Federal Agricultural Mortgage (AGM) 10-Q 12 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_Entity_Information_St

Document Entity Information Statement	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	2-May-14	2-May-14	2-May-14
		Common Class A, Voting [Member]	Common Class B, Voting [Member]	Common Class C, Non-Voting [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'FEDERAL AGRICULTURAL MORTGAGE CORP	'	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000845877	'	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'	'
Trading Symbol	'AGM	'	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	1,030,780	500,301	9,392,511

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$866,585	$749,313
Loans:	'	'
Loans Held for Investment, at amortized cost	2,641,714	2,570,125
Loans held for investment in consolidated trust, at amortized cost	609,464	629,989
Allowance for loan losses	-7,410	-6,866
Total loans, net of allowance	3,243,768	3,193,248
Real estate owned, at lower of cost or fair value	2,503	2,617
Financial derivatives Assets, at fair value	11,357	19,718
Interest receivable	65,223	107,201
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable	43,873	43,904
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	32,818	44,045
Prepaid expenses and other assets	16,917	14,046
Total Assets	13,554,353	13,361,780
Notes payable:	'	'
Due within one year	7,354,271	7,338,781
Due after one year	5,036,375	5,001,169
Total notes payable	12,390,646	12,339,950
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	312,643	261,760
Financial derivatives Liability, at fair value	73,887	75,708
Accrued interest payable	37,104	53,772
Guarantee and commitment obligation	40,643	39,667
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	13,886	9,986
Reserve for losses	6,569	6,468
Total Liabilities	12,875,378	12,787,311
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6)	'	'
Common stock:	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	111,477	110,722
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, related to available-for-sale securities	14,954	-16,202
Retained earnings	168,166	168,877
Total Stockholders' Equity	437,122	332,616
Non-controlling interest - preferred stock	241,853	241,853
Total Equity	678,975	574,469
Total Liabilities and Equity	13,554,353	13,361,780
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Preferred stock:	'	'
Preferred Stock	58,333	58,333
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Preferred stock:	'	'
Preferred Stock	73,306	0
Common Class A, Voting [Member]	'	'
Common stock:	'	'
Common stock	1,031	1,031
Common Class B, Voting [Member]	'	'
Common stock:	'	'
Common stock	500	500
Common Class C, Non-Voting [Member]	'	'
Common stock:	'	'
Common stock	9,355	9,355
Investment Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	2,469,092	2,483,147
Trading, at fair value	923	928
Marketable Securities	2,470,015	2,484,075
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	3,489,263	5,091,600
Held-to-maturity Securities	1,660,270	0
Marketable Securities	5,149,533	5,091,600
USDA Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	1,600,659	1,553,669
Trading, at fair value	51,102	58,344
Marketable Securities	$1,651,761	$1,612,013

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Interest receivable	$65,223	$107,201
Accrued interest payable	37,104	53,772
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$25	$0
Preferred stock, shares authorized	3,000,000	0
Preferred Stock, shares issued	3,000,000	0
Preferred Stock, shares outstanding	3,000,000	0
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$25	$25
Preferred stock, shares authorized	2,400,000	2,400,000
Preferred Stock, shares issued	2,400,000	2,400,000
Preferred Stock, shares outstanding	2,400,000	2,400,000
Common Class A, Voting [Member]	'	'
Common stock, par value	$1	$1
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,030,780	1,030,780
Common Class B, Voting [Member]	'	'
Common stock, par value	$1	$1
Common stock, shares outstanding	500,301	500,301
Common Class C, Non-Voting [Member]	'	'
Common stock, par value	$1	$1
Common stock, shares outstanding	9,354,992	9,354,804
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'	'
Interest receivable	3,317	9,276
Accrued interest payable	$1,852	$2,823

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Interest income:	'		'
Loans	$14,369		$24,043
Total interest income	49,718	[1]	61,498
Total interest expense	34,726	[2]	33,128
Net interest income	14,992		28,370
Provision for loan losses	-573		-430
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	14,419		27,940
Non-interest income (loss):	'		'
Guarantee and commitment fees	6,518		6,612
(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities	-7,578		4,494
Gains on trading assets	655		210
Gains on sale of available-for-sale investment securities	15		2
(Losses)/gains on sale of real estate owned	-3		47
Other income	92		1,080
Non-interest (loss)/income	-301		12,445
Non-interest expense:	'		'
Compensation and employee benefits	4,456		4,698
General and administrative	2,794		2,917
Regulatory fees	594		594
Real estate owned operating costs, net	2		126
Provision for losses	101		746
Non-interest expense	7,947	[3]	9,081
Income before income taxes	6,171		31,304
Income tax (benefit)/expense	-1,141		8,716
Net income	7,312		22,588
Less: Net Income attributable to non-controlling Interest - preferred stock dividends	-5,547		-5,547
Net income attributable to Farmer Mac	1,765		17,041
Preferred stock dividends	-952		-851
Net income attributable to common stockholders	813		16,190
Earnings per common share and dividends:	'		'
Basic earnings per common share	$0.07		$1.51
Diluted earnings per common share	$0.07		$1.45
Common Stock dividends per common share	$0.14		$0.12
Investments and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'		'
Interest income:	'		'
Interest and dividend income, securities	5,237		5,734
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member]	'		'
Interest income:	'		'
Interest and dividend income, securities	$30,112		$31,721
[1]	Includes reconciling adjustments for the amortization of premiums and discounts on assets consolidated at fair value to reflect core earnings amounts.
[2]	Based on effective funding cost determined for each operating segment, including expenses related to interest rate swaps not designated as hedges, which are included in "(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities" on the consolidated financial statements.
[3]	Includes directly attributable costs and an allocation of indirectly attributable costs based on headcount.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Net income	$7,312,000		$22,588,000
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities (1)	34,241,000	[1]	21,812,000	[1]
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges (2)	-68,000	[2]	0	[2]
Gains on sale of available-for-sale investment securities (4)	-10,000	[3]	-1,000	[3]
Comprehensive income	38,468,000		40,978,000
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest - preferred stock dividends	-5,547,000		-5,547,000
Comprehensive income attributable to Farmer Mac	32,921,000		35,431,000
Other Comprehensive Income, Unrealized Holding Gain on Securities Arising During Period, Tax	18,400,000		11,700,000
Other Comprehensive Income, Unrealized Gain on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax	-37,000		'
Other Comprehensive Income, Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Tax	-5,000		-1,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'		'
Other comprehensive income	31,156,000		18,390,000
Financial derivatives and hedging activities [Member]	'		'
(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities (3)	-3,101,000	[4]	-3,207,000	[4]
Tax effects of reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, tax	-1,700,000		-1,700,000
Other income [Member]	'		'
Other income (5)	-94,000	[5]	214,000	[5]
Tax effects of reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, tax	$100,000		($100,000)
[1]	Presented net of income tax expense of $18.4 million and $11.7 million for the three months ended MarchB 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
[2]	Presented net of income tax benefit of $37,000 for the three months ended MarchB 31, 2014.
[3]	Represents realized gains on sales of available-for-sale investment securities. Presented net of income tax benefit of $5,000 and $1,000 for the three months ended MarchB 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
[4]	Relates to the amortization of the unrealized gains on the hedged items prior to application of hedge accounting. Presented net of income tax benefit of $1.7 million for both the three months ended MarchB 31, 2014 and 2013.
[5]	Represents amortization of deferred gains related to certain available-for-sale USDA Securities and Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities. Presented net of income tax expense of $0.1 million and tax benefit of $0.1 million for the three months ended MarchB 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EQU

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	$678,975	$628,828	$574,469	'
Net income attributable to Farmer Mac	1,765	17,041	'	'
Cash dividends:	'	'	'	'
Balance, end of period	678,975	628,828	574,469	'
Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period (Shares)	5,400	2,400	2,400	58
Balance, beginning of period	131,639	58,333	58,333	57,578
Cash dividends:	'	'	'	'
Balance, end of period (Shares)	5,400	2,400	2,400	58
Balance, end of period	131,639	58,333	58,333	57,578
Preferred Stock [Member] | Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Issuance of Series preferred stock (Shares)	0	2,400	'	'
Issuance of Series preferred stock	0	58,333	'	'
Issuance of Class C common stock (Shares)	0	2,400	'	'
Issuance of Class C common stock	0	58,333	'	'
Preferred Stock [Member] | Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Issuance of Series preferred stock (Shares)	3,000	0	'	'
Issuance of Series preferred stock	73,306	0	'	'
Issuance of Class C common stock (Shares)	3,000	0	'	'
Issuance of Class C common stock	73,306	0	'	'
Preferred Stock [Member] | Series C Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Redemption of Series C preferred stock (Shares)	0	-58	'	'
Redemption of Series C preferred stock	0	-57,578	'	'
Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period (Shares)	10,886	10,754	10,886	10,702
Balance, beginning of period	10,886	10,754	10,886	10,702
Issuance of Series preferred stock (Shares)	0	52	'	'
Issuance of Series preferred stock	0	52	'	'
Issuance of Class C common stock (Shares)	0	52	'	'
Issuance of Class C common stock	0	52	'	'
Cash dividends:	'	'	'	'
Balance, end of period (Shares)	10,886	10,754	10,886	10,702
Balance, end of period	10,886	10,754	10,886	10,702
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	111,477	108,386	110,722	106,617
Issuance of Series preferred stock	6	3	'	'
Issuance of Class C common stock	6	3	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	713	866	'	'
Tax effect of stock-based awards	36	900	'	'
Cash dividends:	'	'	'	'
Balance, end of period	111,477	108,386	110,722	106,617
Retaine Earnings [Member}	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	168,166	117,143	168,877	102,243
Net income attributable to Farmer Mac	1,765	17,041	'	'
Cash dividends:	'	'	'	'
Common stock ($0.14 per share in 2014 and $0.12 per share in 2013)	-1,524	-1,290	'	'
Balance, end of period	168,166	117,143	168,877	102,243
Retaine Earnings [Member} | Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Cash dividends:	'	'	'	'
Preferred Stock Series A ($0.3672 per share) Preferred stock, Series B ($0.105 per share) Preferred stock, Series C ($2.36 per share)	-881	-715	'	'
Retaine Earnings [Member} | Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Cash dividends:	'	'	'	'
Preferred Stock Series A ($0.3672 per share) Preferred stock, Series B ($0.105 per share) Preferred stock, Series C ($2.36 per share)	-71	0	'	'
Retaine Earnings [Member} | Series C Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Cash dividends:	'	'	'	'
Preferred Stock Series A ($0.3672 per share) Preferred stock, Series B ($0.105 per share) Preferred stock, Series C ($2.36 per share)	0	-136	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	14,954	92,359	-16,202	73,969
Cash dividends:	'	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income	31,156	18,390	'	'
Balance, end of period	14,954	92,359	-16,202	73,969
Total Stockholders Equity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	437,122	386,975	'	'
Cash dividends:	'	'	'	'
Balance, end of period	437,122	386,975	'	'
Non-controlling Interest - Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	241,853	241,853	241,853	241,853
Cash dividends:	'	'	'	'
Balance, end of period	$241,853	$241,853	$241,853	$241,853

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EQU1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Common stock dividend, per share, cash paid	$0.14	$0.12
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Preferred stock (in usd per share)	$0.37	$0.30
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Preferred stock (in usd per share)	$0	$2.36
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Preferred stock (in usd per share)	$0.11	$0

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net income	$7,312	$22,588
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Net amortization of deferred gains, premiums and discounts on loans, investments, Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities	13,983	2,712
Amortization of debt premiums, discounts and issuance costs	2,658	3,286
Net change in fair value of trading securities, hedged assets, financial derivatives and loans held for sale	3,029	-8,997
Gains on sale of available-for-sale investment securities	-15	-2
(Losses)/gains on sale of real estate owned	-3	47
Total provision for losses	674	1,176
Deferred income taxes	-6,009	1,992
Stock-based compensation expense	713	865
Proceeds from repayment and sale of trading investment securities	283	315
Proceeds from repayment of loans purchased as held for sale	42,713	66,095
Net change in:	'	'
Interest receivable	41,978	36,879
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable	31	-570
Other assets	-2,827	27,003
Accrued interest payable	-16,668	-16,305
Other liabilities	4,793	5,069
Net cash provided by operating activities	92,651	142,059
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of loans held for investment	-246,310	-190,149
Purchases of defaulted loans	-440	-140
Proceeds from repayment of loans purchased as held for investment	141,534	93,587
Proceeds from sale of real estate owned	11	203
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities	-76,945	79,194
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Excess tax benefits related to stock-based awards	36	613
Payments to third parties on debt securities of consolidated trusts	-11,868	-25,413
Proceeds from common stock issuance	6	888
Retirement of Series C Preferred stock	0	-57,578
Dividends paid - Non-controlling interest - preferred stock	-5,547	-5,547
Dividends paid on common and preferred stock	-2,405	-1,426
Net cash provided by financing activities	101,566	-113,430
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents	117,272	107,823
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	749,313	785,564
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	866,585	893,387
Medium-term Notes [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of discount notes and medium-term notes	750,354	703,268
Payments to redeem discount notes and medium-term notes	-687,000	-419,000
Discount Notes [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of discount notes and medium-term notes	15,566,728	15,653,949
Payments to redeem discount notes and medium-term notes	-15,582,044	-16,021,517
Investment Securities [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of available-for-sale investment securities and Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities	-369,120	-244,819
Proceeds from repayment of available-for-sale investment securities, Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities	370,084	439,135
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale investment securities	10,015	15,014
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of available-for-sale investment securities and Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities	-289,484	-222,187
Proceeds from repayment of available-for-sale investment securities, Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities	244,014	163,508
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from sale of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	62,751	25,042
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from Preferred Stock Issuances	0	58,333
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from Preferred Stock Issuances	$73,306	$0

Accounting_Policies

Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Accounting Policies Disclosure	'
	ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	The interim unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation ("Farmer Mac") and subsidiaries have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). These interim unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present a fair statement of the financial position and the results of operations and cash flows of Farmer Mac and subsidiaries for the interim periods presented. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the annual consolidated financial statements have been omitted as permitted by SEC rules and regulations. The December 31, 2013 consolidated balance sheet presented in this report has been derived from Farmer Mac's audited 2013 consolidated financial statements. Management believes that the disclosures are adequate to present fairly the consolidated financial statements as of the dates and for the periods presented. These interim unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the 2013 consolidated financial statements of Farmer Mac and subsidiaries included in Farmer Mac's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the SEC on March 13, 2014. That Form 10-K describes Farmer Mac's significant accounting policies, which include its policies on Principles of Consolidation; Cash and Cash Equivalents and Statements of Cash Flows; Investment Securities, Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, and USDA Securities; Loans; Securitization of Loans; Non-accrual Loans; Real Estate Owned; Financial Derivatives; Notes Payable; Allowance for Losses; Earnings Per Common Share; Income Taxes; Stock-Based Compensation; Comprehensive Income; Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments; Fair Value Measurement; and Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities ("VIEs"). Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of those that may be expected for the fiscal year. Presented below are Farmer Mac's significant accounting policies that contain updated information for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Farmer Mac and its two subsidiaries: (1) Farmer Mac Mortgage Securities Corporation ("FMMSC"), whose principal activities are to facilitate the purchase and issuance of securities guaranteed by Farmer Mac that represent interests in, or obligations secured by, pools of eligible loans ("Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities") and (2) Farmer Mac II LLC, whose principal activity is the operation of substantially all of the business related to the USDA Guarantees line of business – primarily the acquisition of USDA Securities.  The consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of VIEs in which Farmer Mac determined itself to be the primary beneficiary.
	The following tables present, by line of business, details about the consolidation of VIEs:
	Table 1.1
		Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities
		31-Mar-14
		Farm & Ranch		USDA Guarantees			Rural Utilities			Institutional Credit			Corporate				Total
		(in thousands)
	On-Balance Sheet:
	Consolidated VIEs:
	Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost (1)	$	312,569	$	—		$	296,895		$	—		$	—			$	609,464
	Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties (2)	312,643		—			—			—			—				312,643
	Unconsolidated VIEs:
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	Carrying value (3)	—		21,608			—			33,098			—				54,706
	Maximum exposure to loss (4)	—		20,894			—			30,000			—				50,894
	Investment securities:
	Carrying value (5)	—		—			—			—			572,345				572,345
	Maximum exposure to loss (4) (5)	—		—			—			—			579,225				579,225
	Off-Balance Sheet:
	Unconsolidated VIEs:
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	Maximum exposure to loss (4) (6)	731,574		19,562			—			970,000			—				1,721,136
	(1) Includes unamortized premiums related to Rural Utilities of $4.4 million.
	(2) Includes borrower remittances of $0.1 million, which have not been passed through to third party investors as of March 31, 2014.
	(3) Includes unamortized premiums and discounts and fair value adjustments related to USDA Guarantees and Institutional Credit of $0.7 million and $3.1 million, respectively.
	(4) Farmer Mac uses unpaid principal balance and outstanding face amount of investment securities to represent maximum exposure to loss.
	(5) Includes auction-rate certificates, asset-backed securities and government-sponsored enterprise ("GSE")-guaranteed mortgage-backed securities.
	(6) The Farm & Ranch amount relates to unconsolidated trusts where Farmer Mac determined it was not the primary beneficiary due to shared power with an unrelated party.
		Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities
		31-Dec-13
		Farm & Ranch		USDA Guarantees			Rural Utilities			Institutional Credit			Corporate				Total
		(in thousands)
	On-Balance Sheet:
	Consolidated VIEs:
	Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost (1)	$	259,509	$	—		$	370,480		$	—		$	—			$	629,989
	Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties (2)	261,760		—			—			—			—				261,760
	Unconsolidated VIEs:
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	Carrying value (3)	—		21,234			—			33,248			—				54,482
	Maximum exposure to loss (4)	—		21,088			—			30,000			—				51,088
	Investment securities:
	Carrying value (5)	—		—			—			—			533,688				533,688
	Maximum exposure to loss (4) (5)	—		—			—			—			540,726				540,726
	Off-Balance Sheet:
	Unconsolidated VIEs:
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	Maximum exposure to loss (4) (6)	765,751		20,222			—			970,000			—				1,755,973
	(1) Includes unamortized premiums related to Rural Utilities of $16.2 million.
	(2) Includes borrower remittances of $2.3 million, which have not been passed through to third party investors as of December 31, 2013.
	(3) Includes unamortized premiums and discounts and fair value adjustments related to USDA Guarantees and Institutional Credit of $0.1 million and $3.2 million, respectively.
	(4) Farmer Mac uses unpaid principal balance and the outstanding face amount of investment securities to represent maximum exposure to loss.
	(5) Includes auction-rate certificates, asset-backed securities and GSE-guaranteed mortgage-backed securities.
	(6) The Farm & Ranch amount relates to unconsolidated trusts where Farmer Mac determined it was not the primary beneficiary due to shared power with an unrelated party.
	A guarantee by Farmer Mac of timely payment of principal and interest is an explicit element of the terms of all Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities.  When Farmer Mac retains such securities in its portfolio, that guarantee is not extinguished.  For Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities held in Farmer Mac's portfolio, Farmer Mac has entered into guarantee arrangements with FMMSC.  The guarantee fee rate established between Farmer Mac and FMMSC is an element in determining the fair value of these Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, and guarantee fees related to these securities are reflected in guarantee and commitment fees in the consolidated statements of operations.  These guarantee fees totaled $2.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, respectively. The corresponding expense of FMMSC has been eliminated against interest income in consolidation.  All other inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents and Statements of Cash Flows
	Farmer Mac considers highly liquid investment securities with maturities at the time of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of their approximate fair value.  Changes in the balance of cash and cash equivalents are reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
	The following table sets forth information regarding certain cash and non-cash transactions for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Table 1.2
		For the Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-14		31-Mar-13
	(in thousands)
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	36,535	$	33,068
Income taxes	—		—
Non-cash activity:
Real estate owned acquired through loan liquidation	—		1,034
Loans acquired and securitized as Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	62,751		25,042
Purchases of investment securities traded, not yet settled	—		325,000
Consolidation of Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities from off-balance sheet to loans held for investment in consolidated trusts and to debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	62,751		25,042
Transfers of loans held for sale to loans held for investment	—		673,991
Transfers of available-for-sale Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities to held-to-maturity	1,589,775		—
On January 1, 2014, Farmer Mac transferred $1.6 billion of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity because Farmer Mac determined it has the ability and intent to hold these securities until maturity or payoff. Farmer Mac transferred these securities at fair value which reflected an unrealized holding gain of $22.3 million. Farmer Mac accounts for held-to-maturity securities at amortized cost.
On January 1, 2013, Farmer Mac transferred $674.0 million of loans from held for sale to held for investment because Farmer Mac either (1) no longer intends to sell these loans in the foreseeable future or (2) securitizes these loans using VIEs that are ultimately consolidated on Farmer Mac's balance sheet and reported as "Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost." Farmer Mac transferred these loans at the lower of cost or fair value (determined on a pooled basis). Farmer Mac recorded a $5.9 million unamortized discount for loans transferred at fair value. At the time of purchase, loans are classified as either held for sale or held for investment depending upon management's intent and ability to hold the loans for the foreseeable future. Cash receipts from the repayment of loans are classified within the statements of cash flows based on management's intent upon purchase of the loan.
(b)	Earnings Per Common Share
Basic earnings per common share ("EPS") is based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding.  Diluted earnings per common share is based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding adjusted to include all potentially dilutive common stock options, stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), and non-vested restricted stock awards.  The following schedule reconciles basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
Table 1.3
	For the Three Months Ended
	31-Mar-14							31-Mar-13
	Net		Weighted-Average Shares		$ per			Net			Weighted-Average Shares			$ per
	Income				Share			Income						Share
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Basic EPS
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	813	10,887		$	0.07		$	16,190		10,737			$	1.51
Effect of dilutive securities (1):
Stock options, SARs and restricted stock	—		459		—			—			424			(0.06		)
Diluted EPS	$	813	11,346		$	0.07		$	16,190		11,161			$	1.45
-1	For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, stock options and SARs of 32,983 and 4,000, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because they were anti-dilutive. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, contingent shares of non-vested restricted stock of 31,594 and 25,300, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because performance conditions were not met.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications of prior period information were made to conform to the current period presentation.

Investment_Securities

Investment Securities (Investment Securities [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investment Securities [Member]	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'
Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	INVESTMENT SECURITIES
	The following tables present the amount outstanding, amortized cost, and fair values of Farmer Mac's investment securities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Table 2.1
		March 31, 2014
		Amount Outstanding		Unamortized Premium/(Discount)			Amortized		Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair Value
							Cost		Gains			Losses
		(in thousands)
	Available-for-sale:
	Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans	$	74,100	$	—		$	74,100	$	—		$	(9,137	)	$	64,963
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	177,999		(176		)	177,823		385			(13		)	178,195
	Floating rate corporate debt securities	107,130		2			107,132		411			(1		)	107,542
	Fixed rate corporate debt securities	55,000		32			55,032		158			—			55,190
	Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	640,910		4,056			644,966		4,891			(640		)	649,217
	Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities (1)	1,123		3,860			4,983		3,601			—			8,584
	Floating rate GSE subordinated debt	70,000		—			70,000		—			(6,615		)	63,385
	Fixed rate GSE preferred stock	78,500		253			78,753		2,887			—			81,640
	Fixed rate taxable municipal bonds	22,053		47			22,100		7			—			22,107
	Fixed rate senior agency debt	518,691		204			518,895		149			(129		)	518,915
	Floating rate U.S. Treasuries	75,000		(16		)	74,984		—			(26		)	74,958
	Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries	643,692		608			644,300		100			(4		)	644,396
	Total available-for-sale	2,464,198		8,870			2,473,068		12,589			(16,565		)	2,469,092
	Trading:
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	3,270		—			3,270		—			(2,347		)	923
	Total investment securities	$	2,467,468	$	8,870		$	2,476,338	$	12,589		$	(18,912	)	$	2,470,015
	-1	Fair value includes $7.4 million of an interest-only security with a notional amount of $152.4 million.
		December 31, 2013
		Amount Outstanding		Unamortized Premium/(Discount)			Amortized		Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair Value
							Cost		Gains			Losses
		(in thousands)
	Available-for-sale:
	Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans	$	74,100	$	—		$	74,100	$	—		$	(8,815	)	$	65,285
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	166,185		(217		)	165,968		195			(59		)	166,104
	Floating rate corporate debt securities	109,345		(3		)	109,342		445			(18		)	109,769
	Fixed rate corporate debt securities	55,000		48			55,048		97			(4		)	55,141
	Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	612,413		4,336			616,749		4,955			(435		)	621,269
	Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities (1)	1,173		3,966			5,139		3,518			—			8,657
	Floating rate GSE subordinated debt	70,000		—			70,000		—			(6,615		)	63,385
	Fixed rate GSE preferred stock	78,500		365			78,865		4,296			—			83,161
	Fixed rate taxable municipal bonds	30,595		84			30,679		5			(3		)	30,681
	Fixed rate senior agency debt	523,691		294			523,985		107			(30		)	524,062
	Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries	754,405		1,141			755,546		95			(8		)	755,633
	Total available-for-sale	2,475,407		10,014			2,485,421		13,713			(15,987		)	2,483,147
	Trading:
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	3,553		—			3,553		—			(2,625		)	928
	Total investment securities	$	2,478,960	$	10,014		$	2,488,974	$	13,713		$	(18,612	)	$	2,484,075
	-1	Fair value includes $7.4 million of an interest-only security with a notional amount of $152.4 million.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, Farmer Mac received proceeds of $10.0 million from the sale of securities from its available-for-sale investment portfolio, resulting in gross realized gains of $15,000, compared to proceeds of $15.0 million for the same period in 2013, resulting in gross realized gains of $2,000.
	As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, unrealized losses on available-for-sale investment securities were as follows:
	Table 2.2
		March 31, 2014
		Available-for-Sale Securities
		Unrealized loss position for					Unrealized loss position for
		less than 12 months					more than 12 months
		Fair Value		Unrealized			Fair Value		Unrealized
				Loss					Loss
		(in thousands)
	Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans	$	—	$	—		$	64,963	$	(9,137	)
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	21,645		(13		)	—		—
	Floating rate corporate debt securities	4,999		(1		)	—		—
	Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	230,889		(615		)	7,337		(25		)
	Floating rate GSE subordinated debt	—		—			63,385		(6,615		)
	Fixed rate senior agency debt	284,512		(129		)	—		—
	Floating rate U.S. Treasuries	74,958		(26		)	—		—
Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries	150,045		(4		)	—		—
Total	$	767,048	$	(788	)	$	135,685	$	(15,777	)
	December 31, 2013
	Available-for-Sale Securities
	Unrealized loss position for					Unrealized loss position for
	less than 12 months					more than 12 months
	Fair Value		Unrealized			Fair Value		Unrealized
			Loss					Loss
	(in thousands)
Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans	$	—	$	—		$	65,285	$	(8,815	)
Floating rate asset-backed securities	50,129		(59		)	—		—
Floating rate corporate debt securities	19,982		(18		)	—		—
Fixed rate corporate debt securities	10,058		(4		)	—		—
Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	161,960		(435		)	—		—
Floating rate GSE subordinated debt	—		—			63,385		(6,615		)
Fixed rate taxable municipal bonds	8,041		(3		)	—		—
Fixed rate senior agency debt	316,273		(30		)	—		—
Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries	118,056		(8		)	—		—
Total	$	684,499	$	(557	)	$	128,670	$	(15,430	)
The unrealized losses presented above are principally due to a general widening of credit spreads from the dates of acquisition to March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, as applicable. The resulting decrease in fair values reflect an increase in the perceived risk by the financial markets related to those securities. As of March 31, 2014, all of the investment securities in an unrealized loss position had credit ratings of at least "AA+," except one, comprising the floating rate GSE subordinated debt category, that was rated "A-". As of December 31, 2013, all of the investment securities in an unrealized loss position had credit ratings of at least "AA+," except two that were rated "A-" and one that was rated "BBB+". The unrealized losses were on 45 and 64 individual investment securities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
As of March 31, 2014, 10 of the securities in loss positions had been in loss positions for more than 12 months and had a total unrealized loss of $15.8 million. As of December 31, 2013, 7 of the securities in loss positions had been in loss positions for more than 12 months and had a total unrealized loss of $15.4 million.  Securities in unrealized loss positions for 12 months or longer have a fair value as of March 31, 2014 that is, on average, approximately 89.6 percent of their amortized cost basis. Farmer Mac believes that all of these unrealized losses are recoverable within a reasonable period of time by way of changes in credit spreads or maturity. Accordingly, Farmer Mac has concluded that none of the unrealized losses on these available-for-sale investment securities represents other-than-temporary impairment as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Farmer Mac does not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that Farmer Mac will be required to sell the securities before recovery of the amortized cost basis.
Farmer Mac did not own any held-to-maturity investment securities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. As of March 31, 2014, Farmer Mac owned trading investment securities with an amortized cost of $3.3 million, a fair value of $0.9 million, and a weighted average yield of 4.24 percent. As of December 31, 2013, Farmer Mac owned trading investment securities with an amortized cost of $3.6 million, a fair value of $0.9 million, and a weighted average yield of 4.25 percent.
The amortized cost, fair value, and weighted average yield of available-for-sale investment securities by remaining contractual maturity as of March 31, 2014 are set forth below. Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities are included based on their final maturities, although the actual maturities may differ due to prepayments of the underlying assets.
Table 2.3
	March 31, 2014
	Available-for-Sale Securities
	Amortized		Fair Value			Weighted-
	Cost					Average
						Yield
	(dollars in thousands)
Due within one year	$	1,246,490	$	1,246,691		0.43%
Due after one year through five years	288,599		289,722			0.84%
Due after five years through ten years	325,128		323,229			0.79%
Due after ten years	612,851		609,450			2.35%
Total	$	2,473,068	$	2,469,092		1.00%

