounts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
		Amortized		Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
		Cost (1)		Gains			Losses			Value
	Supranational institutions	$	450,567	$	—		$	(25,744	)	$	424,823
	U.S. government-owned corporations	288,223		—			(34,171		)	254,052
	GSEs	251,655		341			(9,466		)	242,530
		990,445		341			(69,381		)	921,405
	MBS
	U.S. government guaranteed – residential	258,015		406			(2,306		)	256,115
	U.S. government guaranteed – commercial	626,119		—			(3,645		)	622,474
	GSEs – residential	2,215,686		5,303			(27,654		)	2,193,335
		3,099,820		5,709			(33,605		)	3,071,924
	Total	$	4,090,265	$	6,050		$	(102,986	)	$	3,993,329
	_______________________
	-1	Amortized cost of available-for-sale securities includes adjustments made to the cost basis of an investment for accretion, amortization, collection of cash, and fair-value hedge accounting adjustments.
	Our available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2013, were (dollars in thousands):
				Amounts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
		Amortized		Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
		Cost (1)		Gains			Losses			Value
	Supranational institutions	$	439,098	$	—		$	(23,963	)	$	415,135
	U.S. government-owned corporations	273,342		—			(34,557		)	238,785
	GSEs	896,767		2,292			(10,534		)	888,525
		1,609,207		2,292			(69,054		)	1,542,445
	MBS
	U.S. government guaranteed – residential	273,861		416			(2,680		)	271,597
	U.S. government guaranteed – commercial	309,506		77			(482		)	309,101
	GSEs – residential	1,904,501		5,237			(37,571		)	1,872,167
		2,487,868		5,730			(40,733		)	2,452,865
	Total	$	4,097,075	$	8,022		$	(109,787	)	$	3,995,310
	_______________________
	-1	Amortized cost of available-for-sale securities includes adjustments made to the cost basis of an investment for accretion, amortization, collection of cash, and fair-value hedge accounting adjustments.
Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Available-for-Sale Securities [Member]	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Available-for-Sale (AFS) Securities in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes our available-for-sale securities with unrealized losses as of March 31, 2014, which are aggregated by major security type and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position (dollars in thousands):
		Less than 12 Months					12 Months or More						Total
		Fair		Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
		Value		Losses			Value			Losses			Value		Losses
	Supranational institutions	$	—	$	—		$	424,823		$	(25,744	)	$	424,823	$	(25,744	)
	U.S. government-owned corporations	—		—			254,052			(34,171		)	254,052		(34,171		)
	GSEs	—		—			112,154			(9,466		)	112,154		(9,466		)
		—		—			791,029			(69,381		)	791,029		(69,381		)
	MBS
	U.S. government guaranteed – residential	—		—			198,101			(2,306		)	198,101		(2,306		)
	U.S. government guaranteed – commercial	571,533		(3,645		)	—			—			571,533		(3,645		)
	GSEs – residential	1,612,243		(26,980		)	34,931			(674		)	1,647,174		(27,654		)
		2,183,776		(30,625		)	233,032			(2,980		)	2,416,808		(33,605		)
	Total temporarily impaired	$	2,183,776	$	(30,625	)	$	1,024,061		$	(72,361	)	$	3,207,837	$	(102,986	)
	The following table summarizes our available-for-sale securities with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2013, which are aggregated by major security type and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position (dollars in thousands):
		Less than 12 Months					12 Months or More						Total
		Fair		Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
		Value		Losses			Value			Losses			Value		Losses
	Supranational institutions	$	—	$	—		$	415,135		$	(23,963	)	$	415,135	$	(23,963	)
	U.S. government-owned corporations	—		—			238,785			(34,557		)	238,785		(34,557		)
	GSEs	—		—			105,644			(10,534		)	105,644		(10,534		)
		—		—			759,564			(69,054		)	759,564		(69,054		)
	MBS
	U.S. government guaranteed – residential	211,044		(2,680		)	—			—			211,044		(2,680		)
	U.S. government guaranteed – commercial	164,407		(482		)	—			—			164,407		(482		)
	GSEs – residential	1,383,396		(37,571		)	—			—			1,383,396		(37,571		)
		1,758,847		(40,733		)	—			—			1,758,847		(40,733		)
	Total temporarily impaired	$	1,758,847	$	(40,733	)	$	759,564		$	(69,054	)	$	2,518,411	$	(109,787	)
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]	'
	The amortized cost and fair value of our available-for-sale securities by contractual maturity at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, were (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2014					December 31, 2013
	Year of Maturity	Amortized		Fair			Amortized			Fair
		Cost		Value			Cost			Value
	Due in one year or less	$	130,035	$	130,376		$	780,589		$	782,881
	Due after one year through five years	—		—			—			—
	Due after five years through 10 years	—		—			—			—
	Due after 10 years	860,410		791,029			828,618			759,564
		990,445		921,405			1,609,207			1,542,445
	MBS (1)	3,099,820		3,071,924			2,487,868			2,452,865
	Total	$	4,090,265	$	3,993,329		$	4,097,075		$	3,995,310
	_______________________
	-1	MBS are not presented by contractual maturity because their expected maturities will likely differ from contractual maturities because borrowers of the underlying loans may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment fees.

HeldtoMaturity_Securities_Tabl

Held-to-Maturity Securities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'
HTM Securities by Major Security Type [Table Text Block]	'
	Our held-to-maturity securities as of March 31, 2014, were (dollars in thousands):
		Amortized Cost		Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Carrying Value		Gross Unrecognized Holding Gains			Gross Unrecognized Holding Losses			Fair Value
	U.S. agency obligations	$	7,881	$	—		$	7,881	$	611		$	—		$	8,492
	State or local housing-finance-agency obligations (HFA securities)	182,146		—			182,146		47			(21,201		)	160,992
	GSEs	17,296		—			17,296		2			—			17,298
		207,323		—			207,323		660			(21,201		)	186,782
	MBS
	U.S. government guaranteed – residential	25,776		—			25,776		567			—			26,343
	U.S. government guaranteed – commercial	196,202		—			196,202		860			—			197,062
	GSEs – residential	1,683,428		—			1,683,428		43,895			(307		)	1,727,016
	GSEs – commercial	683,508		—			683,508		37,149			—			720,657
	Private-label – residential	1,430,564		(311,436		)	1,119,128		322,452			(15,995		)	1,425,585
	Asset-backed securities (ABS) backed by home equity loans	23,012		(899		)	22,113		940			(1,376		)	21,677
		4,042,490		(312,335		)	3,730,155		405,863			(17,678		)	4,118,340
	Total	$	4,249,813	$	(312,335	)	$	3,937,478	$	406,523		$	(38,879	)	$	4,305,122
	Our held-to-maturity securities as of December 31, 2013, were (dollars in thousands):
		Amortized Cost		Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Carrying Value		Gross Unrecognized Holding Gains			Gross Unrecognized Holding Losses			Fair Value
	U.S. agency obligations	$	8,503	$	—		$	8,503	$	682		$	—		$	9,185
	HFA securities	183,625		—			183,625		30			(19,598		)	164,057
	GSEs	67,504		—			67,504		160			—			67,664
		259,632		—			259,632		872			(19,598		)	240,906
	MBS
	U.S. government guaranteed – residential	27,767		—			27,767		644			—			28,411
	U.S. government guaranteed – commercial	213,144		—			213,144		883			—			214,027
	GSEs – residential	1,773,905		—			1,773,905		45,472			(360		)	1,819,017
	GSEs – commercial	700,348		—			700,348		38,683			—			739,031
	Private-label – residential	1,465,379		(323,989		)	1,141,390		312,228			(17,595		)	1,436,023
	ABS backed by home equity loans	23,414		(939		)	22,475		986			(1,435		)	22,026
		4,203,957		(324,928		)	3,879,029		398,896			(19,390		)	4,258,535
	Total	$	4,463,589	$	(324,928	)	$	4,138,661	$	399,768		$	(38,988	)	$	4,499,441
Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Held-to-maturity Securities [Member]	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'
HTM Securities in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes our held-to-maturity securities with unrealized losses as of March 31, 2014, which are aggregated by major security type and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position (dollars in thousands):
		Less than 12 Months					12 Months or More					Total
		Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized
		Value		Losses			Value		Losses			Value			Losses
	HFA securities	$	—	$	—		$	154,668	$	(21,201	)	$	154,668		$	(21,201	)
	MBS
	GSEs – residential	30,533		(83		)	39,710		(224		)	70,243			(307		)
	Private-label – residential	21,241		(473		)	756,499		(57,267		)	777,740			(57,740		)
	ABS backed by home equity loans	—		—			20,141		(1,514		)	20,141			(1,514		)
		51,774		(556		)	816,350		(59,005		)	868,124			(59,561		)
	Total	$	51,774	$	(556	)	$	971,018	$	(80,206	)	$	1,022,792		$	(80,762	)
	The following table summarizes our held-to-maturity securities with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2013, which are aggregated by major security type and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position (dollars in thousands):
		Less than 12 Months					12 Months or More					Total
		Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized
		Value		Losses			Value		Losses			Value			Losses
	HFA securities	$	—	$	—		$	157,752	$	(19,598	)	$	157,752		$	(19,598	)
	MBS
	GSEs – residential	35,723		(144		)	42,229		(216		)	77,952			(360		)
	Private-label – residential	34,910		(317		)	910,016		(72,461		)	944,926			(72,778		)
	ABS backed by home equity loans	—		—			20,418		(1,586		)	20,418			(1,586		)
		70,633		(461		)	972,663		(74,263		)	1,043,296			(74,724		)
	Total	$	70,633	$	(461	)	$	1,130,415	$	(93,861	)	$	1,201,048		$	(94,322	)
HTM Securities by Contractual Maturity [Table Text Block]	'
	The amortized cost and fair value of our held-to-maturity securities by contractual maturity at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, are shown below (dollars in thousands). Expected maturities of some securities and MBS may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers of the underlying loans may have the right to call or prepay their obligations with or without call or prepayment fees.
		March 31, 2014							December 31, 2013
	Year of Maturity	Amortized		Carrying			Fair		Amortized			Carrying			Fair
		Cost		Value (1)			Value		Cost			Value (1)			Value
	Due in one year or less	$	17,296	$	17,296		$	17,298	$	67,504		$	67,504		$	67,664
	Due after one year through five years	5,663		5,663			6,065		2,794			2,794			2,984
	Due after five years through 10 years	23,694		23,694			23,784		27,229			27,229			27,427
	Due after 10 years	160,670		160,670			139,635		162,105			162,105			142,831
		207,323		207,323			186,782		259,632			259,632			240,906
	MBS (2)	4,042,490		3,730,155			4,118,340		4,203,957			3,879,029			4,258,535
	Total	$	4,249,813	$	3,937,478		$	4,305,122	$	4,463,589		$	4,138,661		$	4,499,441
	_______________________
	-1	Carrying value of held-to-maturity securities represents the sum of amortized cost and the amount of noncredit-related other-than-temporary impairment recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
	-2	MBS are not presented by contractual maturity because their expected maturities will likely differ from contractual maturities because borrowers of the underlying loans may have the right to call or prepay their obligations with or without call or prepayment fees.

OtherThanTemporary_Impairment_

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Analysis [Abstract]	'
Recovery Ranges of Housing Price Change [Table Text Block]	'
	Under those recovery paths, home prices were projected to increase as follows:
	Months		Recovery Range
	6-Jan		0	%	to	3.00%
	12-Jul		1	%	to	4.00%
	13-18		2	%	to	4.00%
	19-30		2	%	to	5.00%
	31-54		2	%	to	6.00%
	Thereafter		2.3	%	to	5.60%
Significant Inputs for OTTI [Table Text Block]	'
	For those securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment was determined to have occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2014, the following table presents a summary of the average projected values over the remaining lives of the securities for the significant inputs used to measure the amount of the credit loss recognized in earnings, as well as related current credit enhancement. Credit enhancement is defined as the percentage of subordinated tranches, over-collateralization, and other credit enhancement, if any, in a security structure that will generally absorb losses before we will experience a credit loss on the security. The calculated averages represent the dollar-weighted averages of all the private-label residential MBS in each category shown (dollars in thousands).
							Significant Inputs
							Projected		Projected		Projected			Current
							Prepayment Rates		Default Rates		Loss Severities			Credit Enhancement
	Private-label MBS by Year of Securitization		Par Value				Weighted		Weighted		Weighted			Weighted
							Average		Average		Average			Average
							Percent		Percent		Percent			Percent
	Private-label residential MBS - Alt-A (1)
	2007		$	51,846			5.5	%	51.8	%	46.2	%		15.1	%
	2006		35,471				9.5		40.3		46.4			—
	Total Alt-A		$	87,317			7.2	%	47.1	%	46.2	%		9	%
	_______________________
	-1	Securities are classified in the table above based upon the current performance characteristics of the underlying loan pool and therefore the manner in which the loan pool backing the security has been modeled (as prime, Alt-A, or subprime), rather than their classification of the security at the time of issuance.
Total Securities Other-than-Temporarily Impaired during the Life of the Security [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth our securities for which other-than-temporary impairment credit losses were recognized during the life of the security through March 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands). Securities are classified in the table below based on their classifications at the time of issuance. We note that we have instituted litigation in relation to certain of the private-label MBS in which we invested. Our complaint asserts, among others, claims for untrue or misleading statements in the sale of securities. It is possible that classifications of private-label MBS as provided herein when based on classification at the time of issuance (as per the following tables in this Note 6, for example) as disclosed by those securities' issuance documents, as well as other statements about the securities, are inaccurate.
		March 31, 2014
	Other-Than-Temporarily Impaired Investment	Par				Amortized			Carrying			Fair
		Value				Cost			Value			Value
	Private-label residential MBS – Prime	$	61,948			$	52,443		$	39,890		$	53,513
	Private-label residential MBS – Alt-A	1,527,641				1,108,431			809,548			1,118,344
	ABS backed by home equity loans – Subprime	4,646				4,150			3,251			4,186
	Total other-than-temporarily impaired securities	$	1,594,235			$	1,165,024		$	852,689		$	1,176,043
Rollforward of the Amounts Related to Credit Losses Recognized into Earnings [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents a roll-forward of the amounts related to credit losses recognized in earnings. The roll-forward is the amount of credit losses on investment securities on which we recognized a portion of other-than-temporary impairment charges into accumulated other comprehensive loss (dollars in thousands).
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014				2013
	Balance at beginning of year	$	603,786			$	631,330
	Additions:
	Additional credit losses for which an other-than-temporary impairment charge was previously recognized(1)	458				421
	Reductions:
	Increase in cash flows expected to be collected which are recognized over the remaining life of the security	(8,684		)		(2,916		)
	Balance at end of period	$	595,560			$	628,835
	_______________________
	-1	For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, additional credit losses for which an other-than-temporary impairment charge was previously recognized relate to securities that were also previously impaired prior to January 1, 2014 and 2013.

Advances_Tables

Advances (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances [Abstract]	'
Advances Redemption Terms [Table Text Block]	'
	At both March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, we had advances outstanding with interest rates ranging from (0.22) percent to 8.37 percent, as summarized below (dollars in thousands). Advances with negative interest rates contain embedded interest-rate features that have met the requirements to be separated from the host contract and are recorded as stand-alone derivatives, and which we economically hedge with derivatives containing offsetting interest-rate features.
		March 31, 2014							December 31, 2013
	Year of Contractual Maturity	Amount				Weighted			Amount			Weighted
						Average						Average
						Rate						Rate
	Overdrawn demand-deposit accounts	$	9,588			0.44	%		$	9,287		0.43	%
	Due in one year or less	17,567,532				0.45			15,413,949			0.5
	Due after one year through two years	2,445,865				1.95			2,025,840			1.99
	Due after two years through three years	2,987,326				2.4			2,875,074			2.26
	Due after three years through four years	3,198,974				2.61			3,116,119			2.89
	Due after four years through five years	1,595,594				2.32			2,156,717			2.21
	Thereafter	1,617,352				2.95			1,614,278			2.98
	Total par value	29,422,231				1.25	%		27,211,264			1.35	%
	Premiums	42,254							49,447
	Discounts	(19,526		)					(20,290		)
	Market value of bifurcated derivatives (1)	1,117							892
	Hedging adjustments	253,524							275,365
	Total	$	29,699,600						$	27,516,678
	_________________________
	-1	At March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, we had certain advances with embedded features that met the requirements to be separated from the host contract and designate the embedded features as a stand-alone derivative.
Advances by Year of the Earlier of Contractual Maturity or Next Put Date [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth our advances outstanding by the year of contractual maturity or next put date for putable advances (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2014							December 31, 2013
	Year of Contractual Maturity or Next Put Date	Par Value				Percentage			Par Value			Percentage
						of Total						of Total
	Overdrawn demand-deposit accounts	$	9,588			0	%		$	9,287		0	%
	Due in one year or less	19,915,957				67.7			17,778,624			65.4
	Due after one year through two years	2,359,365				8			1,938,590			7.1
	Due after two years through three years	2,266,901				7.7			2,477,674			9.1
	Due after three years through four years	1,797,724				6.1			1,619,094			6
	Due after four years through five years	1,466,344				5			1,824,967			6.7
	Thereafter	1,606,352				5.5			1,563,028			5.7
	Total par value	$	29,422,231			100	%		$	27,211,264		100	%
Advances by Interest Rate Payment Terms [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table details interest-rate-payment types for our outstanding advances (dollars in thousands):
	Par value of advances	March 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Fixed-rate	$	24,655,943			$	25,578,977
	Variable-rate	4,766,288				1,632,287
	Total par value	$	29,422,231			$	27,211,264
Schedule of Prepayment Fees on Advances [Table Text Block]	'
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, net advance prepayment fees recognized in income are reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):
			For the Three Months Ended March 31,
			2014				2013
	Prepayment fees received from borrowers		$	6,695			$	20,721
	Less: hedging fair-value adjustments on prepaid advances		(193		)		(11,510		)
	Less: net premiums associated with prepaid advances		(3,928		)		(3,911		)
	Less: deferred recognition of prepayment fees received from borrowers on advance prepayments deemed to be loan modifications		(80		)		—
	Prepayment fees recognized in income on advance restructurings deemed to be extinguishments		—				6,615
	Net prepayment fees recognized in income		$	2,494			$	11,915

Mortgage_Loans_Held_for_Portfo1

Mortgage Loans Held for Portfolio (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Abstract]	'
Mortgage Loans Held for Portfolio [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents certain characteristics of these investments (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Real estate
	Fixed-rate 15-year single-family mortgages	$	579,846		$	595,319
	Fixed-rate 20- and 30-year single-family mortgages	2,712,836			2,717,973
	Premiums	58,674			59,154
	Discounts	(3,307		)	(3,440		)
	Deferred derivative gains, net	1,750			1,691
	Total mortgage loans held for portfolio	3,349,799			3,370,697
	Less: allowance for credit losses	(1,812		)	(2,221		)
	Total mortgage loans, net of allowance for credit losses	$	3,347,987		$	3,368,476
Mortgage Loans Held for Portfolio by Collateral/Guarantee Type [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table details the par value of mortgage loans held for portfolio (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Conventional mortgage loans	$	2,855,491		$	2,873,935
	Government mortgage loans	437,191			439,357
	Total par value	$	3,292,682		$	3,313,292

Allowance_for_Credit_Losses_Ta

Allowance for Credit Losses (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Allowance for Credit Losses [Abstract]	'
Recorded Investment in Delinquent Mortgage Loans [Table Text Block]	'
	The tables below set forth certain key credit quality indicators for our investments in mortgage loans at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2014
		Recorded Investment in Conventional Mortgage Loans			Recorded Investment in Government Mortgage Loans			Total
	Past due 30-59 days delinquent	$	29,827		$	13,988		$	43,815
	Past due 60-89 days delinquent	10,026			4,227			14,253
	Past due 90 days or more delinquent	42,845			19,762			62,607
	Total past due	82,698			37,977			120,675
	Total current loans	2,834,831			411,432			3,246,263
	Total mortgage loans	$	2,917,529		$	449,409		$	3,366,938
	Other delinquency statistics
	In process of foreclosure, included above (1)	$	16,985		$	7,590		$	24,575
	Serious delinquency rate (2)	1.5		%	4.4		%	1.88		%
	Past due 90 days or more still accruing interest	$	—		$	19,762		$	19,762
	Loans on nonaccrual status (3)	$	43,846		$	—		$	43,846
	_______________________
	-1	Includes loans where the decision of foreclosure or similar alternative such as pursuit of deed-in-lieu of foreclosure has been reported.
	-2	Loans that are 90 days or more past due or in the process of foreclosure expressed as a percentage of the recorded investment in the total loan portfolio class.
	-3	Includes conventional mortgage loans with contractual principal or interest payments 90 days or more past due and not accruing interest as well as loans modified within the previous six months under our temporary loan modification plan.
		December 31, 2013
		Recorded Investment in Conventional Mortgage Loans			Recorded Investment in Government Mortgage Loans			Total
	Past due 30-59 days delinquent	$	31,401		$	17,690		$	49,091
	Past due 60-89 days delinquent	10,786			4,618			15,404
	Past due 90 days or more delinquent	45,916			19,913			65,829
	Total past due	88,103			42,221			130,324
	Total current loans	2,848,158			409,478			3,257,636
	Total mortgage loans	$	2,936,261		$	451,699		$	3,387,960
	Other delinquency statistics
	In process of foreclosure, included above (1)	$	18,570		$	7,904		$	26,474
	Serious delinquency rate (2)	1.59		%	4.41		%	1.97		%
	Past due 90 days or more still accruing interest	$	—		$	19,913		$	19,913
	Loans on nonaccrual status (3)	$	46,208		$	—		$	46,208
	_______________________
	-1	Includes loans where the decision of foreclosure or similar alternative such as pursuit of deed-in-lieu of foreclosure has been reported.
	-2	Loans that are 90 days or more past due or in the process of foreclosure expressed as a percentage of the recorded investment in the total loan portfolio class.
	-3	Includes conventional mortgage loans with contractual principal or interest payments 90 days or more past due and not accruing interest as well as loans modified within the previous six months under our temporary loan modification plan.
Recorded Investment, Par Value, and Related Allowance in Individually Evaluated Impaired Loans [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the recorded investment, par value, and any related allowance for impaired loans individually assessed for impairment at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands).
			As of March 31, 2014								As of December 31, 2013
			Recorded Investment			Par Value			Related Allowance		Recorded Investment		Par Value		Related Allowance
	Individually evaluated impaired mortgage loans with no related allowance		$	3,572		$	3,556		$	—	$	3,231	$	3,223	$	—
	Individually evaluated impaired mortgage loans with a related allowance		2,511			2,486			644		3,440		3,415		605
	Total individually evaluated impaired mortgage loans		$	6,083		$	6,042		$	644	$	6,671	$	6,638	$	605
Average Recorded Investment, Interest Income Recognized in Individually Evaluated Impaired Loans [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on these loans individually assessed for impairment during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands).
			For the Three Months Ended March 31,
			2014						2013
			Average Recorded Investment			Interest Income Recognized			Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
	Individually evaluated impaired mortgage loans with no related allowance		$	3,670		$	48		$	3,117	$	39
	Individually evaluated impaired mortgage loans with a related allowance		2,975			11			—		—
	Total individually evaluated impaired mortgage loans		$	6,645		$	59		$	3,117	$	39
Rollforward of Allowance for Credit Losses on Mortgage Loans [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents a roll-forward of the allowance for credit losses on conventional mortgage loans for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, as well as the recorded investment in mortgage loans by impairment methodology at March 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands). The recorded investment in a loan is the par amount of the loan, adjusted for accrued interest, unamortized premiums or discounts, deferred derivative gains and losses, and direct write-downs. The recorded investment is net of any valuation allowance.
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Allowance for credit losses
	Balance, beginning of year	$	2,221		$	4,414
	Charge-offs	(87		)	(13		)
	Recoveries	—			47
	Reduction of provision for credit losses	(322		)	(1,087		)
	Balance, end of period	$	1,812		$	3,361
	Ending balance, individually evaluated for impairment	$	644		$	—
	Ending balance, collectively evaluated for impairment	$	1,168		$	3,361
	Recorded investment, end of period (1)
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	6,083		$	3,118
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	$	2,911,446		$	3,049,521
	_________________________
	-1	These amounts exclude government mortgage loans because we make no allowance for credit losses based on our investments in government mortgage loans, as discussed above under — Government Mortgage Loans Held for Portfolio.

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi1

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the fair value of derivatives, including the effect of netting adjustments and cash collateral as of March 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
		Notional				Derivative				Derivative
		Amount of				Assets				Liabilities
		Derivatives
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
	Interest-rate swaps	$	11,909,840			$	32,909			$	(555,873	)
	Forward-start interest-rate swaps	1,558,800				—				(57,616		)
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	13,468,640				32,909				(613,489		)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
	Interest-rate swaps	1,087,000				351				(20,222		)
	Interest-rate caps or floors	300,000				26				—
	Mortgage-delivery commitments (1)	15,795				1				(54		)
	Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	1,402,795				378				(20,276		)
	Total notional amount of derivatives	$	14,871,435
	Total derivatives before netting and collateral adjustments					33,287				(633,765		)
	Netting adjustments (2)					(34,318		)		34,318
	Cash collateral and related accrued interest					8,933				—
	Derivative assets and derivative liabilities					$	7,902			$	(599,447	)
	_______________________
	-1	Mortgage-delivery commitments are classified as derivatives with changes in fair value recorded in other income.
	-2	Amounts represent the effect of master-netting agreements intended to allow us to settle positive and negative positions with the same counterparty.
	The following table presents the fair value of derivatives as of December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		Notional				Derivative				Derivative
		Amount of				Assets				Liabilities
		Derivatives
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
	Interest-rate swaps	$	11,707,590			$	33,361			$	(568,477	)
	Forward-start interest-rate swaps	1,410,800				2,408				(53,875		)
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	13,118,390				35,769				(622,352		)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
	Interest-rate swaps	1,273,500				610				(20,146		)
	Interest-rate caps or floors	300,000				43				—
	Mortgage-delivery commitments (1)	11,056				5				(39		)
	Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	1,584,556				658				(20,185		)
	Total notional amount of derivatives	$	14,702,946
	Total derivatives before netting and collateral adjustments					36,427				(642,537		)
	Netting adjustments (2)					(34,385		)		34,385
	Cash collateral and related accrued interest					2,276				—
	Derivative assets and derivative liabilities					$	4,318			$	(608,152	)
	_______________________
	-1	Mortgage-delivery commitments are classified as derivatives with changes in fair value recorded in other income.
	-2	Amounts represent the effect of master-netting agreements intended to allow us to settle positive and negative positions with the same counterparty.
Net Gains (Losses) on Derivatives and Hedging Activities [Table Text Block]	'
	Net (losses) gains on derivatives and hedging activities recorded in Other Income (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows (dollars in thousands).
			For the Three Months Ended March 31,
			2014				2013
	Derivatives and hedged items in fair-value hedging relationships:
	Interest-rate swaps		$	494			$	455
	Cash flow hedge ineffectiveness		(135		)		4
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Economic hedges:
	Interest-rate swaps		(1,836		)		875
	Interest-rate caps or floors		(17		)		39
	Mortgage-delivery commitments		111				(285		)
	Total net (losses) gains related to derivatives not designated as hedging instruments		(1,742		)		629
	Net (losses) gains on derivatives and hedging activities		$	(1,383	)		$	1,088
Gains (Losses) By Type of Hedged Item [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables present, by type of hedged item, the gains (losses) on derivatives and the related hedged items in fair-value hedge relationships and the impact of those derivatives on our net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Gain/(Loss) on				Gain/(Loss) on				Net Fair-Value				Effect of
		Derivative				Hedged Item				Hedge				Derivatives on
										Ineffectiveness				Net Interest
														Income (1)
	Hedged Item:
	Advances	$	21,985			$	(21,841	)		$	144			$	(33,411	)
	Investments	(31,560		)		31,791				231				(9,494		)
	Deposits	(390		)		390				—				397
	COs – bonds	7,886				(7,767		)		119				10,637
	Total	$	(2,079	)		$	2,573			$	494			$	(31,871	)
		For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
		Gain/(Loss) on				Gain/(Loss) on				Net Fair-Value				Effect of
		Derivative				Hedged Item				Hedge				Derivatives on
										Ineffectiveness				Net Interest
														Income (1)
	Hedged Item:
	Advances	$	57,489			$	(57,274	)		$	215			$	(39,760	)
	Investments	28,258				(28,093		)		165				(10,140		)
	Deposits	(394		)		394				—				394
	COs – bonds	(23,252		)		23,327				75				21,094
	Total	$	62,101			$	(61,646	)		$	455			$	(28,412	)
	______________
	-1	The net interest on derivatives in fair-value hedge relationships is presented in the statement of operations as interest income or interest expense of the respective hedged item.
Post-haircut Value of Incremental Collateral Based on Incremental Credit Rating Downgrades [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the post-haircut value of incremental collateral that certain bilateral derivatives counterparties could have required us to deliver based on incremental credit rating downgrades at March 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands).
	Post-haircut Value of Incremental Collateral to be Delivered
	as of March 31, 2014
	Ratings Downgrade (1)
	From		To		Incremental Collateral(2)
	AA+		AA or AA-		$	35,557
	AA-		A+, A or A-		44,275
	A-		below A-		39,000
	_______________________
	-1	Ratings are expressed in this table according to S&P's conventions but include the equivalent of such rating by Moody's. If there is a split rating, the lower rating is used.
	-2	Additional collateral of $15.8 million could be called by counterparties as of March 31, 2014, at our current credit rating of AA+ (based on the lower of our credit ratings from S&P and Moody's) and is not included in the table.
Fair value of derivative instruments with and without the legal right of offset [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents separately the fair value of derivatives meeting or not meeting netting requirements, with and without the legal right of offset, including the related collateral received from or pledged to counterparties, based on the terms of our master netting arrangements or similar agreements as of March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands).
			31-Mar-14								31-Dec-13
			Derivative Assets				Derivative Liabilities				Derivative Assets				Derivative Liabilities
	Derivatives meeting netting requirements
	Gross recognized amount
	Bilateral derivatives		$	29,540			$	(628,733	)		$	31,271			$	(639,372	)
	Cleared derivatives		3,746				(4,978		)		5,151				(3,126		)
	Total gross recognized amount		33,286				(633,711		)		36,422				(642,498		)
	Gross amounts of netting adjustments and cash collateral
	Bilateral derivatives		(29,340		)		29,340				(31,259		)		31,259
	Cleared derivatives		3,955				4,978				(850		)		3,126
	Total gross amounts of netting adjustments and cash collateral		(25,385		)		34,318				(32,109		)		34,385
	Net amounts after netting adjustments and cash collateral
	Bilateral derivatives		200				(599,393		)		12				(608,113		)
	Cleared derivatives		7,701				—				4,301				—
	Total net amounts after netting adjustments and cash collateral		7,901				(599,393		)		4,313				(608,113		)
	Derivatives not meeting netting requirements
	Mortgage delivery commitments		1				(54		)		5				(39		)
	Total derivative assets and total derivative liabilities
	Bilateral derivatives		200				(599,393		)		12				(608,113		)
	Cleared derivatives		7,701				—				4,301				—
	Mortgage delivery commitments		1				(54		)		5				(39		)
	Total derivative assets and total derivative liabilities presented in the statement of condition		7,902				(599,447		)		4,318				(608,152		)
	Non-cash collateral received or pledged, not offset (1)
	Can be sold or repledged
	Bilateral derivatives		—				65,571				—				71,063
	Cannot be sold or repledged
	Bilateral derivatives		—				416,823				—				420,910
	Total non-cash collateral received or pledged, not offset		—				482,394				—				$	491,973
	Net amount
	Bilateral derivatives		200				(116,999		)		12				(116,140		)
	Cleared derivatives		7,701				—				4,301				—
	Mortgage delivery commitments		1				(54		)		5				(39		)
	Total net amount		$	7,902			$	(117,053	)		$	4,318			$	(116,179	)
	_______________________
	-1	Includes noncash collateral at fair value. Any overcollateralization with a counterparty is not included in the determination of the net amount. At March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, we had additional net credit exposure of $6.0 million and $7.1 million, respectively, due to instances where our collateral pledged to a counterparty exceeded our net derivative liability position.