Farmer_Mac_Guaranteed_Securiti

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities (Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member]	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'
Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	FARMER MAC GUARANTEED SECURITIES AND USDA SECURITIES
	The following tables set forth information about on-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Table 3.1
		March 31, 2014
		Unpaid Principal Balance		Unamortized Premium/(Discount)			Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair Value
							Cost		Gains		Losses
		(in thousands)
	Held-to-maturity:
	AgVantage	$	1,641,150	$	19,120		$	1,660,270	—		—			—
	Available-for-sale:
	AgVantage	$	3,470,937	$	—		$	3,470,937	$	35,565	$	(38,847	)	$	3,467,655
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	20,894		(494		)	20,400		1,210		(2		)	21,608
	Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	3,491,831		(494		)	3,491,337		36,775		(38,849		)	3,489,263
	USDA Securities	1,597,956		4,591			1,602,547		7,346		(9,234		)	1,600,659
	Total available-for-sale	$	5,089,787	$	4,097		$	5,093,884	$	44,121	$	(48,083	)	$	5,089,922
	Trading:
	USDA Securities	$	48,283	$	4,441		$	52,724	$	151	$	(1,773	)	$	51,102
		December 31, 2013
		Unpaid Principal Balance		Unamortized Premium/(Discount)			Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair Value
							Cost		Gains		Losses
		(in thousands)
	Available-for-sale:
	AgVantage	$	5,066,855	$	125		$	5,066,980	$	64,051	$	(60,665	)	$	5,070,366
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	21,089		(518		)	20,571		669		(6		)	21,234
	Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	5,087,944		(393		)	5,087,551		64,720		(60,671		)	5,091,600
	USDA Securities	1,590,433		4,585			1,595,018		2,753		(44,102		)	1,553,669
	Total available-for-sale	$	6,678,377	$	4,192		$	6,682,569	$	67,473	$	(104,773	)	$	6,645,269
	Trading:
	USDA Securities	$	55,373	$	4,972		$	60,345	$	193	$	(2,194	)	$	58,344
	The unrealized losses presented above are principally due to higher interest rates from the date of acquisition to March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, as applicable.  The credit exposure related to Farmer Mac's USDA Guarantees line of business is covered by the full faith and credit guarantee of the United States.  As of March 31, 2014, 13 AgVantage securities in loss positions that are secured by Farm & Ranch loans had been in a loss position for more than 12 months with a total unrealized loss of $27.4 million. AgVantage® is a registered trademark of Farmer Mac used to designate Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities that are general obligations of lenders secured by pools of eligible loans. Each AgVantage security that is secured by Farm & Ranch loans held by the issuing institution requires some level of overcollateralization, the removal of delinquent loans from the collateral pool, and the replacement of delinquent loans with current eligible loans. Thus, Farmer Mac does not believe it will realize any of those losses. None of the Rural Utilities Guaranteed Securities has been in an unrealized loss position for greater than 12 months. Farmer Mac has concluded that none of the unrealized losses on its available-for-sale Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities represents an other-than-temporary impairment as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.  Farmer Mac does not intend to sell these securities, and it is not more likely than not that Farmer Mac will be required to sell the securities before recovery of the amortized cost basis.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, Farmer Mac realized no gains or losses from the sale of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities.
	The amortized cost, fair value, and weighted average yield of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities by remaining contractual maturity as of March 31, 2014 are set forth below. The balances presented are based on their final maturities, although the actual maturities may differ due to prepayments of the underlying assets.
	Table 3.2
		31-Mar-14
		Available-for-Sale Securities
		Amortized		Fair Value			Weighted-
		Cost					Average
							Yield
		(dollars in thousands)
	Due within one year	$	785,824	$	788,681		1.93	%
	Due after one year through five years	1,561,316		1,578,618			1.89	%
	Due after five years through ten years	879,210		874,896			1.79	%
	Due after ten years	1,867,534		1,847,727			2.59	%
	Total	$	5,093,884	$	5,089,922		2.13	%
		31-Mar-14
		Held-to-Maturity Securities
		Amortized		Fair Value			Weighted-
		Cost					Average
							Yield
		(dollars in thousands)
	Due within one year	$	1,124	$	1,007		4.34	%
	Due after one year through five years	1,659,146		1,661,337			2.45	%
	Total	$	1,660,270	$	1,662,344		2.45	%
	Farmer Mac did not own any held-to-maturity Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities or USDA Securities as of December 31, 2013. See Note 1(a) for more information about the transfer of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities to held-to-maturity as of January 1, 2014. As of March 31, 2014, Farmer Mac owned trading USDA Securities with an amortized cost of $52.7 million, a fair value of $51.1 million, and a weighted average yield of 5.56 percent. As of December 31, 2013, Farmer Mac owned trading USDA Securities with an amortized cost of $60.3 million, a fair value of $58.3 million, and a weighted average yield of 5.60 percent.

Financial_Derivatives

Financial Derivatives	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure	'
	FINANCIAL DERIVATIVES
	Farmer Mac enters into financial derivative transactions principally to protect against risk from the effects of market price or interest rate movements on the value of certain assets, future cash flows, or debt issuance, and not for trading or speculative purposes.  Certain financial derivatives are designated as fair value hedges of fixed rate assets classified as available-for-sale to protect against fair value changes in the assets related to a benchmark interest rate (i.e., LIBOR). Other financial derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges to mitigate the volatility of future interest rate payments on floating rate debt.
	All financial derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value as a freestanding asset or liability. Changes in the fair values of financial derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges are reported in "(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities" in the consolidated statements of operations. For financial derivatives designated in fair value hedging relationships, changes in the fair values of the hedged items related to the risk being hedged are also reported in "(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities" in the consolidated statements of operations. For financial derivatives designated in cash flow hedging relationships, the effective portion of the derivative gain/loss is recorded in other comprehensive income; amounts are disclosed as a reclassification out of other comprehensive income when the hedged transaction affects earnings. Any ineffective portion of designated hedge transactions is recognized immediately in"(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities" in the consolidated statements of operations.
	As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Farmer Mac's credit exposure to interest rate swap counterparties, excluding netting arrangements and any adjustment for nonperformance risk, but including accrued interest, was $19.3 million and $25.1 million, respectively; however, including netting arrangements and accrued interest, Farmer Mac's credit exposure was $2.3 million and $3.3 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Farmer Mac held no cash as collateral for its derivatives in net asset positions, resulting in uncollateralized net asset positions of $2.3 million and $3.0 million, respectively. Farmer Mac records cash held as collateral as an increase in the balance of cash and cash equivalents and an increase in the balance of accounts payable and accrued expenses.
	As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the fair value of Farmer Mac's derivatives in a net liability position including accrued interest but excluding netting arrangements and any adjustment for nonperformance risk, was $81.5 million and $92.0 million, respectively; however, including netting arrangements and accrued interest, the fair value of Farmer Mac's derivatives in a net liability position at the counterparty level, was $68.6 million and $74.8 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  Farmer Mac posted cash of $14.2 million and no investment securities as of March 31, 2014 and posted cash of $9.8 million and investment securities with a fair value of $1.5 million as of December 31, 2013 as collateral for its derivatives in net liability positions.  Farmer Mac records posted cash as a reduction in the outstanding balance of cash and cash equivalents and an increase in the balance of prepaid expenses and other assets. The investment securities posted as collateral are included in the investment securities balances on the consolidated balance sheets.  If Farmer Mac had breached certain provisions of the derivative contracts as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements or post additional collateral of $54.4 million and $63.5 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were no financial derivatives in a net payable position where Farmer Mac was required to pledge collateral which the counterparty had the right to sell or repledge.
	Effective in second quarter 2013, Farmer Mac expanded its use of centrally-cleared derivatives by clearing through a clearinghouse certain interest rate swaps. Farmer Mac posts initial and variation margin to the clearinghouses through which centrally-cleared derivatives and futures contracts are traded. These collateral postings expose Farmer Mac to institutional credit risk in the event that either the clearinghouse or the futures commission merchant that Farmer Mac uses to post collateral to the clearinghouse fails to meet its obligations. Conversely, the use of centrally-cleared derivatives mitigates Farmer Mac's credit risk to individual counterparties because clearinghouses assume the credit risk among counterparties in centrally-cleared derivatives transactions. Of Farmer Mac's $6.6 billion notional amount of interest rate swaps outstanding as of March 31, 2014, $3.1 billion were cleared through swap clearinghouses.
	Farmer Mac’s counterparties are required to pledge collateral for transactions involving securities purchased under agreements to resell. Farmer Mac considers the types of securities being pledged as collateral when determining how much to lend in these transactions. Additionally, Farmer Mac regularly reviews the fair values of these securities compared to amounts loaned and derivative counterparty collateral posting thresholds in an effort to minimize exposure to losses. The fair value of non-cash collateral accepted for securities purchased under agreements to resell or similar arrangements was $150.0 million, all of which could be sold or repledged; however, none of the underlying collateral was sold or repledged as of March 31, 2014. There were no securities purchased under agreements to resell as of December 31, 2013.
	The following tables summarize information related to Farmer Mac's financial derivatives on a gross basis without giving consideration to master netting arrangements as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and the effects of financial derivatives on the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Table 4.1
		March 31, 2014
					Fair Value						Weighted-	Weighted-	Weighted-	Weighted-
											Average	Average Receive Rate	Average	Average
											Pay Rate		Forward	Remaining
		Notional Amount			Asset			(Liability)					Price	Life (in years)
		(dollars in thousands)
	Fair value hedges:
	Interest rate swaps:
	Pay fixed non-callable	$	900,000		$	—		$	(28,789	)	2.25%	0.24%		3
	Cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate swaps:
	Pay fixed non-callable	10,000			—			(36		)	2.50%	0.48%		6.7
	No hedge designation:
	Interest rate swaps:
	Pay fixed non-callable	507,820			3,074			(43,448		)	4.28%	0.24%		7.55
	Receive fixed non-callable	4,431,663			8,045			(183		)	0.26%	0.68%		0.47
	Receive fixed callable	195,000			4			(1,081		)	0.10%	0.65%		3.03
	Basis swaps	565,189			336			(572		)	0.25%	0.26%		1.86
	Agency forwards	—			—			—					—
	Treasury futures	18,400			15			—					123.58
	Credit valuation adjustment				(117		)	222
	Total financial derivatives	$	6,628,072		$	11,357		$	(73,887	)
	Collateral pledged				—			14,223
	Net amount				$	11,357		$	(59,664	)
		December 31, 2013
					Fair Value						Weighted-	Weighted-	Weighted-	Weighted-
											Average	Average Receive Rate	Average	Average
											Pay Rate		Forward	Remaining
		Notional Amount			Asset			(Liability)					Price	Life (in years)
		(dollars in thousands)
	Fair value hedges:
	Interest rate swaps:
	Pay fixed non-callable	$	900,000		$	—		$	(28,989	)	2.25%	0.24%		3.25
	Cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate swaps:
	Pay fixed non-callable	10,000			68			—			2.50%	0.48%		6.95
	No hedge designation:
	Interest rate swaps:
	Pay fixed non-callable	806,596			7,570			(45,360		)	4.63%	0.24%		4.86
	Receive fixed non-callable	4,324,663			11,836			(262		)	0.27%	0.70%		0.53
	Receive fixed callable	175,000			83			(934		)	0.10%	0.65%		3.3
	Basis swaps	404,288			276			(318		)	0.32%	0.29%		1.52
	Agency forwards	65,704			86			—					98.91
	Treasury futures	5,600			—			(1		)			123.02
	Credit valuation adjustment				(201		)	156
	Total financial derivatives	$	6,691,851		$	19,718		$	(75,708	)
	Collateral pledged				—			11,320
	Net amount				$	19,718		$	(64,388	)
	Table 4.2
		(Losses)/Gains on Financial Derivatives and Hedging Activities
		For the Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-14			31-Mar-13
		(in thousands)
	Fair value hedges:
Interest rate swaps (1)	$	200		$	5,791
Hedged items	2,750			(3,138		)
Gains on hedging activities	2,950			2,653
No hedge designation:
Interest rate swaps	(9,548		)	2,846
Agency forwards	(852		)	(984		)
Treasury futures	(128		)	(21		)
(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives not designated in hedging relationships	(10,528		)	1,841
(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities	$	(7,578	)	$	4,494
-1	Included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness at March 31, 2014, but excluded from the amounts in the table, were losses of $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, attributable to the fair value of the swaps at the inception of the hedging relationship. Accordingly, the amounts recognized as hedge ineffectiveness for the three months ended March 31, 2014 were gains of $29,000. The comparable amounts at March 31, 2013 were losses of $3.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 attributable to the fair value of the swaps at the inception of the hedging relationship and, accordingly, losses of $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 attributable to hedge ineffectiveness.
As of March 31, 2014, Farmer Mac had outstanding basis swaps with Zions First National Bank, a related party, with a total notional amount of $22.1 million and a fair value of $(0.2) million, compared to $29.3 million and $(0.2) million, respectively, as of December 31, 2013.  Under the terms of those basis swaps, Farmer Mac pays Constant Maturity Treasury-based rates and receives LIBOR.  Those swaps hedge most of the interest rate basis risk related to loans Farmer Mac purchases that pay a Constant Maturity Treasury-based rate and the discount notes Farmer Mac issues to fund the loan purchases.  The pricing of discount notes is closely correlated to LIBOR rates.  Farmer Mac recorded unrealized gains on those outstanding basis swaps for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 of $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Losses

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance [Abstract]	'
Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses and Concentration Risk Disclosure	'
		LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOSSES
	Loans
	Farmer Mac classifies loans as either held for investment or held for sale. Loans held for investment are recorded at the unpaid principal balance, net of unamortized premium or discount and other cost adjustments. Loans held for sale are reported at the lower of cost or fair value determined on a pooled basis. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Farmer Mac had no loans held for sale. The following table displays the composition of the loan balances as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Table 5.1
		31-Mar-14									December 31, 2013
		Unsecuritized			In Consolidated Trusts			Total			Unsecuritized			In Consolidated Trusts			Total
		(in thousands)
	Farm & Ranch	$	1,910,389		$	312,569		$	2,222,958		$	1,875,958		$	259,509		$	2,135,467
	Rural Utilities	734,717			292,529			1,027,246			698,010			354,241			1,052,251
	Total unpaid principal balance (1)	2,645,106			605,098			3,250,204			2,573,968			613,750			3,187,718
	Unamortized premiums, discounts and other cost basis adjustments	(3,392		)	4,366			974			(3,843		)	16,239			12,396
	Total loans	2,641,714			609,464			3,251,178			2,570,125			629,989			3,200,114
	Allowance for loan losses	(6,959		)	(451		)	(7,410		)	(6,587		)	(279		)	(6,866		)
	Total loans, net of allowance	$	2,634,755		$	609,013		$	3,243,768		$	2,563,538		$	629,710		$	3,193,248
	-1	Unpaid principal balance is the basis of presentation in disclosures of outstanding balances for Farmer Mac's lines of business.
	Allowances for Losses
	Farmer Mac maintains an allowance for loan losses to cover estimated probable losses on loans held and a reserve for losses to cover estimated probable losses on loans underlying long-term standby purchase commitments ("LTSPCs") and off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities.  As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Farmer Mac recorded allowances for losses of $14.0 million and $13.3 million, respectively. See Note 3 and Note 6 for more information about Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities.  Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities do not include AgVantage securities with regard to the allowance for losses discussion.
	Farmer Mac's allowance for losses is presented in two components on its consolidated balance sheets:
	•	an "Allowance for loan losses" on loans held; and
	•	a "Reserve for losses" on loans underlying LTSPCs and off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities.
	The following is a summary of the changes in the total allowance for losses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Table 5.2
		31-Mar-14									31-Mar-13
		Allowance			Reserve			Total			Allowance			Reserve			Total
		for Loan			for Losses			Allowance			for Loan			for Losses			Allowance
		Losses						for Losses			Losses						for Losses
	For the Three Months Ended:	(in thousands)
	Beginning Balance	$	6,866		$	6,468		$	13,334		$	11,351		$	5,539		$	16,890
	Provision for losses	573			101			674			430			746			1,176
	Charge-offs	(29		)	—			(29		)	(3,814		)	—			(3,814		)
	Ending Balance	$	7,410		$	6,569		$	13,979		$	7,967		$	6,285		$	14,252
	During first quarter 2014, Farmer Mac recorded provisions to its allowance for loan losses of $0.6 million and provisions to its reserve for losses of $0.1 million. Farmer Mac also recorded $29,000 of charge-offs to its allowance for loan losses during first quarter 2014. During first quarter 2013, Farmer Mac recorded provisions to its allowance for loan losses of $0.4 million and provisions to its reserve for losses of $0.7 million. Farmer Mac also recorded charge-offs of $3.8 million to its allowance for loan losses during first quarter 2013, which included a $3.6 million charge-off related to one ethanol loan that transitioned to real estate owned ("REO") during first quarter 2013 and for which Farmer Mac had previously provided a specific allowance.
	The following tables present the changes in the allowance for losses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 by commodity type:
	Table 5.3
		For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
					Plantings						Farm			Processing
														(including ethanol
														facilities)
		(in thousands)
	Beginning Balance	$	2,124		$	2,186		$	1,271		$	454		$	7,292		$	7		$	13,334
	Provision for/(release of) losses	154			(55		)	116			39			423			(3		)	674
	Charge-offs	—			—			—			(29		)	—			—			(29		)
	Ending Balance	$	2,278		$	2,131		$	1,387		$	464		$	7,715		$	4		$	13,979
		For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
		Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
					Plantings						Farm			Processing
														(including ethanol
														facilities)
		(in thousands)
	Beginning Balance	$	2,589		$	2,316		$	1,534		$	784		$	9,661		$	6		$	16,890
	Provision for/(release of) losses	28			199			53			(51		)	935			12			1,176
	Charge-offs	—			(189		)	—			—			(3,625		)	—			(3,814		)
	Ending Balance	$	2,617		$	2,326		$	1,587		$	733		$	6,971		$	18		$	14,252
	The following tables present the unpaid principal balances of loans held and loans underlying LTSPCs and off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and the related allowance for losses by impairment method and commodity type as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Table 5.4
		As of March 31, 2014
		Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
					Plantings						Farm			Processing
														(including ethanol
														facilities)
		(in thousands)
	Ending Balance:
Collectively evaluated for impairment:
On-balance sheet	$	1,395,277		$	306,566		$	359,633		$	38,605		$	41,717		$	1,325		$	2,143,123
Off-balance sheet	1,343,148			558,241			908,732			106,983			133,808			7,863			3,058,775
Total	$	2,738,425		$	864,807		$	1,268,365		$	145,588		$	175,525		$	9,188		$	5,201,898
Individually evaluated for impairment:
On-balance sheet	$	19,854		$	39,864		$	9,193		$	10,924		$	—		$	—		$	79,835
Off-balance sheet	3,316			3,375			4,269			1,282			—			—			12,242
Total	$	23,170		$	43,239		$	13,462		$	12,206		$	—		$	—		$	92,077
Total Farm & Ranch loans:
On-balance sheet	$	1,415,131		$	346,430		$	368,826		$	49,529		$	41,717		$	1,325		$	2,222,958
Off-balance sheet	1,346,464			561,616			913,001			108,265			133,808			7,863			3,071,017
Total	$	2,761,595		$	908,046		$	1,281,827		$	157,794		$	175,525		$	9,188		$	5,293,975
Allowance for Losses:
Collectively evaluated for impairment:
On-balance sheet	$	1,469		$	301		$	582		$	24		$	2,606		$	—		$	4,982
Off-balance sheet	363			155			626			48			5,109			4			6,305
Total	$	1,832		$	456		$	1,208		$	72		$	7,715		$	4		$	11,287
Individually evaluated for impairment:
On-balance sheet	$	361		$	1,608		$	100		$	359		$	—		$	—		$	2,428
Off-balance sheet	85			67			79			33			—			—			264
Total	$	446		$	1,675		$	179		$	392		$	—		$	—		$	2,692
Total Farm & Ranch loans:
On-balance sheet	$	1,830		$	1,909		$	682		$	383		$	2,606		$	—		$	7,410
Off-balance sheet	448			222			705			81			5,109			4			6,569
Total	$	2,278		$	2,131		$	1,387		$	464		$	7,715		$	4		$	13,979
	As of December 31, 2013
	Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
				Plantings						Farm			Processing
													(including ethanol
													facilities)
	(in thousands)
Ending Balance:
Collectively evaluated for impairment:
On-balance sheet	$	1,363,861		$	295,037		$	319,665		$	39,940		$	32,636		$	359		$	2,051,498
Off-balance sheet	1,279,887			567,932			912,397			109,884			138,282			8,159			3,016,541
Total	$	2,643,748		$	862,969		$	1,232,062		$	149,824		$	170,918		$	8,518		$	5,068,039
Individually evaluated for impairment:
On-balance sheet	$	21,147		$	41,441		$	10,844		$	10,422		$	—		$	115		$	83,969
Off-balance sheet	1,962			3,414			3,199			2,497			—			—			11,072
Total	$	23,109		$	44,855		$	14,043		$	12,919		$	—		$	115		$	95,041
Total Farm & Ranch loans:
On-balance sheet	$	1,385,008		$	336,478		$	330,509		$	50,362		$	32,636		$	474		$	2,135,467
Off-balance sheet	1,281,849			571,346			915,596			112,381			138,282			8,159			3,027,613
Total	$	2,666,857		$	907,824		$	1,246,105		$	162,743		$	170,918		$	8,633		$	5,163,080
Allowance for Losses:
Collectively evaluated for impairment:
On-balance sheet	$	1,321		$	325		$	436		$	20		$	2,290		$	—		$	4,392
Off-balance sheet	397			159			642			42			5,002			4			6,246
Total	$	1,718		$	484		$	1,078		$	62		$	7,292		$	4		$	10,638
Individually evaluated for impairment:
On-balance sheet	$	362		$	1,641		$	140		$	331		$	—		$	—		$	2,474
Off-balance sheet	44			61			53			61			—			3			222
Total	$	406		$	1,702		$	193		$	392		$	—		$	3		$	2,696
Total Farm & Ranch loans:
On-balance sheet	$	1,683		$	1,966		$	576		$	351		$	2,290		$	—		$	6,866
Off-balance sheet	441			220			695			103			5,002			7			6,468
Total	$	2,124		$	2,186		$	1,271		$	454		$	7,292		$	7		$	13,334
The following tables present by commodity type the unpaid principal balances, recorded investment, and specific allowance for losses related to impaired loans and the recorded investment in loans on nonaccrual status as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
Table 5.5
	As of March 31, 2014
	Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
				Plantings						Farm			Processing
													(including
													ethanol
													facilities)
	(in thousands)
Impaired Loans:
With no specific allowance:
Recorded investment	$	6,989		$	9,913		$	6,733		$	1,442		$	—		$	—		$	25,077
Unpaid principal balance	6,875			10,010			6,914			1,458			—			—			25,257
With a specific allowance:
Recorded investment (1)	16,902			34,077			6,548			10,636			—			—			68,163
Unpaid principal balance	16,295			33,229			6,548			10,748			—			—			66,820
Associated allowance	446			1,675			179			392			—			—			2,692
Total:
Recorded investment	23,891			43,990			13,281			12,078			—			—			93,240
Unpaid principal balance	23,170			43,239			13,462			12,206			—			—			92,077
Associated allowance	446			1,675			179			392			—			—			2,692
Recorded investment of loans on nonaccrual status (2)	$	10,926		$	15,198		$	5,280		$	6,103		$	—		$	—		$	37,507
-1	Impairment analysis was performed in the aggregate in consideration of similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics on $60.7 million (65 percent) of impaired loans as of March 31, 2014, which resulted in a specific reserve of $1.3 million.
-2	Includes $9.1 million of loans that are less than 90 days delinquent but which have not met Farmer Mac's performance criteria for returning to accrual status.
	As of December 31, 2013
	Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
				Plantings						Farm			Processing
													(including
													ethanol
													facilities)
	(in thousands)
Impaired Loans:
With no specific allowance:
Recorded investment	$	6,956		$	9,880		$	6,671		$	1,444		$	—		$	—		$	24,951
Unpaid principal balance	6,825			9,877			6,588			1,443			—			—			24,733
With a specific allowance:
Recorded investment (1)	16,697			36,146			7,600			11,554			—			119			72,116
Unpaid principal balance	16,284			34,978			7,455			11,476			—			115			70,308
Associated allowance	406			1,702			193			392			—			3			2,696
Total:
Recorded investment	23,653			46,026			14,271			12,998			—			119			97,067
Unpaid principal balance	23,109			44,855			14,043			12,919			—			115			95,041
Associated allowance	406			1,702			193			392			—			3			2,696
Recorded investment of loans on nonaccrual status (2)	$	10,812		$	15,237		$	5,344		$	5,835		$	—		$	—		$	37,228
-1	Impairment analysis was performed in the aggregate in consideration of similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics on $65.1 million (67 percent) of impaired loans as of December 31, 2012, which resulted in a specific reserve of $1.3 million.
-2	Includes $9.6 million of loans that are less than 90 days delinquent but which have not met Farmer Mac's performance criteria for returning to accrual status.
The following table presents by commodity type the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on impaired loans for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
Table 5.6
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
				Plantings						Farm			Processing
													(including
													ethanol
													facilities)
	(in thousands)
Average recorded investment in impaired loans	$	23,772		$	45,008		$	13,776		$	12,538		$	—		$	60		$	95,154
Income recognized on impaired loans	170			194			76			122			—			—			562
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
	Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
				Plantings						Farm			Processing
													(including
													ethanol
													facilities)
	(in thousands)
Average recorded investment in impaired loans	$	31,830		$	46,743		$	17,906		$	14,197		$	2,169		$	1,023		$	113,868
Income recognized on impaired loans	342			374			154			194			—			—			1,064
For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the recorded investment of loans determined to be troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs") was $0.6 million, both before and after restructuring. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the recorded investment of loans determined to be TDRs was $0.2 million before restructuring and $0.3 million after restructuring. As of March 31, 2014, there were no TDRs identified during the previous 12 months that were in default under the modified terms. As of March 31, 2013, there were three TDRs identified during the previous 12 months that were in default under the modified terms, with a recorded investment of $1.3 million. The impact of TDRs on Farmer Mac's allowance for loan losses was immaterial in both first quarter 2014 and 2013.
During first quarter 2014, Farmer Mac purchased one defaulted loan having an unpaid principal balance of $0.4 million from a pool underlying an LTSPC.  During first quarter 2013, Farmer Mac purchased two defaulted loans having an unpaid principal balance of $0.1 million from pools underlying Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities and LTSPCs.
The following tables present information related to Farmer Mac's acquisition of defaulted loans for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 and the outstanding balances and carrying amounts of all such loans as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
Table 5.7
	For the Three Months Ended
	31-Mar-14			31-Mar-13
	(in thousands)
Unpaid principal balance at acquisition date:
Loans underlying LTSPCs	$	440		$	37
Loans underlying off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	—			103
Total unpaid principal balance at acquisition date	440			140
Contractually required payments receivable	440			143
Impairment recognized subsequent to acquisition	52			386
Recovery/release of allowance for defaulted loans	2			50
	As of
	31-Mar-14			31-Dec-13
	(in thousands)
Outstanding balance	$	31,660		$	32,838
Carrying amount	29,435			29,613
Net credit losses and 90-day delinquencies as of and for the periods indicated for loans held and loans underlying off-balance sheet Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities and LTSPCs are presented in the table below.  As of March 31, 2014, there were no delinquencies and no probable losses inherent in Farmer Mac's Rural Utilities loan portfolio and Farmer Mac has not experienced credit losses on any Rural Utilities loans.
Table 5.8
	90-Day Delinquencies (1)						Net Credit Losses
	As of						For the Three Months Ended
	31-Mar-14			31-Dec-13			31-Mar-14			31-Mar-13
	(in thousands)
On-balance sheet assets:
Farm & Ranch:
Loans	$	28,373		$	27,580		$	32		$	3,810
Total on-balance sheet	$	28,373		$	27,580		$	32		$	3,810
Off-balance sheet assets:
Farm & Ranch:
LTSPCs	$	1,064		$	716		$	—		$	—
Total off-balance sheet	$	1,064		$	716		$	—		$	—
Total	$	29,437		$	28,296		$	32		$	3,810
-1	Includes loans and loans underlying off-balance sheet Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities and LTSPCs that are 90 days or more past due, in foreclosure, restructured after delinquency, and in bankruptcy, excluding loans performing under either their original loan terms or a court-approved bankruptcy plan.
Of the $28.4 million and $27.6 million of on-balance sheet loans reported as 90-day delinquencies as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, $1.2 million, were loans subject to "removal-of-account" provisions.
Credit Quality Indicators
Farmer Mac analyzes credit risk related to loans held and loans underlying LTSPCs and off-balance sheet Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities based on internally assigned loan scores (i.e., risk ratings) that are derived by taking into consideration such factors as historical repayment performance, indicators of current financial condition, loan seasoning, loan size, and loan-to-value ratio. Loans are then classified into one of the following asset categories based on their underlying risk rating: acceptable; other assets especially mentioned; and substandard. Farmer Mac believes this analysis provides meaningful information regarding the credit risk profile of its Farm & Ranch portfolio as of each quarterly reporting period end date.
Farmer Mac also uses 90-day delinquency information to evaluate its credit risk exposure on these assets because historically it has been the best measure of borrower credit quality deterioration. Most of the loans held and underlying LTSPCs and off-balance sheet Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities have annual (January 1) or semi-annual (January 1 and July 1) payment dates and are supported by less frequent and less predictable revenue sources, such as the cash flows generated from the maturation of crops, sales of livestock, and government farm support programs.  Taking into account the reduced frequency of payment due dates and revenue sources, Farmer Mac considers 90-day delinquency to be the most significant observation point when evaluating delinquency information.
The following tables present credit quality indicators related to Farm & Ranch loans held and loans underlying LTSPCs and off-balance sheet Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
Table 5.9
	As of March 31, 2014
	Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
				Plantings						Farm			Processing
													(including ethanol
													facilities)
	(in thousands)
Credit risk profile by internally assigned grade (1)
On-balance sheet:
Acceptable	$	1,383,292		$	302,195		$	346,330		$	37,198		$	20,075		$	1,325		$	2,090,415
Special mention (2)	11,985			4,371			13,303			1,407			8,096			—			39,162
Substandard (3)	19,854			39,864			9,193			10,924			13,546			—			93,381
Total on-balance sheet	$	1,415,131		$	346,430		$	368,826		$	49,529		$	41,717		$	1,325		$	2,222,958
Off-Balance Sheet:
Acceptable	$	1,314,751		$	538,757		$	841,599		$	102,120		$	93,880		$	7,190		$	2,898,297
Special mention (2)	12,472			13,501			37,155			1,052			18,814			571			83,565
Substandard (3)	19,241			9,358			34,247			5,093			21,114			102			89,155
Total off-balance sheet	$	1,346,464		$	561,616		$	913,001		$	108,265		$	133,808		$	7,863		$	3,071,017
Total Ending Balance:
Acceptable	$	2,698,043		$	840,952		$	1,187,929		$	139,318		$	113,955		$	8,515		$	4,988,712
Special mention (2)	24,457			17,872			50,458			2,459			26,910			571			122,727
Substandard (3)	39,095			49,222			43,440			16,017			34,660			102			182,536
Total	$	2,761,595		$	908,046		$	1,281,827		$	157,794		$	175,525		$	9,188		$	5,293,975
Commodity analysis of past due loans (1)
On-balance sheet	$	8,529		$	11,415		$	5,251		$	3,178		$	—		$	—		$	28,373
Off-balance sheet	189			405			470			—			—			—			1,064
90-days or more past due	$	8,718		$	11,820		$	5,721		$	3,178		$	—		$	—		$	29,437
-1	Amounts represent unpaid principal balance of risk-rated loans, which is the basis Farmer Mac uses to analyze its portfolio, and recorded investment of past due loans.
-2	Assets in the Special mention category generally have potential weaknesses due to performance issues but are currently considered to be adequately secured.
-3	Substandard assets have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses and there is a distinct possibility that some loss will be sustained if deficiencies are not corrected.
	As of December 31, 2013
	Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
				Plantings						Farm			Processing
													(including ethanol
													facilities)
	(in thousands)
Credit risk profile by internally assigned grade (1)
On-balance sheet:
Acceptable	$	1,348,205		$	290,064		$	300,308		$	39,022		$	10,987		$	359		$	1,988,945
Special Mention (2)	15,656			4,973			19,357			918			6,267			—			47,171
Substandard (3)	21,147			41,441			10,844			10,422			15,382			115			99,351
Total on-balance sheet	$	1,385,008		$	336,478		$	330,509		$	50,362		$	32,636		$	474		$	2,135,467
Off-Balance Sheet
Acceptable	$	1,251,834		$	548,254		$	844,130		$	105,589		$	99,072		$	7,478		$	2,856,357
Special Mention (2)	10,977			15,621			36,555			917			11,011			578			75,659
Substandard (3)	19,038			7,471			34,911			5,875			28,199			103			95,597
Total off-balance sheet	$	1,281,849		$	571,346		$	915,596		$	112,381		$	138,282		$	8,159		$	3,027,613
Total Ending Balance:
Acceptable	$	2,600,039		$	838,318		$	1,144,438		$	144,611		$	110,059		$	7,837		$	4,845,302
Special Mention (2)	26,633			20,594			55,912			1,835			17,278			578			122,830
Substandard (3)	40,185			48,912			45,755			16,297			43,581			218			194,948
Total	$	2,666,857		$	907,824		$	1,246,105		$	162,743		$	170,918		$	8,633		$	5,163,080
Commodity analysis of past due loans (1)
On-balance sheet	$	8,036		$	11,841		$	4,462		$	3,122		$	—		$	119		$	27,580
Off-balance sheet	220			—			—			496			—			—			716
90-days or more past due	$	8,256		$	11,841		$	4,462		$	3,618		$	—		$	119		$	28,296
-1	Amounts represent unpaid principal balance of risk-rated loans, which is the basis Farmer Mac uses to analyze its portfolio, and recorded investment of past due loans.
-2	Assets in the Special mention category generally have potential weaknesses due to performance issues but are currently considered to be adequately secured.
-3	Substandard assets have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses and there is a distinct possibility that some loss will be sustained if deficiencies are not corrected.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
The following table sets forth the geographic and commodity/collateral diversification, as well as the range of original loan-to-value ratios, for all Farm & Ranch loans held and loans underlying off-balance sheet Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities and LTSPCs as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
Table 5.10
	March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
By commodity/collateral type:
Crops	$	2,761,595		$	2,666,857
Permanent plantings	908,046			907,824
Livestock	1,281,827			1,246,105
Part-time farm	157,794			162,743
Ag. Storage and Processing (including ethanol facilities)	175,525			170,918
Other	9,188			8,633
Total	$	5,293,975		$	5,163,080
By geographic region (1):
Northwest	$	549,031		$	524,034
Southwest	1,726,049			1,752,109
Mid-North	1,801,279			1,702,668
Mid-South	621,137			601,359
Northeast	224,277			231,731
Southeast	372,202			351,179
Total	$	5,293,975		$	5,163,080
By original loan-to-value ratio:
0.00% to 40.00%	$	1,453,294		$	1,375,758
40.01% to 50.00%	1,131,827			1,099,033
50.01% to 60.00%	1,462,348			1,431,562
60.01% to 70.00%	1,101,147			1,113,427
70.01% to 80.00%	107,144			110,828
80.01% to 90.00%	38,215			32,472
Total	$	5,293,975		$	5,163,080
-1	Geographic regions:  Northwest (AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY); Southwest (AZ, CA, CO, HI, NM, NV, UT); Mid-North (IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, NE, ND, SD, WI); Mid-South (AR, KS, LA, MO, OK, TX); Northeast (CT, DE, KY, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VA, VT, WV); Southeast (AL, FL, GA, MS, NC, SC, TN).
The original loan-to-value ratio is calculated by dividing the loan principal balance at the time of guarantee, purchase, or commitment by the appraised value at the date of loan origination or, when available, the updated appraised value at the time of guarantee, purchase, or commitment.  Current loan-to-value ratios may be higher or lower than the original loan-to-value ratios.