Deposits_Tables

Deposits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Deposits [Abstract]	'
Interest-bearing and Non-interest-bearing Deposits [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table details interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing deposits (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Interest-bearing
	Demand and overnight	$	484,789	$	473,600
	Term	20,439		20,676
	Other	3,231		4,399
	Noninterest-bearing
	Other	13,544		18,890
	Total deposits	$	522,003	$	517,565

Consolidated_Obligations_Table

Consolidated Obligations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
CO Bonds by Year of Contractual Maturity [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the outstanding CO bonds for which we were primarily liable at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, by year of contractual maturity (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
	Year of Contractual Maturity	Amount			Weighted			Amount			Weighted
					Average						Average
					Rate (1)						Rate (1)
	Due in one year or less	$	7,360,345		1.35	%		$	7,646,100		0.99	%
	Due after one year through two years	4,421,015			1.68			4,454,885			2.07
	Due after two years through three years	3,136,550			1.5			2,903,390			1.93
	Due after three years through four years	3,437,175			2.24			3,245,980			2.17
	Due after four years through five years	1,959,010			1.89			1,651,560			1.85
	Thereafter	3,975,630			2.62			3,368,740			2.64
	Total par value	24,289,725			1.81	%		23,270,655			1.78	%
	Premiums	214,415						228,753
	Discounts	(20,584		)				(20,081		)
	Hedging adjustments	(5,653		)				(13,421		)
		$	24,477,903					$	23,465,906
	_______________________
	-1	The CO bonds' weighted-average rate excludes concession fees.
CO Bonds by Call Feature [Table Text Block]	'
	Our CO bonds outstanding at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, included (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Par value of CO bonds
	Noncallable and nonputable	$	20,584,725		$	20,755,655
	Callable	3,705,000			2,515,000
	Total par value	$	24,289,725		$	23,270,655
CO Bonds by Year of Contractual Maturity or Next Call Date [Table Text Block]	'
	The following is a summary of the CO bonds for which we are primarily liable at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, by year of contractual maturity or next call date for callable CO bonds (dollars in thousands):
	Year of Contractual Maturity or Next Call Date		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Due in one year or less		$	10,725,345		$	10,066,100
	Due after one year through two years		4,511,015			4,459,885
	Due after two years through three years		2,756,550			2,838,390
	Due after three years through four years		3,002,175			3,105,980
	Due after four years through five years		1,539,010			1,476,560
	Thereafter		1,755,630			1,323,740
	Total par value		$	24,289,725		$	23,270,655
CO Bonds by Interest-rate-payment Type [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the CO bonds for which we were primarily liable by interest-rate-payment type at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Par value of CO bonds
	Fixed-rate	$	20,869,725		$	19,815,655
	Simple variable-rate	2,370,000			2,570,000
	Step-up	1,050,000			885,000
	Total par value	$	24,289,725		$	23,270,655
CO Discount Notes [Table Text Block]	'
	Outstanding CO discount notes for which we were primarily liable, all of which are due within one year, were as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Book Value			Par Value				Weighted Average
									Rate (1)
	31-Mar-14	$	20,247,904		$	20,250,000			0.07	%
	31-Dec-13	$	16,060,781		$	16,062,000			0.07	%
	_______________________
	-1	The CO discount notes' weighted-average rate represents a yield to maturity excluding concession fees.

Affordable_Housing_Program_Tab

Affordable Housing Program (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Affordable Housing Program [Abstract]	'
Roll-forward of the AHP Liability[Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents a roll-forward of the AHP liability for the three months ended March 31, 2014, and year ended December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
		31-Mar-14			31-Dec-13
	Balance at beginning of year	$	62,591		$	50,545
	AHP expense for the period	4,406			24,229
	AHP direct grant disbursements	(1,318		)	(11,077		)
	AHP subsidy for AHP advance disbursements	(260		)	(1,148		)
	Return of previously disbursed grants and subsidies	—			42
	Balance at end of period	$	65,419		$	62,591

Capital_Tables

Capital (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Capital [Abstract]	'
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables demonstrate our compliance with our regulatory capital requirements at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
	Risk-Based Capital Requirements	March 31,				December 31,
		2014				2013
	Permanent capital
	Class B capital stock	$	2,562,857			$	2,530,471
	Mandatorily redeemable capital stock	977,685				977,348
	Retained earnings	815,593				788,790
	Total permanent capital	$	4,356,135			$	4,296,609
	Risk-based capital requirement
	Credit-risk capital	$	427,433			$	423,522
	Market-risk capital	103,396				136,943
	Operations-risk capital	159,248				168,140
	Total risk-based capital requirement	$	690,077			$	728,605
	Permanent capital in excess of risk-based capital requirement	$	3,666,058			$	3,568,004
			March 31, 2014							December 31, 2013
			Required				Actual			Required			Actual
	Capital Ratio
	Risk-based capital		$	690,077			$	4,356,135		$	728,605		$	4,296,609
	Total regulatory capital		$	2,002,450			$	4,356,135		$	1,785,523		$	4,296,609
	Total capital-to-asset ratio		4		%		8.7		%	4		%	9.6		%
	Leverage Ratio
	Leverage capital		$	2,503,062			$	6,534,203		$	2,231,904		$	6,444,913
	Leverage capital-to-assets ratio		5		%		13.1		%	5		%	14.4		%

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Table Text Block]	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The following table presents a summary of changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
			Net Unrealized Loss on Available-for-sale Securities			Noncredit Portion of Other-than-temporary Impairment Losses on Held-to-maturity Securities			Net Unrealized Loss Relating to Hedging Activities			Pension and Postretirement Benefits			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Balance, December 31, 2012		$	(22,643	)	$	(385,175	)	$	(65,027	)	$	(3,775	)	$	(476,620	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
	Net unrealized (losses) gains		(6,946		)	—			428			—			(6,518		)
	Accretion of noncredit loss		—			15,009			—			—			15,009
	Net actuarial loss		—			—			—			3			3
	Reclassifications from other comprehensive income to net income
	Noncredit other-than-temporary impairment losses reclassified to credit loss (1)		—			414			—			—			414
	Amortization - hedging activities (2)		—			—			4			—			4
	Amortization - pension and postretirement benefits (3)		—			—			—			138			138
	Other comprehensive (loss) income		(6,946		)	15,423			432			141			9,050
	Balance, March 31, 2013		$	(29,589	)	$	(369,752	)	$	(64,595	)	$	(3,634	)	$	(467,570	)
	Balance, December 31, 2013		$	(101,765	)	$	(324,928	)	$	(51,594	)	$	(3,229	)	$	(481,516	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
	Net unrealized gains (losses)		4,829			—			(6,014		)	—			(1,185		)
	Accretion of noncredit loss		—			12,135			—			—			12,135
	Reclassifications from other comprehensive income to net income
	Noncredit other-than-temporary impairment losses reclassified to credit loss (1)		—			458			—			—			458
	Amortization - hedging activities (2)		—			—			5			—			5
	Amortization - pension and postretirement benefits (3)		—			—			—			112			112
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		4,829			12,593			(6,009		)	112			11,525
	Balance, March 31, 2014		$	(96,936	)	$	(312,335	)	$	(57,603	)	$	(3,117	)	$	(469,991	)
	_______________________
	-1	Recorded in net amount of impairment losses reclassified (from) to accumulated other comprehensive loss in the statement of operations.
	-2	Recorded in net gains on derivatives and hedging activities in the statement of operations.
	-3	Recorded in other operating expenses in the statement of operations.

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Tabl

Employee Retirement Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Employee Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'
Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit cost for our nonqualified supplemental defined benefit retirement plan and postretirement benefits for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):
			Nonqualified Supplemental Defined Benefit Retirement Plan For the Three Months Ended March 31,					Postretirement Benefits For the Three Months Ended March 31,
			2014			2013		2014		2013
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost
	Service cost		$	125		$	116	$	7	$	9
	Interest cost		108			76		8		7
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		112			138		—		3
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	345		$	330	$	15	$	19
Pentegra Defined Contribution Plan and Thrift Benefit Equalization Plan [Member]	'
Employee Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth our net pension costs under our defined benefit plan and expenses relating to our defined contribution plans (dollars in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Qualified Defined Benefit Multiemployer Plan - Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan	$	763		$	253
	Qualified Defined Contribution Plan - Pentegra Defined Contribution Plan	236			229
	Nonqualified Defined Contribution Plan - Thrift Benefit Equalization Plan	99			89