OffBalance_Sheet_Guarantees_an

Off-Balance Sheet Guarantees and Long Term Standby Purchase Commitments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Off-Balance Sheet Guarantees and Long Term Standby Purchase Commitments Disclosure	'
		OFF-BALANCE SHEET GUARANTEES AND LONG-TERM STANDBY PURCHASE COMMITMENTS
	Farmer Mac offers two credit enhancement alternatives to direct loan purchases that allow approved lenders the ability to retain the cash flow benefits of their loans and increase their liquidity and lending capacity: (1) Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, which are available through each of the Farm & Ranch, USDA Guarantees, Rural Utilities, and Institutional Credit lines of business, and (2) LTSPCs, which are available through the Farm & Ranch and the Rural Utilities lines of business.
	Off-Balance Sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities
	The following table presents the maximum principal amount of potential undiscounted future payments that Farmer Mac could be required to make under all off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, not including offsets provided by any recourse provisions, recoveries from third parties, or collateral for the underlying loans:
	Table 6.1
	Outstanding Balance of Off-Balance Sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities
		March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Farm & Ranch:
	Guaranteed Securities	$	731,574	$	765,751
	USDA Guarantees:
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	19,562		20,222
	Institutional Credit:
	AgVantage Securities	988,199		981,009
	Total off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	$	1,739,335	$	1,766,982
	Eligible loans and other eligible assets may be placed into trusts that are used as vehicles for the securitization of the transferred assets and the Farmer Mac-guaranteed beneficial interests in the trusts are sold to investors.  The following table summarizes the significant cash flows received from and paid to trusts used for Farmer Mac securitizations:
	Table 6.2
		For the Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-14		31-Mar-13
	Proceeds from new securitizations	$	62,751	$	25,042
	Guarantee fees received	827		992
	Purchases of assets from the trusts	—		(103		)
	Farmer Mac has recorded a liability for its obligation to stand ready under the guarantee in the guarantee and commitment obligation on the consolidated balance sheets.  This liability approximated $13.0 million as of March 31, 2014 and $13.4 million as of December 31, 2013. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the weighted-average remaining maturity of all loans underlying off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, excluding AgVantage securities, was 12.6 years and 12.8 years, respectively.  As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the weighted-average remaining maturity of the off-balance sheet AgVantage securities was 3.2 years and 3.4 years, respectively.
	Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments
	An LTSPC commits Farmer Mac, subject to the terms of the applicable LTSPC agreement, to a future purchase of one or more loans from an identified pool of eligible loans that met Farmer Mac's standards at the time the transaction was entered into and Farmer Mac assumed the credit risk on the loans.  As consideration for its assumption of the credit risk on loans underlying an LTSPC, Farmer Mac receives a commitment fee payable monthly in arrears in an amount approximating what would have been the guarantee fee if the transaction were structured as a swap for Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities.
	The maximum principal amount of potential undiscounted future payments that Farmer Mac could be requested to make under all LTSPCs, not including offsets provided by any recourse provisions, recoveries from third parties, or collateral for the underlying loans, was $2.3 billion as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the weighted-average remaining maturity of all loans underlying LTSPCs was 14.1 years and 13.9 years, respectively.  For those LTSPCs issued or modified on or after January 1, 2003, Farmer Mac has recorded a liability for its obligation to stand ready under the commitment in the guarantee and commitment obligation on the consolidated balance sheet.  This liability approximated $27.7 million as of March 31, 2014 and $26.3 million as of December 31, 2013.

Equity

Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Equity Disclosure	'
	EQUITY
	Common Stock
	Farmer Mac has three classes of common stock outstanding:
	•	Class A voting common stock, which may be held only by banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions or similar entities that are not institutions of the Farm Credit System ("FCS").  By federal statute, no holder of Class A voting common stock may directly or indirectly be a beneficial owner of more than 33 percent of the outstanding shares of Class A voting common stock.
	•	Class B voting common stock, which may be held only by institutions of the FCS.  There are no restrictions on the maximum holdings of Class B voting common stock.
	•	Class C non-voting common stock, which has no ownership restrictions.
	During first quarter 2014, Farmer Mac paid a quarterly dividend of $0.14 per share on all classes of its common stock. For each quarter in 2013, Farmer Mac paid a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per share on all classes of its common stock. Farmer Mac's ability to declare and pay a dividend could be restricted if it failed to comply with applicable capital requirements.
	Preferred Stock
	On March 25, 2014, Farmer Mac issued 3.0 million shares of 6.875 percent Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B (the "Series B Preferred Stock"). On January 17, 2013, Farmer Mac issued 2.4 million shares of 5.875 percent Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A (the "Series A Preferred Stock"). The Series A Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock have a par value of $25.00 per share, a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share, and an annual dividend rate of 5.875 percent and 6.875 percent, respectively. Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock are non-cumulative, so dividends that are not declared for a payment date will not accrue. Farmer Mac incurred $1.7 million of direct costs related to the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock and direct costs of $1.7 million as of March 31, 2014 related to the issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock. Farmer Mac used the proceeds from the sale of the Series A Preferred Stock to redeem and retire the outstanding shares of Series C Non-Voting Cumulative Preferred Stock ("Series C Preferred Stock"). As of March 31, 2014, Farmer Mac had 2.4 million shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding and 3.0 million shares of Series B Preferred Stock outstanding.
	Farmer Mac's ability to declare and pay dividends on its preferred stock could be restricted if it failed to comply with applicable capital requirements. Farmer Mac's preferred stock is included as a component of core capital for regulatory and statutory capital compliance measurements.
	Non-Controlling Interest in Farmer Mac II LLC
	On January 25, 2010, Farmer Mac completed a private offering of $250.0 million of securities issued by a newly formed Delaware statutory trust.  The trust securities represent undivided beneficial ownership interests in 250,000 shares of non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock (the "Farmer Mac II LLC Preferred Stock") of Farmer Mac's subsidiary, Farmer Mac II LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.  The Farmer Mac II LLC Preferred Stock has a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share.
	Dividends on the Farmer Mac II LLC Preferred Stock will be payable if, when, and as declared by Farmer Mac II LLC's board of directors, quarterly, on a non-cumulative basis, on March 30, June 30, September 30, and December 30 of each year.  From the date of issuance to but excluding the quarterly payment date occurring on March 30, 2015, the annual dividend rate on the Farmer Mac II LLC Preferred Stock will be 8.875 percent.  From March 30, 2015 to but excluding the quarterly payment date occurring on March 30, 2020, the annual dividend rate on the Farmer Mac II LLC Preferred Stock will be 10.875 percent.  Beginning on March 30, 2020, the dividend rate on the Farmer Mac II LLC Preferred Stock will be an annual rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 8.211 percent.  Dividends on the Farmer Mac II LLC Preferred Stock are non-cumulative, so dividends that are not declared for any payment date will not accrue.  Farmer Mac II LLC Preferred Stock is permanent equity of Farmer Mac II LLC and is presented as "Non-controlling interest – preferred stock" within permanent equity on the consolidated balance sheets of Farmer Mac. The accrual of declared dividends is presented as "Net income attributable to non-controlling interest – preferred stock dividends" on the consolidated statements of operations on a pre-tax basis.  The consolidated tax benefit is included in income tax expense. Farmer Mac II LLC may redeem the preferred stock on March 30 of 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 and on any payment date on or after March 30, 2020, in whole or in part, at a cash redemption price equal to the liquidation preference.
	Statutory and Regulatory Capital Requirements
	Farmer Mac is subject to the following statutory and regulatory capital requirements:
	•	Statutory minimum capital requirement – Farmer Mac's statutory minimum capital level is an amount of core capital (stockholders' equity less accumulated other comprehensive income plus non-controlling interest – preferred stock) equal to the sum of 2.75 percent of Farmer Mac's aggregate on-balance sheet assets, as calculated for regulatory purposes, plus 0.75 percent of the aggregate off-balance sheet obligations of Farmer Mac, specifically including:
	◦	the unpaid principal balance of outstanding Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities;
	◦	instruments issued or guaranteed by Farmer Mac that are substantially equivalent to Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, including LTSPCs; and
	◦	other off-balance sheet obligations of Farmer Mac.
	•	Statutory critical capital requirement – Farmer Mac's critical capital level is an amount of core capital equal to 50 percent of the total minimum capital requirement at that time.
	•	Risk-based capital requirement – Farmer Mac's charter directs the Farm Credit Administration ("FCA") to establish a risk-based capital stress test for Farmer Mac, using specified stress-test parameters.
	Farmer Mac is required to comply with the higher of the minimum capital requirement and the risk-based capital requirement.
	As of March 31, 2014, Farmer Mac's minimum and critical capital requirements were $403.0 million and $201.5 million, respectively, and its actual core capital level was $664.0 million, which was $261.0 million above the minimum capital requirement and $462.5 million above the critical capital requirement as of that date.  As of December 31, 2013, Farmer Mac's minimum and critical capital requirements were $398.5 million and $199.3 million, respectively, and its actual core capital level was $590.7 million, which was $192.2 million above the minimum capital requirement and $391.4 million above the critical capital requirement as of that date.
	Based on the risk-based capital stress test, Farmer Mac's risk-based capital requirement as of March 31, 2014 was $90.4 million, and Farmer Mac's regulatory capital (core capital plus the allowance for losses) of $678.0 million exceeded that amount by approximately $587.6 million.  As of December 31, 2013, Farmer Mac's risk-based capital requirement was $90.8 million, and Farmer Mac's regulatory capital of $604.0 million exceeded that amount by approximately $513.2 million.
	In accordance with FCA's rule on Farmer Mac's capital planning that became effective on January 3, 2014, and as part of Farmer Mac's capital plan, Farmer Mac has adopted a policy for maintaining a sufficient level of capital (consisting of retained earnings, paid-in-capital, common stock, qualifying preferred stock, and accumulated other comprehensive income allocable to investments not included in one of the four operating lines of business) and imposing restrictions on common stock dividends and employee (including officer) bonus payments in the event that this capital falls below specified thresholds.

Fair_Value_Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosure	'
	FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES
	Fair Value Measurement
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (also referred to as an exit price).
	In determining fair value, Farmer Mac uses various valuation approaches, including market and income based approaches.  The fair value hierarchy requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.  When available, the fair value of Farmer Mac's financial instruments is based on quoted market prices, valuation techniques that use observable market-based inputs, or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.  Pricing information obtained from third parties is internally validated for reasonableness prior to use in the consolidated financial statements. Farmer Mac's accounting polices for fair value measurement and a description of the fair value techniques used for instruments measured at fair value is discussed in
	Note 2(p) and Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements included in Farmer Mac's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the SEC on March 13, 2014.
	Fair value measurements related to financial instruments that are reported at fair value in the consolidated financial statements each period are referred to as recurring fair value measurements.  Fair value measurements related to financial instruments that are not reported at fair value each period but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances are referred to as nonrecurring fair value measurements.
	Fair Value Classification and Transfers
	The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values.  The hierarchy gives highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs.  The following three levels are used to classify fair value measurements:
	Level 1	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
	Level 2	Quoted prices in markets that are not active or financial instruments for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.
	Level 3	Prices or valuations that require unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement.
	As of March 31, 2014, Farmer Mac's assets and liabilities recorded at fair value included financial instruments valued at $5.2 billion whose fair values were estimated by management in the absence of readily determinable fair values (i.e., level 3).  These financial instruments measured as level 3 represented 38 percent of total assets and 68 percent of financial instruments measured at fair value as of March 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2013, Farmer Mac's assets and liabilities recorded at fair value included financial instruments valued at $6.8 billion whose fair values were estimated by management in the absence of readily determinable fair values.  These financial instruments measured as level 3 represented 51 percent of total assets and 73 percent of financial instruments measured at fair value as of December 31, 2013.
	Net transfers in and/or out of the different levels within the fair value hierarchy are based on the fair values of the assets and liabilities as of the beginning of the reporting period.  There were no transfers within the fair value hierarchy for fair value measurements of Farmer Mac's investment securities, Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, USDA Securities, and financial derivatives during the first three months of 2014 and 2013. See Note 1(a) for information about the transfer of available-for-sale Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities to held-to-maturity as of January 1, 2014.
	The following tables present information about Farmer Mac's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques used by Farmer Mac to determine such fair value:
	Table 8.1
	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value as of March 31, 2014
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
		(in thousands)
	Recurring:
	Assets:
	Investment Securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans	$	—		$	—		$	64,963	$	64,963
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	—			178,195			—		178,195
	Floating rate corporate debt securities	—			107,542			—		107,542
	Fixed rate corporate debt securities	—			55,190			—		55,190
	Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	—			649,014			203		649,217
	Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	—			8,584			—		8,584
	Floating rate GSE subordinated debt	—			63,385			—		63,385
	Fixed rate GSE preferred stock	—			81,640			—		81,640
	Fixed rate taxable municipal bonds	—			22,107			—		22,107
	Fixed rate senior agency debt	—			518,915			—		518,915
	Floating rate U.S. Treasuries	74,958			—			—		74,958
	Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries	644,396			—			—		644,396
	Total available-for-sale	719,354			1,684,572			65,166		2,469,092
	Trading:
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	—			—			923		923
	Total trading	—			—			923		923
	Total Investment Securities	719,354			1,684,572			66,089		2,470,015
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	AgVantage	—			—			3,467,655		3,467,655
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	—			—			21,608		21,608
	Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	—			—			3,489,263		3,489,263
	USDA Securities:
	Available-for-sale	—			—			1,600,659		1,600,659
	Trading	—			—			51,102		51,102
	Total USDA Securities	—			—			1,651,761		1,651,761
	Financial derivatives	15			11,342			—		11,357
	Total Assets at fair value	$	719,369		$	1,695,914		$	5,207,113	$	7,622,396
	Liabilities:
	Financial derivatives	$	—		$	73,726		$	161	$	73,887
	Total Liabilities at fair value	$	—		$	73,726		$	161	$	73,887
	Nonrecurring:
	Assets:
	Loans held for investment	$	—		$	—		$	6,033	$	6,033
	REO	—			—			1,704		1,704
	Total Nonrecurring Assets at fair value	$	—		$	—		$	7,737	$	7,737
	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value as of December 31, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
		(in thousands)
	Recurring:
	Assets:
Investment Securities:
Available-for-sale:
Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans	$	—		$	—		$	65,285	$	65,285
Floating rate asset-backed securities	—			166,104			—		166,104
Floating rate corporate debt securities	—			109,769			—		109,769
Fixed rate corporate debt	—			55,141			—		55,141
Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	—			621,064			205		621,269
Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	—			8,657			—		8,657
Floating rate GSE subordinated debt	—			63,385			—		63,385
Fixed rate GSE preferred stock	—			83,161			—		83,161
Fixed rate taxable municipal bonds	—			30,681			—		30,681
Fixed rate senior agency debt	—			524,062			—		524,062
Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries	755,633			—			—		755,633
Total available-for-sale	755,633			1,662,024			65,490		2,483,147
Trading:
Floating rate asset-backed securities	—			—			928		928
Total trading	—			—			928		928
Total Investment Securities	755,633			1,662,024			66,418		2,484,075
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
Available-for-sale:
AgVantage	—			—			5,070,366		5,070,366
Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	—			—			21,234		21,234
Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	—			—			5,091,600		5,091,600
USDA Securities:
Available-for-sale	—			—			1,553,669		1,553,669
Trading	—			—			58,344		58,344
Total USDA Securities	—			—			1,612,013		1,612,013
Financial derivatives	—			19,718			—		19,718
Total Assets at fair value	$	755,633		$	1,681,742		$	6,770,031	$	9,207,406
Liabilities:
Financial derivatives	$	1		$	75,472		$	235	$	75,708
Total Liabilities at fair value	$	1		$	75,472		$	235	$	75,708
Nonrecurring:
Assets:
Loans held for investment	—			—			4,420		4,420
REO	—			—			1,818		1,818
Total Nonrecurring Assets at fair value	$	—		$	—		$	6,238	$	6,238
The following tables present additional information about assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which Farmer Mac has used significant unobservable inputs to determine fair value. Net transfers in and/or out of level 3 are based on the fair values of the assets and liabilities as of the beginning of the reporting period.
Table 8.2
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Beginning			Purchases			Sales		Settlements			Realized and			Unrealized			Transfers Out			Ending
	Balance											Unrealized Gains included			Gains/(Losses)						Balance
												in Income			included in Other
															Comprehen-sive
															Income
	(in thousands)
Recurring:
Assets:
Investment Securities:
Available-for-sale:
Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans	$	65,285		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	(322	)	$	—		$	64,963
Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	205			—			—		(4		)	—			2			—			203
Total available-for-sale	65,490			—			—		(4		)	—			(320		)	—			65,166
Trading:
Floating rate asset-backed securities (1)	928			—			—		(283		)	278			—			—			923
Total trading	928			—			—		(283		)	278			—			—			923
Total Investment Securities	66,418			—			—		(287		)	278			(320		)	—			66,089
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
Available-for-sale:
AgVantage	5,070,366			170,000			—		(176,269		)	2,750			12,894			(1,612,086		)	3,467,655
Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	21,234			—			—		(171		)	—			545			—			21,608
Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	5,091,600			170,000			—		(176,440		)	2,750			13,439			(1,612,086		)	3,489,263
USDA Securities:
Available-for-sale	1,553,669			67,984			—		(60,455		)	—			39,461			—			1,600,659
Trading (2)	58,344			—			—		(7,619		)	377			—			—			51,102
Total USDA Securities	1,612,013			67,984			—		(68,074		)	377			39,461			—			1,651,761
Total Assets at fair value	$	6,770,031		$	237,984		$	—	$	(244,801	)	$	3,405		$	52,580		$	(1,612,086	)	$	5,207,113
Liabilities:
Financial derivatives (3)	$	(235	)	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	74		$	—		$	—		$	(161	)
Total Liabilities at fair value	$	(235	)	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	74		$	—		$	—		$	(161	)
-1	Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of March 31, 2014 and are recorded in "Gains on trading assets."
-2	Includes unrealized gains of $0.7 million attributable to assets still held as of March 31, 2014 that are recorded in "Gains on trading assets."
-3	Unrealized gains are attributable to liabilities still held as of March 31, 2014 and are recorded in "(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities."
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
	Beginning			Purchases			Sales		Settlements			Realized and			Unrealized			Ending
	Balance											Unrealized Gains/			Gains/(Losses)			Balance
												(Losses) included			included in Other
												in Income			Comprehen-sive
															Income
	(in thousands)
Recurring:
Assets:
Investment Securities:
Available-for-sale:
Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans	$	63,159		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	2,054		$	65,213
Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	—			233			—		—			—			—			233
Total available-for-sale	63,159			233			—		—			—			2,054			65,446
Trading:
Floating rate asset-backed securities (1)	1,247			—			—		(314		)	196			—			1,129
Total trading	1,247			—			—		(314		)	196			—			1,129
Total Investment Securities	64,406			233			—		(314		)	196			2,054			66,575
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
Available-for-sale:
AgVantage	4,739,577			425,000			—		(77,933		)	(3,138		)	(10,624		)	5,072,882
Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	26,681			—			—		(383		)	—			900			27,198
Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	4,766,258			425,000			—		(78,316		)	(3,138		)	(9,724		)	5,100,080
USDA Securities:
Available-for-sale	1,486,595			122,187			—		(69,202		)	—			29,580			1,569,160
Trading (2)	104,188			—			—		(16,931		)	14			—			87,271
Total USDA Securities	1,590,783			122,187			—		(86,133		)	14			29,580			1,656,431
Total Assets at fair value	$	6,421,447		$	547,420		$	—	$	(164,763	)	$	(2,928	)	$	21,910		$	6,823,086
Liabilities:
Financial derivatives (3)	$	(691	)	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	159		$	—		$	(532	)
Total Liabilities at fair value	$	(691	)	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	159		$	—		$	(532	)
-1	Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of March 31, 2013 and are recorded in "Gains on trading assets."
-2	Includes unrealized losses of $0.1 million attributable to assets still held as of March 31, 2013 that are recorded in "Gains on trading assets."
-3	Unrealized gains are attributable to liabilities still held as of March 31, 2013 and are recorded in "(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities."
The following tables present additional information about the significant unobservable inputs, such as discount rates and constant prepayment rates ("CPR"), used in the fair value measurements categorized in level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
Table 8.3
		March 31, 2014
Financial Instruments		Fair Value			Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input		Range (Weighted-Average)
		(in thousands)
Assets:
Investment securities:
Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans		$	64,963		Indicative bids	Range of broker quotes		82.0% - 92.0% (87.7%)
Floating rate asset-backed securities		$	923		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		12.2% - 20.9% (16.6%)
						CPR		10%
Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities		$	203		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		1.7% - 1.7% (1.7%)
						CPR		6%
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
AgVantage		$	3,467,655		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		0.8% - 2.2% (1.5%)
Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities		$	21,608		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		0.8% - 3.2% (1.8%)
						CPR		8% - 15% (13%)
USDA Securities		$	1,651,761		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		1.1% - 5.2% (3.2%)
						CPR		0% - 15% (6%)
Liabilities:
Financial Derivatives:
Basis swaps		$	161		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		0.6% - 2.4% (1.2%)
						CPR		10% - 11% (10%)
		December 31, 2013
Financial Instruments		Fair Value			Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input		Range (Weighted-Average)
		(in thousands)
Assets:
Investment securities:
Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans		$	65,285		Indicative bids	Range of broker quotes		82.0% - 92.0% (88.1%)
Floating rate asset-backed securities		$	928		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		13.0% - 22.5% (17.7%)
						CPR		10%
Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities		$	205		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		1.8% - 1.8% (1.8%)
						CPR		6%
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
AgVantage		$	5,070,366		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		0.9% - 3.6% (1.8%)
Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities		$	21,234		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		0.9% - 3.2% (1.9%)
						CPR		7% - 14% (11%)
USDA Securities		$	1,612,013		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		1.2% - 5.3% (3.4%)
						CPR		0% - 23% (5%)
Liabilities:
Financial Derivatives:
Basis swaps		$	235		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		0.7% - 2.3% (1.3%)
						CPR		10% - 11% (10%)
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities are prepayment rates and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved. Typically, significant increases (decreases) in any of these inputs in isolation may result in materially lower (higher) fair value measurements. Generally, in a rising interest rate environment, Farmer Mac would expect average discount rates to increase and would likely expect a corresponding decrease in forecasted prepayment rates. Conversely, in a declining interest rate environment, Farmer Mac would expect average discount rates to decrease and would likely expect a corresponding increase in forecasted prepayment rates. Prepayment rates are not presented in the table above for the Farm & Ranch and Rural Utilities securities structured as AgVantage securities because they generally do not pay down principal based on amortization schedules but instead typically have fixed maturity dates when the secured general obligations are due.
Disclosures on Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following table sets forth the estimated fair values and carrying values for financial assets, liabilities, and guarantees and commitments as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
Table 8.4
	March 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
	Fair Value			Carrying			Fair Value		Carrying
				Amount					Amount
	(in thousands)
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	866,585		$	866,585		$	749,313	$	749,313
Investment securities	2,470,015			2,470,015			2,484,075		2,484,075
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	5,151,607			5,149,533			5,091,600		5,091,600
USDA Securities	1,651,761			1,651,761			1,612,013		1,612,013
Loans	3,272,039			3,243,768			3,138,932		3,193,248
Financial derivatives	11,357			11,357			19,718		19,718
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable:
LTSPCs	33,875			28,631			33,807		27,244
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	16,481			15,242			18,470		16,660
Financial liabilities:
Notes payable:
Due within one year	7,362,684			7,354,271			7,353,356		7,338,781
Due after one year	5,049,460			5,036,375			4,977,942		5,001,169
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	313,327			312,643			257,512		261,760
Financial derivatives	73,887			73,887			75,708		75,708
Guarantee and commitment obligations:
LTSPCs	32,919			27,675			32,856		26,293
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	14,207			12,968			15,185		13,374
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of their approximate fair value and is classified as level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Investment securities primarily are valued based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are classified as level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Farmer Mac internally models the fair value of its loan portfolio, including loans held for sale, loans held for investment and loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, and USDA Securities by discounting the projected cash flows of these instruments at projected interest rates. The fair values are based on the present value of expected cash flows using management's best estimate of certain key assumptions, which include prepayment speeds, forward yield curves and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved. These fair value measurements do not take into consideration the fair value of the underlying property and are classified as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Financial derivatives primarily are valued using unadjusted counterparty valuations and are classified as level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the guarantee fees receivable/obligation and debt securities of consolidated trusts are estimated based on the present value of expected future cash flows of the underlying mortgage assets using management's best estimate of certain key assumptions, which include prepayments speeds, forward yield curves, and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved and are classified as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Notes payable are valued by discounting the expected cash flows of these instruments using a yield curve derived from market prices observed for similar agency securities and are also classified as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Because the cash flows of Farmer Mac's financial instruments may be interest rate path dependent, estimated fair values and projected discount rates for level 3 financial instruments are derived using a Monte Carlo simulation model. Different market assumptions and estimation methodologies could significantly affect estimated fair value amounts.