Fair_Values_Tables

Fair Values (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
	The carrying values, fair values, and fair-value hierarchy of our financial instruments at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, were as follows (dollars in thousands). These fair values do not represent an estimate of our overall market value as a going concern, which would take into account, among other things, our future business opportunities and the net profitability of our assets and liabilities.
		31-Mar-14
		Carrying			Total Fair Value			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Netting Adjustments and Cash Collateral
		Value
	Financial instruments
	Assets:
	Cash and due from banks	$	17,037		$	17,037		$	17,037		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Interest-bearing deposits	259			259			259			—			—			—
	Securities purchased under agreements to resell	5,350,000			5,349,886			—			5,349,886			—			—
	Federal funds sold	3,350,000			3,349,989			—			3,349,989			—			—
	Trading securities(1)	247,158			247,158			—			247,158			—			—
	Available-for-sale securities(1)	3,993,329			3,993,329			—			3,993,329			—			—
	Held-to-maturity securities(2)	3,937,478			4,305,122			—			2,696,868			1,608,254			—
	Advances	29,699,600			29,833,488			—			29,833,488			—			—
	Mortgage loans, net	3,347,987			3,399,033			—			3,399,033			—			—
	Accrued interest receivable	71,213			71,213			—			71,213			—			—
	Derivative assets(1)	7,902			7,902			—			33,287			—			(25,385		)
	Other assets (1)	11,050			11,050			5,374			5,676			—			—
	Liabilities:
	Deposits	(522,003		)	(522,002		)	—			(522,002		)	—			—
	COs:
	Bonds	(24,477,903		)	(24,656,262		)	—			(24,656,262		)	—			—
	Discount notes	(20,247,904		)	(20,248,411		)	—			(20,248,411		)	—			—
	Mandatorily redeemable capital stock	(977,685		)	(977,685		)	(977,685		)	—			—			—
	Accrued interest payable	(98,461		)	(98,461		)	—			(98,461		)	—			—
	Derivative liabilities(1)	(599,447		)	(599,447		)	—			(633,765		)	—			34,318
	Other:
	Commitments to extend credit for advances	—			(954		)	—			(954		)	—			—
	Standby letters of credit	(592		)	(592		)	—			(592		)	—			—
	_______________________
	-1	Carried at fair value on a recurring basis.
	-2	Private-label residential MBS and HFA securities are categorized as Level 3. Private-label residential MBS that have incurred other-than-temporary impairment losses are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. See the recurring and nonrecurring tables below for more details.
		31-Dec-13
		Carrying			Total Fair			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Netting Adjustments and Cash Collateral
		Value			Value
	Financial instruments
	Assets:
	Cash and due from banks	$	641,033		$	641,033		$	641,033		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Interest-bearing deposits	195			195			195			—			—			—
	Securities purchased under agreements to resell	3,750,000			3,749,942			—			3,749,942			—			—
	Federal funds sold	850,000			849,993			—			849,993			—			—
	Trading securities(1)	247,174			247,174			—			247,174			—			—
	Available-for-sale securities(1)	3,995,310			3,995,310			—			3,995,310			—			—
	Held-to-maturity securities(2)	4,138,661			4,499,441			—			2,877,334			1,622,107			—
	Advances	27,516,678			27,632,970			—			27,632,970			—			—
	Mortgage loans, net	3,368,476			3,396,499			—			3,396,499			—			—
	Accrued interest receivable	83,458			83,458			—			83,458			—			—
	Derivative assets(1)	4,318			4,318			—			36,427			—			(32,109		)
	Other assets(1)	10,086			10,086			5,197			4,889			—			—
	Liabilities:
	Deposits	(517,565		)	(517,552		)	—			(517,552		)	—			—
	COs:
	Bonds	(23,465,906		)	(23,584,981		)	—			(23,584,981		)	—			—
	Discount notes	(16,060,781		)	(16,061,486		)	—			(16,061,486		)	—			—
	Mandatorily redeemable capital stock	(977,348		)	(977,348		)	(977,348		)	—			—			—
	Accrued interest payable	(83,386		)	(83,386		)	—			(83,386		)	—			—
	Derivative liabilities(1)	(608,152		)	(608,152		)	—			(642,537		)	—			34,385
	Other:
	Commitments to extend credit for advances	—			(2,098		)	—			(2,098		)	—			—
	Standby letters of credit	(562		)	(562		)	—			(562		)	—			—
	_______________________
	-1	Carried at fair value on a recurring basis.
	-2	Private-label residential MBS and HFA securities are categorized as Level 3. Private-label residential MBS that have incurred other-than-temporary impairment losses are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. See the recurring and nonrecurring tables below for more details.
Fair Value Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables present our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on the statement of condition, which are recorded on a recurring basis at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, by fair-value hierarchy level (dollars in thousands):
		March 31, 2014
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Netting			Total
											Adjustment (1)
	Assets:
	Trading securities:
	U.S. government-guaranteed – residential MBS	$	—		$	13,853		$	—		$	—		$	13,853
	GSEs – residential MBS	—			3,177			—			—			3,177
	GSEs – commercial MBS	—			230,128			—			—			230,128
	Total trading securities	—			247,158			—			—			247,158
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Supranational institutions	—			424,823			—			—			424,823
	U.S. government-owned corporations	—			254,052			—			—			254,052
	GSEs	—			242,530			—			—			242,530
	U.S. government guaranteed – residential MBS	—			256,115			—			—			256,115
	U.S. government guaranteed – commercial MBS	—			622,474			—			—			622,474
	GSEs – residential MBS	—			2,193,335			—			—			2,193,335
	Total available-for-sale securities	—			3,993,329			—			—			3,993,329
	Derivative assets:
	Interest-rate-exchange agreements	—			33,286			—			(25,385		)	7,901
	Mortgage delivery commitments	—			1			—			—			1
	Total derivative assets	—			33,287			—			(25,385		)	7,902
	Other assets	5,374			5,676			—			—			11,050
	Total assets at fair value	$	5,374		$	4,279,450		$	—		$	(25,385	)	$	4,259,439
	Liabilities:
	Derivative liabilities
	Interest-rate-exchange agreements	$	—		$	(633,711	)	$	—		$	34,318		$	(599,393	)
	Mortgage delivery commitments	—			(54		)	—			—			(54		)
	Total liabilities at fair value	$	—		$	(633,765	)	$	—		$	34,318		$	(599,447	)
	_______________________
	-1	These amounts represent the application of the netting requirements which allow us to settle positive and negative positions and also cash collateral and related accrued interest held or placed with the same clearing member and/or counterparty.
		December 31, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Netting			Total
											Adjustment (1)
	Assets:
	Trading securities:
	U.S. government-guaranteed – residential MBS	$	—		$	14,331		$	—		$	—		$	14,331
	GSEs – residential MBS	—			3,486			—			—			3,486
	GSEs – commercial MBS	—			229,357			—			—			229,357
	Total trading securities	—			247,174			—			—			247,174
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Supranational institutions	—			415,135			—			—			415,135
	U.S. government-owned corporations	—			238,785			—			—			238,785
	GSEs	—			888,525			—			—			888,525
	U.S. government guaranteed – residential MBS	—			271,597			—			—			271,597
	U.S. government guaranteed – commercial MBS	—			309,101			—			—			309,101
	GSEs – residential MBS	—			1,872,167			—			—			1,872,167
	Total available-for-sale securities	—			3,995,310			—			—			3,995,310
	Derivative assets:
	Interest-rate-exchange agreements	—			36,422			—			(32,109		)	4,313
	Mortgage delivery commitments	—			5			—			—			5
	Total derivative assets	—			36,427			—			(32,109		)	4,318
	Other assets	5,197			4,889			—			—			10,086
	Total assets at fair value	$	5,197		$	4,283,800		$	—		$	(32,109	)	$	4,256,888
	Liabilities:
	Derivative liabilities
	Interest-rate-exchange agreements	$	—		$	(642,498	)	$	—		$	34,385		$	(608,113	)
	Mortgage delivery commitments	—			(39		)	—			—			(39		)
	Total liabilities at fair value	$	—		$	(642,537	)	$	—		$	34,385		$	(608,152	)
	_______________________
	-1	These amounts represent the application of the netting requirements which allow us to settle positive and negative positions and also cash collateral and related accrued interest held or placed with the same clearing member and/or counterparty.
Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables present financial assets by level within the fair-value hierarchy which are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands).
		March 31, 2014
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	REO	$	—		$	—		$	193		$	193
		31-Dec-13
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	REO	$	—		$	—		$	115		$	115

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Off-Balance Sheet Commitments [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth our off-balance-sheet commitments as of March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
			March 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
			Expire within one year		Expire after one year		Total		Expire within one year		Expire after one year		Total
	Standby letters of credit outstanding (1)		$	2,728,447	$	221,126	$	2,949,573	$	2,873,616	$	247,399	$	3,121,015
	Commitments for unused lines of credit - advances (2)		1,287,071		—		1,287,071		1,283,361		—		1,283,361
	Commitments to make additional advances		6,175		60,601		66,776		436,954		60,078		497,032
	Commitments to invest in mortgage loans		15,795		—		15,795		11,056		—		11,056
	Unsettled CO bonds, at par (3)		444,350		—		444,350		36,400		—		36,400
	Unsettled CO discount notes, at par		—		—		—		1,215,000		—		1,215,000
	__________________________
	-1	The amount of standby letters of credit outstanding excludes commitments to issue standby letters of credit that expire within one year totaling $7.8 million as of March 31, 2014. Also excluded are commitments to issue standby letters of credit that expire within one year totaling $15.7 million at December 31, 2013.
	-2	Commitments for unused line-of-credit advances are generally for periods of up to 12 months. Since many of these commitments are not expected to be drawn upon, the total commitment amount does not necessarily indicate future liquidity requirements.
	-3	We had $255.0 million in unsettled CO bonds that were hedged with associated interest-rate swaps at March 31, 2014. We had no unsettled CO bonds that were hedged with associated interest-rate swaps at December 31, 2013.

Transactions_with_Shareholders1

Transactions with Shareholders (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Transactions with Shareholders [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Transactions with Shareholders [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables present transactions with shareholders whose holdings of capital stock exceed 10 percent or more of total capital stock outstanding at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
	As of March 31, 2014	Capital Stock			Percent			Par		Percent of Total Par Value		Total Accrued		Percent of Total
		Outstanding			of Total			Value of		of Advances		Interest		Accrued Interest
								Advances				Receivable		Receivable on
														Advances
	Bank of America, N.A.(1)	$	857,835		24.2	%		$	106,939	0.4	%	$	410	1.3	%
	RBS Citizens N.A.	430,077			12.1			4,969,000		16.9		486		1.5
	-1	Bank of America, N.A. is a nonmember and its shares of capital stock are classified as mandatorily redeemable capital stock.
	As of December 31, 2013	Capital Stock			Percent			Par		Percent of Total Par Value		Total Accrued		Percent of Total
		Outstanding			of Total			Value of		of Advances		Interest		Accrued Interest
								Advances				Receivable		Receivable on
														Advances
	Bank of America, N.A. (1)	$	857,835		24.5	%		$	98,370	0.4	%	$	420	1.4	%
	RBS Citizens N.A.	430,077			12.3			2,269,149		8.3		187		0.6
	-1	Bank of America, N.A. is a nonmember and its shares of capital stock are classified as mandatorily redeemable capital stock.
Schedule of Transactions with Shareholders, Interest Income [Table Text Block]	'
	We recognized interest income on outstanding advances from the above shareholders during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 as follows (dollars in thousands):
			For the Three Months Ended March 31,
			2014			2013
	Bank of America, N.A.		$	1,253		$	1,349
	RBS Citizens N.A.		2,158			558
Schedule of Transactions with Shareholders, Transactions with Directors' Financial Institutions [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the outstanding balances of capital stock, advances, and accrued interest receivable with members whose officers or directors serve on our board of directors, and those balances as a percentage of our total balance as reported on our statement of condition (dollars in thousands):
		Capital Stock			Percent			Par		Percent of Total Par Value		Total Accrued		Percent of Total
		Outstanding			of Total			Value of		of Advances		Interest		Accrued Interest
								Advances				Receivable		Receivable on
														Advances
	As of March 31, 2014	$	81,983		2.3	%		$	630,182	2.1	%	$	1,270	3.9	%
	As of December 31, 2013	127,020			3.6			659,333		2.4		1,693		5.6

Trading_Securities_Details

Trading Securities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Trading securities	$247,158	$247,174
U.S. government-guaranteed - residential MBS [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Trading securities	13,853	14,331
GSEs b residential MBS [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Trading securities	3,177	3,486
GSEs b commercial MBS [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Trading securities	$230,128	$229,357

Trading_Securities_Net_Unreali

Trading Securities - Net Unrealized Losses (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Trading Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Net unrealized gains (losses) on trading securities	$754	($2,312)

AvailableforSale_Securities_Ma

Available-for-Sale Securities Major Security Types (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	$4,090,265	[1]	$4,097,075	[1]
Unrealized Gains Amounts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	6,050		8,022
Unrealized Losses Amounts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	-102,986		-109,787
Fair Value	3,993,329		3,995,310
Supranational institutions [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	450,567	[1]	439,098	[1]
Unrealized Gains Amounts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	0		0
Unrealized Losses Amounts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	-25,744		-23,963
Fair Value	424,823		415,135
U.S. government-owned corporations [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	288,223	[1]	273,342	[1]
Unrealized Gains Amounts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	0		0
Unrealized Losses Amounts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	-34,171		-34,557
Fair Value	254,052		238,785
GSEs [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	251,655	[1]	896,767	[1]
Unrealized Gains Amounts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	341		2,292
Unrealized Losses Amounts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	-9,466		-10,534
Fair Value	242,530		888,525
Other Than Mortgage-backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	990,445	[1]	1,609,207	[1]
Unrealized Gains Amounts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	341		2,292
Unrealized Losses Amounts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	-69,381		-69,054
Fair Value	921,405		1,542,445
U.S. government-guaranteed - residential MBS [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	258,015	[1]	273,861	[1]
Unrealized Gains Amounts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	406		416
Unrealized Losses Amounts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	-2,306		-2,680
Fair Value	256,115		271,597
U.S. government guaranteed - commercial MBS [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	626,119	[1]	309,506	[1]
Unrealized Gains Amounts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	0		77
Unrealized Losses Amounts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	-3,645		-482
Fair Value	622,474		309,101
GSEs b residential MBS [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	2,215,686	[1]	1,904,501	[1]
Unrealized Gains Amounts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	5,303		5,237
Unrealized Losses Amounts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	-27,654		-37,571
Fair Value	2,193,335		1,872,167
MBS [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	3,099,820	[1]	2,487,868	[1]
Unrealized Gains Amounts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	5,709		5,730
Unrealized Losses Amounts Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	-33,605		-40,733
Fair Value	$3,071,924	[2]	$2,452,865	[2]
[1]	Amortized cost of available-for-sale securities includes adjustments made to the cost basis of an investment for accretion, amortization, collection of cash, and fair-value hedge accounting adjustments.
[2]	MBS are not presented by contractual maturity because their expected maturities will likely differ from contractual maturities because borrowers of the underlying loans may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment fees.

AvailableforSale_Securities_Se

Available-for-Sale Securities Securities with Unrealized Losses (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	$2,183,776	$1,758,847
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	-30,625	-40,733
12 Months or More, Fair Value	1,024,061	759,564
12 Months or More, Unrealized Losses	-72,361	-69,054
Total Fair Value	3,207,837	2,518,411
Total Unrealized Losses	-102,986	-109,787
Supranational institutions [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	0	0
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	0	0
12 Months or More, Fair Value	424,823	415,135
12 Months or More, Unrealized Losses	-25,744	-23,963
Total Fair Value	424,823	415,135
Total Unrealized Losses	-25,744	-23,963
U.S. government-owned corporations [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	0	0
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	0	0
12 Months or More, Fair Value	254,052	238,785
12 Months or More, Unrealized Losses	-34,171	-34,557
Total Fair Value	254,052	238,785
Total Unrealized Losses	-34,171	-34,557
GSEs [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	0	0
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	0	0
12 Months or More, Fair Value	112,154	105,644
12 Months or More, Unrealized Losses	-9,466	-10,534
Total Fair Value	112,154	105,644
Total Unrealized Losses	-9,466	-10,534
Other Than Mortgage-backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	0	0
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	0	0
12 Months or More, Fair Value	791,029	759,564
12 Months or More, Unrealized Losses	-69,381	-69,054
Total Fair Value	791,029	759,564
Total Unrealized Losses	-69,381	-69,054
U.S. government-guaranteed - residential MBS [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	0	211,044
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	0	-2,680
12 Months or More, Fair Value	198,101	0
12 Months or More, Unrealized Losses	-2,306	0
Total Fair Value	198,101	211,044
Total Unrealized Losses	-2,306	-2,680
U.S. government guaranteed - commercial MBS [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	571,533	164,407
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	-3,645	-482
12 Months or More, Fair Value	0	0
12 Months or More, Unrealized Losses	0	0
Total Fair Value	571,533	164,407
Total Unrealized Losses	-3,645	-482
GSEs b residential MBS [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	1,612,243	1,383,396
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	-26,980	-37,571
12 Months or More, Fair Value	34,931	0
12 Months or More, Unrealized Losses	-674	0
Total Fair Value	1,647,174	1,383,396
Total Unrealized Losses	-27,654	-37,571
MBS [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	2,183,776	1,758,847
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	-30,625	-40,733
12 Months or More, Fair Value	233,032	0
12 Months or More, Unrealized Losses	-2,980	0
Total Fair Value	2,416,808	1,758,847
Total Unrealized Losses	($33,605)	($40,733)

AvailableforSale_Securities_Re

Available-for-Sale Securities Redemption Terms (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	$4,090,265		$4,097,075
Fair Value	3,993,329		3,995,310
Other Than Mortgage-backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Due in one year or less, amortized cost	130,035		780,589
Due in one year or less, fair value	130,376		782,881
Due after one year through five years, amortized cost	0		0
Due after one year through five years, fair value	0		0
Due after five years through 10 years, amortized cost	0		0
Due after five years through 10 years, fair value	0		0
Due after 10 years, amortized cost	860,410		828,618
Due after 10 years, fair value	791,029		759,564
Amortized Cost	990,445		1,609,207
Fair Value	921,405		1,542,445
MBS [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	3,099,820	[1]	2,487,868	[1]
Fair Value	$3,071,924	[1]	$2,452,865	[1]
[1]	MBS are not presented by contractual maturity because their expected maturities will likely differ from contractual maturities because borrowers of the underlying loans may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment fees.