Business_Segment_Reporting

Business Segment Reporting	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Business Segment Reporting Disclosure	'																							[1],[2],[3],[4],[5]
	BUSINESS SEGMENT REPORTING
	After an evaluation of Farmer Mac's overall portfolio of product offerings and reportable segments in accordance with applicable accounting guidance, Farmer Mac's management has determined that Farmer Mac's operations consist of four reportable operating segments effective January 1, 2014 – Farm & Ranch, USDA Guarantees, Rural Utilities, and Institutional Credit. The Institutional Credit segment comprises Farmer Mac's guarantees of AgVantage securities related to general obligations of lenders that are secured by pools of eligible loans. Prior to January 1, 2014, AgVantage securities were included under either the Farm & Ranch or Rural Utilities line of business, as applicable, depending on the type of loans pledged to secure the AgVantage securities. Because the AgVantage product is priced differently and has different credit characteristics than the loans that Farmer Mac purchases, are pooled in LTSPCs, or underlie non-AgVantage Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, Farmer Mac's management determined AgVantage securities should be reported in a separate business segment. All prior period information has been recast to reflect the breakout of the Institutional Credit segment from both the Farm & Ranch and Rural Utilities segments.
	Farmer Mac uses these four segments to manage business risk, and each segment is based on distinct products and distinct business activities.  In addition to these four operating segments, a corporate segment is presented.  That segment represents activity in Farmer Mac's investment portfolio and other corporate activities.  The segment financial results include directly attributable revenues and expenses.  Corporate charges for administrative expenses that are not directly attributable to an operating segment are allocated based on headcount.
	Farmer Mac uses core earnings to measure corporate economic performance and develop financial plans because, in management's view, core earnings is a useful alternative measure in understanding Farmer Mac's economic performance, transaction economics, and business trends.  Core earnings principally differs from GAAP net income by excluding the effects of fair value accounting guidance, which are not expected to have a cumulative net impact on GAAP earnings if the related financial instruments are held to maturity, as is generally expected. Core earnings also differs from GAAP net income by excluding specified infrequent or unusual transactions that Farmer Mac believes are not indicative of future operating results and that may not reflect the trends and economic financial performance of Farmer Mac's core business. This non-GAAP financial measure may not be comparable to similarly labeled non-GAAP financial measures disclosed by other companies. Farmer Mac's disclosure of this non-GAAP measure is intended to be supplemental in nature and is not meant to be considered in isolation from, as a substitute for, or as more important than, the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.
	The financial information presented below reflects the accounts of Farmer Mac and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.  Accordingly, the core earnings for Farmer Mac's reportable operating segments will differ from the stand-alone financial statements of Farmer Mac's subsidiaries.  These differences will be due to various factors, including the reversal of unrealized gains and losses related to fair value changes of trading assets and financial derivatives, as well as the allocation of certain expenses such as dividends and interest expense related to the issuance of capital and the incurrence of indebtedness managed at the corporate level.  The allocation of general and administrative expenses that are not directly attributable to an operating segment may also result in differences.  The assets of Farmer Mac's subsidiary Farmer Mac II LLC will only be available to creditors of Farmer Mac after all obligations owed to creditors of and equity holders in Farmer Mac II LLC have been satisfied.  As of March 31, 2014, Farmer Mac II LLC held assets with a fair value of $1.7 billion, had debt outstanding of $383.0 million, had preferred stock outstanding with a liquidation preference of $250.0 million, and had $1.0 billion of common stock outstanding held by Farmer Mac.
	The following tables present core earnings for Farmer Mac's reportable operating segments and a reconciliation to consolidated net income for the years ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Table 9.1
	Core Earnings by Business Segment
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Farm & Ranch			USDA Guarantees			Rural			Institutional Credit			Corporate			Reconciling				Consolidated Net Income
								Utilities									Adjustments
		(in thousands)
	Interest income (1)	$	18,339		$	12,959		$	7,744		$	17,646		$	5,235		$	(12,205	)		$	49,718
	Interest income related to consolidated trusts owned by third parties reclassified to guarantee fee income	(531		)	—			—			—			—			531				—
	Interest expense (2)	(10,230		)	(9,603		)	(5,543		)	(11,315		)	(999		)	2,964				(34,726		)
	Net effective spread	7,578			3,356			2,201			6,331			4,236			(8,710		)		14,992
	Guarantee and commitment fees	3,909			26			877			2,237			—			(531		)		6,518
	Other income/(expense) (3)	130			28			—			—			(571		)	(6,406		)		(6,819		)
	Non-interest income/(loss)	4,039			54			877			2,237			(571		)	(6,937		)		(301		)
	Provision for loan losses	(573		)	—			—			—			—			—				(573		)
	Provision for losses	(101		)	—			—			—			—			—				(101		)
	Other non-interest expense	(3,552		)	(731		)	(777		)	(445		)	(2,341		)	—				(7,846		)
	Non-interest expense (4)	(3,653		)	(731		)	(777		)	(445		)	(2,341		)	—				(7,947		)
	Core earnings before income taxes	7,391			2,679			2,301			8,123			1,324			(15,647		)	-5	6,171
	Income tax (expense)/benefit	(2,587		)	(938		)	(805		)	(2,843		)	2,839			5,475				1,141
	Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	4,804			1,741			1,496			5,280			4,163			(10,172		)	-5	7,312
	Preferred stock dividends	—			—			—			—			(952		)	—				(952		)
	Non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	—			—			—			—			(5,547		)	—				(5,547		)
	Segment core earnings/(losses)	$	4,804		$	1,741		$	1,496		$	5,280		$	(2,336	)	$	(10,172	)	-5	$	813
	Total assets at carrying value	$	2,272,643		$	1,691,056		$	1,030,422		$	5,157,887		$	3,402,345		$	—			$	13,554,353
	Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance	5,293,975			1,686,696			1,027,246			6,100,286						—				14,108,203
	-1	Includes reconciling adjustments for the amortization of premiums and discounts on assets consolidated at fair value to reflect core earnings amounts.
	-2	Based on effective funding cost determined for each operating segment, including expenses related to interest rate swaps not designated as hedges, which are included in "(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities" on the consolidated financial statements.
	-3	Includes reconciling adjustments for the reclassification of expenses related to interest rate swaps not designated as hedges and fair value adjustments on financial derivatives and trading assets. Also includes a reconciling adjustment related to the recognition of deferred gains over the estimated lives of certain Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities.
	-4	Includes directly attributable costs and an allocation of indirectly attributable costs based on headcount.
	-5	Net  adjustments to reconcile core earnings before income taxes; core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends; and segment core earnings to corresponding income measures: income before income taxes, net income, and net income attributable to common stockholders, respectively.
	Core Earnings by Business Segment
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
		Farm & Ranch			USDA Guarantees			Rural			Institutional Credit			Corporate			Reconciling				Consolidated Net Income
								Utilities									Adjustments
		(in thousands)
	Interest income (1)	$	15,416		$	13,341		$	8,989		$	19,298		$	5,734		$	(1,280	)		$	61,498
	Interest income related to consolidated trusts owned by third parties reclassified to guarantee fee income	(180		)	—			—			—			—			180				—
	Interest expense (2)	(7,153		)	(8,647		)	(5,806		)	(13,435		)	(1,294		)	3,207				(33,128		)
	Net effective spread	8,083			4,694			3,183			5,863			4,440			2,107				28,370
	Guarantee and commitment fees	3,671			33			948			2,140			—			(180		)		6,612
	Other income/(expense) (3)	595			200			—			—			(562		)	5,600				5,833
	Non-interest income/(loss)	4,266			233			948			2,140			(562		)	5,420				12,445
	Provision for loan losses	(430		)	—			—			—			—			—				(430		)
	Release of losses	(746		)	—			—			—			—			—				(746		)
	Other non-interest expense	(3,804		)	(749		)	(802		)	(459		)	(2,521		)	—				(8,335		)
	Non-interest expense (4)	(4,550		)	(749		)	(802		)	(459		)	(2,521		)	—				(9,081		)
	Core earnings before income taxes	7,369			4,178			3,329			7,544			1,357			7,527			-5	31,304
	Income tax (expense)/benefit	(2,579		)	(1,462		)	(1,165		)	(2,640		)	1,765			(2,635		)		(8,716		)
	Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	4,790			2,716			2,164			4,904			3,122			4,892			-5	22,588
	Preferred stock dividends	—			—			—			—			(851		)	—				(851		)
	Non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	—			—			—			—			(5,547		)	—				(5,547		)
	Segment core earnings	$	4,790		$	2,716		$	2,164		$	4,904		$	(3,276	)	$	4,892		-5	$	16,190
	Total assets at carrying value	$	1,762,977		$	1,701,413		$	1,072,494		$	5,093,825		$	3,261,963		$	—			$	12,892,672
	Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance	4,782,609			1,648,105			1,039,698			5,967,450						—				13,437,862
	-1	Includes reconciling adjustments for the amortization of premiums and discounts on assets consolidated at fair value to reflect core earnings amounts.
	-2	Based on effective funding cost determined for each operating segment, including expenses related to interest rate swaps not designated as hedges, which are included in "(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities" on the consolidated financial statements.
	-3	Includes reconciling adjustments for the reclassification of expenses related to interest rate swaps not designated as hedges and fair value adjustments on financial derivatives and trading assets. Also includes a reconciling adjustment related to the recognition of deferred gains over the estimated lives of certain Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities.
-4	Includes directly attributable costs and an allocation of indirectly attributable costs based on headcount.
-5	Net  adjustments to reconcile core earnings before income taxes; core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends; and segment core earnings to corresponding income measures: income before income taxes, net income, and net income attributable to common stockholders, respectively.
[1]	Includes reconciling adjustments for the amortization of premiums and discounts on assets consolidated at fair value to reflect core earnings amounts.
[2]	Includes reconciling adjustments for the reclassification of expenses related to interest rate swaps not designated as hedges and fair value adjustments on financial derivatives and trading assets. Also includes a reconciling adjustment related to the recognition of deferred gains over the estimated lives of certain Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities.
[3]	Includes directly attributable costs and an allocation of indirectly attributable costs based on headcount.
[4]	Net adjustments to reconcile core earnings before income taxes; core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends; and segment core earnings to corresponding income measures: income before income taxes, net income, and net income attributable to common stockholders, respectively.
[5]	Based on effective funding cost determined for each operating segment, including expenses related to interest rate swaps not designated as hedges, which are included in "(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities" on the consolidated financial statements.

Accounting_Policies_Policies

Accounting Policies - (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Account Policies	'
	ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	The interim unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation ("Farmer Mac") and subsidiaries have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). These interim unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present a fair statement of the financial position and the results of operations and cash flows of Farmer Mac and subsidiaries for the interim periods presented. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the annual consolidated financial statements have been omitted as permitted by SEC rules and regulations. The December 31, 2013 consolidated balance sheet presented in this report has been derived from Farmer Mac's audited 2013 consolidated financial statements. Management believes that the disclosures are adequate to present fairly the consolidated financial statements as of the dates and for the periods presented. These interim unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the 2013 consolidated financial statements of Farmer Mac and subsidiaries included in Farmer Mac's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the SEC on March 13, 2014. That Form 10-K describes Farmer Mac's significant accounting policies, which include its policies on Principles of Consolidation; Cash and Cash Equivalents and Statements of Cash Flows; Investment Securities, Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, and USDA Securities; Loans; Securitization of Loans; Non-accrual Loans; Real Estate Owned; Financial Derivatives; Notes Payable; Allowance for Losses; Earnings Per Common Share; Income Taxes; Stock-Based Compensation; Comprehensive Income; Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments; Fair Value Measurement; and Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities ("VIEs"). Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of those that may be expected for the fiscal year. Presented below are Farmer Mac's significant accounting policies that contain updated information for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Farmer Mac and its two subsidiaries: (1) Farmer Mac Mortgage Securities Corporation ("FMMSC"), whose principal activities are to facilitate the purchase and issuance of securities guaranteed by Farmer Mac that represent interests in, or obligations secured by, pools of eligible loans ("Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities") and (2) Farmer Mac II LLC, whose principal activity is the operation of substantially all of the business related to the USDA Guarantees line of business – primarily the acquisition of USDA Securities.  The consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of VIEs in which Farmer Mac determined itself to be the primary beneficiary.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Statements of Cash Flows	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents and Statements of Cash Flows
	Farmer Mac considers highly liquid investment securities with maturities at the time of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of their approximate fair value.  Changes in the balance of cash and cash equivalents are reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Earnings Per Common Share	'
	(b)	Earnings Per Common Share
	Basic earnings per common share ("EPS") is based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding.  Diluted earnings per common share is based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding adjusted to include all potentially dilutive common stock options, stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), and non-vested restricted stock awards.
Reclassifications	'
	Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications of prior period information were made to conform to the current period presentation.

Accounting_Policies_Tables

Accounting Policies - (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities	'
	The following tables present, by line of business, details about the consolidation of VIEs:
	Table 1.1
		Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities
		31-Mar-14
		Farm & Ranch		USDA Guarantees			Rural Utilities			Institutional Credit			Corporate				Total
		(in thousands)
	On-Balance Sheet:
	Consolidated VIEs:
	Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost (1)	$	312,569	$	—		$	296,895		$	—		$	—			$	609,464
	Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties (2)	312,643		—			—			—			—				312,643
	Unconsolidated VIEs:
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	Carrying value (3)	—		21,608			—			33,098			—				54,706
	Maximum exposure to loss (4)	—		20,894			—			30,000			—				50,894
	Investment securities:
	Carrying value (5)	—		—			—			—			572,345				572,345
	Maximum exposure to loss (4) (5)	—		—			—			—			579,225				579,225
	Off-Balance Sheet:
	Unconsolidated VIEs:
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	Maximum exposure to loss (4) (6)	731,574		19,562			—			970,000			—				1,721,136
	(1) Includes unamortized premiums related to Rural Utilities of $4.4 million.
	(2) Includes borrower remittances of $0.1 million, which have not been passed through to third party investors as of March 31, 2014.
	(3) Includes unamortized premiums and discounts and fair value adjustments related to USDA Guarantees and Institutional Credit of $0.7 million and $3.1 million, respectively.
	(4) Farmer Mac uses unpaid principal balance and outstanding face amount of investment securities to represent maximum exposure to loss.
	(5) Includes auction-rate certificates, asset-backed securities and government-sponsored enterprise ("GSE")-guaranteed mortgage-backed securities.
	(6) The Farm & Ranch amount relates to unconsolidated trusts where Farmer Mac determined it was not the primary beneficiary due to shared power with an unrelated party.
		Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities
		31-Dec-13
		Farm & Ranch		USDA Guarantees			Rural Utilities			Institutional Credit			Corporate				Total
		(in thousands)
	On-Balance Sheet:
	Consolidated VIEs:
	Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost (1)	$	259,509	$	—		$	370,480		$	—		$	—			$	629,989
	Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties (2)	261,760		—			—			—			—				261,760
	Unconsolidated VIEs:
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	Carrying value (3)	—		21,234			—			33,248			—				54,482
	Maximum exposure to loss (4)	—		21,088			—			30,000			—				51,088
	Investment securities:
	Carrying value (5)	—		—			—			—			533,688				533,688
	Maximum exposure to loss (4) (5)	—		—			—			—			540,726				540,726
	Off-Balance Sheet:
	Unconsolidated VIEs:
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	Maximum exposure to loss (4) (6)	765,751		20,222			—			970,000			—				1,755,973
	(1) Includes unamortized premiums related to Rural Utilities of $16.2 million.
	(2) Includes borrower remittances of $2.3 million, which have not been passed through to third party investors as of December 31, 2013.
	(3) Includes unamortized premiums and discounts and fair value adjustments related to USDA Guarantees and Institutional Credit of $0.1 million and $3.2 million, respectively.
	(4) Farmer Mac uses unpaid principal balance and the outstanding face amount of investment securities to represent maximum exposure to loss.
	(5) Includes auction-rate certificates, asset-backed securities and GSE-guaranteed mortgage-backed securities.
	(6) The Farm & Ranch amount relates to unconsolidated trusts where Farmer Mac determined it was not the primary beneficiary due to shared power with an unrelated party.
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures	'
	The following table sets forth information regarding certain cash and non-cash transactions for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Table 1.2
		For the Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-14		31-Mar-13
		(in thousands)
	Cash paid during the period for:
	Interest	$	36,535	$	33,068
	Income taxes	—		—
	Non-cash activity:
	Real estate owned acquired through loan liquidation	—		1,034
	Loans acquired and securitized as Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	62,751		25,042
	Purchases of investment securities traded, not yet settled	—		325,000
	Consolidation of Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities from off-balance sheet to loans held for investment in consolidated trusts and to debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	62,751		25,042
	Transfers of loans held for sale to loans held for investment	—		673,991
	Transfers of available-for-sale Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities to held-to-maturity	1,589,775		—
Earnings Per Common Share	'
	The following schedule reconciles basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Table 1.3
		For the Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-14							31-Mar-13
		Net		Weighted-Average Shares		$ per			Net			Weighted-Average Shares			$ per
		Income				Share			Income						Share
		(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Basic EPS
	Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	813	10,887		$	0.07		$	16,190		10,737			$	1.51
	Effect of dilutive securities (1):
	Stock options, SARs and restricted stock	—		459		—			—			424			(0.06		)
	Diluted EPS	$	813	11,346		$	0.07		$	16,190		11,161			$	1.45
	-1	For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, stock options and SARs of 32,983 and 4,000, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because they were anti-dilutive. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, contingent shares of non-vested restricted stock of 31,594 and 25,300, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because performance conditions were not met.

Investment_Securities_Tables

Investment Securities - (Tables) (Investment Securities [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investment Securities [Member]	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities and Trading Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables present the amount outstanding, amortized cost, and fair values of Farmer Mac's investment securities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Table 2.1
		March 31, 2014
		Amount Outstanding		Unamortized Premium/(Discount)			Amortized		Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair Value
							Cost		Gains			Losses
		(in thousands)
	Available-for-sale:
	Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans	$	74,100	$	—		$	74,100	$	—		$	(9,137	)	$	64,963
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	177,999		(176		)	177,823		385			(13		)	178,195
	Floating rate corporate debt securities	107,130		2			107,132		411			(1		)	107,542
	Fixed rate corporate debt securities	55,000		32			55,032		158			—			55,190
	Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	640,910		4,056			644,966		4,891			(640		)	649,217
	Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities (1)	1,123		3,860			4,983		3,601			—			8,584
	Floating rate GSE subordinated debt	70,000		—			70,000		—			(6,615		)	63,385
	Fixed rate GSE preferred stock	78,500		253			78,753		2,887			—			81,640
	Fixed rate taxable municipal bonds	22,053		47			22,100		7			—			22,107
	Fixed rate senior agency debt	518,691		204			518,895		149			(129		)	518,915
	Floating rate U.S. Treasuries	75,000		(16		)	74,984		—			(26		)	74,958
	Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries	643,692		608			644,300		100			(4		)	644,396
	Total available-for-sale	2,464,198		8,870			2,473,068		12,589			(16,565		)	2,469,092
	Trading:
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	3,270		—			3,270		—			(2,347		)	923
	Total investment securities	$	2,467,468	$	8,870		$	2,476,338	$	12,589		$	(18,912	)	$	2,470,015
	-1	Fair value includes $7.4 million of an interest-only security with a notional amount of $152.4 million.
		December 31, 2013
		Amount Outstanding		Unamortized Premium/(Discount)			Amortized		Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair Value
							Cost		Gains			Losses
		(in thousands)
	Available-for-sale:
	Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans	$	74,100	$	—		$	74,100	$	—		$	(8,815	)	$	65,285
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	166,185		(217		)	165,968		195			(59		)	166,104
	Floating rate corporate debt securities	109,345		(3		)	109,342		445			(18		)	109,769
	Fixed rate corporate debt securities	55,000		48			55,048		97			(4		)	55,141
	Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	612,413		4,336			616,749		4,955			(435		)	621,269
	Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities (1)	1,173		3,966			5,139		3,518			—			8,657
	Floating rate GSE subordinated debt	70,000		—			70,000		—			(6,615		)	63,385
	Fixed rate GSE preferred stock	78,500		365			78,865		4,296			—			83,161
	Fixed rate taxable municipal bonds	30,595		84			30,679		5			(3		)	30,681
	Fixed rate senior agency debt	523,691		294			523,985		107			(30		)	524,062
	Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries	754,405		1,141			755,546		95			(8		)	755,633
	Total available-for-sale	2,475,407		10,014			2,485,421		13,713			(15,987		)	2,483,147
	Trading:
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	3,553		—			3,553		—			(2,625		)	928
	Total investment securities	$	2,478,960	$	10,014		$	2,488,974	$	13,713		$	(18,612	)	$	2,484,075
	-1	Fair value includes $7.4 million of an interest-only security with a notional amount of $152.4 million.
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	'
	As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, unrealized losses on available-for-sale investment securities were as follows:
	Table 2.2
		March 31, 2014
		Available-for-Sale Securities
		Unrealized loss position for					Unrealized loss position for
		less than 12 months					more than 12 months
		Fair Value		Unrealized			Fair Value		Unrealized
				Loss					Loss
		(in thousands)
	Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans	$	—	$	—		$	64,963	$	(9,137	)
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	21,645		(13		)	—		—
	Floating rate corporate debt securities	4,999		(1		)	—		—
	Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	230,889		(615		)	7,337		(25		)
	Floating rate GSE subordinated debt	—		—			63,385		(6,615		)
	Fixed rate senior agency debt	284,512		(129		)	—		—
	Floating rate U.S. Treasuries	74,958		(26		)	—		—
	Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries	150,045		(4		)	—		—
	Total	$	767,048	$	(788	)	$	135,685	$	(15,777	)
		December 31, 2013
		Available-for-Sale Securities
		Unrealized loss position for					Unrealized loss position for
		less than 12 months					more than 12 months
		Fair Value		Unrealized			Fair Value		Unrealized
				Loss					Loss
		(in thousands)
	Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans	$	—	$	—		$	65,285	$	(8,815	)
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	50,129		(59		)	—		—
	Floating rate corporate debt securities	19,982		(18		)	—		—
	Fixed rate corporate debt securities	10,058		(4		)	—		—
	Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	161,960		(435		)	—		—
	Floating rate GSE subordinated debt	—		—			63,385		(6,615		)
	Fixed rate taxable municipal bonds	8,041		(3		)	—		—
	Fixed rate senior agency debt	316,273		(30		)	—		—
	Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries	118,056		(8		)	—		—
	Total	$	684,499	$	(557	)	$	128,670	$	(15,430	)
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]	'
	The amortized cost, fair value, and weighted average yield of available-for-sale investment securities by remaining contractual maturity as of March 31, 2014 are set forth below. Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities are included based on their final maturities, although the actual maturities may differ due to prepayments of the underlying assets.
	Table 2.3
		March 31, 2014
		Available-for-Sale Securities
		Amortized		Fair Value			Weighted-
		Cost					Average
							Yield
		(dollars in thousands)
	Due within one year	$	1,246,490	$	1,246,691		0.43%
	Due after one year through five years	288,599		289,722			0.84%
	Due after five years through ten years	325,128		323,229			0.79%
	Due after ten years	612,851		609,450			2.35%
	Total	$	2,473,068	$	2,469,092		1.00%

Farmer_Mac_Guaranteed_Securiti1

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - (Tables) (Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member]	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities and Trading Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables set forth information about on-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Table 3.1
		March 31, 2014
		Unpaid Principal Balance		Unamortized Premium/(Discount)			Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair Value
							Cost		Gains		Losses
		(in thousands)
	Held-to-maturity:
	AgVantage	$	1,641,150	$	19,120		$	1,660,270	—		—			—
	Available-for-sale:
	AgVantage	$	3,470,937	$	—		$	3,470,937	$	35,565	$	(38,847	)	$	3,467,655
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	20,894		(494		)	20,400		1,210		(2		)	21,608
	Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	3,491,831		(494		)	3,491,337		36,775		(38,849		)	3,489,263
	USDA Securities	1,597,956		4,591			1,602,547		7,346		(9,234		)	1,600,659
	Total available-for-sale	$	5,089,787	$	4,097		$	5,093,884	$	44,121	$	(48,083	)	$	5,089,922
	Trading:
	USDA Securities	$	48,283	$	4,441		$	52,724	$	151	$	(1,773	)	$	51,102
		December 31, 2013
		Unpaid Principal Balance		Unamortized Premium/(Discount)			Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair Value
							Cost		Gains		Losses
		(in thousands)
	Available-for-sale:
	AgVantage	$	5,066,855	$	125		$	5,066,980	$	64,051	$	(60,665	)	$	5,070,366
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	21,089		(518		)	20,571		669		(6		)	21,234
	Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	5,087,944		(393		)	5,087,551		64,720		(60,671		)	5,091,600
	USDA Securities	1,590,433		4,585			1,595,018		2,753		(44,102		)	1,553,669
	Total available-for-sale	$	6,678,377	$	4,192		$	6,682,569	$	67,473	$	(104,773	)	$	6,645,269
	Trading:
	USDA Securities	$	55,373	$	4,972		$	60,345	$	193	$	(2,194	)	$	58,344
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]	'
	The amortized cost, fair value, and weighted average yield of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities by remaining contractual maturity as of March 31, 2014 are set forth below. The balances presented are based on their final maturities, although the actual maturities may differ due to prepayments of the underlying assets.
	Table 3.2
		31-Mar-14
		Available-for-Sale Securities
		Amortized		Fair Value			Weighted-
		Cost					Average
							Yield
		(dollars in thousands)
	Due within one year	$	785,824	$	788,681		1.93	%
	Due after one year through five years	1,561,316		1,578,618			1.89	%
	Due after five years through ten years	879,210		874,896			1.79	%
	Due after ten years	1,867,534		1,847,727			2.59	%
	Total	$	5,093,884	$	5,089,922		2.13	%
		31-Mar-14
		Held-to-Maturity Securities
		Amortized		Fair Value			Weighted-
		Cost					Average
							Yield
		(dollars in thousands)
	Due within one year	$	1,124	$	1,007		4.34	%
	Due after one year through five years	1,659,146		1,661,337			2.45	%
	Total	$	1,660,270	$	1,662,344		2.45	%