HeldtoMaturity_Securities_Majo

Held-to-Maturity Securities Major Security Types (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	$4,249,813		$4,463,589
Other Than Temporary Impairment Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	-312,335		-324,928
Carrying Value	3,937,478	[1],[2]	4,138,661	[1],[2]
Held to Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Gains	406,523		399,768
Held to Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Losses	-38,879		-38,988
Fair Value	4,305,122		4,499,441
U.S. agency obligations [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	7,881		8,503
Other Than Temporary Impairment Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	0		0
Carrying Value	7,881		8,503
Held to Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Gains	611		682
Held to Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Losses	0		0
Fair Value	8,492		9,185
HFA securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	182,146		183,625
Other Than Temporary Impairment Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	0		0
Carrying Value	182,146		183,625
Held to Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Gains	47		30
Held to Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Losses	-21,201		-19,598
Fair Value	160,992		164,057
GSEs [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	17,296		67,504
Other Than Temporary Impairment Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	0		0
Carrying Value	17,296		67,504
Held to Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Gains	2		160
Held to Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Losses	0		0
Fair Value	17,298		67,664
Other Than Mortgage-backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	207,323		259,632
Other Than Temporary Impairment Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	0		0
Carrying Value	207,323	[2]	259,632	[2]
Held to Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Gains	660		872
Held to Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Losses	-21,201		-19,598
Fair Value	186,782		240,906
U.S. government-guaranteed - residential MBS [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	25,776		27,767
Other Than Temporary Impairment Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	0		0
Carrying Value	25,776		27,767
Held to Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Gains	567		644
Held to Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Losses	0		0
Fair Value	26,343		28,411
U.S. government guaranteed - commercial MBS [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	196,202		213,144
Other Than Temporary Impairment Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	0		0
Carrying Value	196,202		213,144
Held to Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Gains	860		883
Held to Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Losses	0		0
Fair Value	197,062		214,027
GSEs b residential MBS [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	1,683,428		1,773,905
Other Than Temporary Impairment Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	0		0
Carrying Value	1,683,428		1,773,905
Held to Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Gains	43,895		45,472
Held to Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Losses	-307		-360
Fair Value	1,727,016		1,819,017
GSEs b commercial MBS [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	683,508		700,348
Other Than Temporary Impairment Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	0		0
Carrying Value	683,508		700,348
Held to Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Gains	37,149		38,683
Held to Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Losses	0		0
Fair Value	720,657		739,031
Private-Label Residential MBS[Member]	'		'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	1,430,564		1,465,379
Other Than Temporary Impairment Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	-311,436		-323,989
Carrying Value	1,119,128		1,141,390
Held to Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Gains	322,452		312,228
Held to Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Losses	-15,995		-17,595
Fair Value	1,425,585		1,436,023
ABS Backed by Home Equity Loans [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	23,012		23,414
Other Than Temporary Impairment Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	-899		-939
Carrying Value	22,113		22,475
Held to Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Gains	940		986
Held to Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Losses	-1,376		-1,435
Fair Value	21,677		22,026
MBS [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	4,042,490	[3]	4,203,957	[3]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	-312,335		-324,928
Carrying Value	3,730,155	[2],[3]	3,879,029	[2],[3]
Held to Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Gains	405,863		398,896
Held to Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Losses	-17,678		-19,390
Fair Value	$4,118,340	[3]	$4,258,535	[3]
[1]	Fair values of held-to-maturity securities were $4,305,122 and $4,499,441 at MarchB 31, 2014, and DecemberB 31, 2013, respectively.
[2]	Carrying value of held-to-maturity securities represents the sum of amortized cost and the amount of noncredit-related other-than-temporary impairment recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
[3]	MBS are not presented by contractual maturity because their expected maturities will likely differ from contractual maturities because borrowers of the underlying loans may have the right to call or prepay their obligations with or without call or prepayment fees.

HeldtoMaturity_Securities_Fair

Held-to-Maturity Securities Fair Value and Unrealized Losses (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	$51,774	$70,633
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	-556	-461
12 Months or More, Fair Value	971,018	1,130,415
12 Months or More, Unrealized Losses	-80,206	-93,861
Total Fair Value	1,022,792	1,201,048
Total Unrealized Losses	-80,762	-94,322
HFA securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	0	0
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	0	0
12 Months or More, Fair Value	154,668	157,752
12 Months or More, Unrealized Losses	-21,201	-19,598
Total Fair Value	154,668	157,752
Total Unrealized Losses	-21,201	-19,598
GSEs b residential MBS [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	30,533	35,723
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	-83	-144
12 Months or More, Fair Value	39,710	42,229
12 Months or More, Unrealized Losses	-224	-216
Total Fair Value	70,243	77,952
Total Unrealized Losses	-307	-360
Private-Label Residential MBS[Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	21,241	34,910
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	-473	-317
12 Months or More, Fair Value	756,499	910,016
12 Months or More, Unrealized Losses	-57,267	-72,461
Total Fair Value	777,740	944,926
Total Unrealized Losses	-57,740	-72,778
ABS Backed by Home Equity Loans [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	0	0
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	0	0
12 Months or More, Fair Value	20,141	20,418
12 Months or More, Unrealized Losses	-1,514	-1,586
Total Fair Value	20,141	20,418
Total Unrealized Losses	-1,514	-1,586
MBS [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	51,774	70,633
Less than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	-556	-461
12 Months or More, Fair Value	816,350	972,663
12 Months or More, Unrealized Losses	-59,005	-74,263
Total Fair Value	868,124	1,043,296
Total Unrealized Losses	($59,561)	($74,724)

HeldtoMaturity_Securities_Rede

Held-to-Maturity Securities Redemption Terms (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	$4,249,813		$4,463,589
Carrying Value	3,937,478	[1],[2]	4,138,661	[1],[2]
Fair Value	4,305,122		4,499,441
Other Than Mortgage-backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Due in one year or less, Amortized Cost	17,296		67,504
Due in one year or less, Carrying Value	17,296	[1]	67,504	[1]
Due in one year or less, Fair Value	17,298		67,664
Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	5,663		2,794
Due after one year through five years, Carrying Value	5,663	[1]	2,794	[1]
Due after one year through five years, Fair Value	6,065		2,984
Due after five years through 10 years, Amortized Cost	23,694		27,229
Due after five years through 10 years, Carrying Value	23,694	[1]	27,229	[1]
Due after five years through 10 years, Fair Value	23,784		27,427
Due after 10 years, Amortized Cost	160,670		162,105
Due after 10 years, Carrying Value	160,670	[1]	162,105	[1]
Due after 10 years, Fair Value	139,635		142,831
Amortized Cost	207,323		259,632
Carrying Value	207,323	[1]	259,632	[1]
Fair Value	186,782		240,906
MBS [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Amortized Cost	4,042,490	[3]	4,203,957	[3]
Carrying Value	3,730,155	[1],[3]	3,879,029	[1],[3]
Fair Value	$4,118,340	[3]	$4,258,535	[3]
[1]	Carrying value of held-to-maturity securities represents the sum of amortized cost and the amount of noncredit-related other-than-temporary impairment recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
[2]	Fair values of held-to-maturity securities were $4,305,122 and $4,499,441 at MarchB 31, 2014, and DecemberB 31, 2013, respectively.
[3]	MBS are not presented by contractual maturity because their expected maturities will likely differ from contractual maturities because borrowers of the underlying loans may have the right to call or prepay their obligations with or without call or prepayment fees.

OtherThanTemporary_Impairment_1

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Projected Home Prices Recoveries (Details)	Mar. 31, 2014
Recovery Range Annualized % [Line Items]	'
OTTI Governance Committee projected housing price decline rate	3.00%
OTTI Governance Committee projected housing price increase rate	9.00%
Projected house price decline rate	1.00%
Projected house price increase rate	4.00%
Minimum [Member]	'
Recovery Range Annualized % [Line Items]	'
1-6 months	0.00%
7-12 months	1.00%
13-18 months	2.00%
19-30 months	2.00%
31-54 months	2.00%
Thereafter	2.30%
Maximum [Member]	'
Recovery Range Annualized % [Line Items]	'
1-6 months	3.00%
7-12 months	4.00%
13-18 months	4.00%
19-30 months	5.00%
31-54 months	6.00%
Thereafter	5.60%

OtherThanTemporary_Impairment_2

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Significant Inputs (Details) (Alt-A [Member], Private-Label Residential MBS[Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Other than Temporary Impairment, Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Par Value	$87,317	[1]
Project Prepayment Rates - Weighted Average Percent	7.20%	[1]
Projected Default Rates, Weighted Average Percent	47.10%	[1]
Projected Loss Severities, Weighted Average Percent	46.20%	[1]
Current Credit Enhancement, Weighted Average Percent	9.00%	[1]
Securitization in 2007 [Member]	'
Other than Temporary Impairment, Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Par Value	51,846	[1]
Project Prepayment Rates - Weighted Average Percent	5.50%	[1]
Projected Default Rates, Weighted Average Percent	51.80%	[1]
Projected Loss Severities, Weighted Average Percent	46.20%	[1]
Current Credit Enhancement, Weighted Average Percent	15.10%	[1]
Securitization in 2006 [Member]	'
Other than Temporary Impairment, Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Par Value	$35,471	[1]
Project Prepayment Rates - Weighted Average Percent	9.50%	[1]
Projected Default Rates, Weighted Average Percent	40.30%	[1]
Projected Loss Severities, Weighted Average Percent	46.40%	[1]
Current Credit Enhancement, Weighted Average Percent	0.00%	[1]
[1]	Securities are classified in the table above based upon the current performance characteristics of the underlying loan pool and therefore the manner in which the loan pool backing the security has been modeled (as prime, Alt-A, or subprime), rather than their classification of the security at the time of issuance.

OtherThanTemporary_Impairment_3

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment OTTI Credit Losses Recognized During Life of Security (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other-than-temporary Impairment Credit Losses Recognized During the Life of the Security [Abstract]	'
Par Value	$1,594,235
Amortized Cost	1,165,024
Carrying Value	852,689
Fair Value	1,176,043
Private-Label Residential MBS[Member] | Prime [Member]	'
Other-than-temporary Impairment Credit Losses Recognized During the Life of the Security [Abstract]	'
Par Value	61,948
Amortized Cost	52,443
Carrying Value	39,890
Fair Value	53,513
Private-Label Residential MBS[Member] | Alt-A [Member]	'
Other-than-temporary Impairment Credit Losses Recognized During the Life of the Security [Abstract]	'
Par Value	1,527,641
Amortized Cost	1,108,431
Carrying Value	809,548
Fair Value	1,118,344
ABS Backed by Home Equity Loans [Member] | Subprime [Member]	'
Other-than-temporary Impairment Credit Losses Recognized During the Life of the Security [Abstract]	'
Par Value	4,646
Amortized Cost	4,150
Carrying Value	3,251
Fair Value	$4,186

OtherThanTemporary_Impairment_4

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Roll-forward of Amounts Related to Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings (Details) (Held-to-maturity Securities [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Held-to-maturity Securities [Member]	'		'
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance at beginning of year	$603,786		$631,330
Additional credit losses for which an other-than-temporary impairment charge was previously recognized	458	[1]	421	[1]
Increase in cash flows expected to be collected which are recognized over the remaining life of the security	-8,684		-2,916
Balance at end of period	$595,560		$628,835
[1]	For the three months ended MarchB 31, 2014 and 2013, additional credit losses for which an other-than-temporary impairment charge was previously recognized relate to securities that were also previously impaired prior to January 1, 2014 and 2013.

Advances_Year_of_Contractual_M

Advances - Year of Contractual Maturity (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, Maturity, Rolling Year, Par Value [Abstract]	'		'
Overdrawn demand-deposit accounts	$9,588		$9,287
Due in one year or less	17,567,532		15,413,949
Due after one year through two years	2,445,865		2,025,840
Due after two years through three years	2,987,326		2,875,074
Due after three years through four years	3,198,974		3,116,119
Due after four years through five years	1,595,594		2,156,717
Thereafter	1,617,352		1,614,278
Total par value	29,422,231		27,211,264
Overdrawn demand-deposit accounts, Weighted average rate	0.44%		0.43%
Due in one year or less, Weighted average rate	0.45%		0.50%
Due after one year through two years, Weighted average rate	1.95%		1.99%
Due after two years through three years, Weighted average rate	2.40%		2.26%
Due after three years through four years, Weighted average rate	2.61%		2.89%
Due after four years through five years, Weighted average rate	2.32%		2.21%
Thereafter, Weighted average rate	2.95%		2.98%
Total Weighted average rate	1.25%		1.35%
Premiums	42,254		49,447
Discounts	-19,526		-20,290
Market value of bifurcated derivatives	1,117	[1]	892	[1]
Hedging adjustments	253,524		275,365
Total Advances	$29,699,600		$27,516,678
[1]	At MarchB 31, 2014, and DecemberB 31, 2013, we had certain advances with embedded features that met the requirements to be separated from the host contract and designate the embedded features as a stand-alone derivative.

Advances_Outstanding_by_the_Ea

Advances - Outstanding by the Earlier of Contractual Maturity or Next Put Date (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, Earlier Of Contractual Maturity Or Next Put Date, Rolling Year, Par Value [Abstract]	'	'
Overdrawn demand-deposit accounts	$9,588	$9,287
Due in one year or less	19,915,957	17,778,624
Due after one year through two years	2,359,365	1,938,590
Due after two years through three years	2,266,901	2,477,674
Due after three years through four years	1,797,724	1,619,094
Due after four years through five years	1,466,344	1,824,967
Thereafter	1,606,352	1,563,028
Total par value	$29,422,231	$27,211,264
Overdrawn demand-deposit accounts, Percentage of Total	0.00%	0.00%
Due in one year or less, Percentage of total	67.70%	65.40%
Due after one year through two years, Percentage of total	8.00%	7.10%
Due after two years through three years, Percentage of total	7.70%	9.10%
Due after three years through four years, Percentage of total	6.10%	6.00%
Due after four years through five years, Percentage of total	5.00%	6.70%
Thereafter, Percentage of total	5.50%	5.70%
Total Percentage	100.00%	100.00%

Advances_InterestRatePayment_T

Advances - Interest-Rate-Payment Terms (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, By Interest Rate Type [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed-rate	$24,655,943	$25,578,977
Variable-rate	4,766,288	1,632,287
Total par value	$29,422,231	$27,211,264

Advances_Narratives_Details

Advances - Narratives (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances [Line Items]	'	'
Putable Federal Home Loan Bank Advances	$2,600,000,000	$2,600,000,000
Callable Federal Home Loan Bank Advances	30,000,000	30,500,000
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances [Member]	'	'
Credit Risk Exposure and Security Terms [Abstract]	'	'
Total outstanding advances greater than $1.0 billion per borrower, amount	9,500,000,000	7,800,000,000
Minimum amount of advances outstanding per borrower disclosed herein	$1,000,000,000	'
Number of financial institutions with more than $1.0 billion advances borrowing	3	3
Total outstanding advances greater than $1.0 billion per borrower as a percentage of advances outstanding	32.40%	28.60%
Minimum [Member]	'	'
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rates of advances outstanding	-0.22%	-0.22%
Maximum [Member]	'	'
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rates of advances outstanding	8.37%	8.37%

Advances_Advances_Prepayment_F

Advances Advances - Prepayment Fees (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, Prepayment Fees [Abstract]	'	'
Prepayment fees received from borrowers	$6,695	$20,721
Less: hedging fair-value adjustments on prepaid advances	-193	-11,510
Less: net premiums associated with prepaid advances	-3,928	-3,911
Less: deferred recognition of prepayment fees received from borrowers on advance prepayments deemed to be loan modifications	-80	0
Prepayment fees recognized in income on advance restructurings deemed to be extinguishments	0	6,615
Net prepayment fees recognized in income	$2,494	$11,915

Mortgage_Loans_Held_for_Portfo2

Mortgage Loans Held for Portfolio (Details) (USD $)

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Fixed-rate 15-year single-family mortgages

Fixed-rate 15-year single-family mortgages

Fixed-rate 20- and 30-year single-family mortgages

Fixed-rate 20- and 30-year single-family mortgages

Conventional Mortgage Loans [Member]

Conventional Mortgage Loans [Member]

Government Mortgage Loans [Member]

Government Mortgage Loans [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Fixed-rate 20- and 30-year single-family mortgages

Fixed-rate 20- and 30-year single-family mortgages

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Original contractual terms

'

'

'

'

'15 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'20 years

'30 years

Par Value

$3,292,682

$3,313,292

'

'

$579,846

$595,319

$2,712,836

$2,717,973

$2,855,491

$2,873,935

$437,191

$439,357

'

'

Premiums

58,674

59,154

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Discounts

-3,307

-3,440

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred derivative gains, net

1,750

1,691

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total mortgage loans held for portfolio

3,349,799

3,370,697

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Allowance for credit losses

-1,812

-2,221

-3,361

-4,414

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total mortgage loans, net of allowance for credit losses

$3,347,987

$3,368,476

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Allowance_for_credit_losses_Cr

Allowance for credit losses - Credit Quality Indicators (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Mortgage Loans Past Due [Line Items]	'		'
Past due 30-59 days delinquent	$43,815		$49,091
Past due 60-89 days delinquent	14,253		15,404
Past due 90 days or more delinquent	62,607		65,829
Total past due	120,675		130,324
Total current loans	3,246,263		3,257,636
Total mortgage loans	3,366,938		3,387,960
In process of foreclosure, included above	24,575	[1]	26,474	[1]
Serious delinquency rate	1.88%	[2]	1.97%	[2]
Past due 90 days or more still accruing interest	19,762		19,913
Loans on nonaccrual status	43,846	[3]	46,208	[3]
Number of days past due, loans at serious delinquent status	'90 days		'
Conventional Mortgage Loans [Member]	'		'
Mortgage Loans Past Due [Line Items]	'		'
Past due 30-59 days delinquent	29,827		31,401
Past due 60-89 days delinquent	10,026		10,786
Past due 90 days or more delinquent	42,845		45,916
Total past due	82,698		88,103
Total current loans	2,834,831		2,848,158
Total mortgage loans	2,917,529		2,936,261
In process of foreclosure, included above	16,985	[1]	18,570	[1]
Serious delinquency rate	1.50%	[2]	1.59%	[2]
Past due 90 days or more still accruing interest	0		0
Loans on nonaccrual status	43,846	[3]	46,208	[3]
Government Mortgage Loans [Member]	'		'
Mortgage Loans Past Due [Line Items]	'		'
Past due 30-59 days delinquent	13,988		17,690
Past due 60-89 days delinquent	4,227		4,618
Past due 90 days or more delinquent	19,762		19,913
Total past due	37,977		42,221
Total current loans	411,432		409,478
Total mortgage loans	449,409		451,699
In process of foreclosure, included above	7,590	[1]	7,904	[1]
Serious delinquency rate	4.40%	[2]	4.41%	[2]
Past due 90 days or more still accruing interest	19,762		19,913
Loans on nonaccrual status	$0	[3]	$0	[3]
[1]	Includes loans where the decision of foreclosure or similar alternative such as pursuit of deed-in-lieu of foreclosure has been reported.
[2]	Loans that are 90 days or more past due or in the process of foreclosure expressed as a percentage of the recorded investment in the total loan portfolio class.
[3]	Includes conventional mortgage loans with contractual principal or interest payments 90 days or more past due and not accruing interest as well as loans modified within the previous six months under our temporary loan modification plan.

Allowance_for_credit_losses_In

Allowance for credit losses - Individually Evaluated Impaired Loans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Allowance for Credit Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'
Individually evaluated impaired mortgage loans with no related allowance - Recorded Investment	$3,572	'	$3,231
Individually evaluated impaired mortgage loans with no related allowance - Par Value	3,556	'	3,223
Individually evaluated impaired mortgage loans with related allowance - Recorded Investment	2,511	'	3,440
Individually evaluated impaired mortgage loans with related allowance - Par Value	2,486	'	3,415
Individually evaluated impaired mortgage loans - Related Allowance	644	'	605
Total individually evaluated impaired mortgage loans - Recorded Investment	6,083	'	6,671
Total individually evaluated impaired mortgage loans, Par Value	6,042	'	6,638
Individually evaluated impaired mortgage loans with no related allowance - Average Recorded Investment	3,670	3,117	'
Individually evaluated impaired mortgage loans with no related allowance - Interest Income recognized	48	39	'
Individually evaluated impaired mortgage loans with related allowance, Average Recorded Investment	2,975	0	'
Individually evaluated impaired mortgage loans with related allowance, Interest Income recognized	11	0	'
Total individually evaluated impaired mortgage loans - Average Recorded Investment	6,645	3,117	'
Total individually evaluated impaired mortgage loans - Interest Income recognized	$59	$39	'

Allowance_for_credit_losses_Na

Allowance for credit losses - Narratives (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Allowance for Credit Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'
REO	$6,100,000	'	$5,300,000
Carrying amount of REO sold	2,200,000	3,800,000	'
Net (losses) gains on sale of REO assets	($157,000)	$127,000	'

Allowance_for_credit_losses_Al

Allowance for credit losses - Allowance Rollforward (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance, beginning of year	$2,221		$4,414
Charge-offs	-87		-13
Recoveries	0		47
Reduction of provision for credit losses	-322		-1,087
Balance, end of period	1,812		3,361
Ending balance, individually evaluated for impairment	644		0
Ending balance, collectively evaluated for impairment	1,168		3,361
Individually evaluated for impairment	6,083	[1]	3,118	[1]
Collectively evaluated for impairment	$2,911,446	[1]	$3,049,521	[1]
[1]	These amounts exclude government mortgage loans because we make no allowance for credit losses based on our investments in government mortgage loans, as discussed above under b Government Mortgage Loans Held for Portfolio.

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi2

Derivatives and Hedging Activities Derivatives in Statement of Condition (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Notional Amount of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments	$13,468,640		$13,118,390
Derivative Assets Designated as Hedging Instruments	32,909		35,769
Derivative Liabilities Designated as Hedging Instruments	-613,489		-622,352
Notional Amount of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	1,402,795		1,584,556
Derivatives Assets Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	378		658
Derivatives Liabilities Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	-20,276		-20,185
Notional Amount of Derivatives	14,871,435		14,702,946
Derivative Assets, Before Netting and Collateral Adjustments	33,287		36,427
Derivative Liabilities, Before Netting and Collateral Adjustments	-633,765		-642,537
Derivative Assets	7,902		4,318
Derivative Liabilities	-599,447		-608,152
Interest-Rate Swaps [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Notional Amount of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments	11,909,840		11,707,590
Derivative Assets Designated as Hedging Instruments	32,909		33,361
Derivative Liabilities Designated as Hedging Instruments	-555,873		-568,477
Notional Amount of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	1,087,000		1,273,500
Derivatives Assets Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	351		610
Derivatives Liabilities Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	-20,222		-20,146
Forward-start interest-rate swaps	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Notional Amount of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments	1,558,800		1,410,800
Derivative Assets Designated as Hedging Instruments	0		2,408
Derivative Liabilities Designated as Hedging Instruments	-57,616		-53,875
Interest-Rate Caps or Floors [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Notional Amount of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	300,000		300,000
Derivatives Assets Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	26		43
Derivatives Liabilities Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	0		0
Mortgage-Delivery Commitment [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Notional Amount of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	15,795	[1]	11,056	[1]
Derivatives Assets Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	1	[1]	5	[1]
Derivatives Liabilities Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	-54	[1]	-39	[1]
Derivative Assets	1		5
Derivative Liabilities	-54		-39
Netting Adjustments [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Asset, Amount Offset Against Collateral	-34,318	[2]	-34,385	[2]
Derivative Liability, Amount Offset Against Collateral	34,318	[2]	34,385	[2]
Cash Collateral And Related Accrued Interest [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Asset, Amount Offset Against Collateral	8,933		2,276
Derivative Liability, Amount Offset Against Collateral	$0		$0
[1]	Mortgage-delivery commitments are classified as derivatives with changes in fair value recorded in other income.
[2]	Amounts represent the effect of master-netting agreements intended to allow us to settle positive and negative positions with the same counterparty.

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi3

Derivatives and Hedging Activities Derivatives in Statement of Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Cash flow hedge ineffectiveness	($135)	$4
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	-1,742	629
Net (losses) gains on derivatives and hedging activities	-1,383	1,088
Interest-Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives and hedged items in fair-value hedging relationships	494	455
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	-1,836	875
Interest-Rate Caps or Floors [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	-17	39
Mortgage-Delivery Commitment [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	$111	($285)

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi4

Derivatives and Hedging Activities Derivatives in Statement of Income and Impact on Interest (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'
Gain/(Loss) on Derivative	($2,079)		$62,101
Gain/(Loss) on Hedged Item	2,573		-61,646
Net Fair-Value Hedge Ineffectiveness	494		455
Effect of Derivatives on Net Interest Income	-31,871	[1]	-28,412	[1]
Advances [Member]	'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'
Gain/(Loss) on Derivative	21,985		57,489
Gain/(Loss) on Hedged Item	-21,841		-57,274
Net Fair-Value Hedge Ineffectiveness	144		215
Effect of Derivatives on Net Interest Income	-33,411	[1]	-39,760	[1]
Investments [Member]	'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'
Gain/(Loss) on Derivative	-31,560		28,258
Gain/(Loss) on Hedged Item	31,791		-28,093
Net Fair-Value Hedge Ineffectiveness	231		165
Effect of Derivatives on Net Interest Income	-9,494	[1]	-10,140	[1]
Deposits [Member]	'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'
Gain/(Loss) on Derivative	-390		-394
Gain/(Loss) on Hedged Item	390		394
Net Fair-Value Hedge Ineffectiveness	0		0
Effect of Derivatives on Net Interest Income	397	[1]	394	[1]
COs - Bonds [Member]	'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'
Gain/(Loss) on Derivative	7,886		-23,252
Gain/(Loss) on Hedged Item	-7,767		23,327
Net Fair-Value Hedge Ineffectiveness	119		75
Effect of Derivatives on Net Interest Income	$10,637	[1]	$21,094	[1]
[1]	The net interest on derivatives in fair-value hedge relationships is presented in the statement of operations as interest income or interest expense of the respective hedged item.

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi5

Derivatives and Hedging Activities Narratives (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
(Loss) Gain recognized in other comprehensive income for hedged items in cash-flow hedging relationships	($6,014,000)		$428,000
Maximum length of time which we are hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions	'8 years		'
Deferred net losses on derivative instruments accumulated in other comprehensive loss	12,500,000		'
Aggregate fair value of all bilateral derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a net liability position	599,400,000		'
Post-haircut value of collateral already posted	463,900,000		'
Rating Downgrade from AA+ to AA or AA - [Member]	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Additional collateral	35,557,000	[1],[2]	'
Rating Downgrade From AA- to A+, A or A -[Member]	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Additional collateral	44,275,000	[1],[2]	'
Rating Downgrade From A- to below A- [Member]	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Additional collateral	39,000,000	[1],[2]	'
AA+ Rating [Member]	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Additional collateral	$15,800,000		'
[1]	Additional collateral of $15.8 million could be called by counterparties as of MarchB 31, 2014, at our current credit rating of AA+ (based on the lower of our credit ratings from S&P and Moody's) and is not included in the table.
[2]	Ratings are expressed in this table according to S&P's conventions but include the equivalent of such rating by Moody's. If there is a split rating, the lower rating is used.

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi6

Derivatives and Hedging Activities Fair Value of Derivative Instruments With or Without Legal Rights of Offset (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Assets, Gross recognized amount	$33,286,000		$36,422,000
Derivative Liabilities, Gross recognized amount	-633,711,000		-642,498,000
Derivative Assets, Gross amounts of netting adjustments and cash collateral	-25,385,000		-32,109,000
Derivative Liabilities, Gross amounts of netting adjustments and cash collateral	34,318,000		34,385,000
Derivative Assets, Net amounts after netting adjustments and cash collateral	7,901,000		4,313,000
Derivative Liabilities, Net amounts after netting adjustments and cash collateral	-599,393,000		-608,113,000
Derivative Asset, Mortgage delivery commitments	1,000		5,000
Derivative Liabilities, Mortgage delivery commitments	-54,000		-39,000
Derivative Assets	7,902,000		4,318,000
Derivative Liabilities	-599,447,000		-608,152,000
Net amount of derivative assets after non-cash collateral received or pledged	7,902,000		4,318,000
Net amount of derivative liabilities after non-cash collateral received or pledged	-117,053,000		-116,179,000
Derivative Liabilities, additional net exposure, collateral pledged to counterparties in excess of net liabilities	6,000,000		7,100,000
Over the Counter [Member]	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Assets, Gross recognized amount	29,540,000		31,271,000
Derivative Liabilities, Gross recognized amount	-628,733,000		-639,372,000
Derivative Assets, Gross amounts of netting adjustments and cash collateral	-29,340,000		-31,259,000
Derivative Liabilities, Gross amounts of netting adjustments and cash collateral	29,340,000		31,259,000
Derivative Assets, Net amounts after netting adjustments and cash collateral	200,000		12,000
Derivative Liabilities, Net amounts after netting adjustments and cash collateral	-599,393,000		-608,113,000
Derivative Assets	200,000		12,000
Derivative Liabilities	-599,393,000		-608,113,000
Derivative Assets, Fair Value of securities pledged as collateral that may be sold or repledged	0	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative Liabilities, Fair value of securities pledged as collateral that may be sold or repledged	65,571,000	[1]	71,063,000	[1]
Derivative Assets, Fair Value of securities pledged as collateral that may not be sold or repledged	0	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative Liabilities, Fair value of securities pledged as collateral that may not be sold or repledged	416,823,000	[1]	420,910,000	[1]
Derivative Assets, total non-cash collateral received or pledged, not offset	0	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative Liabilities, total non-cash collateral received or pledged, not offset	482,394,000	[1]	491,973,000	[1]
Net amount of derivative assets after non-cash collateral received or pledged	200,000		12,000
Net amount of derivative liabilities after non-cash collateral received or pledged	-116,999,000		-116,140,000
Exchange Cleared [Member]	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Assets, Gross recognized amount	3,746,000		5,151,000
Derivative Liabilities, Gross recognized amount	-4,978,000		-3,126,000
Derivative Assets, Gross amounts of netting adjustments and cash collateral	3,955,000		-850,000
Derivative Liabilities, Gross amounts of netting adjustments and cash collateral	4,978,000		3,126,000
Derivative Assets, Net amounts after netting adjustments and cash collateral	7,701,000		4,301,000
Derivative Liabilities, Net amounts after netting adjustments and cash collateral	0		0
Derivative Assets	7,701,000		4,301,000
Derivative Liabilities	0		0
Net amount of derivative assets after non-cash collateral received or pledged	7,701,000		4,301,000
Net amount of derivative liabilities after non-cash collateral received or pledged	0		0
Mortgage-Delivery Commitment [Member]	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Assets	1,000		5,000
Derivative Liabilities	-54,000		-39,000
Net amount of derivative assets after non-cash collateral received or pledged	1,000		5,000
Net amount of derivative liabilities after non-cash collateral received or pledged	($54,000)		($39,000)
[1]	Includes noncash collateral at fair value. Any overcollateralization with a counterparty is not included in the determination of the net amount. At MarchB 31, 2014, and DecemberB 31, 2013, we had additional net credit exposure of $6.0 million and $7.1 million, respectively, due to instances where our collateral pledged to a counterparty exceeded our net derivative liability position.