Financial_Derivatives_Tables

Financial Derivatives - (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables summarize information related to Farmer Mac's financial derivatives on a gross basis without giving consideration to master netting arrangements as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and the effects of financial derivatives on the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Table 4.1
		March 31, 2014
					Fair Value						Weighted-	Weighted-	Weighted-	Weighted-
											Average	Average Receive Rate	Average	Average
											Pay Rate		Forward	Remaining
		Notional Amount			Asset			(Liability)					Price	Life (in years)
		(dollars in thousands)
	Fair value hedges:
	Interest rate swaps:
	Pay fixed non-callable	$	900,000		$	—		$	(28,789	)	2.25%	0.24%		3
	Cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate swaps:
	Pay fixed non-callable	10,000			—			(36		)	2.50%	0.48%		6.7
	No hedge designation:
	Interest rate swaps:
	Pay fixed non-callable	507,820			3,074			(43,448		)	4.28%	0.24%		7.55
	Receive fixed non-callable	4,431,663			8,045			(183		)	0.26%	0.68%		0.47
	Receive fixed callable	195,000			4			(1,081		)	0.10%	0.65%		3.03
	Basis swaps	565,189			336			(572		)	0.25%	0.26%		1.86
	Agency forwards	—			—			—					—
	Treasury futures	18,400			15			—					123.58
	Credit valuation adjustment				(117		)	222
	Total financial derivatives	$	6,628,072		$	11,357		$	(73,887	)
	Collateral pledged				—			14,223
	Net amount				$	11,357		$	(59,664	)
		December 31, 2013
					Fair Value						Weighted-	Weighted-	Weighted-	Weighted-
											Average	Average Receive Rate	Average	Average
											Pay Rate		Forward	Remaining
		Notional Amount			Asset			(Liability)					Price	Life (in years)
		(dollars in thousands)
	Fair value hedges:
	Interest rate swaps:
	Pay fixed non-callable	$	900,000		$	—		$	(28,989	)	2.25%	0.24%		3.25
	Cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate swaps:
	Pay fixed non-callable	10,000			68			—			2.50%	0.48%		6.95
	No hedge designation:
	Interest rate swaps:
	Pay fixed non-callable	806,596			7,570			(45,360		)	4.63%	0.24%		4.86
	Receive fixed non-callable	4,324,663			11,836			(262		)	0.27%	0.70%		0.53
	Receive fixed callable	175,000			83			(934		)	0.10%	0.65%		3.3
	Basis swaps	404,288			276			(318		)	0.32%	0.29%		1.52
	Agency forwards	65,704			86			—					98.91
	Treasury futures	5,600			—			(1		)			123.02
	Credit valuation adjustment				(201		)	156
	Total financial derivatives	$	6,691,851		$	19,718		$	(75,708	)
	Collateral pledged				—			11,320
	Net amount				$	19,718		$	(64,388	)
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block]	'
	Table 4.2
		(Losses)/Gains on Financial Derivatives and Hedging Activities
		For the Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-14			31-Mar-13
		(in thousands)
	Fair value hedges:
	Interest rate swaps (1)	$	200		$	5,791
	Hedged items	2,750			(3,138		)
	Gains on hedging activities	2,950			2,653
	No hedge designation:
	Interest rate swaps	(9,548		)	2,846
	Agency forwards	(852		)	(984		)
	Treasury futures	(128		)	(21		)
	(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives not designated in hedging relationships	(10,528		)	1,841
	(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities	$	(7,578	)	$	4,494
	-1	Included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness at March 31, 2014, but excluded from the amounts in the table, were losses of $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, attributable to the fair value of the swaps at the inception of the hedging relationship. Accordingly, the amounts recognized as hedge ineffectiveness for the three months ended March 31, 2014 were gains of $29,000. The comparable amounts at March 31, 2013 were losses of $3.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 attributable to the fair value of the swaps at the inception of the hedging relationship and, accordingly, losses of $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 attributable to hedge ineffectiveness.
	As of March 31, 2014, Farmer Mac had outstanding basis swaps with Zions First National Bank, a related party, with a total notional amount of $22.1 million and a fair value of $(0.2) million, compared to $29.3 million and $(0.2) million, respectively, as of December 31, 2013.  Under the terms of those basis swaps, Farmer Mac pays Constant Maturity Treasury-based rates and receives LIBOR.  Those swaps hedge most of the interest rate basis risk related to loans Farmer Mac purchases that pay a Constant Maturity Treasury-based rate and the discount notes Farmer Mac issues to fund the loan purchases.  The pricing of discount notes is closely correlated to LIBOR rates.  Farmer Mac recorded unrealized gains on those outstanding basis swaps for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 of $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Losses1

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]	'
	Loans
	Farmer Mac classifies loans as either held for investment or held for sale. Loans held for investment are recorded at the unpaid principal balance, net of unamortized premium or discount and other cost adjustments. Loans held for sale are reported at the lower of cost or fair value determined on a pooled basis. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Farmer Mac had no loans held for sale. The following table displays the composition of the loan balances as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Table 5.1
		31-Mar-14									December 31, 2013
		Unsecuritized			In Consolidated Trusts			Total			Unsecuritized			In Consolidated Trusts			Total
		(in thousands)
	Farm & Ranch	$	1,910,389		$	312,569		$	2,222,958		$	1,875,958		$	259,509		$	2,135,467
	Rural Utilities	734,717			292,529			1,027,246			698,010			354,241			1,052,251
	Total unpaid principal balance (1)	2,645,106			605,098			3,250,204			2,573,968			613,750			3,187,718
	Unamortized premiums, discounts and other cost basis adjustments	(3,392		)	4,366			974			(3,843		)	16,239			12,396
	Total loans	2,641,714			609,464			3,251,178			2,570,125			629,989			3,200,114
	Allowance for loan losses	(6,959		)	(451		)	(7,410		)	(6,587		)	(279		)	(6,866		)
	Total loans, net of allowance	$	2,634,755		$	609,013		$	3,243,768		$	2,563,538		$	629,710		$	3,193,248
	-1	Unpaid principal balance is the basis of presentation in disclosures of outstanding balances for Farmer Mac's lines of business.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	'
	The following is a summary of the changes in the total allowance for losses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Table 5.2
		31-Mar-14									31-Mar-13
		Allowance			Reserve			Total			Allowance			Reserve			Total
		for Loan			for Losses			Allowance			for Loan			for Losses			Allowance
		Losses						for Losses			Losses						for Losses
	For the Three Months Ended:	(in thousands)
	Beginning Balance	$	6,866		$	6,468		$	13,334		$	11,351		$	5,539		$	16,890
	Provision for losses	573			101			674			430			746			1,176
	Charge-offs	(29		)	—			(29		)	(3,814		)	—			(3,814		)
	Ending Balance	$	7,410		$	6,569		$	13,979		$	7,967		$	6,285		$	14,252
	During first quarter 2014, Farmer Mac recorded provisions to its allowance for loan losses of $0.6 million and provisions to its reserve for losses of $0.1 million. Farmer Mac also recorded $29,000 of charge-offs to its allowance for loan losses during first quarter 2014. During first quarter 2013, Farmer Mac recorded provisions to its allowance for loan losses of $0.4 million and provisions to its reserve for losses of $0.7 million. Farmer Mac also recorded charge-offs of $3.8 million to its allowance for loan losses during first quarter 2013, which included a $3.6 million charge-off related to one ethanol loan that transitioned to real estate owned ("REO") during first quarter 2013 and for which Farmer Mac had previously provided a specific allowance.
	The following tables present the changes in the allowance for losses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 by commodity type:
	Table 5.3
		For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
					Plantings						Farm			Processing
														(including ethanol
														facilities)
		(in thousands)
	Beginning Balance	$	2,124		$	2,186		$	1,271		$	454		$	7,292		$	7		$	13,334
	Provision for/(release of) losses	154			(55		)	116			39			423			(3		)	674
	Charge-offs	—			—			—			(29		)	—			—			(29		)
	Ending Balance	$	2,278		$	2,131		$	1,387		$	464		$	7,715		$	4		$	13,979
		For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
		Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
					Plantings						Farm			Processing
														(including ethanol
														facilities)
		(in thousands)
	Beginning Balance	$	2,589		$	2,316		$	1,534		$	784		$	9,661		$	6		$	16,890
	Provision for/(release of) losses	28			199			53			(51		)	935			12			1,176
	Charge-offs	—			(189		)	—			—			(3,625		)	—			(3,814		)
	Ending Balance	$	2,617		$	2,326		$	1,587		$	733		$	6,971		$	18		$	14,252
Schedule of Allowance for Losses by Impairment Method and Commodity [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables present the unpaid principal balances of loans held and loans underlying LTSPCs and off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and the related allowance for losses by impairment method and commodity type as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Table 5.4
		As of March 31, 2014
		Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
					Plantings						Farm			Processing
														(including ethanol
														facilities)
		(in thousands)
	Ending Balance:
	Collectively evaluated for impairment:
	On-balance sheet	$	1,395,277		$	306,566		$	359,633		$	38,605		$	41,717		$	1,325		$	2,143,123
	Off-balance sheet	1,343,148			558,241			908,732			106,983			133,808			7,863			3,058,775
	Total	$	2,738,425		$	864,807		$	1,268,365		$	145,588		$	175,525		$	9,188		$	5,201,898
	Individually evaluated for impairment:
	On-balance sheet	$	19,854		$	39,864		$	9,193		$	10,924		$	—		$	—		$	79,835
	Off-balance sheet	3,316			3,375			4,269			1,282			—			—			12,242
	Total	$	23,170		$	43,239		$	13,462		$	12,206		$	—		$	—		$	92,077
	Total Farm & Ranch loans:
	On-balance sheet	$	1,415,131		$	346,430		$	368,826		$	49,529		$	41,717		$	1,325		$	2,222,958
	Off-balance sheet	1,346,464			561,616			913,001			108,265			133,808			7,863			3,071,017
	Total	$	2,761,595		$	908,046		$	1,281,827		$	157,794		$	175,525		$	9,188		$	5,293,975
	Allowance for Losses:
	Collectively evaluated for impairment:
	On-balance sheet	$	1,469		$	301		$	582		$	24		$	2,606		$	—		$	4,982
	Off-balance sheet	363			155			626			48			5,109			4			6,305
	Total	$	1,832		$	456		$	1,208		$	72		$	7,715		$	4		$	11,287
	Individually evaluated for impairment:
	On-balance sheet	$	361		$	1,608		$	100		$	359		$	—		$	—		$	2,428
	Off-balance sheet	85			67			79			33			—			—			264
	Total	$	446		$	1,675		$	179		$	392		$	—		$	—		$	2,692
	Total Farm & Ranch loans:
	On-balance sheet	$	1,830		$	1,909		$	682		$	383		$	2,606		$	—		$	7,410
	Off-balance sheet	448			222			705			81			5,109			4			6,569
	Total	$	2,278		$	2,131		$	1,387		$	464		$	7,715		$	4		$	13,979
		As of December 31, 2013
		Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
					Plantings						Farm			Processing
														(including ethanol
														facilities)
		(in thousands)
	Ending Balance:
	Collectively evaluated for impairment:
	On-balance sheet	$	1,363,861		$	295,037		$	319,665		$	39,940		$	32,636		$	359		$	2,051,498
	Off-balance sheet	1,279,887			567,932			912,397			109,884			138,282			8,159			3,016,541
	Total	$	2,643,748		$	862,969		$	1,232,062		$	149,824		$	170,918		$	8,518		$	5,068,039
	Individually evaluated for impairment:
	On-balance sheet	$	21,147		$	41,441		$	10,844		$	10,422		$	—		$	115		$	83,969
	Off-balance sheet	1,962			3,414			3,199			2,497			—			—			11,072
	Total	$	23,109		$	44,855		$	14,043		$	12,919		$	—		$	115		$	95,041
	Total Farm & Ranch loans:
	On-balance sheet	$	1,385,008		$	336,478		$	330,509		$	50,362		$	32,636		$	474		$	2,135,467
	Off-balance sheet	1,281,849			571,346			915,596			112,381			138,282			8,159			3,027,613
	Total	$	2,666,857		$	907,824		$	1,246,105		$	162,743		$	170,918		$	8,633		$	5,163,080
	Allowance for Losses:
	Collectively evaluated for impairment:
	On-balance sheet	$	1,321		$	325		$	436		$	20		$	2,290		$	—		$	4,392
	Off-balance sheet	397			159			642			42			5,002			4			6,246
	Total	$	1,718		$	484		$	1,078		$	62		$	7,292		$	4		$	10,638
	Individually evaluated for impairment:
	On-balance sheet	$	362		$	1,641		$	140		$	331		$	—		$	—		$	2,474
	Off-balance sheet	44			61			53			61			—			3			222
	Total	$	406		$	1,702		$	193		$	392		$	—		$	3		$	2,696
	Total Farm & Ranch loans:
On-balance sheet	$	1,683		$	1,966		$	576		$	351		$	2,290		$	—		$	6,866
Off-balance sheet	441			220			695			103			5,002			7			6,468
Total	$	2,124		$	2,186		$	1,271		$	454		$	7,292		$	7		$	13,334
Impaired Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables present by commodity type the unpaid principal balances, recorded investment, and specific allowance for losses related to impaired loans and the recorded investment in loans on nonaccrual status as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Table 5.5
		As of March 31, 2014
		Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
					Plantings						Farm			Processing
														(including
														ethanol
														facilities)
		(in thousands)
	Impaired Loans:
	With no specific allowance:
	Recorded investment	$	6,989		$	9,913		$	6,733		$	1,442		$	—		$	—		$	25,077
	Unpaid principal balance	6,875			10,010			6,914			1,458			—			—			25,257
	With a specific allowance:
	Recorded investment (1)	16,902			34,077			6,548			10,636			—			—			68,163
	Unpaid principal balance	16,295			33,229			6,548			10,748			—			—			66,820
	Associated allowance	446			1,675			179			392			—			—			2,692
	Total:
	Recorded investment	23,891			43,990			13,281			12,078			—			—			93,240
	Unpaid principal balance	23,170			43,239			13,462			12,206			—			—			92,077
	Associated allowance	446			1,675			179			392			—			—			2,692
	Recorded investment of loans on nonaccrual status (2)	$	10,926		$	15,198		$	5,280		$	6,103		$	—		$	—		$	37,507
	-1	Impairment analysis was performed in the aggregate in consideration of similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics on $60.7 million (65 percent) of impaired loans as of March 31, 2014, which resulted in a specific reserve of $1.3 million.
	-2	Includes $9.1 million of loans that are less than 90 days delinquent but which have not met Farmer Mac's performance criteria for returning to accrual status.
		As of December 31, 2013
		Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
					Plantings						Farm			Processing
														(including
														ethanol
														facilities)
		(in thousands)
	Impaired Loans:
	With no specific allowance:
	Recorded investment	$	6,956		$	9,880		$	6,671		$	1,444		$	—		$	—		$	24,951
	Unpaid principal balance	6,825			9,877			6,588			1,443			—			—			24,733
	With a specific allowance:
	Recorded investment (1)	16,697			36,146			7,600			11,554			—			119			72,116
	Unpaid principal balance	16,284			34,978			7,455			11,476			—			115			70,308
	Associated allowance	406			1,702			193			392			—			3			2,696
	Total:
	Recorded investment	23,653			46,026			14,271			12,998			—			119			97,067
	Unpaid principal balance	23,109			44,855			14,043			12,919			—			115			95,041
	Associated allowance	406			1,702			193			392			—			3			2,696
	Recorded investment of loans on nonaccrual status (2)	$	10,812		$	15,237		$	5,344		$	5,835		$	—		$	—		$	37,228
	-1	Impairment analysis was performed in the aggregate in consideration of similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics on $65.1 million (67 percent) of impaired loans as of December 31, 2012, which resulted in a specific reserve of $1.3 million.
	-2	Includes $9.6 million of loans that are less than 90 days delinquent but which have not met Farmer Mac's performance criteria for returning to accrual status.
	The following table presents by commodity type the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on impaired loans for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Table 5.6
		For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
					Plantings						Farm			Processing
														(including
														ethanol
														facilities)
		(in thousands)
	Average recorded investment in impaired loans	$	23,772		$	45,008		$	13,776		$	12,538		$	—		$	60		$	95,154
	Income recognized on impaired loans	170			194			76			122			—			—			562
		For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
		Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
					Plantings						Farm			Processing
														(including
														ethanol
														facilities)
	(in thousands)
Average recorded investment in impaired loans	$	31,830		$	46,743		$	17,906		$	14,197		$	2,169		$	1,023		$	113,868
Income recognized on impaired loans	342			374			154			194			—			—			1,064
Schedule of Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Acquired During Period [Table Text Block]	'
	During first quarter 2014, Farmer Mac purchased one defaulted loan having an unpaid principal balance of $0.4 million from a pool underlying an LTSPC.  During first quarter 2013, Farmer Mac purchased two defaulted loans having an unpaid principal balance of $0.1 million from pools underlying Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities and LTSPCs.
	The following tables present information related to Farmer Mac's acquisition of defaulted loans for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 and the outstanding balances and carrying amounts of all such loans as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Table 5.7
		For the Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-14			31-Mar-13
		(in thousands)
	Unpaid principal balance at acquisition date:
	Loans underlying LTSPCs	$	440		$	37
	Loans underlying off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	—			103
	Total unpaid principal balance at acquisition date	440			140
	Contractually required payments receivable	440			143
	Impairment recognized subsequent to acquisition	52			386
	Recovery/release of allowance for defaulted loans	2			50
		As of
		31-Mar-14			31-Dec-13
		(in thousands)
	Outstanding balance	$	31,660		$	32,838
	Carrying amount	29,435			29,613
Schedule of Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Acquired During Period, Delinquencies and Credit Losses [Table Text Block]	'
	Net credit losses and 90-day delinquencies as of and for the periods indicated for loans held and loans underlying off-balance sheet Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities and LTSPCs are presented in the table below.  As of March 31, 2014, there were no delinquencies and no probable losses inherent in Farmer Mac's Rural Utilities loan portfolio and Farmer Mac has not experienced credit losses on any Rural Utilities loans.
	Table 5.8
		90-Day Delinquencies (1)						Net Credit Losses
		As of						For the Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-14			31-Dec-13			31-Mar-14			31-Mar-13
		(in thousands)
	On-balance sheet assets:
	Farm & Ranch:
	Loans	$	28,373		$	27,580		$	32		$	3,810
	Total on-balance sheet	$	28,373		$	27,580		$	32		$	3,810
	Off-balance sheet assets:
	Farm & Ranch:
	LTSPCs	$	1,064		$	716		$	—		$	—
	Total off-balance sheet	$	1,064		$	716		$	—		$	—
	Total	$	29,437		$	28,296		$	32		$	3,810
	-1	Includes loans and loans underlying off-balance sheet Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities and LTSPCs that are 90 days or more past due, in foreclosure, restructured after delinquency, and in bankruptcy, excluding loans performing under either their original loan terms or a court-approved bankruptcy plan.
	Of the $28.4 million and $27.6 million of on-balance sheet loans reported as 90-day delinquencies as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, $1.2 million, were loans subject to "removal-of-account" provisions.
Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables present credit quality indicators related to Farm & Ranch loans held and loans underlying LTSPCs and off-balance sheet Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Table 5.9
		As of March 31, 2014
		Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
					Plantings						Farm			Processing
														(including ethanol
														facilities)
		(in thousands)
	Credit risk profile by internally assigned grade (1)
	On-balance sheet:
	Acceptable	$	1,383,292		$	302,195		$	346,330		$	37,198		$	20,075		$	1,325		$	2,090,415
	Special mention (2)	11,985			4,371			13,303			1,407			8,096			—			39,162
	Substandard (3)	19,854			39,864			9,193			10,924			13,546			—			93,381
	Total on-balance sheet	$	1,415,131		$	346,430		$	368,826		$	49,529		$	41,717		$	1,325		$	2,222,958
	Off-Balance Sheet:
	Acceptable	$	1,314,751		$	538,757		$	841,599		$	102,120		$	93,880		$	7,190		$	2,898,297
	Special mention (2)	12,472			13,501			37,155			1,052			18,814			571			83,565
	Substandard (3)	19,241			9,358			34,247			5,093			21,114			102			89,155
	Total off-balance sheet	$	1,346,464		$	561,616		$	913,001		$	108,265		$	133,808		$	7,863		$	3,071,017
	Total Ending Balance:
	Acceptable	$	2,698,043		$	840,952		$	1,187,929		$	139,318		$	113,955		$	8,515		$	4,988,712
	Special mention (2)	24,457			17,872			50,458			2,459			26,910			571			122,727
	Substandard (3)	39,095			49,222			43,440			16,017			34,660			102			182,536
	Total	$	2,761,595		$	908,046		$	1,281,827		$	157,794		$	175,525		$	9,188		$	5,293,975
	Commodity analysis of past due loans (1)
	On-balance sheet	$	8,529		$	11,415		$	5,251		$	3,178		$	—		$	—		$	28,373
	Off-balance sheet	189			405			470			—			—			—			1,064
	90-days or more past due	$	8,718		$	11,820		$	5,721		$	3,178		$	—		$	—		$	29,437
	-1	Amounts represent unpaid principal balance of risk-rated loans, which is the basis Farmer Mac uses to analyze its portfolio, and recorded investment of past due loans.
	-2	Assets in the Special mention category generally have potential weaknesses due to performance issues but are currently considered to be adequately secured.
	-3	Substandard assets have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses and there is a distinct possibility that some loss will be sustained if deficiencies are not corrected.
		As of December 31, 2013
		Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
					Plantings						Farm			Processing
														(including ethanol
														facilities)
		(in thousands)
	Credit risk profile by internally assigned grade (1)
	On-balance sheet:
	Acceptable	$	1,348,205		$	290,064		$	300,308		$	39,022		$	10,987		$	359		$	1,988,945
	Special Mention (2)	15,656			4,973			19,357			918			6,267			—			47,171
	Substandard (3)	21,147			41,441			10,844			10,422			15,382			115			99,351
	Total on-balance sheet	$	1,385,008		$	336,478		$	330,509		$	50,362		$	32,636		$	474		$	2,135,467
	Off-Balance Sheet
	Acceptable	$	1,251,834		$	548,254		$	844,130		$	105,589		$	99,072		$	7,478		$	2,856,357
	Special Mention (2)	10,977			15,621			36,555			917			11,011			578			75,659
	Substandard (3)	19,038			7,471			34,911			5,875			28,199			103			95,597
	Total off-balance sheet	$	1,281,849		$	571,346		$	915,596		$	112,381		$	138,282		$	8,159		$	3,027,613
	Total Ending Balance:
	Acceptable	$	2,600,039		$	838,318		$	1,144,438		$	144,611		$	110,059		$	7,837		$	4,845,302
	Special Mention (2)	26,633			20,594			55,912			1,835			17,278			578			122,830
	Substandard (3)	40,185			48,912			45,755			16,297			43,581			218			194,948
	Total	$	2,666,857		$	907,824		$	1,246,105		$	162,743		$	170,918		$	8,633		$	5,163,080
	Commodity analysis of past due loans (1)
	On-balance sheet	$	8,036		$	11,841		$	4,462		$	3,122		$	—		$	119		$	27,580
	Off-balance sheet	220			—			—			496			—			—			716
	90-days or more past due	$	8,256		$	11,841		$	4,462		$	3,618		$	—		$	119		$	28,296
	-1	Amounts represent unpaid principal balance of risk-rated loans, which is the basis Farmer Mac uses to analyze its portfolio, and recorded investment of past due loans.
	-2	Assets in the Special mention category generally have potential weaknesses due to performance issues but are currently considered to be adequately secured.
	-3	Substandard assets have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses and there is a distinct possibility that some loss will be sustained if deficiencies are not corrected.
Schedules of Concentration of Risk, by Risk Factor [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the geographic and commodity/collateral diversification, as well as the range of original loan-to-value ratios, for all Farm & Ranch loans held and loans underlying off-balance sheet Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities and LTSPCs as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Table 5.10
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	By commodity/collateral type:
	Crops	$	2,761,595		$	2,666,857
	Permanent plantings	908,046			907,824
	Livestock	1,281,827			1,246,105
	Part-time farm	157,794			162,743
	Ag. Storage and Processing (including ethanol facilities)	175,525			170,918
	Other	9,188			8,633
	Total	$	5,293,975		$	5,163,080
	By geographic region (1):
	Northwest	$	549,031		$	524,034
	Southwest	1,726,049			1,752,109
	Mid-North	1,801,279			1,702,668
	Mid-South	621,137			601,359
	Northeast	224,277			231,731
	Southeast	372,202			351,179
	Total	$	5,293,975		$	5,163,080
	By original loan-to-value ratio:
	0.00% to 40.00%	$	1,453,294		$	1,375,758
	40.01% to 50.00%	1,131,827			1,099,033
	50.01% to 60.00%	1,462,348			1,431,562
	60.01% to 70.00%	1,101,147			1,113,427
	70.01% to 80.00%	107,144			110,828
	80.01% to 90.00%	38,215			32,472
	Total	$	5,293,975		$	5,163,080
	-1	Geographic regions:  Northwest (AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY); Southwest (AZ, CA, CO, HI, NM, NV, UT); Mid-North (IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, NE, ND, SD, WI); Mid-South (AR, KS, LA, MO, OK, TX); Northeast (CT, DE, KY, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VA, VT, WV); Southeast (AL, FL, GA, MS, NC, SC, TN).
	The original loan-to-value ratio is calculated by dividing the loan principal balance at the time of guarantee, purchase, or commitment by the appraised value at the date of loan origination or, when available, the updated appraised value at the time of guarantee, purchase, or commitment.  Current loan-to-value ratios may be higher or lower than the original loan-to-value ratios.

OffBalance_Sheet_Guarantees_an1

Off-Balance Sheet Guarantees and Long Term Standby Purchase Commitments - (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table Text Block]	'
	Off-Balance Sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities
	The following table presents the maximum principal amount of potential undiscounted future payments that Farmer Mac could be required to make under all off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, not including offsets provided by any recourse provisions, recoveries from third parties, or collateral for the underlying loans:
	Table 6.1
	Outstanding Balance of Off-Balance Sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities
		March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Farm & Ranch:
	Guaranteed Securities	$	731,574	$	765,751
	USDA Guarantees:
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	19,562		20,222
	Institutional Credit:
	AgVantage Securities	988,199		981,009
	Total off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	$	1,739,335	$	1,766,982
Schedule of Cash Flows Related To Transfer of Securitizations [Table Text Block]	'
	Eligible loans and other eligible assets may be placed into trusts that are used as vehicles for the securitization of the transferred assets and the Farmer Mac-guaranteed beneficial interests in the trusts are sold to investors.  The following table summarizes the significant cash flows received from and paid to trusts used for Farmer Mac securitizations:
	Table 6.2
		For the Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-14		31-Mar-13
	Proceeds from new securitizations	$	62,751	$	25,042
	Guarantee fees received	827		992
	Purchases of assets from the trusts	—		(103		)
	Farmer Mac has recorded a liability for its obligation to stand ready under the guarantee in the guarantee and commitment obligation on the consolidated balance sheets.  This liability approximated $13.0 million as of March 31, 2014 and $13.4 million as of December 31, 2013. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the weighted-average remaining maturity of all loans underlying off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, excluding AgVantage securities, was 12.6 years and 12.8 years, respectively.  As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the weighted-average remaining maturity of the off-balance sheet AgVantage securities was 3.2 years and 3.4 years, respectively.