Deposits_Narratives_Details

Deposits Narratives (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deposits [Abstract]	'	'
Hedging adjustment	$753,000	$1,100,000
Interest bearing deposit demand and overnight	484,789,000	473,600,000
Interest bearing deposit term	20,439,000	20,676,000
Interest bearing deposit other	3,231,000	4,399,000
Non-interest bearing deposits other	13,544,000	18,890,000
Total deposits	522,003,000	517,565,000
Aggregate amount of time deposits with a denomination of $100,000 or more	$20,000,000	$20,000,000

Consolidated_Obligations_Detai

Consolidated Obligations (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CO Bonds [Abstract]	'		'
Total	$24,477,903		$23,465,906
COs b Discount Notes [Abstract]	'		'
Federal Home Loan Bank, Consolidated Obligations, Discount Notes	20,247,904		16,060,781
COs - Discount notes [Member]	'		'
COs b Discount Notes [Abstract]	'		'
Federal Home Loan Bank, Consolidated Obligations, Discount Notes	20,247,904		16,060,781
Par Value	20,250,000		16,062,000
Weighted Average Rate	0.07%	[1]	0.07%	[1]
COs - Bonds [Member]	'		'
CO Bonds [Abstract]	'		'
Due in one year or less	7,360,345		7,646,100
Due in one year or less, Weighted average rate	1.35%	[2]	0.99%	[2]
Due after one year through two years	4,421,015		4,454,885
Due after one year through two years, Weighted average rate	1.68%	[2]	2.07%	[2]
Due after two years through three years	3,136,550		2,903,390
Due after two years through three years, Weighted average rate	1.50%	[2]	1.93%	[2]
Due after three years through four years	3,437,175		3,245,980
Due after three years through four years, Weighted average rate	2.24%	[2]	2.17%	[2]
Due after four years through five years	1,959,010		1,651,560
Due after four years through five years, Weighted average rate	1.89%	[2]	1.85%	[2]
Thereafter	3,975,630		3,368,740
Thereafter, Weighted average rate	2.62%	[2]	2.64%	[2]
Par Value	24,289,725		23,270,655
Total, Weighted average rate	1.81%	[2]	1.78%	[2]
Premiums	214,415		228,753
Discounts	-20,584		-20,081
Hedging adjustments	-5,653		-13,421
Total	24,477,903		23,465,906
COs - Bonds [Member] | Fixed Interest Rate [Member]	'		'
CO Bonds [Abstract]	'		'
Par Value	20,869,725		19,815,655
COs - Bonds [Member] | Simple variable rate [Member]	'		'
CO Bonds [Abstract]	'		'
Par Value	2,370,000		2,570,000
COs - Bonds [Member] | Step-up [Member]	'		'
CO Bonds [Abstract]	'		'
Par Value	1,050,000		885,000
COs - Bonds [Member] | Earlier of Contractual Maturity or Next Call Date [Member]	'		'
CO Bonds [Abstract]	'		'
Due in one year or less	10,725,345		10,066,100
Due after one year through two years	4,511,015		4,459,885
Due after two years through three years	2,756,550		2,838,390
Due after three years through four years	3,002,175		3,105,980
Due after four years through five years	1,539,010		1,476,560
Thereafter	1,755,630		1,323,740
COs - Bonds [Member] | Noncallable and nonputable [Member]	'		'
CO Bonds [Abstract]	'		'
Par Value	20,584,725		20,755,655
COs - Bonds [Member] | Callable [Member]	'		'
CO Bonds [Abstract]	'		'
Par Value	$3,705,000		$2,515,000
[1]	The CO discount notes' weighted-average rate represents a yield to maturity excluding concession fees.
[2]	The CO bonds' weighted-average rate excludes concession fees.

Affordable_Housing_Program_Nar

Affordable Housing Program Narratives (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Affordable Housing Program [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	$62,591	$50,545	$50,545
AHP expense for the period	4,406	5,949	24,229
AHP direct grant disbursements	-1,318	-1,821	-11,077
AHP subsidy for AHP advance disbursements	-260	'	-1,148
Return of previously disbursed grants and subsidies	0	'	42
Balance at end of period	$65,419	'	$62,591

Capital_Requirements_Details

Capital Requirements (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Capital [Abstract]	'	'
Capital-to-asset ratio, Required	4.00%	4.00%
Leverage capital-to-assets ratio, Required	5.00%	5.00%
Multiplier for Determining Permanent Capital in Leverage Capital Calculation	1.5	'
Class B capital stock	$2,562,857	$2,530,471
Mandatorily redeemable capital stock	977,685	977,348
Retained earnings	815,593	788,790
Total permanent capital	4,356,135	4,296,609
Credit-risk capital	427,433	423,522
Market-risk capital	103,396	136,943
Operations-risk capital	159,248	168,140
Risk-based capital, Required	690,077	728,605
Excess of risk-based capital requirement	3,666,058	3,568,004
Regulatory capital, Required	2,002,450	1,785,523
Leverage capital, Required	2,503,062	2,231,904
Risk-based capital, Actual	4,356,135	4,296,609
Regulatory capital, Actual	4,356,135	4,296,609
Capital-to-asset ratio, Actual	8.70%	9.60%
Leverage capital, Actual	$6,534,203	$6,444,913
Leverage capital-to-assets ratio, Actual	13.10%	14.40%

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'		'
Amortization - hedging activities	$5		$4
Amortization - pension and postretirement benefits	-112		-141
Net Unrealized Loss Relating to Hedging Activities [Member]	'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'		'
Beginning balance	-51,594		-65,027
Net Unrealized gains (losses)	-6,014		428
Amortization - hedging activities	5	[1]	4	[1]
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-6,009		432
Ending balance	-57,603		-64,595
Pension and Postretirement Benefits [Member]	'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'		'
Beginning balance	-3,229		-3,775
Net actuarial loss	'		3
Amortization - pension and postretirement benefits	112	[2]	138	[2]
Other comprehensive (loss) income	112		141
Ending balance	-3,117		-3,634
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'		'
Beginning balance	-481,516		-476,620
Net Unrealized gains (losses)	-1,185		-6,518
Accretion of noncredit loss	12,135		15,009
Net actuarial loss	'		3
Noncredit other-than-temporary impairment losses reclassified to credit loss	458	[3]	414	[3]
Amortization - hedging activities	5	[1]	4	[1]
Amortization - pension and postretirement benefits	112	[2]	138	[2]
Other comprehensive (loss) income	11,525		9,050
Ending balance	-469,991		-467,570
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Net Unrealized Loss on Available-for-Sale Securities [Member]	'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'		'
Beginning balance	-101,765		-22,643
Net Unrealized gains (losses)	4,829		-6,946
Other comprehensive (loss) income	4,829		-6,946
Ending balance	-96,936		-29,589
Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] | Net Noncredit Portion of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Losses on Held-to-Maturity Securities [Member]	'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'		'
Beginning balance	-324,928		-385,175
Accretion of noncredit loss	12,135		15,009
Noncredit other-than-temporary impairment losses reclassified to credit loss	458	[3]	414	[3]
Other comprehensive (loss) income	12,593		15,423
Ending balance	($312,335)		($369,752)
[1]	Recorded in net gains on derivatives and hedging activities in the statement of operations.
[2]	Recorded in other operating expenses in the statement of operations.
[3]	Recorded in net amount of impairment losses reclassified (from) to accumulated other comprehensive loss in the statement of operations.

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Cost

Employee Retirement Plans - Costs of Retirement Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Pentegra Defined Contribution Plan [Member]	'	'
Employee Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense	$236	$229
Thrift Benefit Equalization Plan [Member]	'	'
Employee Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense	99	89
Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'
Employee Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'
Net Pension Cost	$763	$253

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Empl

Employee Retirement Plans Employees Retirement Plans - Components of net periodic benefit cost (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'
Service Cost	$125	$116
Interest Cost	108	76
Amortization of net actuarial loss	112	138
Net periodic benefit cost	345	330
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'
Service Cost	7	9
Interest Cost	8	7
Amortization of net actuarial loss	0	3
Net periodic benefit cost	$15	$19

Fair_Values_Carrying_Value_and

Fair Values Carrying Value and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	$247,158		$247,174
Available-for-sale securities	3,993,329		3,995,310
Held-to-maturity Securities	3,937,478	[1],[2]	4,138,661	[1],[2]
Held-to-maturity securities	4,305,122		4,499,441
Derivative Asset	7,902		4,318
Mandatorily redeemable capital stock	-977,685		-977,348
Derivative Liabilities	-599,447		-608,152
Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Cash and due from banks	17,037		641,033
Interest-bearing deposits	259		195
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	0		0
Federal funds sold	0		0
Trading securities	0	[3]	0	[3]
Available-for-sale securities	0	[3]	0	[3]
Held-to-maturity securities	0	[4]	0	[4]
Advances	0		0
Mortgage loans, net	0		0
Accrued interest receivable	0		0
Derivative Asset	0	[3]	0	[3]
Other Assets	5,374	[3]	5,197	[3]
Deposits	0		0
Mandatorily redeemable capital stock	-977,685		-977,348
Accrued interest payable	0		0
Derivative Liabilities	0	[3]	0	[3]
Level 1 [Member] | Commitments to extend credit for advances [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Other	0		0
Level 1 [Member] | Standby Letters of Credit [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Other	0		0
Level 1 [Member] | COs - Discount notes [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
CO Discount Notes	0		0
Level 1 [Member] | COs - Bonds [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
CO Bonds	0		0
Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Cash and due from banks	0		0
Interest-bearing deposits	0		0
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	5,349,886		3,749,942
Federal funds sold	3,349,989		849,993
Trading securities	247,158	[3]	247,174	[3]
Available-for-sale securities	3,993,329	[3]	3,995,310	[3]
Held-to-maturity securities	2,696,868	[4]	2,877,334	[4]
Advances	29,833,488		27,632,970
Mortgage loans, net	3,399,033		3,396,499
Accrued interest receivable	71,213		83,458
Derivative Asset	33,287	[3]	36,427	[3]
Other Assets	5,676	[3]	4,889	[3]
Deposits	-522,002		-517,552
Mandatorily redeemable capital stock	0		0
Accrued interest payable	-98,461		-83,386
Derivative Liabilities	-633,765	[3]	-642,537	[3]
Level 2 [Member] | Commitments to extend credit for advances [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Other	-954		-2,098
Level 2 [Member] | Standby Letters of Credit [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Other	-592		-562
Level 2 [Member] | COs - Discount notes [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
CO Discount Notes	-20,248,411		-16,061,486
Level 2 [Member] | COs - Bonds [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
CO Bonds	-24,656,262		-23,584,981
Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Cash and due from banks	0		0
Interest-bearing deposits	0		0
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	0		0
Federal funds sold	0		0
Trading securities	0	[3]	0	[3]
Available-for-sale securities	0	[3]	0	[3]
Held-to-maturity securities	1,608,254	[4]	1,622,107	[4]
Advances	0		0
Mortgage loans, net	0		0
Accrued interest receivable	0		0
Derivative Asset	0	[3]	0	[3]
Other Assets	0	[3]	0	[3]
Deposits	0		0
Mandatorily redeemable capital stock	0		0
Accrued interest payable	0		0
Derivative Liabilities	0	[3]	0	[3]
Level 3 [Member] | Commitments to extend credit for advances [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Other	0		0
Level 3 [Member] | Standby Letters of Credit [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Other	0		0
Level 3 [Member] | COs - Discount notes [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
CO Discount Notes	0		0
Level 3 [Member] | COs - Bonds [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
CO Bonds	0		0
Netting Adjustments and Cash Collateral [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Cash and due from banks	0		0
Interest-bearing deposits	0		0
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	0		0
Federal funds sold	0		0
Trading securities	0	[3]	0	[3]
Available-for-sale securities	0	[3]	0	[3]
Held-to-maturity securities	0	[4]	0	[4]
Advances	0		0
Mortgage loans, net	0		0
Accrued interest receivable	0		0
Derivative Asset	-25,385	[3]	-32,109	[3]
Other Assets	0	[3]	0	[3]
Deposits	0		0
Mandatorily redeemable capital stock	0		0
Accrued interest payable	0		0
Derivative Liabilities	34,318	[3]	34,385	[3]
Netting Adjustments and Cash Collateral [Member] | Commitments to extend credit for advances [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Other	0		0
Netting Adjustments and Cash Collateral [Member] | Standby Letters of Credit [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Other	0		0
Netting Adjustments and Cash Collateral [Member] | COs - Discount notes [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
CO Discount Notes	0		0
Netting Adjustments and Cash Collateral [Member] | COs - Bonds [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
CO Bonds	0		0
Carrying Value [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Cash and due from banks	17,037		641,033
Interest-bearing deposits	259		195
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	5,350,000		3,750,000
Federal funds sold	3,350,000		850,000
Trading securities	247,158	[3]	247,174	[3]
Available-for-sale securities	3,993,329	[3]	3,995,310	[3]
Held-to-maturity Securities	3,937,478	[4]	4,138,661	[4]
Advances	29,699,600		27,516,678
Mortgage loans, net	3,347,987		3,368,476
Accrued interest receivable	71,213		83,458
Derivative Asset	7,902	[3]	4,318	[3]
Other Assets	11,050	[3]	10,086	[3]
Deposits	-522,003		-517,565
Mandatorily redeemable capital stock	-977,685		-977,348
Accrued interest payable	-98,461		-83,386
Derivative Liabilities	-599,447	[3]	-608,152	[3]
Carrying Value [Member] | Commitments to extend credit for advances [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Other	0		0
Carrying Value [Member] | Standby Letters of Credit [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Other	-592		-562
Carrying Value [Member] | COs - Discount notes [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
CO Discount Notes	-20,247,904		-16,060,781
Carrying Value [Member] | COs - Bonds [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
CO Bonds	-24,477,903		-23,465,906
Total Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Cash and due from banks	17,037		641,033
Interest-bearing deposits	259		195
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	5,349,886		3,749,942
Federal funds sold	3,349,989		849,993
Trading securities	247,158	[3]	247,174	[3]
Available-for-sale securities	3,993,329	[3]	3,995,310	[3]
Held-to-maturity securities	4,305,122	[4]	4,499,441	[4]
Advances	29,833,488		27,632,970
Mortgage loans, net	3,399,033		3,396,499
Accrued interest receivable	71,213		83,458
Derivative Asset	7,902	[3]	4,318	[3]
Other Assets	11,050	[3]	10,086	[3]
Deposits	-522,002		-517,552
Mandatorily redeemable capital stock	-977,685		-977,348
Accrued interest payable	-98,461		-83,386
Derivative Liabilities	-599,447	[3]	-608,152	[3]
Total Fair Value [Member] | Commitments to extend credit for advances [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Other	-954		-2,098
Total Fair Value [Member] | Standby Letters of Credit [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Other	-592		-562
Total Fair Value [Member] | COs - Discount notes [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
CO Discount Notes	-20,248,411		-16,061,486
Total Fair Value [Member] | COs - Bonds [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
CO Bonds	($24,656,262)		($23,584,981)
[1]	Fair values of held-to-maturity securities were $4,305,122 and $4,499,441 at MarchB 31, 2014, and DecemberB 31, 2013, respectively.
[2]	Carrying value of held-to-maturity securities represents the sum of amortized cost and the amount of noncredit-related other-than-temporary impairment recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
[3]	Carried at fair value on a recurring basis.
[4]	Private-label residential MBS and HFA securities are categorized as Level 3. Private-label residential MBS that have incurred other-than-temporary impairment losses are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. See the recurring and nonrecurring tables below for more details.