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Tables

Fair Value Disclosures - (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables present information about Farmer Mac's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques used by Farmer Mac to determine such fair value:
	Table 8.1
	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value as of March 31, 2014
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
		(in thousands)
	Recurring:
	Assets:
	Investment Securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans	$	—		$	—		$	64,963	$	64,963
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	—			178,195			—		178,195
	Floating rate corporate debt securities	—			107,542			—		107,542
	Fixed rate corporate debt securities	—			55,190			—		55,190
	Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	—			649,014			203		649,217
	Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	—			8,584			—		8,584
	Floating rate GSE subordinated debt	—			63,385			—		63,385
	Fixed rate GSE preferred stock	—			81,640			—		81,640
	Fixed rate taxable municipal bonds	—			22,107			—		22,107
	Fixed rate senior agency debt	—			518,915			—		518,915
	Floating rate U.S. Treasuries	74,958			—			—		74,958
	Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries	644,396			—			—		644,396
	Total available-for-sale	719,354			1,684,572			65,166		2,469,092
	Trading:
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	—			—			923		923
	Total trading	—			—			923		923
	Total Investment Securities	719,354			1,684,572			66,089		2,470,015
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	AgVantage	—			—			3,467,655		3,467,655
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	—			—			21,608		21,608
	Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	—			—			3,489,263		3,489,263
	USDA Securities:
	Available-for-sale	—			—			1,600,659		1,600,659
	Trading	—			—			51,102		51,102
	Total USDA Securities	—			—			1,651,761		1,651,761
	Financial derivatives	15			11,342			—		11,357
	Total Assets at fair value	$	719,369		$	1,695,914		$	5,207,113	$	7,622,396
	Liabilities:
	Financial derivatives	$	—		$	73,726		$	161	$	73,887
	Total Liabilities at fair value	$	—		$	73,726		$	161	$	73,887
	Nonrecurring:
	Assets:
	Loans held for investment	$	—		$	—		$	6,033	$	6,033
	REO	—			—			1,704		1,704
	Total Nonrecurring Assets at fair value	$	—		$	—		$	7,737	$	7,737
	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value as of December 31, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
		(in thousands)
	Recurring:
	Assets:
	Investment Securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans	$	—		$	—		$	65,285	$	65,285
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	—			166,104			—		166,104
	Floating rate corporate debt securities	—			109,769			—		109,769
	Fixed rate corporate debt	—			55,141			—		55,141
	Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	—			621,064			205		621,269
	Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	—			8,657			—		8,657
	Floating rate GSE subordinated debt	—			63,385			—		63,385
	Fixed rate GSE preferred stock	—			83,161			—		83,161
	Fixed rate taxable municipal bonds	—			30,681			—		30,681
	Fixed rate senior agency debt	—			524,062			—		524,062
	Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries	755,633			—			—		755,633
Total available-for-sale	755,633			1,662,024			65,490		2,483,147
Trading:
Floating rate asset-backed securities	—			—			928		928
Total trading	—			—			928		928
Total Investment Securities	755,633			1,662,024			66,418		2,484,075
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
Available-for-sale:
AgVantage	—			—			5,070,366		5,070,366
Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	—			—			21,234		21,234
Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	—			—			5,091,600		5,091,600
USDA Securities:
Available-for-sale	—			—			1,553,669		1,553,669
Trading	—			—			58,344		58,344
Total USDA Securities	—			—			1,612,013		1,612,013
Financial derivatives	—			19,718			—		19,718
Total Assets at fair value	$	755,633		$	1,681,742		$	6,770,031	$	9,207,406
Liabilities:
Financial derivatives	$	1		$	75,472		$	235	$	75,708
Total Liabilities at fair value	$	1		$	75,472		$	235	$	75,708
Nonrecurring:
Assets:
Loans held for investment	—			—			4,420		4,420
REO	—			—			1,818		1,818
Total Nonrecurring Assets at fair value	$	—		$	—		$	6,238	$	6,238
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'																								[1],[2],[3]
	The following tables present additional information about assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which Farmer Mac has used significant unobservable inputs to determine fair value. Net transfers in and/or out of level 3 are based on the fair values of the assets and liabilities as of the beginning of the reporting period.
	Table 8.2
	Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Beginning			Purchases			Sales		Settlements			Realized and			Unrealized			Transfers Out			Ending
		Balance											Unrealized Gains included			Gains/(Losses)						Balance
													in Income			included in Other
																Comprehen-sive
																Income
		(in thousands)
	Recurring:
	Assets:
	Investment Securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans	$	65,285		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	(322	)	$	—		$	64,963
	Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	205			—			—		(4		)	—			2			—			203
	Total available-for-sale	65,490			—			—		(4		)	—			(320		)	—			65,166
	Trading:
	Floating rate asset-backed securities (1)	928			—			—		(283		)	278			—			—			923
	Total trading	928			—			—		(283		)	278			—			—			923
	Total Investment Securities	66,418			—			—		(287		)	278			(320		)	—			66,089
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	AgVantage	5,070,366			170,000			—		(176,269		)	2,750			12,894			(1,612,086		)	3,467,655
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	21,234			—			—		(171		)	—			545			—			21,608
	Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	5,091,600			170,000			—		(176,440		)	2,750			13,439			(1,612,086		)	3,489,263
	USDA Securities:
	Available-for-sale	1,553,669			67,984			—		(60,455		)	—			39,461			—			1,600,659
	Trading (2)	58,344			—			—		(7,619		)	377			—			—			51,102
	Total USDA Securities	1,612,013			67,984			—		(68,074		)	377			39,461			—			1,651,761
	Total Assets at fair value	$	6,770,031		$	237,984		$	—	$	(244,801	)	$	3,405		$	52,580		$	(1,612,086	)	$	5,207,113
	Liabilities:
	Financial derivatives (3)	$	(235	)	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	74		$	—		$	—		$	(161	)
	Total Liabilities at fair value	$	(235	)	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	74		$	—		$	—		$	(161	)
	-1	Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of March 31, 2014 and are recorded in "Gains on trading assets."
	-2	Includes unrealized gains of $0.7 million attributable to assets still held as of March 31, 2014 that are recorded in "Gains on trading assets."
	-3	Unrealized gains are attributable to liabilities still held as of March 31, 2014 and are recorded in "(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities."
	Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
		Beginning			Purchases			Sales		Settlements			Realized and			Unrealized			Ending
		Balance											Unrealized Gains/			Gains/(Losses)			Balance
													(Losses) included			included in Other
													in Income			Comprehen-sive
																Income
		(in thousands)
	Recurring:
	Assets:
	Investment Securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans	$	63,159		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	2,054		$	65,213
	Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	—			233			—		—			—			—			233
	Total available-for-sale	63,159			233			—		—			—			2,054			65,446
	Trading:
	Floating rate asset-backed securities (1)	1,247			—			—		(314		)	196			—			1,129
	Total trading	1,247			—			—		(314		)	196			—			1,129
	Total Investment Securities	64,406			233			—		(314		)	196			2,054			66,575
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	AgVantage	4,739,577			425,000			—		(77,933		)	(3,138		)	(10,624		)	5,072,882
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	26,681			—			—		(383		)	—			900			27,198
	Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	4,766,258			425,000			—		(78,316		)	(3,138		)	(9,724		)	5,100,080
	USDA Securities:
	Available-for-sale	1,486,595			122,187			—		(69,202		)	—			29,580			1,569,160
	Trading (2)	104,188			—			—		(16,931		)	14			—			87,271
	Total USDA Securities	1,590,783			122,187			—		(86,133		)	14			29,580			1,656,431
Total Assets at fair value	$	6,421,447		$	547,420		$	—	$	(164,763	)	$	(2,928	)	$	21,910		$	6,823,086
Liabilities:
Financial derivatives (3)	$	(691	)	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	159		$	—		$	(532	)
Total Liabilities at fair value	$	(691	)	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	159		$	—		$	(532	)
-1	Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of March 31, 2013 and are recorded in "Gains on trading assets."
-2	Includes unrealized losses of $0.1 million attributable to assets still held as of March 31, 2013 that are recorded in "Gains on trading assets."
-3	Unrealized gains are attributable to liabilities still held as of March 31, 2013 and are recorded in "(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities."
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables present additional information about the significant unobservable inputs, such as discount rates and constant prepayment rates ("CPR"), used in the fair value measurements categorized in level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	Table 8.3
			March 31, 2014
	Financial Instruments		Fair Value			Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input		Range (Weighted-Average)
			(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Investment securities:
	Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans		$	64,963		Indicative bids	Range of broker quotes		82.0% - 92.0% (87.7%)
	Floating rate asset-backed securities		$	923		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		12.2% - 20.9% (16.6%)
							CPR		10%
	Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities		$	203		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		1.7% - 1.7% (1.7%)
							CPR		6%
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	AgVantage		$	3,467,655		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		0.8% - 2.2% (1.5%)
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities		$	21,608		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		0.8% - 3.2% (1.8%)
							CPR		8% - 15% (13%)
	USDA Securities		$	1,651,761		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		1.1% - 5.2% (3.2%)
							CPR		0% - 15% (6%)
	Liabilities:
	Financial Derivatives:
	Basis swaps		$	161		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		0.6% - 2.4% (1.2%)
							CPR		10% - 11% (10%)
			December 31, 2013
	Financial Instruments		Fair Value			Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input		Range (Weighted-Average)
			(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Investment securities:
	Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans		$	65,285		Indicative bids	Range of broker quotes		82.0% - 92.0% (88.1%)
	Floating rate asset-backed securities		$	928		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		13.0% - 22.5% (17.7%)
							CPR		10%
	Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities		$	205		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		1.8% - 1.8% (1.8%)
							CPR		6%
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	AgVantage		$	5,070,366		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		0.9% - 3.6% (1.8%)
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities		$	21,234		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		0.9% - 3.2% (1.9%)
							CPR		7% - 14% (11%)
	USDA Securities		$	1,612,013		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		1.2% - 5.3% (3.4%)
							CPR		0% - 23% (5%)
	Liabilities:
	Financial Derivatives:
	Basis swaps		$	235		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		0.7% - 2.3% (1.3%)
							CPR		10% - 11% (10%)
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]	'
	Disclosures on Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The following table sets forth the estimated fair values and carrying values for financial assets, liabilities, and guarantees and commitments as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Table 8.4
		March 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Fair Value			Carrying			Fair Value		Carrying
					Amount					Amount
		(in thousands)
	Financial assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	866,585		$	866,585		$	749,313	$	749,313
	Investment securities	2,470,015			2,470,015			2,484,075		2,484,075
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	5,151,607			5,149,533			5,091,600		5,091,600
	USDA Securities	1,651,761			1,651,761			1,612,013		1,612,013
	Loans	3,272,039			3,243,768			3,138,932		3,193,248
	Financial derivatives	11,357			11,357			19,718		19,718
	Guarantee and commitment fees receivable:
	LTSPCs	33,875			28,631			33,807		27,244
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	16,481			15,242			18,470		16,660
	Financial liabilities:
	Notes payable:
	Due within one year	7,362,684			7,354,271			7,353,356		7,338,781
	Due after one year	5,049,460			5,036,375			4,977,942		5,001,169
	Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	313,327			312,643			257,512		261,760
	Financial derivatives	73,887			73,887			75,708		75,708
	Guarantee and commitment obligations:
	LTSPCs	32,919			27,675			32,856		26,293
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	14,207			12,968			15,185		13,374
	The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of their approximate fair value and is classified as level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Investment securities primarily are valued based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are classified as level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Farmer Mac internally models the fair value of its loan portfolio, including loans held for sale, loans held for investment and loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, and USDA Securities by discounting the projected cash flows of these instruments at projected interest rates. The fair values are based on the present value of expected cash flows using management's best estimate of certain key assumptions, which include prepayment speeds, forward yield curves and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved. These fair value measurements do not take into consideration the fair value of the underlying property and are classified as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Financial derivatives primarily are valued using unadjusted counterparty valuations and are classified as level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the guarantee fees receivable/obligation and debt securities of consolidated trusts are estimated based on the present value of expected future cash flows of the underlying mortgage assets using management's best estimate of certain key assumptions, which include prepayments speeds, forward yield curves, and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved and are classified as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Notes payable are valued by discounting the expected cash flows of these instruments using a yield curve derived from market prices observed for similar agency securities and are also classified as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Because the cash flows of Farmer Mac's financial instruments may be interest rate path dependent, estimated fair values and projected discount rates for level 3 financial instruments are derived using a Monte Carlo simulation model. Different market assumptions and estimation methodologies could significantly affect estimated fair value amounts.
[1]	{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOjk4YTRiNmIxNDNjYTQ0MzA5MDhkODA0NmM1Yzg0MDA2fFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246MjM5NEUwOEQzMjdGNTA4NEEyOUJFRkRGOURBRjFENkQM}
[2]	{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOjk4YTRiNmIxNDNjYTQ0MzA5MDhkODA0NmM1Yzg0MDA2fFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246Q0EwRDY4QzhDNzU2NTUwMEEyMzcyMjNEQ0Q4RDQ2MTUM}
[3]	{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOjk4YTRiNmIxNDNjYTQ0MzA5MDhkODA0NmM1Yzg0MDA2fFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246RUI5NjYwMTk4MDExNTYxQTk1QzY2NTVGRUREM0U3QjAM}

Business_Segment_Reporting_Tab

Business Segment Reporting - (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables present core earnings for Farmer Mac's reportable operating segments and a reconciliation to consolidated net income for the years ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Table 9.1
	Core Earnings by Business Segment
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Farm & Ranch			USDA Guarantees			Rural			Institutional Credit			Corporate			Reconciling				Consolidated Net Income
								Utilities									Adjustments
		(in thousands)
	Interest income (1)	$	18,339		$	12,959		$	7,744		$	17,646		$	5,235		$	(12,205	)		$	49,718
	Interest income related to consolidated trusts owned by third parties reclassified to guarantee fee income	(531		)	—			—			—			—			531				—
	Interest expense (2)	(10,230		)	(9,603		)	(5,543		)	(11,315		)	(999		)	2,964				(34,726		)
	Net effective spread	7,578			3,356			2,201			6,331			4,236			(8,710		)		14,992
	Guarantee and commitment fees	3,909			26			877			2,237			—			(531		)		6,518
	Other income/(expense) (3)	130			28			—			—			(571		)	(6,406		)		(6,819		)
	Non-interest income/(loss)	4,039			54			877			2,237			(571		)	(6,937		)		(301		)
	Provision for loan losses	(573		)	—			—			—			—			—				(573		)
	Provision for losses	(101		)	—			—			—			—			—				(101		)
	Other non-interest expense	(3,552		)	(731		)	(777		)	(445		)	(2,341		)	—				(7,846		)
	Non-interest expense (4)	(3,653		)	(731		)	(777		)	(445		)	(2,341		)	—				(7,947		)
	Core earnings before income taxes	7,391			2,679			2,301			8,123			1,324			(15,647		)	-5	6,171
	Income tax (expense)/benefit	(2,587		)	(938		)	(805		)	(2,843		)	2,839			5,475				1,141
	Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	4,804			1,741			1,496			5,280			4,163			(10,172		)	-5	7,312
	Preferred stock dividends	—			—			—			—			(952		)	—				(952		)
	Non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	—			—			—			—			(5,547		)	—				(5,547		)
	Segment core earnings/(losses)	$	4,804		$	1,741		$	1,496		$	5,280		$	(2,336	)	$	(10,172	)	-5	$	813
	Total assets at carrying value	$	2,272,643		$	1,691,056		$	1,030,422		$	5,157,887		$	3,402,345		$	—			$	13,554,353
	Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance	5,293,975			1,686,696			1,027,246			6,100,286						—				14,108,203
	-1	Includes reconciling adjustments for the amortization of premiums and discounts on assets consolidated at fair value to reflect core earnings amounts.
	-2	Based on effective funding cost determined for each operating segment, including expenses related to interest rate swaps not designated as hedges, which are included in "(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities" on the consolidated financial statements.
	-3	Includes reconciling adjustments for the reclassification of expenses related to interest rate swaps not designated as hedges and fair value adjustments on financial derivatives and trading assets. Also includes a reconciling adjustment related to the recognition of deferred gains over the estimated lives of certain Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities.
	-4	Includes directly attributable costs and an allocation of indirectly attributable costs based on headcount.
	-5	Net  adjustments to reconcile core earnings before income taxes; core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends; and segment core earnings to corresponding income measures: income before income taxes, net income, and net income attributable to common stockholders, respectively.
	Core Earnings by Business Segment
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
		Farm & Ranch			USDA Guarantees			Rural			Institutional Credit			Corporate			Reconciling				Consolidated Net Income
								Utilities									Adjustments
		(in thousands)
	Interest income (1)	$	15,416		$	13,341		$	8,989		$	19,298		$	5,734		$	(1,280	)		$	61,498
	Interest income related to consolidated trusts owned by third parties reclassified to guarantee fee income	(180		)	—			—			—			—			180				—
	Interest expense (2)	(7,153		)	(8,647		)	(5,806		)	(13,435		)	(1,294		)	3,207				(33,128		)
	Net effective spread	8,083			4,694			3,183			5,863			4,440			2,107				28,370
	Guarantee and commitment fees	3,671			33			948			2,140			—			(180		)		6,612
	Other income/(expense) (3)	595			200			—			—			(562		)	5,600				5,833
	Non-interest income/(loss)	4,266			233			948			2,140			(562		)	5,420				12,445
	Provision for loan losses	(430		)	—			—			—			—			—				(430		)
	Release of losses	(746		)	—			—			—			—			—				(746		)
	Other non-interest expense	(3,804		)	(749		)	(802		)	(459		)	(2,521		)	—				(8,335		)
	Non-interest expense (4)	(4,550		)	(749		)	(802		)	(459		)	(2,521		)	—				(9,081		)
	Core earnings before income taxes	7,369			4,178			3,329			7,544			1,357			7,527			-5	31,304
	Income tax (expense)/benefit	(2,579		)	(1,462		)	(1,165		)	(2,640		)	1,765			(2,635		)		(8,716		)
	Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	4,790			2,716			2,164			4,904			3,122			4,892			-5	22,588
	Preferred stock dividends	—			—			—			—			(851		)	—				(851		)
	Non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	—			—			—			—			(5,547		)	—				(5,547		)
	Segment core earnings	$	4,790		$	2,716		$	2,164		$	4,904		$	(3,276	)	$	4,892		-5	$	16,190
	Total assets at carrying value	$	1,762,977		$	1,701,413		$	1,072,494		$	5,093,825		$	3,261,963		$	—			$	12,892,672
	Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance	4,782,609			1,648,105			1,039,698			5,967,450						—				13,437,862
	-1	Includes reconciling adjustments for the amortization of premiums and discounts on assets consolidated at fair value to reflect core earnings amounts.
	-2	Based on effective funding cost determined for each operating segment, including expenses related to interest rate swaps not designated as hedges, which are included in "(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities" on the consolidated financial statements.
	-3	Includes reconciling adjustments for the reclassification of expenses related to interest rate swaps not designated as hedges and fair value adjustments on financial derivatives and trading assets. Also includes a reconciling adjustment related to the recognition of deferred gains over the estimated lives of certain Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities.
	-4	Includes directly attributable costs and an allocation of indirectly attributable costs based on headcount.
	-5	Net  adjustments to reconcile core earnings before income taxes; core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends; and segment core earnings to corresponding income measures: income before income taxes, net income, and net income attributable to common stockholders, respectively.

Accounting_Policies_Principles

Accounting Policies - Principles of Consolidation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Number of Subsidiaries	2		'	'
Loans held for investment in consolidated trust, at amortized cost	$609,464,000		'	$629,989,000
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	312,643,000		'	261,760,000
Guarantee and commitment fees	6,518,000		6,612,000	'
On-balance sheet [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Loans held for investment in consolidated trust, at amortized cost	609,464,000	[1]	'	629,989,000	[2]
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	312,643,000	[3]	'	261,760,000	[4]
Farm & Ranch [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Other Liabilities	100,000		'	2,300,000
Guarantee and commitment fees	3,909,000		3,671,000	'
Farm & Ranch [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Loans held for investment in consolidated trust, at amortized cost	312,569,000	[1]	'	259,509,000	[2]
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	312,643,000	[3]	'	261,760,000	[4]
USDA Guarantees [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	700,000		'	100,000
Guarantee and commitment fees	26,000		33,000	'
USDA Guarantees [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Loans held for investment in consolidated trust, at amortized cost	0	[1]	'	0	[2]
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	0	[3]	'	0	[4]
Rural Utilities [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium	4,400,000		'	16,200,000
Guarantee and commitment fees	877,000		948,000	'
Rural Utilities [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Loans held for investment in consolidated trust, at amortized cost	296,895,000	[1]	'	370,480,000
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	0	[3]	'	0
Institutional Credit [Member] [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	3,100,000		'	3,200,000
Guarantee and commitment fees	2,237,000		2,140,000	'
Institutional Credit [Member] [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Loans held for investment in consolidated trust, at amortized cost	0	[1]	'	0	[2]
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	0	[3]	'	0	[4]
Corporate [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Guarantee and commitment fees	0		0	'
Investments [Member] | Corporate [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Loans held for investment in consolidated trust, at amortized cost	0	[1]	'	0	[2]
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	0	[3]	'	0	[4]
FMMSC [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Guarantee and commitment fees	2,600,000		2,600,000	'
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities Trusts [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	54,706,000	[5]	'	54,482,000	[6]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	50,894,000	[7]	'	51,088,000	[8]
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities Trusts [Member] | Farm & Ranch [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	0	[5]	'	0	[6]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	[7]	'	0	[8]
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities Trusts [Member] | Farm & Ranch [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	731,574,000		'	765,751,000
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities Trusts [Member] | USDA Guarantees [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	21,608,000	[5]	'	21,234,000	[6]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	20,894,000	[7]	'	21,088,000	[8]
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities Trusts [Member] | USDA Guarantees [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	19,562,000	[7],[9]	'	20,222,000	[8],[9]
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities Trusts [Member] | Rural Utilities [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	0		'	0	[6]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0		'	0	[8]
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities Trusts [Member] | Rural Utilities [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	[7],[9]	'	0
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities Trusts [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member] [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	33,098,000	[5]	'	33,248,000	[6]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	30,000,000	[7]	'	30,000,000	[8]
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities Trusts [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member] [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	970,000,000	[7],[9]	'	970,000,000	[8],[9]
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities Trusts [Member] | Investments [Member] | Corporate [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	0		'	0	[6]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	[7]	'	0	[8]
Investment Securities Trusts [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	572,345,000	[10]	'	533,688,000	[8]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	579,225,000	[10],[7]	'	540,726,000	[11],[8]
Investment Securities Trusts [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	1,721,136,000	[7],[9]	'	1,755,973,000	[8],[9]
Investment Securities Trusts [Member] | Farm & Ranch [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	0	[10]	'	0	[8]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	[10],[7]	'	0	[11],[8]
Investment Securities Trusts [Member] | USDA Guarantees [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	0	[10]	'	0	[8]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	[10],[7]	'	0	[11],[8]
Investment Securities Trusts [Member] | Rural Utilities [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	0		'	0	[8]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	[10],[7]	'	0	[11],[8]
Investment Securities Trusts [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member] [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	0	[10]	'	0	[8]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	[10],[7]	'	0	[11],[8]
Investment Securities Trusts [Member] | Investments [Member] | Corporate [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	572,345,000		'	533,688,000
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	579,225,000		'	540,726,000	[11],[8]
Investment Securities Trusts [Member] | Investments [Member] | Corporate [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	$0	[7],[9]	'	$0	[8],[9]
[1]	(1) Includes unamortized premiums related to Rural Utilities of $4.4 million.
[2]	(1) Includes unamortized premiums related to Rural Utilities of $16.2 million.
[3]	(2) Includes borrower remittances of $0.1 million, which have not been passed through to third party investors as of March 31, 2014.
[4]	(2) Includes borrower remittances of $2.3 million, which have not been passed through to third party investors as of December 31, 2013.
[5]	(3) Includes unamortized premiums and discounts and fair value adjustments related to USDA Guarantees and Institutional Credit of $0.7 million and $3.1 million, respectively.
[6]	(3) Includes unamortized premiums and discounts and fair value adjustments related to USDA Guarantees and Institutional Credit of $0.1 million and $3.2 million, respectively.
[7]	(4) Farmer Mac uses unpaid principal balance and outstanding face amount of investment securities to represent maximum exposure to loss.
[8]	(4) Farmer Mac uses unpaid principal balance and the outstanding face amount of investment securities to represent maximum exposure to loss.
[9]	(6) The Farm & Ranch amount relates to unconsolidated trusts where Farmer Mac determined it was not the primary beneficiary due to shared power with an unrelated party.
[10]	(5) Includes auction-rate certificates, asset-backed securities and government-sponsored enterprise ("GSE")-guaranteed mortgage-backed securities.
[11]	(5) Includes auction-rate certificates, asset-backed securities and GSE-guaranteed mortgage-backed securities.

Accounting_Policies_Cash_and_C

Accounting Policies - Cash and Cash Equivalents and Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash paid during the period for: [Abstract]	'	'
Interest	$36,535,000	$33,068,000
Income taxes	0	0
Non-cash activity:	'	'
Real estate owned acquired through loan liquidation	0	1,034,000
Loans acquired and securitized as Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	62,751,000	25,042,000
Purchases of investment securities traded, not yet settled	0	325,000,000
Consolidation of Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities from off-balance sheet to loans held for investment in consolidated trusts and to debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	62,751,000	25,042,000
Transfers of loans held for sale to loans held for investment	0	673,991,000
Transfer of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities - Available-for-sale to Held-to-maturity	$1,589,775,000	$0
Maximum [Member]	'	'
Supplemental Cash and Non-cash Transactions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalent maturity period	'3 months	'

Accounting_Policies_Earnings_P

Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'		'
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted	$813		$16,190
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	$813		$16,190
Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract]	'		'
Stock options, SARs and restricted stock, Weighted-Average Shares	459	[1]	424	[1]
Stock options, SARs and restricted stock (in usd per share)	$0	[1]	($0.06)	[1]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	10,887		10,737
Basic earnings per common share	$0.07		$1.51
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	11,346		11,161
Diluted earnings per common share	$0.07		$1.45
[1]	(1)For the three months ended MarchB 31, 2014 and 2013, stock options and SARs of 32,983 and 4,000, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because they were anti-dilutive. For the three months ended MarchB 31, 2014 and 2013, contingent shares of non-vested restricted stock of 31,594 and 25,300, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because performance conditions were not met.

Accounting_Policies_Earnings_P1

Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share Anti-Dilutive (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Stock Options and SARs [Members]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from earnings per share (shares)	32,983	4,000
Performance Shares [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from earnings per share (shares)	31,594	25,300

Investment_Securities_Schedule

Investment Securities - Schedule of Investment Securities (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative, Notional Amount	$6,628,072		$6,691,851
Investment Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	2,464,198		2,475,407
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	8,870		10,014
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	2,473,068		2,485,421
Available-for-Sale Gross Unrealized Gains	12,589		13,713
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	-16,565		-15,987
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	2,469,092		2,483,147
Trading, at fair value	923		928
Marketable Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	2,467,468		2,478,960
Marketable Securities, Amortized Cost	2,476,338		2,488,974
Marketable Securities, Unrealized Gains	12,589		13,713
Marketable Securities, Unrealized Losses	-18,912		-18,612
Marketable Securities	2,470,015		2,484,075
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Investment Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	8,870		10,014
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	74,100		74,100
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	74,100		74,100
Available-for-Sale Gross Unrealized Gains	0		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	-9,137		-8,815
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	64,963		65,285
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	177,999		166,185
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	177,823		165,968
Available-for-Sale Gross Unrealized Gains	385		195
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	-13		-59
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	178,195		166,104
Trading Securities - Amount Outstanding	3,270		3,553
Trading Securities Amortized Cost	3,270		3,553
Trading Securities, Unrealized Gains	0		0
Trading Securities, Unrealized Losses	-2,347		-2,625
Trading, at fair value	923		928
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	107,130		109,345
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	107,132		109,342
Available-for-Sale Gross Unrealized Gains	411		445
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	-1		-18
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	107,542		109,769
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	640,910		612,413
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	644,966		616,749
Available-for-Sale Gross Unrealized Gains	4,891		4,955
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	-640		-435
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	649,217		621,269
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | GSE Subordinated Debt [Member}	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	70,000		70,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	70,000		70,000
Available-for-Sale Gross Unrealized Gains	0		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	-6,615		-6,615
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	63,385		63,385
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Taxable Municipal Bonds [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	'		30,595
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	'		30,679
Available-for-Sale Gross Unrealized Gains	'		5
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	'		-3
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	'		30,681
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	75,000		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	74,984		'
Available-for-Sale Gross Unrealized Gains	0		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	-26		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	74,958		'
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	0		0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	-176		-217
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	2		-3
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	4,056		4,336
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | GSE Subordinated Debt [Member}	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	0		0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Taxable Municipal Bonds [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	'		84
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	-16		'
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Trading Account Assets [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	0		0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	55,000		55,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	55,032		55,048
Available-for-Sale Gross Unrealized Gains	158		97
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	0		-4
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	55,190		55,141
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	1,123		1,173
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	4,983		5,139
Available-for-Sale Gross Unrealized Gains	3,601		3,518
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	0		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	8,584	[1]	8,657
Derivative, Notional Amount	152,400		152,400
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | GSE Preferred Stock [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	78,500		78,500
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	78,753		78,865
Available-for-Sale Gross Unrealized Gains	2,887		4,296
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	0		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	81,640		83,161
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Taxable Municipal Bonds [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	22,053		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	22,100		'
Available-for-Sale Gross Unrealized Gains	7		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	0		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	22,107		'
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Senior Agency Debt Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	518,691		523,691
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	518,895		523,985
Available-for-Sale Gross Unrealized Gains	149		107
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	-129		-30
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	518,915		524,062
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	643,692		754,405
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	644,300		755,546
Available-for-Sale Gross Unrealized Gains	100		95
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	-4		-8
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	644,396		755,633
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	32		48
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	3,860		3,966
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | GSE Preferred Stock [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	253		365
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Taxable Municipal Bonds [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	47		'
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Senior Agency Debt Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	204		294
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	608		1,141
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Interest-Only-Strip [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	$7,400		$7,400
[1]	(1)Fair value includes $7.4 million of an interest-only security with a notional amount of $152.4 million.

Investment_Securities_Narrativ

Investment Securities - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Investment Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale investment securities	$10,015,000	$15,014,000	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	0	2,000	'
Trading Securities	923,000	'	928,000
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Trading Securities Amortized Cost	3,270,000	'	3,553,000
Trading Securities	$923,000	'	$928,000
Trading securities weighted-average yield	4.24%	'	4.25%

Investment_Securities_Unrealiz

Investment Securities - Unrealized Loss Position (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	position	position
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$767,048	$684,499
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	-788	-557
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	135,685	128,670
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	-15,777	-15,430
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions	45	64
Investment Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions In Loss Position Greater than Twelve Months	10	7
Available-for-Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	16,565	15,987
Available-for-sale securities in a loss position for more than 12 months, qualitative disclosure, percent of amortized cost	89.60%	'
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	64,963	65,285
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	-9,137	-8,815
Available-for-Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	9,137	8,815
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	21,645	50,129
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	-13	-59
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	0	0
Available-for-Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	13	59
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	4,999	19,982
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	-1	-18
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	0	0
Available-for-Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	1	18
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	230,889	161,960
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	-615	-435
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	7,337	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	-25	0
Available-for-Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	640	435
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | GSE Subordinated Debt [Member}	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	63,385	63,385
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	-6,615	-6,615
Available-for-Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	6,615	6,615
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Taxable Municipal Bonds [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	'	3
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	74,958	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	-26	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	0	'
Available-for-Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	26	'
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	'	10,058
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	'	-4
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	'	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	'	0
Available-for-Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	0	4
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Taxable Municipal Bonds [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	'	8,041
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	'	-3
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	'	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	'	0
Available-for-Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	0	'
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Senior Agency Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	284,512	316,273
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	-129	-30
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	0	0
Available-for-Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	129	30
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	150,045	118,056
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	-4	-8
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	0	0
Available-for-Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses	$4	$8
External Credit Rating, A Minus Rating [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions	1	2
External Credit Rating, BBB Plus Rating [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions	'	1

Investment_Securities_Debt_Mat

Investment Securities - Debt Maturities (Details) (Investment Securities [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investment Securities [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Amortized Cost	$1,246,490	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	288,599	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	325,128	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	612,851	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	2,473,068	2,485,421
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Fair Value	1,246,691	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Fair Value	289,722	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value	323,229	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Fair Value	609,450	'
Available-for-sale securities	$2,469,092	$2,483,147
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted-Average Yield, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Weighted-Average Yield	0.43%	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Weighted-Average Yield	0.84%	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Weighted-Average Yield	0.79%	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Weighted-Average Yield	2.35%	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Total Weighted-Average Yield	1.00%	'

Farmer_Mac_Guaranteed_Securiti2

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	$3,489,263	$5,091,600
USDA Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	1,600,659	1,553,669
Trading, at fair value	51,102	58,344
Payment Guarantee [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	5,089,787	6,678,377
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	5,093,884	6,682,569
Available-for-Sale Gross Unrealized Gains	44,121	67,473
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	-48,083	-104,773
Available-for-sale, at fair value	5,089,922	6,645,269
Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-Maturity Unpaid Principal Balance	1,641,150	'
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	3,491,831	5,087,944
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	1,660,270	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	3,491,337	5,087,551
Available-for-Sale Gross Unrealized Gains	36,775	64,720
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	-38,849	-60,671
Available-for-sale, at fair value	3,489,263	5,091,600
Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities AgVantage [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	3,470,937	5,066,855
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	3,470,937	5,066,980
Available-for-Sale Gross Unrealized Gains	35,565	64,051
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	-38,847	-60,665
Available-for-sale, at fair value	3,467,655	5,070,366
Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	20,894	21,089
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	20,400	20,571
Available-for-Sale Gross Unrealized Gains	1,210	669
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	-2	-6
Available-for-sale, at fair value	21,608	21,234
USDA Guarantee [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	1,597,956	1,590,433
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,602,547	1,595,018
Available-for-Sale Gross Unrealized Gains	7,346	2,753
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	-9,234	-44,102
Available-for-sale, at fair value	1,600,659	1,553,669
Trading Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	48,283	55,373
Trading Securities Amortized Cost	52,724	60,345
Trading Securities, Unrealized Gains	151	193
Trading Securities, Unrealized Losses	-1,773	-2,194
Trading, at fair value	51,102	58,344
Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] | Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	19,120	'
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Payment Guarantee [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	4,097	4,192
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	-494	-393
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities AgVantage [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	0	125
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	-494	-518
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | USDA Guarantee [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	4,591	4,585
Trading Account Assets [Member] | USDA Guarantee [Member] | Trading Securities, USDA Guaranteed Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	$4,441	$4,972

Farmer_Mac_Guaranteed_Securiti3

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-Sale Continuous Unrealized Loss Position more than 12 months, Aggregate Losses	$15,777	$15,430
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions In Loss Position Greater than Twelve Months	13	'
Available-for-Sale Continuous Unrealized Loss Position more than 12 months, Aggregate Losses	27,400	'
USDA Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Trading Securities	51,102	58,344
USDA Securities [Member] | USDA Guarantee [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Trading Securities Amortized Cost	52,724	60,345
Trading Securities	$51,102	$58,344
Trading Securities, Weighted-Average Yield	5.56%	5.60%

Farmer_Mac_Guaranteed_Securiti4

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Maturities (Details) (Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Amortized Cost	$785,824	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	1,561,316	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	879,210	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	1,867,534	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Fair Value	788,681	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Fair Value	1,578,618	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value	874,896	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Fair Value	1,847,727	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted-Average Yield, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Weighted-Average Yield	1.93%	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Weighted-Average Yield	1.89%	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Weighted-Average Yield	1.79%	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Weighted-Average Yield	2.59%	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Total Weighted-Average Yield	2.13%	'
Payment Guarantee [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	5,093,884	6,682,569
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	$5,089,922	$6,645,269

Farmer_Mac_Guaranteed_Securiti5

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities (Details) (Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member], Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Net Carrying Amount	$1,124
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Net Carrying Amount	1,659,146
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	1,660,270
Held-to-maturity Securities [Member]	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	'
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value	1,007
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value	1,661,337
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	$1,662,344
Held to Maturity Securities Weighted Average Yield	'
Held-to-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Weighted-Average Yield	4.34%
Held-to-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Weighted-Average Yield	2.45%
Held-to-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted-Average Yield	2.45%

Financial_Derivatives_Narrativ

Financial Derivatives - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Financial derivatives Liability, at fair value	$73,887,000	$75,708,000
Collateral Pledged	14,223,000	11,320,000
Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value	54,400,000	63,500,000
Derivative, Notional Amount	6,628,072,000	6,691,851,000
Fair Value of Securities Received as Collateral that Can be Resold or Repledged	150,000,000	0
Excluding netting [Member] | Including accrued interest [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Credit exposure to interest rate swap counterparties	19,300,000	25,100,000
Financial derivatives Liability, at fair value	81,500,000	-92,000,000
Netting [Member] | Including accrued interest [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Credit exposure to interest rate swap counterparties	2,300,000	3,300,000
Uncollateralized [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Credit exposure to interest rate swap counterparties	2,300,000	3,000,000
Cash [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Collateral Received	0	0
Collateral Pledged	14,200,000	9,800,000
Securities Pledged as Collateral [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Collateral Pledged	0	1,500,000
Counterparty level [Member] | Netting [Member] | Including accrued interest [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Financial derivatives Liability, at fair value	68,600,000	74,800,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	6,600,000,000	'
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Derivative Contract Type - Centrally Cleared [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	$3,100,000,000	'

Financial_Derivatives_Schedule

Financial Derivatives - Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	$6,628,072	$6,691,851
Financial derivatives Assets, at fair value	11,357	19,718
Financial derivatives Liability, at fair value	73,887	75,708
Collateral Pledged	14,223	11,320
Derivative Asset	11,357	19,718
Financial derivatives, Liabilities	59,664	64,388
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Credit Risk Valuation Adjustment, Derivative Assets	117	201
Derivative Credit Risk Valuation Adjustment, Derivative Liabilities	222	156
Interest Rate Swap, Pay Fixed Non-Callable [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	900,000	900,000
Fair Value Hedge Assets	0	0
Fair Value Hedge Liabilities	28,789	28,989
Derivative, Weighted-Average Pay Rate	2.25%	2.25%
Derivative, Weighted-Average Receive Rate	0.24%	0.24%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	'3 years 0 months 0 days	'3 years 3 months 0 days
Interest Rate Swap, Pay Fixed Non-Callable [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	10,000	10,000
Cash Flow Hedge Assets at Fair Value	0	68
Cash Flow Hedge Liabilities at Fair Value	-36	0
Derivative, Weighted-Average Pay Rate	2.50%	2.50%
Derivative, Weighted-Average Receive Rate	0.48%	0.48%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	'6 years 8 months 12 days	'6 years 11 months 12 days
Interest Rate Swap, Pay Fixed Non-Callable [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	507,820	806,596
Derivative, Weighted-Average Pay Rate	4.28%	4.63%
Derivative, Weighted-Average Receive Rate	0.24%	0.24%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	'7 years 6 months 18 days	'4 years 10 months 10 days
Financial derivatives Assets, at fair value	3,074	7,570
Financial derivatives Liability, at fair value	43,448	45,360
Interest Rate Swap, Receive Fixed Non-Callable [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	4,431,663	4,324,663
Derivative, Weighted-Average Pay Rate	0.26%	0.27%
Derivative, Weighted-Average Receive Rate	0.68%	0.70%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	'0 years 5 months 19 days	'0 years 6 months 11 days
Financial derivatives Assets, at fair value	8,045	11,836
Financial derivatives Liability, at fair value	183	262
Interest Rate Swap, Receive Fixed Callable [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	195,000	175,000
Derivative, Weighted-Average Pay Rate	0.10%	0.10%
Derivative, Weighted-Average Receive Rate	0.65%	0.65%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	'3 years 0 months 11 days	'3 years 3 months 18 days
Financial derivatives Assets, at fair value	4	83
Financial derivatives Liability, at fair value	1,081	934
Basis Swap [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	565,189	404,288
Derivative, Weighted-Average Pay Rate	0.25%	0.32%
Derivative, Weighted-Average Receive Rate	0.26%	0.29%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	'1 year 10 months 10 days	'1 year 6 months 7 days
Financial derivatives Assets, at fair value	336	276
Financial derivatives Liability, at fair value	572	318
Agency Forward [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	0	65,704
Financial derivatives Assets, at fair value	0	86
Financial derivatives Liability, at fair value	0	0
Derivative, Weighted-Average Forward Price	$0	$98.91
Treasury Futures [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	18,400	5,600
Financial derivatives Assets, at fair value	15	0
Financial derivatives Liability, at fair value	0	1
Derivative, Weighted-Average Forward Price	$123.58	$123.02
Cash [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Collateral Received	0	0
Collateral Pledged	$14,200	$9,800

Financial_Derivatives_Schedule1

Financial Derivatives - Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain(Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities	($7,578,000)	$4,494,000	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	6,628,072,000	'	6,691,851,000
Non-Interest Income [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities	-7,578,000	4,494,000	'
Non-Interest Income [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge	2,750,000	-3,138,000	'
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	2,950,000	2,653,000	'
Non-Interest Income [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	-10,528,000	1,841,000	'
Basis Swap [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	565,189,000	'	404,288,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	6,600,000,000	'	'
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Non-Interest Income [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedging Instruments	200,000	5,791,000	'
Gain (Loss) on Components Excluded from Assessment of Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Effectiveness	-2,900,000	-3,000,000	'
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net	0	300,000	'
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Non-Interest Income [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	-9,548,000	2,846,000	'
Agency Forward [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	0	'	65,704,000
Agency Forward [Member] | Non-Interest Income [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	-852,000	-984,000	'
Treasury Futures [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	18,400,000	'	5,600,000
Treasury Futures [Member] | Non-Interest Income [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	-128,000	-21,000	'
Zions First National Bank [Member] | Basis Swap [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	100,000	200,000	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	22,100,000	'	29,300,000
Derivative, Fair Value, Net	($200,000)	'	($200,000)

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Losses2

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Provision for loan losses	($573,000)	($430,000)	'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	13,979,000	14,252,000	13,334,000	16,890,000
Provision for/(release of) losses	101,000	746,000	'	'
Eligible Loans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Provision for loan losses	-573,000	-430,000	'	'
Allowance for Loan Losses - Charge-offs	29,000	3,814,000	'	'
Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments and Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Provision for/(release of) losses	101,000	746,000	'	'
Financing Loans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Pre-Modification Recorded Investment	600,000	200,000	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Post-Modification Recorded Investment	600,000	300,000	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Number of Contracts	0	3	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Recorded Investment	'	1,300,000	'	'
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	7,715,000	6,971,000	7,292,000	9,661,000
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Eligible Loans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Allowance for Loan Losses - Charge-offs	'	$3,600,000	'	'

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Losses3

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Loan (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Loans, Gross	$3,250,204	[1]	$3,187,718	[1]	'	'
Unamortized premiums, discounts and other cost basis adjustments	974		12,396		'	'
Total loans	3,251,178		3,200,114		'	'
Allowance for Loan Losses	-7,410		-6,866		'	'
Total loans, net of allowance	3,243,768		3,193,248		'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Loans, Gross	605,098	[1]	613,750	[1]	'	'
Unamortized premiums, discounts and other cost basis adjustments	4,366		16,239		'	'
Total loans	609,464		629,989		'	'
Allowance for Loan Losses	-451		-279		'	'
Total loans, net of allowance	609,013		629,710		'	'
Unsecuritized [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Loans, Gross	2,645,106	[1]	2,573,968	[1]	'	'
Unamortized premiums, discounts and other cost basis adjustments	-3,392		-3,843		'	'
Total loans	2,641,714		2,570,125		'	'
Allowance for Loan Losses	-6,959		-6,587		'	'
Total loans, net of allowance	2,634,755		2,563,538		'	'
Eligible Loans [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Allowance for Loan Losses	-7,410		-6,866		-7,967	-11,351
Farm & Ranch [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Loans, Gross	2,222,958		2,135,467		'	'
Farm & Ranch [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Loans, Gross	312,569		259,509		'	'
Farm & Ranch [Member] | Unsecuritized [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Loans, Gross	1,910,389		1,875,958		'	'
Rural Utilities [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Loans, Gross	1,027,246		1,052,251		'	'
Rural Utilities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Loans, Gross	292,529		354,241		'	'
Rural Utilities [Member] | Unsecuritized [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Loans, Gross	$734,717		$698,010		'	'
[1]	Unpaid principal balance is the basis of presentation in disclosures of outstanding balances for Farmer Mac's lines of business.

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Losses4

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Allowance for Credit Losses Roll Forward (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Allowance for Loan Losses	$7,410	'	$6,866	'
Reserve for losses	6,569	'	6,468	'
Total Allowance for Losses	13,979	14,252	13,334	16,890
Provision for loan losses	-573	-430	'	'
Provision for losses	101	746	'	'
Total provision for losses	674	1,176	'	'
Total Allowance for Losses - Charge-offs	-29	-3,814	'	'
Eligible Loans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Allowance for Loan Losses	7,410	7,967	6,866	11,351
Provision for loan losses	-573	-430	'	'
Allowance for Loan Losses - Charge-offs	-29	-3,814	'	'
Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments and Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Reserve for losses	6,569	6,285	6,468	5,539
Provision for losses	101	746	'	'
Reserve for Losses - Charge-offs	0	0	'	'
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	7,715	6,971	7,292	9,661
Total provision for losses	423	935	'	'
Total Allowance for Losses - Charge-offs	0	-3,625	'	'
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Eligible Loans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Allowance for Loan Losses - Charge-offs	'	-3,600	'	'
Crops [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	2,278	2,617	2,124	2,589
Total provision for losses	154	28	'	'
Total Allowance for Losses - Charge-offs	0	0	'	'
Permanent Plantings [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	2,131	2,326	2,186	2,316
Total provision for losses	-55	199	'	'
Total Allowance for Losses - Charge-offs	0	-189	'	'
Livestock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	1,387	1,587	1,271	1,534
Total provision for losses	116	53	'	'
Total Allowance for Losses - Charge-offs	0	0	'	'
Part-Time Farm [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	464	733	454	784
Total provision for losses	39	-51	'	'
Total Allowance for Losses - Charge-offs	-29	0	'	'
Other Commodity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	4	18	7	6
Total provision for losses	-3	12	'	'
Total Allowance for Losses - Charge-offs	$0	$0	'	'

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Losses5

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Allowance for Losses by Impairment Method and Commodity (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	$5,201,898		$5,068,039		'	'
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	92,077		95,041		'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	5,293,975	[1]	5,163,080	[1]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	11,287		10,638		'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	2,692		2,696		'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	13,979		13,334		14,252	16,890
Crops [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	2,738,425		2,643,748		'	'
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	23,170		23,109		'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,761,595	[1]	2,666,857	[1]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,832		1,718		'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	446		406		'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	2,278		2,124		2,617	2,589
Permanent Plantings [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	864,807		862,969		'	'
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	43,239		44,855		'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	908,046	[1]	907,824	[1]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	456		484		'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	1,675		1,702		'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	2,131		2,186		2,326	2,316
Livestock [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,268,365		1,232,062		'	'
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	13,462		14,043		'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,281,827	[1]	1,246,105	[1]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,208		1,078		'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	179		193		'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	1,387		1,271		1,587	1,534
Part-Time Farm [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	145,588		149,824		'	'
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	12,206		12,919		'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	157,794	[1]	162,743	[1]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	72		62		'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	392		392		'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	464		454		733	784
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	175,525		170,918		'	'
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0		'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	175,525	[1]	170,918	[1]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	7,715		7,292		'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0		'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	7,715		7,292		6,971	9,661
Other Commodity [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	9,188		8,518		'	'
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		115		'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	9,188	[1]	8,633	[1]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	4		4		'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		3		'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	4		7		18	6
On-balance sheet [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	2,143,123		2,051,498		'	'
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	79,835		83,969		'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,222,958	[1]	2,135,467	[1]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	4,982		4,392		'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	2,428		2,474		'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	7,410		6,866		'	'
On-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,395,277		1,363,861		'	'
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	19,854		21,147		'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,415,131	[1]	1,385,008	[1]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,469		1,321		'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	361		362		'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	1,830		1,683		'	'
On-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	306,566		295,037		'	'
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	39,864		41,441		'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	346,430	[1]	336,478	[1]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	301		325		'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	1,608		1,641		'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	1,909		1,966		'	'
On-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	359,633		319,665		'	'
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	9,193		10,844		'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	368,826	[1]	330,509	[1]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	582		436		'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	100		140		'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	682		576		'	'
On-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	38,605		39,940		'	'
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	10,924		10,422		'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	49,529	[1]	50,362	[1]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	24		20		'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	359		331		'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	383		351		'	'
On-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	41,717		32,636		'	'
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0		'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	41,717	[1]	32,636	[1]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	2,606		2,290		'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0		'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	2,606		2,290		'	'
On-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,325		359		'	'
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		115		'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,325	[1]	474	[1]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	0		0		'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0		'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	0		0		'	'
Off-balance sheet [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	3,058,775		3,016,541		'	'
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	12,242		11,072		'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	3,071,017	[1]	3,027,613	[1]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	6,305		6,246		'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	264		222		'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	6,569		6,468		'	'
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,343,148		1,279,887		'	'
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	3,316		1,962		'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,346,464	[1]	1,281,849	[1]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	363		397		'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	85		44		'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	448		441		'	'
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	558,241		567,932		'	'
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	3,375		3,414		'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	561,616	[1]	571,346	[1]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	155		159		'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	67		61		'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	222		220		'	'
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	908,732		912,397		'	'
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	4,269		3,199		'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	913,001	[1]	915,596	[1]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	626		642		'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	79		53		'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	705		695		'	'
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	106,983		109,884		'	'
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	1,282		2,497		'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	108,265	[1]	112,381	[1]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	48		42		'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	33		61		'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	81		103		'	'
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	133,808		138,282		'	'
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0		'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	133,808	[1]	138,282	[1]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	5,109		5,002		'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0		'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	5,109		5,002		'	'
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]	'		'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	7,863		8,159		'	'
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0		'	'
Financing Receivable, Gross	7,863	[1]	8,159	[1]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	4		4		'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		3		'	'
Total Allowance for Losses	$4		$7		'	'
[1]	Amounts represent unpaid principal balance of risk-rated loans, which is the basis Farmer Mac uses to analyze its portfolio, and recorded investment of past due loans.

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Losses6

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Impaired Financing Receivables (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'	'
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	$25,077		'	$24,951
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	25,257		'	24,733
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	68,163	[1]	'	72,116	[2]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	66,820		'	70,308
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	-2,692		'	-2,696
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	93,240		'	97,067
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	92,077		'	95,041
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	37,507	[3]	'	37,228	[4]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	95,154		113,868	'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Accrual Method	562		1,064	'
Crops [Member]	'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'	'
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	6,989		'	6,956
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	6,875		'	6,825
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	16,902	[1]	'	16,697	[2]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	16,295		'	16,284
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	-446		'	-406
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	23,891		'	23,653
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	23,170		'	23,109
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	10,926	[3]	'	10,812	[4]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	23,772		31,830	'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Accrual Method	170		342	'
Permanent Plantings [Member]	'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'	'
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	9,913		'	9,880
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	10,010		'	9,877
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	34,077	[1]	'	36,146	[2]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	33,229		'	34,978
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	-1,675		'	-1,702
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	43,990		'	46,026
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	43,239		'	44,855
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	15,198	[3]	'	15,237	[4]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	45,008		46,743	'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Accrual Method	194		374	'
Livestock [Member]	'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'	'
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	6,733		'	6,671
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	6,914		'	6,588
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	6,548	[1]	'	7,600	[2]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	6,548		'	7,455
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	-179		'	-193
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	13,281		'	14,271
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	13,462		'	14,043
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	5,280	[3]	'	5,344	[4]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	13,776		17,906	'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Accrual Method	76		154	'
Part-Time Farm [Member]	'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'	'
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	1,442		'	1,444
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	1,458		'	1,443
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	10,636	[1]	'	11,554	[2]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	10,748		'	11,476
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	-392		'	-392
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	12,078		'	12,998
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	12,206		'	12,919
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	6,103	[3]	'	5,835	[4]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	12,538		14,197	'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Accrual Method	122		194	'
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]	'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'	'
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	0		'	0
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	0		'	0
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	0	[1]	'	0	[2]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	0		'	0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	0		'	0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0		'	0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	0		'	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	0	[3]	'	0	[4]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	0		2,169	'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Accrual Method	0		0	'
Other Commodity [Member]	'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'	'
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	0		'	0
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	0		'	0
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	0	[1]	'	119	[2]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	0		'	115
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	0		'	-3
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0		'	119
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	0		'	115
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	0	[3]	'	0	[4]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	60		1,023	'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Accrual Method	0		0	'
Less than 90 days past due [Member]	'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	9,100	[3]	'	9,600	[4]
Collateral Dependent Not Individually Analyzed [Member]	'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'	'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	-1,300		'	-1,300
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	$60,700		'	$65,100
Impaired Financing Receivable, Impairment analysis performed percent	65.00%	[1]	'	67.00%
[1]	Impairment analysis was performed in the aggregate in consideration of similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics on $60.7 million (65 percent) of impaired loans as of MarchB 31, 2014, which resulted in a specific reserve of $1.3 million.
[2]	Impairment analysis was performed in the aggregate in consideration of similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics on $65.1 million (67 percent) of impaired loans as of December 31, 2012, which resulted in a specific reserve of $1.3 million.
[3]	Includes $9.1 million of loans that are less than 90 days delinquent but which have not met Farmer Mac's performance criteria for returning to accrual status.
[4]	Includes $9.6 million of loans that are less than 90 days delinquent but which have not met Farmer Mac's performance criteria for returning to accrual status.

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Losses7

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Loans and leases receivable, impaired, loans past due period, minimum	'90 days	'	'
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Other-than-Temporary Impairment Charges, During the Period	$52	$386	'
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Allowance for Loan Losses, Decreases	2	50	'
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Outstanding Balance	31,660	'	32,838
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Carrying Amount, Net	29,435	'	29,613
Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Balance During Period	440	37	'
Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments [Member] | Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities, Number Defaulted	'	2	'
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Acquired During Period, Contractually Required Payments Receivable at Acquisition, During the Period	440	143	'
Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments and Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities, Number Defaulted	1	'	'
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Balance During Period	440	140	'
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Balance During Period	$0	$103	'

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Losses8

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Certain Loans Acquired Delinquencies and Net Credit Losses (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'	'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	$92,077,000		'	$95,041,000
Net credit losses (recoveries)	32,000		3,810,000	'
Loans and leases receivable, impaired, loans past due period, minimum	'90 days		'	'
On-balance sheet [Member]	'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net credit losses (recoveries)	32,000		3,810,000	'
On-balance sheet [Member] | Eligible Loans [Member]	'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net credit losses (recoveries)	32,000		3,810,000	'
Off-balance sheet [Member]	'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net credit losses (recoveries)	0		0	'
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments [Member]	'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net credit losses (recoveries)	0		0	'
90-day delinquencies [Member]	'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'	'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	29,437,000		'	28,296,000
90-day delinquencies [Member] | Eligible Loans [Member]	'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'	'
Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities, Subject To Be Purchased	1,200,000	[1]	'	1,200,000	[1]
90-day delinquencies [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member]	'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'	'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	28,373,000		'	27,580,000
90-day delinquencies [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Eligible Loans [Member]	'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'	'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	28,373,000	[1]	'	27,580,000	[1]
90-day delinquencies [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member]	'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'	'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	1,064,000		'	716,000
90-day delinquencies [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments [Member]	'		'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'	'
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	$1,064,000		'	$716,000
[1]	Includes loans and loans underlying off-balance sheet Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities and LTSPCs that are 90 days or more past due, in foreclosure, restructured after delinquency, and in bankruptcy, excluding loans performing under either their original loan terms or a court-approved bankruptcy plan.

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Losses9

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Financing Receivables Credit Quality Indicators (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	$5,293,975	[1]	$5,163,080	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	29,437	[1]	28,296	[2]
Crops [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,761,595	[1]	2,666,857	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	8,718	[1]	8,256	[2]
Permanent Plantings [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	908,046	[1]	907,824	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	11,820	[1]	11,841	[2]
Livestock [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,281,827	[1]	1,246,105	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	5,721	[1]	4,462	[2]
Part-Time Farm [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	157,794	[1]	162,743	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	3,178	[1]	3,618	[2]
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	175,525	[1]	170,918	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	0	[1]	0	[2]
Other Commodity [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	9,188	[1]	8,633	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	0	[1]	119	[2]
On-balance sheet [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,222,958	[1]	2,135,467	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	28,373	[1]	27,580	[2]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,415,131	[1]	1,385,008	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	8,529	[1]	8,036	[2]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	346,430	[1]	336,478	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	11,415	[1]	11,841	[2]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	368,826	[1]	330,509	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	5,251	[1]	4,462	[2]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	49,529	[1]	50,362	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	3,178	[1]	3,122	[2]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	41,717	[1]	32,636	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	0	[1]	0	[2]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,325	[1]	474	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	0	[1]	119	[2]
Off-balance sheet [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	3,071,017	[1]	3,027,613	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	1,064	[1]	716	[2]
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,346,464	[1]	1,281,849	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	189	[1]	220	[2]
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	561,616	[1]	571,346	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	405	[1]	0	[2]
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	913,001	[1]	915,596	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	470	[1]	0	[2]
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	108,265	[1]	112,381	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	0	[1]	496	[2]
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	133,808	[1]	138,282	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	0	[1]	0	[2]
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	7,863	[1]	8,159	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	0	[1]	0	[2]
Special Mention [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	122,727	[1],[3]	122,830	[1],[3]
Special Mention [Member] | Crops [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	24,457	[1],[3]	26,633	[1],[3]
Special Mention [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	17,872	[1],[3]	20,594	[1],[3]
Special Mention [Member] | Livestock [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	50,458	[1],[3]	55,912	[1],[3]
Special Mention [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,459	[1],[3]	1,835	[1],[3]
Special Mention [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	26,910	[1],[3]	17,278	[1],[3]
Special Mention [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	571	[1],[3]	578	[1],[3]
Special Mention [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	39,162	[1],[3]	47,171	[1],[3]
Special Mention [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	11,985	[1],[3]	15,656	[1],[3]
Special Mention [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	4,371	[1],[3]	4,973	[1],[3]
Special Mention [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	13,303	[1],[3]	19,357	[1],[3]
Special Mention [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,407	[1],[3]	918	[1],[3]
Special Mention [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	8,096	[1],[3]	6,267	[1],[3]
Special Mention [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]
Special Mention [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	83,565	[1],[3]	75,659	[1],[3]
Special Mention [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	12,472	[1],[3]	10,977	[1],[3]
Special Mention [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	13,501	[1],[3]	15,621	[1],[3]
Special Mention [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	37,155	[1],[3]	36,555	[1],[3]
Special Mention [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,052	[1],[3]	917	[1],[3]
Special Mention [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	18,814	[1],[3]	11,011	[1],[3]
Special Mention [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	571	[1],[3]	578	[1],[3]
Pass [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	4,988,712	[1]	4,845,302	[1]
Pass [Member] | Crops [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,698,043	[1]	2,600,039	[1]
Pass [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	840,952	[1]	838,318	[1]
Pass [Member] | Livestock [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,187,929	[1]	1,144,438	[1]
Pass [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	139,318	[1]	144,611	[1]
Pass [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	113,955	[1]	110,059	[1]
Pass [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	8,515	[1]	7,837	[1]
Pass [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,090,415	[1]	1,988,945	[1]
Pass [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,383,292	[1]	1,348,205	[1]
Pass [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	302,195	[1]	290,064	[1]
Pass [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	346,330	[1]	300,308	[1]
Pass [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	37,198	[1]	39,022	[1]
Pass [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	20,075	[1]	10,987	[1]
Pass [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,325	[1]	359	[1]
Pass [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,898,297	[1]	2,856,357	[1]
Pass [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,314,751	[1]	1,251,834	[1]
Pass [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	538,757	[1]	548,254	[1]
Pass [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	841,599	[1]	844,130	[1]
Pass [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	102,120	[1]	105,589	[1]
Pass [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	93,880	[1]	99,072	[1]
Pass [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	7,190	[1]	7,478	[1]
Substandard [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	182,536	[1],[4]	194,948	[1],[4]
Substandard [Member] | Crops [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	39,095	[1],[4]	40,185	[1],[4]
Substandard [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	49,222	[1],[4]	48,912	[1],[4]
Substandard [Member] | Livestock [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	43,440	[1],[4]	45,755	[1],[4]
Substandard [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	16,017	[1],[4]	16,297	[1],[4]
Substandard [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	34,660	[1],[4]	43,581	[1],[4]
Substandard [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	102	[1],[4]	218	[1],[4]
Substandard [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	93,381	[1],[4]	99,351	[1],[4]
Substandard [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	19,854	[1],[4]	21,147	[1],[4]
Substandard [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	39,864	[1],[4]	41,441	[1],[4]
Substandard [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	9,193	[1],[4]	10,844	[1],[4]
Substandard [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	10,924	[1],[4]	10,422	[1],[4]
Substandard [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	13,546	[1],[4]	15,382	[1],[4]
Substandard [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	0	[1],[4]	115	[1],[4]
Substandard [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	89,155	[1],[4]	95,597	[1],[4]
Substandard [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	19,241	[1],[4]	19,038	[1],[4]
Substandard [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	9,358	[1],[4]	7,471	[1],[4]
Substandard [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	34,247	[1],[4]	34,911	[1],[4]
Substandard [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	5,093	[1],[4]	5,875	[1],[4]
Substandard [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	21,114	[1],[4]	28,199	[1],[4]
Substandard [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	$102	[1],[4]	$103	[1],[4]
[1]	Amounts represent unpaid principal balance of risk-rated loans, which is the basis Farmer Mac uses to analyze its portfolio, and recorded investment of past due loans.
[2]	(1)Amounts represent unpaid principal balance of risk-rated loans, which is the basis Farmer Mac uses to analyze its portfolio, and recorded investment of past due loans.
[3]	Assets in the Special mention category generally have potential weaknesses due to performance issues but are currently considered to be adequately secured.
[4]	Substandard assets have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses and there is a distinct possibility that some loss will be sustained if deficiencies are not corrected.