Fair_Values_Fair_Value_Measure

Fair Values Fair Value Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	$247,158		$247,174
Available-for-sale securities	3,993,329		3,995,310
Derivatives Assets Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	378		658
Derivative Assets	7,902		4,318
Derivatives Liabilities Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	-20,276		-20,185
Mortgage-Delivery Commitment [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivatives Assets Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	1	[1]	5	[1]
Derivative Assets	1		5
Derivatives Liabilities Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	-54	[1]	-39	[1]
Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	0	[2]	0	[2]
Available-for-sale securities	0	[2]	0	[2]
Derivative Assets	0	[2]	0	[2]
Other Assets	5,374	[2]	5,197	[2]
Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	247,158	[2]	247,174	[2]
Available-for-sale securities	3,993,329	[2]	3,995,310	[2]
Derivative Assets	33,287	[2]	36,427	[2]
Other Assets	5,676	[2]	4,889	[2]
Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	0	[2]	0	[2]
Available-for-sale securities	0	[2]	0	[2]
Derivative Assets	0	[2]	0	[2]
Other Assets	0	[2]	0	[2]
Netting Adjustments [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	0	[2]	0	[2]
Available-for-sale securities	0	[2]	0	[2]
Derivative Assets	-25,385	[2]	-32,109	[2]
Other Assets	0	[2]	0	[2]
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	0		0
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Interest-rate-exchange Agreements Derivative Assets	0		0
Derivative Assets	0		0
Other Assets	5,374		5,197
Total assets at fair value	5,374		5,197
Interest-rate-exchange Agreements Derivative Liabilities	0		0
Derivatives Liabilities Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	0		0
Total liabilities at fair value	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Mortgage-Delivery Commitment [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivatives Assets Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Supranational institutions [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | U.S. government-owned corporations [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | GSEs [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | U.S. government-guaranteed - residential MBS [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	0		0
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | U.S. government guaranteed - commercial MBS [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | GSEs b residential MBS [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	0		0
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | GSEs b commercial MBS [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	247,158		247,174
Available-for-sale securities	3,993,329		3,995,310
Interest-rate-exchange Agreements Derivative Assets	33,286		36,422
Derivative Assets	33,287		36,427
Other Assets	5,676		4,889
Total assets at fair value	4,279,450		4,283,800
Interest-rate-exchange Agreements Derivative Liabilities	-633,711		-642,498
Derivatives Liabilities Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	-54		-39
Total liabilities at fair value	-633,765		-642,537
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Mortgage-Delivery Commitment [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivatives Assets Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	1		5
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Supranational institutions [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	424,823		415,135
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | U.S. government-owned corporations [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	254,052		238,785
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | GSEs [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	242,530		888,525
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | U.S. government-guaranteed - residential MBS [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	13,853		14,331
Available-for-sale securities	256,115		271,597
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | U.S. government guaranteed - commercial MBS [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	622,474		309,101
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | GSEs b residential MBS [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	3,177		3,486
Available-for-sale securities	2,193,335		1,872,167
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | GSEs b commercial MBS [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	230,128		229,357
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	0		0
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Interest-rate-exchange Agreements Derivative Assets	0		0
Derivative Assets	0		0
Other Assets	0		0
Total assets at fair value	0		0
Interest-rate-exchange Agreements Derivative Liabilities	0		0
Derivatives Liabilities Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	0		0
Total liabilities at fair value	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Mortgage-Delivery Commitment [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivatives Assets Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Supranational institutions [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | U.S. government-owned corporations [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | GSEs [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | U.S. government-guaranteed - residential MBS [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	0		0
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | U.S. government guaranteed - commercial MBS [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | GSEs b residential MBS [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	0		0
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | GSEs b commercial MBS [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Netting Adjustments [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	0	[3]	0	[3]
Available-for-sale securities	0	[3]	0	[3]
Interest-rate-exchange Agreements Derivative Assets	-25,385	[3]	-32,109	[3]
Derivative Assets	-25,385	[3]	-32,109	[3]
Other Assets	0		0	[3]
Total assets at fair value	-25,385	[3]	-32,109	[3]
Interest-rate-exchange Agreements Derivative Liabilities	34,318	[3]	34,385	[3]
Derivatives Liabilities Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	0		0	[3]
Total liabilities at fair value	34,318	[3]	34,385	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Netting Adjustments [Member] | Mortgage-Delivery Commitment [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivatives Assets Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	0	[3]	0	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Netting Adjustments [Member] | Supranational institutions [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0	[3]	0	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Netting Adjustments [Member] | U.S. government-owned corporations [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0	[3]	0	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Netting Adjustments [Member] | GSEs [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0	[3]	0	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Netting Adjustments [Member] | U.S. government-guaranteed - residential MBS [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	0	[3]	0	[3]
Available-for-sale securities	0	[3]	0	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Netting Adjustments [Member] | U.S. government guaranteed - commercial MBS [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0	[3]	0	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Netting Adjustments [Member] | GSEs b residential MBS [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	0	[3]	0	[3]
Available-for-sale securities	0	[3]	0	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Netting Adjustments [Member] | GSEs b commercial MBS [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	0	[3]	0	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Total Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	247,158		247,174
Available-for-sale securities	3,993,329		3,995,310
Interest-rate-exchange Agreements Derivative Assets	7,901		4,313
Derivative Assets	7,902		4,318
Other Assets	11,050		10,086
Total assets at fair value	4,259,439		4,256,888
Interest-rate-exchange Agreements Derivative Liabilities	-599,393		-608,113
Derivatives Liabilities Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	-54		-39
Total liabilities at fair value	-599,447		-608,152
Recurring [Member] | Total Fair Value [Member] | Mortgage-Delivery Commitment [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivatives Assets Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	1		5
Recurring [Member] | Total Fair Value [Member] | Supranational institutions [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	424,823		415,135
Recurring [Member] | Total Fair Value [Member] | U.S. government-owned corporations [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	254,052		238,785
Recurring [Member] | Total Fair Value [Member] | GSEs [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	242,530		888,525
Recurring [Member] | Total Fair Value [Member] | U.S. government-guaranteed - residential MBS [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	13,853		14,331
Available-for-sale securities	256,115		271,597
Recurring [Member] | Total Fair Value [Member] | U.S. government guaranteed - commercial MBS [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	622,474		309,101
Recurring [Member] | Total Fair Value [Member] | GSEs b residential MBS [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	3,177		3,486
Available-for-sale securities	2,193,335		1,872,167
Recurring [Member] | Total Fair Value [Member] | GSEs b commercial MBS [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	$230,128		$229,357
[1]	Mortgage-delivery commitments are classified as derivatives with changes in fair value recorded in other income.
[2]	Carried at fair value on a recurring basis.
[3]	These amounts represent the application of the netting requirements which allow us to settle positive and negative positions and also cash collateral and related accrued interest held or placed with the same clearing member and/or counterparty.

Fair_Values_Fair_Value_Measure1

Fair Values Fair Value Measured on Nonrecurring Basis (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
REO	$193	$115
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
REO	0	0
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
REO	0	0
Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
REO	$193	$115

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'		'
Value of the guarantees related to standby letters of credit	$163,962,000		$24,602,000
Maximum term of commitments to invest in mortgage loans	'45 days		'
Other FHLBanks [Member]	'		'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'		'
Par value of other FHLBanks' outstanding COs for which we are jointly and severally liable	709,400,000,000		727,500,000,000
Minimum [Member]	'		'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'		'
Term of standby letters of credit	'7 days		'
Maximum [Member]	'		'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'		'
Term of standby letters of credit	'20 years		'
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]	'		'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'		'
Off-balance-sheet Commitments Expiring Within One Year	2,728,447,000	[1]	2,873,616,000	[1]
Off-balance-sheet Commitments Expiring After One Year	221,126,000	[1]	247,399,000	[1]
Total Off-balance Sheet Commitments	2,949,573,000	[1]	3,121,015,000	[1]
Value of the guarantees related to standby letters of credit	592,000		562,000
Commitments for Unused Lines of Credit - Advances [Member]	'		'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'		'
Off-balance-sheet Commitments Expiring Within One Year	1,287,071,000	[2]	1,283,361,000	[2]
Off-balance-sheet Commitments Expiring After One Year	0	[2]	0	[2]
Total Off-balance Sheet Commitments	1,287,071,000	[2]	1,283,361,000	[2]
Commitments for Unused Lines of Credit - Advances [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'		'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'		'
Period for commitments for unused line-of-credit advances	'12 months		'
Commitments to Make Aditional Advances [Member]	'		'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'		'
Off-balance-sheet Commitments Expiring Within One Year	6,175,000		436,954,000
Off-balance-sheet Commitments Expiring After One Year	60,601,000		60,078,000
Total Off-balance Sheet Commitments	66,776,000		497,032,000
Commitments to Invest in Mortgage Loans [Member]	'		'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'		'
Off-balance-sheet Commitments Expiring Within One Year	15,795,000		11,056,000
Off-balance-sheet Commitments Expiring After One Year	0		0
Total Off-balance Sheet Commitments	15,795,000		11,056,000
Unsettled CO Bonds, at Par [Member]	'		'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'		'
Off-balance-sheet Commitments Expiring Within One Year	444,350,000	[3]	36,400,000	[3]
Off-balance-sheet Commitments Expiring After One Year	0	[3]	0	[3]
Total Off-balance Sheet Commitments	444,350,000	[3]	36,400,000	[3]
Unsettled CO Bonds, at Par [Member] | Interest-Rate Swaps [Member]	'		'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'		'
Total Off-balance Sheet Commitments	255,000,000		'
Unsettled CO Discount Notes, at Par [Member]	'		'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'		'
Off-balance-sheet Commitments Expiring Within One Year	0		1,215,000,000
Off-balance-sheet Commitments Expiring After One Year	0		0
Total Off-balance Sheet Commitments	0		1,215,000,000
Standby Letters of Credit Issuance Commitments [Member]	'		'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'		'
Off-balance-sheet Commitments Expiring Within One Year	$7,800,000		$15,700,000
[1]	The amount of standby letters of credit outstanding excludes commitments to issue standby letters of credit that expire within one year totaling $7.8 million as of MarchB 31, 2014. Also excluded are commitments to issue standby letters of credit that expire within one year totaling $15.7 million at DecemberB 31, 2013.
[2]	Commitments for unused line-of-credit advances are generally for periods of up to 12 months. Since many of these commitments are not expected to be drawn upon, the total commitment amount does not necessarily indicate future liquidity requirements.
[3]	We had $255.0 million in unsettled CO bonds that were hedged with associated interest-rate swaps at MarchB 31, 2014. We had no unsettled CO bonds that were hedged with associated interest-rate swaps at DecemberB 31, 2013.

Transactions_with_Shareholders2

Transactions with Shareholders (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Transactions with Shareholders [Line Items]	'		'	'
Capital Stock Outstanding	$2,562,857		'	$2,530,471
Par Value of Advances	29,422,231		'	27,211,264
Total Accrued Interest Receivable	71,213		'	83,458
Interest income on outstanding advances	55,871		59,111	'
Bank of America, N.A. [Member]	'		'	'
Transactions with Shareholders [Line Items]	'		'	'
Capital Stock Outstanding	857,835	[1]	'	857,835	[1]
Percent of Total	24.20%	[1]	'	24.50%	[1]
Par Value of Advances	106,939	[1]	'	98,370	[1]
Percentage of Total Par Value of Advances	0.40%	[1]	'	0.40%	[1]
Total Accrued Interest Receivable	410	[1]	'	420	[1]
Percent of Total Accrued Interest Receivable on Advances	1.30%	[1]	'	1.40%	[1]
Interest income on outstanding advances	1,253		1,349	'
RBS Citizens N.A. [Member]	'		'	'
Transactions with Shareholders [Line Items]	'		'	'
Capital Stock Outstanding	430,077		'	430,077
Percent of Total	12.10%		'	12.30%
Par Value of Advances	4,969,000		'	2,269,149
Percentage of Total Par Value of Advances	16.90%		'	8.30%
Total Accrued Interest Receivable	486		'	187
Percent of Total Accrued Interest Receivable on Advances	1.50%		'	0.60%
Interest income on outstanding advances	2,158		558	'
Directors' Financial Institutions [Member]	'		'	'
Transactions with Shareholders [Line Items]	'		'	'
Capital Stock Outstanding	81,983		'	127,020
Percent of Total	2.30%		'	3.60%
Par Value of Advances	630,182		'	659,333
Percentage of Total Par Value of Advances	2.10%		'	2.40%
Total Accrued Interest Receivable	$1,270		'	$1,693
Percent of Total Accrued Interest Receivable on Advances	3.90%		'	5.60%
Minimum [Member]	'		'	'
Transactions with Shareholders [Line Items]	'		'	'
Related Party Transaction, Definiton of Related Party Voting Interests, Percent	10.00%		'	'
Related party transaction, definition of related party capital stock, percent	10.00%		'	'
Transactions with Shareholders, Definition of Shareholder Concentrations Capital Stock, Percent	10.00%		'	'
[1]	Bank of America, N.A. is a nonmember and its shares of capital stock are classified as mandatorily redeemable capital stock.

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	Apr. 24, 2014	2-May-14	1-May-14	1-May-14
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dividend Declared [Member]	Dividend Paid [Member]	Repurchase Of Excess Capital Stock [Member]	Mandatorily redeemable capital stock [Member]
				Repurchase Of Excess Capital Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Annualized rate of cash dividend	1.49%	'	'	'
Dividend, including dividends on mandatorily redeemable capital stock	'	$12.90	'	'
Regulatory stock repurchase during period	'	'	$500	$373.70