Recovered_Sheet1

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Concentrations of Credit Risk (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	$5,293,975	[1]	$5,163,080	[1]
Crops [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,761,595	[1]	2,666,857	[1]
Permanent Plantings [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	908,046	[1]	907,824	[1]
Livestock [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,281,827	[1]	1,246,105	[1]
Part-Time Farm [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	157,794	[1]	162,743	[1]
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	175,525	[1]	170,918	[1]
Other Commodity [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	9,188	[1]	8,633	[1]
Commodity and Collateral Type Risk [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	5,293,975		5,163,080
Commodity and Collateral Type Risk [Member] | Crops [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,761,595		2,666,857
Commodity and Collateral Type Risk [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	908,046		907,824
Commodity and Collateral Type Risk [Member] | Livestock [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,281,827		1,246,105
Commodity and Collateral Type Risk [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	157,794		162,743
Commodity and Collateral Type Risk [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	175,525		170,918
Commodity and Collateral Type Risk [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	9,188		8,633
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	5,293,975	[2]	5,163,080	[2]
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Northwest [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	549,031	[2]	524,034	[2]
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Southwest [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,726,049	[2]	1,752,109	[2]
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Mid-North [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,801,279	[2]	1,702,668	[2]
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Mid-South [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	621,137	[2]	601,359	[2]
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Northeast [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	224,277	[2]	231,731	[2]
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Southeast [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	372,202	[2]	351,179	[2]
Original Loan To Value Risk [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	5,293,975		5,163,080
Original Loan To Value Risk [Member] | Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range One [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,453,294		1,375,758
Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Lower Range Limit	0.00%		'
Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Upper Range Limit	40.00%		'
Original Loan To Value Risk [Member] | Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range Two [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,131,827		1,099,033
Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Lower Range Limit	40.01%		'
Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Upper Range Limit	50.00%		'
Original Loan To Value Risk [Member] | Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range Three [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,462,348		1,431,562
Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Lower Range Limit	50.01%		'
Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Upper Range Limit	60.00%		'
Original Loan To Value Risk [Member] | Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range Four [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,101,147		1,113,427
Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Lower Range Limit	60.01%		'
Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Upper Range Limit	70.00%		'
Original Loan To Value Risk [Member] | Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range Five [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	107,144		110,828
Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Lower Range Limit	70.01%		'
Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Upper Range Limit	80.00%		'
Original Loan To Value Risk [Member] | Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range Six [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Gross	$38,215		$32,472
Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Lower Range Limit	80.01%		'
Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Upper Range Limit	90.00%		'
[1]	Amounts represent unpaid principal balance of risk-rated loans, which is the basis Farmer Mac uses to analyze its portfolio, and recorded investment of past due loans.
[2]	Geographic regions: Northwest (AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY); Southwest (AZ, CA, CO, HI, NM, NV, UT); Mid-North (IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, NE, ND, SD, WI); Mid-South (AR, KS, LA, MO, OK, TX); Northeast (CT, DE, KY, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VA, VT, WV); Southeast (AL, FL, GA, MS, NC, SC, TN).

OffBalance_Sheet_Guarantees_an2

Off-Balance Sheet Guarantees and Long Term Standby Purchase Commitments - Off-Balance Sheet Guaranteed Securities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
		Off-balance sheet [Member]	Off-balance sheet [Member]	Farm & Ranch [Member]	Farm & Ranch [Member]	Off-balance sheet [Member]	Off-balance sheet [Member]	Institutional Credit [Member] [Member]	Institutional Credit [Member] [Member]
		Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Off-balance sheet [Member]	Off-balance sheet [Member]	Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Off-balance sheet [Member]	Off-balance sheet [Member]
		Off Balance Sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]	Off Balance Sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]	Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]			Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
				Off Balance Sheet Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities [Member]	Off Balance Sheet Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities [Member]			Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities AgVantage [Member]	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities AgVantage [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	'	$1,739,335	$1,766,982	$731,574	$765,751	$19,562	$20,222	$988,199	$981,009
Loans and leases receivable, impaired, loans past due period, minimum	'90 days	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

OffBalance_Sheet_Guarantees_an3

Off-Balance Sheet Guarantees and Long Term Standby Purchase Commitments - Cash Flows from Off-balance sheet Guaranteed Securities (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

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

Dec. 31, 2013

Off Balance Sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]

Off Balance Sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]

Collateralized Loan Obligations [Member]

Collateralized Loan Obligations [Member]

Collateralized Loan Obligations [Member]

Collateralized Loan Obligations [Member]

Collateralized Loan Obligations [Member]

Collateralized Loan Obligations [Member]

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities AgVantage [Member]

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities AgVantage [Member]

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]

Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments [Member]

Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments [Member]

Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments On Or After January 1, 2003 [Member]

Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments On Or After January 1, 2003 [Member]

Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]

Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]

Collateralized Loan Obligations [Member]

Collateralized Loan Obligations [Member]

Collateralized Loan Obligations [Member]

Collateralized Loan Obligations [Member]

Financial Guarantee [Member]

Financial Guarantee [Member]

Financial Guarantee [Member]

Financial Guarantee [Member]

Financial Guarantee [Member]

Financial Guarantee [Member]

Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted

'

'

$2,300,000,000

$2,300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from sale of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities

62,751,000

25,042,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Guarantee Fees Received

827,000

992,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments to Acquire Loans and Leases Held-for-investment

0

-103,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value

'

'

'

'

$27,700,000

$26,300,000

$13,000,000

$13,400,000

'

'

'

'

Weighted average remaining maturity, Loans underlying guarantees not held by transferor

'

'

'14 years 1 month 6 days

'13 years 10 months 24 days

'

'

'

'

'3 years 2 months 12 days

'3 years 4 months 20 days

'12 years 7 months 6 days

'12 years 9 months 18 days

Equity_Narrative_Details

Equity - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	class_of_stock		Common Class A, Voting [Member]	Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Classes of Common Stock	3	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common Stock, Maximum Ownership Percentage by a Beneficial Owner	'	'	33.00%	'	'	'	'
Common stock dividend, per share, cash paid	$0.14	$0.12	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred Stock, shares issued	'	'	'	2,400,000	2,400,000	3,000,000	0
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage	'	'	'	5.88%	'	6.88%	'
Payments of Stock Issuance Costs	'	'	'	$1.70	'	$1.70	'
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	'	'	'	$25	$25	$25	$0
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share	'	'	'	$25	'	$25	'
Preferred Stock, shares outstanding	'	'	'	2,400,000	2,400,000	3,000,000	0

Equity_Noncontrolling_interest

Equity - Non-controlling interest (Details) (Farmer Mac II LLC [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 25, 2010	Jan. 25, 2010	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
	Private Placement [Member]	Private Placement [Member]	Private Placement [Member]	March 30, 2015 To But Excluding March 30, 2020 [Member]	Issuance To But Excluding March 30, 2015 [Member]	March 30, 2020 and Thereafter [Member]
		Preferred Stock [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sale of Stock, Consideration Received on Transaction	$250	'	'	'	'	'
Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction	'	250,000	'	'	'	'
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share	'	'	$1,000	'	'	'
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage	'	'	'	10.88%	8.88%	'
Preferred Stock, Dividend Variable Rate, Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	8.21%

Equity_Capital_Requirements_De

Equity - Capital Requirements (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Capital Requirements, Minimum Capital, Percentage of Aggregate On-Balance Sheet Assets Included In Core Capital	2.75%	'
Capital Requirements, Minimum Capital, Percentage of Aggregate Off-Balance Sheet Assets Included In Core Capital	0.75%	'
Capital Requirements, Critical Capital, Percentage of Core Capital of Total Minimum Capital	50.00%	'
Capital Required for Capital Adequacy	$403	$398.50
Capital Required for Critical Capital Adequacy	201.5	199.3
Core Capital	664	590.7
Excess Capital, Core Capital In Excess of Capital Required for Capital Adequacy	261	192.2
Excess Capital, Core Capital In Excess of Critical Capital	462.5	391.4
Risk-based Capital Required for Regulatory Capital Adequacy	90.4	90.8
Regulatory Capital	678	604
Excess Capital, Regulatory Capital In Excess of Risk-Based Capital	$587.60	$513.20

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Narrati

Fair Value Disclosures - Narrative (Details) (Level 3 [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Billions, unless otherwise specified
Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets and Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	$5.20	$6.80
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Fair Value as Percent of Total Assets	38.00%	51.00%
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities, Fair Value as Percent of Total Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value	68.00%	73.00%

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Fair_Va

Fair Value Disclosures - Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Asset	$11,357		$19,718
Financial derivatives, Liabilities	59,664		64,388
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	719,354		755,633
Trading securities	0		0
Marketable Securities	719,354		755,633
Derivative Asset	15		0
Assets at fair value	719,369		755,633
Financial derivatives, Liabilities	0		1
Liabilities at fair value	0		1
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	1,684,572		1,662,024
Trading securities	0		0
Marketable Securities	1,684,572		1,662,024
Derivative Asset	11,342		19,718
Assets at fair value	1,695,914		1,681,742
Financial derivatives, Liabilities	73,726		75,472
Liabilities at fair value	73,726		75,472
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	65,166		65,490
Trading securities	923		928
Marketable Securities	66,089		66,418
Derivative Asset	0		0
Assets at fair value	5,207,113		6,770,031
Financial derivatives, Liabilities	161		235
Liabilities at fair value	161		235
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	2,469,092		2,483,147
Trading securities	923		928
Marketable Securities	2,470,015		2,484,075
Derivative Asset	11,357		19,718
Assets at fair value	7,622,396		9,207,406
Financial derivatives, Liabilities	73,887		75,708
Liabilities at fair value	73,887		75,708
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets at fair value	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets at fair value	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets at fair value	7,737		6,238
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets at fair value	7,737		6,238
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	3,489,263		5,091,600
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	3,489,263		5,091,600
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities AgVantage [Member] | Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities AgVantage [Member] | Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities AgVantage [Member] | Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	3,467,655		5,070,366
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities AgVantage [Member] | Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	3,467,655		5,070,366
Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities [Member] | Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities [Member] | Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities [Member] | Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	21,608		21,234
Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities [Member] | Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	21,608		21,234
loans held for investment [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets at fair value	0		0
loans held for investment [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets at fair value	0		0
loans held for investment [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets at fair value	6,033		4,420
loans held for investment [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets at fair value	6,033		4,420
REO [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets at fair value	0		0
REO [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets at fair value	0		0
REO [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets at fair value	1,704		1,818
REO [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets at fair value	1,704		1,818
USDA Securities [Member] | USDA Guarantee [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Trading securities	0		0
Marketable Securities	0		0
USDA Securities [Member] | USDA Guarantee [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Trading securities	0		0
Marketable Securities	0		0
USDA Securities [Member] | USDA Guarantee [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	1,600,659		1,553,669
Trading securities	51,102		58,344
Marketable Securities	1,651,761		1,612,013
USDA Securities [Member] | USDA Guarantee [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	1,600,659		1,553,669
Trading securities	51,102		58,344
Marketable Securities	1,651,761		1,612,013
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	64,963		65,285
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	64,963		65,285
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	64,963		65,285
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	178,195		166,104
Trading securities	923		928
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	178,195		166,104
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	178,195		166,104
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Trading Account Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	0		0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Trading Account Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	0		0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Trading Account Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	923		928
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Trading Account Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	923		928
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	107,542		109,769
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	107,542		109,769
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	107,542		109,769
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	649,217		621,269
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	649,014		621,064
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	203		205
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	649,217		621,269
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Subordinated Debt [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	63,385		63,385
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Subordinated Debt [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Subordinated Debt [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	63,385		63,385
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Subordinated Debt [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Subordinated Debt [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	63,385		63,385
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Taxable Municipal Bonds [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	'		30,681
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	74,958		'
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	74,958		'
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		'
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		'
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	74,958		'
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	55,190		55,141
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	55,190		55,141
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	55,190		55,141
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	8,584	[1]	8,657
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	8,584		8,657
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	8,584		8,657
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	81,640		83,161
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	81,640		83,161
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	81,640		83,161
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Taxable Municipal Bonds [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	22,107		'
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Taxable Municipal Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Taxable Municipal Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	22,107		30,681
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Taxable Municipal Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Taxable Municipal Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	22,107		30,681
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Senior Agency Debt Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	518,915		524,062
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Senior Agency Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Senior Agency Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	518,915		524,062
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Senior Agency Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Senior Agency Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	518,915		524,062
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	644,396		755,633
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	644,396		755,633
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	0		0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	$644,396		$755,633
[1]	(1)Fair value includes $7.4 million of an interest-only security with a notional amount of $152.4 million.

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Unobser

Fair Value Disclosures - Unobservable Input Reconciliation (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Floating Interest Rate [Member]

Floating Interest Rate [Member]

Floating Interest Rate [Member]

Floating Interest Rate [Member]

Floating Interest Rate [Member]

Floating Interest Rate [Member]

Floating Interest Rate [Member]

Floating Interest Rate [Member]

Floating Interest Rate [Member]

Floating Interest Rate [Member]

Floating Interest Rate [Member]

Floating Interest Rate [Member]

Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member]

Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member]

Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member]

Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities AgVantage [Member]

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities AgVantage [Member]

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities AgVantage [Member]

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities AgVantage [Member]

Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member]

Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member]

Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member]

Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member]

Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities [Member]

Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities [Member]

Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities [Member]

Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans [Member]

Auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans [Member]

Auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans [Member]

Auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans [Member]

Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member]

Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member]

Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member]

Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Available-for-sale Securities [Member]

Available-for-sale Securities [Member]

Available-for-sale Securities [Member]

Available-for-sale Securities [Member]

Trading Account Assets [Member]

Trading Account Assets [Member]

Trading Account Assets [Member]

Trading Account Assets [Member]

Investment Securities [Member]

Investment Securities [Member]

Investment Securities [Member]

Investment Securities [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Trading Account Assets [Member]

Trading Account Assets [Member]

Trading Account Assets [Member]

Trading Account Assets [Member]

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value

$5,207,113

$6,823,086

$6,770,031

$6,421,447

$65,166

$65,446

$65,490

$63,159

$923

$1,129

$928

$1,247

$66,089

$66,575

$66,418

$64,406

'

'

$64,963

$65,213

$65,285

$63,159

$203

$205

'

'

$923

[1]

$1,129

[2]

$928

[1]

$1,247

[2]

$3,489,263

$5,100,080

$5,091,600

$4,766,258

$51,102

[3]

$87,271

[4]

$58,344

[3]

$104,188

[4]

$1,651,761

$1,656,431

$1,612,013

$1,590,783

$1,600,659

$1,569,160

$1,553,669

$1,486,595

$3,467,655

$5,072,882

$5,070,366

$4,739,577

$21,608

$27,198

$21,234

$26,681

'

'

'

'

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases

237,984

547,420

'

'

0

233

'

'

0

0

'

'

0

233

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

0

'

'

'

0

[1]

0

[2]

'

'

170,000

425,000

'

'

0

[3]

0

[4]

'

'

67,984

122,187

'

'

67,984

122,187

'

'

170,000

425,000

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales

0

0

'

'

0

0

'

'

0

0

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

0

'

'

'

0

[1]

0

[2]

'

'

0

0

'

'

0

[3]

0

[4]

'

'

0

0

'

'

0

0

'

'

0

0

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements

244,801

164,763

'

'

4

0

'

'

283

314

'

'

287

314

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

4

'

'

'

283

[1]

314

[2]

'

'

176,440

78,316

'

'

7,619

[3]

16,931

[4]

'

'

68,074

86,133

'

'

60,455

69,202

'

'

176,269

77,933

'

'

171

383

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings

3,405

-2,928

'

'

0

0

'

'

278

196

'

'

278

196

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

0

'

'

'

278

[1]

196

[2]

'

'

2,750

-3,138

'

'

377

[3]

14

[4]

'

'

377

14

'

'

0

0

'

'

2,750

-3,138

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

52,580

21,910

'

'

-320

2,054

'

'

0

0

'

'

-320

2,054

'

'

'

'

-322

2,054

'

'

2

'

'

'

0

[1]

0

[2]

'

'

13,439

-9,724

'

'

0

[3]

0

[4]

'

'

39,461

29,580

'

'

39,461

29,580

'

'

12,894

-10,624

'

'

545

900

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3

1,612,086

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

1,612,086

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

1,612,086

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value

161

532

235

691

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

161

[5]

532

[6]

235

[5]

691

[6]

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

[5]

0

[6]

'

'

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Sales

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

[5]

0

[6]

'

'

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

[5]

0

[6]

'

'

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings

74

159

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

74

[5]

159

[6]

'

'

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

[5]

0

[6]

'

'

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

Trading Securities, Unrealized Holding Loss

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$700

$100

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2,347

$2,625

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of MarchB 31, 2014 and are recorded in "Gains on trading assets."

[2]

Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of MarchB 31, 2013 and are recorded in "Gains on trading assets."

[3]

Includes unrealized gains of $0.7B million attributable to assets still held as of MarchB 31, 2014 that are recorded in "Gains on trading assets."

[4]

Includes unrealized losses of $0.1B million attributable to assets still held as of MarchB 31, 2013 that are recorded in "Gains on trading assets."

[5]

Unrealized gains are attributable to liabilities still held as of MarchB 31, 2014 and are recorded in "(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities."

[6]

Unrealized gains are attributable to liabilities still held as of MarchB 31, 2013 and are recorded in "(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities."

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Quantit

Fair Value Disclosures - Quantitative Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Financial derivatives, Liabilities	59,664	64,388
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	65,166	65,490
Trading, at fair value	923	928
Marketable Securities	66,089	66,418
Financial derivatives, Liabilities	161	235
Indicative Bid Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	64,963	65,285
Discounted Cash Flows Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Financial derivatives, Liabilities	161	235
Discounted Cash Flows Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Trading, at fair value	923	928
Discounted Cash Flows Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	10.00%	10.00%
Discounted Cash Flows Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	6.00%	6.00%
Discounted Cash Flows Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	203	205
Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities AgVantage [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	3,467,655	5,070,366
Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	21,608	21,234
Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities AgVantage [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	3,467,655	5,070,366
Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	21,608	21,234
USDA Guarantee [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | USDA Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale, at fair value	1,600,659	1,553,669
Trading, at fair value	51,102	58,344
Marketable Securities	1,651,761	1,612,013
USDA Guarantee [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable Securities	1,651,761	1,612,013
Minimum [Member] | Indicative Bid Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Range of Offered Quotes	82.00%	82.00%
Minimum [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	0.60%	0.70%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	10.00%	10.00%
Minimum [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	12.20%	13.00%
Minimum [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	1.70%	1.80%
Minimum [Member] | Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities AgVantage [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	0.80%	0.90%
Minimum [Member] | Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	0.80%	0.90%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	8.00%	7.00%
Minimum [Member] | USDA Guarantee [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | USDA Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	1.10%	1.20%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	0.00%	0.00%
Maximum [Member] | Indicative Bid Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Range of Offered Quotes	92.00%	92.00%
Maximum [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	2.40%	2.30%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	11.00%	11.00%
Maximum [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	20.90%	22.50%
Maximum [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	1.70%	1.80%
Maximum [Member] | Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities AgVantage [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	2.20%	3.60%
Maximum [Member] | Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.20%	3.20%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	15.00%	14.00%
Maximum [Member] | USDA Guarantee [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | USDA Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	5.20%	5.30%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	15.00%	23.00%
Weighted Average [Member] | Indicative Bid Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Range of Offered Quotes	87.70%	88.10%
Weighted Average [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	1.20%	1.30%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	10.00%	10.00%
Weighted Average [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	16.60%	17.70%
Weighted Average [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	1.70%	1.80%
Weighted Average [Member] | Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities AgVantage [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	1.50%	1.80%
Weighted Average [Member] | Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	1.80%	1.90%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	6.00%	11.00%
Weighted Average [Member] | USDA Guarantee [Member] | Discounted Cash Flows Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | USDA Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.20%	3.40%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	6.00%	5.00%

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Summary

Fair Value Disclosures - Summary of Carrying Value and Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Asset	$11,357	$19,718
Financial derivatives, Liabilities	59,664	64,388
Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	866,585	749,313
Loans	3,272,039	3,138,932
Derivative Asset	11,357	19,718
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	313,327	257,512
Financial derivatives, Liabilities	73,887	75,708
Carrying Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	866,585	749,313
Loans	3,243,768	3,193,248
Derivative Asset	11,357	19,718
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	312,643	261,760
Financial derivatives, Liabilities	73,887	75,708
Investment Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable Securities	2,470,015	2,484,075
Investment Securities [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable Securities	2,470,015	2,484,075
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable	16,481	18,470
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable	15,242	16,660
Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable	33,875	33,807
Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable	28,631	27,244
Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Guarantee and commitment obligations	32,919	32,856
Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Guarantee and commitment obligations	27,675	26,293
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Guarantee and commitment obligations	14,207	15,185
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Guarantee and commitment obligations	12,968	13,374
Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable Securities	5,151,607	5,091,600
Farmer Mac Guarantee [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable Securities	5,149,533	5,091,600
USDA Guarantee [Member] | USDA Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable Securities	1,651,761	1,612,013
USDA Guarantee [Member] | USDA Securities [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable Securities	1,651,761	1,612,013
Due within one year [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	7,362,684	7,353,356
Due within one year [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	7,354,271	7,338,781
Long-term Debt [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	5,049,460	4,977,942
Long-term Debt [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	$5,036,375	$5,001,169

Business_Segment_Reporting_Nar

Business Segment Reporting - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total notes payable	$12,390,646,000	$12,339,950,000
USDA Guarantees [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets at fair value	1,700,000,000	'
Total notes payable	383,000,000	'
Preferred Stock outstanding	250,000,000	'
Common Stock outstanding	$1,000,000,000	'

Business_Segment_Reporting_Det

Business Segment Reporting - (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total interest income	$49,718	[1]	$61,498		'
Interest income related to consolidated trusts owned by third parties reclassified to guarantee fee income	0		0		'
Interest Expense	-34,726	[2]	-33,128		'
Net interest income	14,992		28,370		'
Guaranty Fee Income	6,518		6,612		'
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	-6,819	[3]	5,833		'
Non-interest Income/(loss)	-301		12,445		'
Provision for loan losses	-573		-430		'
Provision for/(release of) losses	-101		-746		'
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	-7,846		-8,335		'
Noninterest Expense	-7,947	[4]	-9,081		'
Income/(loss) before income taxes	6,171		31,304		'
Income tax (benefit)/expense	1,141		-8,716		'
Net income	7,312		22,588		'
Preferred stock dividends	-952		-851		'
Less: Net Income attributable to non-controlling Interest - preferred stock dividends	-5,547		-5,547		'
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	813		16,190		'
Total assets at carrying value	13,554,353		12,892,672		13,361,780
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance	14,108,203		13,437,862		'
Farm & Ranch [Member]	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total interest income	18,339	[1]	15,416		'
Interest income related to consolidated trusts owned by third parties reclassified to guarantee fee income	-531		-180		'
Interest Expense	-10,230	[2]	-7,153		'
Net interest income	7,578		8,083		'
Guaranty Fee Income	3,909		3,671		'
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	130	[3]	595		'
Non-interest Income/(loss)	4,039		4,266		'
Provision for loan losses	-573		-430		'
Provision for/(release of) losses	-101		-746		'
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	-3,552		-3,804		'
Noninterest Expense	-3,653	[4]	-4,550		'
Segment core earnings before income taxes	7,391		7,369		'
Income tax (benefit)/expense	-2,587		-2,579		'
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	4,804		4,790		'
Preferred stock dividends	0		0		'
Less: Net Income attributable to non-controlling Interest - preferred stock dividends	0		0		'
Segment core earnings	4,804		4,790		'
Total assets at carrying value	2,272,643		1,762,977		'
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance	5,293,975		4,782,609		'
USDA Guarantees [Member]	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total interest income	12,959	[1]	13,341		'
Interest income related to consolidated trusts owned by third parties reclassified to guarantee fee income	0		0		'
Interest Expense	-9,603	[2]	-8,647		'
Net interest income	3,356		4,694		'
Guaranty Fee Income	26		33		'
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	28	[3]	200		'
Non-interest Income/(loss)	54		233		'
Provision for loan losses	0		0		'
Provision for/(release of) losses	0		0		'
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	-731		-749		'
Noninterest Expense	-731	[4]	-749		'
Segment core earnings before income taxes	2,679		4,178		'
Income tax (benefit)/expense	-938		-1,462		'
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	1,741		2,716		'
Preferred stock dividends	0		0		'
Less: Net Income attributable to non-controlling Interest - preferred stock dividends	0		0		'
Segment core earnings	1,741		2,716		'
Total assets at carrying value	1,691,056		1,701,413		'
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance	1,686,696		1,648,105		'
Rural Utilities [Member]	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total interest income	7,744	[1]	8,989		'
Interest income related to consolidated trusts owned by third parties reclassified to guarantee fee income	0		0		'
Interest Expense	-5,543	[2]	-5,806		'
Net interest income	2,201		3,183		'
Guaranty Fee Income	877		948		'
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	0	[3]	0		'
Non-interest Income/(loss)	877		948		'
Provision for loan losses	0		0		'
Provision for/(release of) losses	0		0		'
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	-777		-802		'
Noninterest Expense	-777	[4]	-802		'
Segment core earnings before income taxes	2,301		3,329		'
Income tax (benefit)/expense	-805		-1,165		'
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	1,496		2,164		'
Preferred stock dividends	0		0		'
Less: Net Income attributable to non-controlling Interest - preferred stock dividends	0		0		'
Segment core earnings	1,496		2,164		'
Total assets at carrying value	1,030,422		1,072,494		'
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance	1,027,246		1,039,698		'
Institutional Credit [Member] [Member]	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total interest income	17,646	[1]	19,298	[1]	'
Interest income related to consolidated trusts owned by third parties reclassified to guarantee fee income	0		0		'
Interest Expense	-11,315	[2]	-13,435	[2]	'
Net interest income	6,331		5,863		'
Guaranty Fee Income	2,237		2,140		'
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	0	[3]	0	[3]	'
Non-interest Income/(loss)	2,237		2,140		'
Provision for loan losses	0		0		'
Provision for/(release of) losses	0		0		'
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	-445		-459		'
Noninterest Expense	-445	[4]	-459	[4]	'
Segment core earnings before income taxes	8,123		7,544		'
Income tax (benefit)/expense	-2,843		-2,640		'
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	5,280		4,904		'
Preferred stock dividends	0		0		'
Less: Net Income attributable to non-controlling Interest - preferred stock dividends	0		0		'
Segment core earnings	5,280		4,904		'
Total assets at carrying value	5,157,887		5,093,825		'
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance	6,100,286		5,967,450		'
Corporate [Member]	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total interest income	5,235	[1]	5,734		'
Interest income related to consolidated trusts owned by third parties reclassified to guarantee fee income	0		0		'
Interest Expense	-999	[2]	-1,294		'
Net interest income	4,236		4,440		'
Guaranty Fee Income	0		0		'
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	-571	[3]	-562		'
Non-interest Income/(loss)	-571		-562		'
Provision for loan losses	0		0		'
Provision for/(release of) losses	0		0		'
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	-2,341		-2,521		'
Noninterest Expense	-2,341	[4]	-2,521		'
Segment core earnings before income taxes	1,324		1,357		'
Income tax (benefit)/expense	2,839		1,765		'
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	4,163		3,122		'
Preferred stock dividends	-952		-851		'
Less: Net Income attributable to non-controlling Interest - preferred stock dividends	-5,547		-5,547		'
Segment core earnings	-2,336		-3,276		'
Total assets at carrying value	3,402,345		3,261,963		'
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance	'		'		'
Reconciling Adjustments [Member]	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total interest income	-12,205	[1]	-1,280		'
Interest income related to consolidated trusts owned by third parties reclassified to guarantee fee income	531		180		'
Interest Expense	2,964	[2]	3,207		'
Net interest income	-8,710		2,107		'
Guaranty Fee Income	-531		-180		'
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	-6,406	[3]	5,600		'
Non-interest Income/(loss)	-6,937		5,420		'
Provision for loan losses	0		0		'
Provision for/(release of) losses	0		0		'
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	0		0		'
Noninterest Expense	0	[4]	0		'
Segment core earnings before income taxes	-15,647	[5]	7,527		'
Income tax (benefit)/expense	5,475		-2,635		'
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	-10,172	[5]	4,892		'
Preferred stock dividends	0		0		'
Less: Net Income attributable to non-controlling Interest - preferred stock dividends	0		0		'
Segment core earnings	-10,172	[5]	4,892		'
Total assets at carrying value	0		0		'
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance	$0		$0		'
[1]	Includes reconciling adjustments for the amortization of premiums and discounts on assets consolidated at fair value to reflect core earnings amounts.
[2]	Based on effective funding cost determined for each operating segment, including expenses related to interest rate swaps not designated as hedges, which are included in "(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities" on the consolidated financial statements.
[3]	Includes reconciling adjustments for the reclassification of expenses related to interest rate swaps not designated as hedges and fair value adjustments on financial derivatives and trading assets. Also includes a reconciling adjustment related to the recognition of deferred gains over the estimated lives of certain Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities.
[4]	Includes directly attributable costs and an allocation of indirectly attributable costs based on headcount.
[5]	Net adjustments to reconcile core earnings before income taxes; core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends; and segment core earnings to corresponding income measures: income before income taxes, net income, and net income attributable to common stockholders, respectively.