Federal Agricultural Mortgage (AGM) 10-Q 11 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

DOCUMENT_AND_ENTITY_INFORMATIO

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	1-May-15
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	FEDERAL AGRICULTURAL MORTGAGE CORP
Entity Central Index Key	845877
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Trading Symbol	AGM
Common Class A, Voting [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,030,780
Common Class B, Voting [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		500,301
Common Class C, Non-Voting [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		9,441,933

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,556,246	$1,363,387
Loans:
Loans held for investment, at amortized cost	3,082,378	2,833,461
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	457,117	692,478
Allowance for loan losses	-5,940	-5,864
Total loans, net of allowance	3,533,555	3,520,075
Real estate owned, at lower of cost or fair value	421	421
Financial derivatives, at fair value	4,808	4,177
Interest receivable (includes $3,422 and $9,509, respectively, related to consolidated trusts)	66,312	106,874
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable	38,342	39,462
Deferred tax asset, net	14,750	33,391
Prepaid expenses and other assets	53,327	55,413
Total Assets	14,849,685	14,287,821
Notes payable:
Due within one year	7,957,193	7,353,953
Due after one year	5,648,752	5,471,186
Total notes payable	13,605,945	12,825,139
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	457,903	424,214
Financial derivatives, at fair value	95,493	84,844
Accrued interest payable (includes $2,740 and $5,145, respectively, related to consolidated trusts)	36,383	48,355
Guarantee and commitment obligation	36,537	37,925
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	31,433	81,252
Reserve for losses	3,491	4,263
Total Liabilities	14,267,185	13,505,992
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6)
Common stock:
Additional paid-in capital	114,364	113,559
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	51,184	15,533
Retained earnings	201,081	201,013
Total Stockholders' Equity	582,325	545,801
Non-controlling interest	175	236,028
Total Equity	582,500	781,829
Total Liabilities and Equity	14,849,685	14,287,821
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock:
Preferred stock	58,333	58,333
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock:
Preferred stock	73,044	73,044
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock:
Preferred stock	73,382	73,382
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	9,406	9,406
Investment Securities [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale, at fair value	2,139,544	1,938,499
Trading, at fair value	638	689
Marketable Securities	2,140,182	1,939,188
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
Assets:
Available-for-sale, at fair value	3,842,209	3,659,281
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost	1,767,096	1,794,620
Marketable Securities	5,609,305	5,453,901
USDA Securities [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale, at fair value	1,794,844	1,731,222
Trading, at fair value	37,593	40,310
Marketable Securities	$1,832,437	$1,771,532

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Interest receivable - Consolidated Trusts amount	$66,312	$106,874
Accrued interest payable - Consolidated Trusts amount	36,383	48,355
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
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock, par value	$25	$25
Preferred stock, shares authorized	3,000,000	3,000,000
Preferred Stock, shares issued	3,000,000	3,000,000
Preferred Stock, shares outstanding	3,000,000	3,000,000
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock, par value	$25	$25
Preferred stock, shares authorized	3,000,000	3,000,000
Preferred Stock, shares issued	3,000,000	3,000,000
Preferred Stock, shares outstanding	3,000,000	3,000,000
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	9,406,392	9,406,267
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Interest receivable - Consolidated Trusts amount	3,422	9,509
Accrued interest payable - Consolidated Trusts amount	$2,740	$5,145

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Interest income:
Investments and cash equivalents	$2,865		$5,237
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities	33,122		32,846
Loans	27,964		14,369
Total interest income	63,951	[1]	52,452	[2]
Total interest expense	33,162	[3]	34,726	[4]
Net interest income	30,789		17,726
Provision for loan losses	-76		-573
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	30,713		17,153
Non-interest income:
Guarantee and commitment fees	3,377		3,784
Losses on financial derivatives and hedging activities	-3,882		-7,578
Gains on trading securities	362		655
Gains on sale of available-for-sale investment securities	6		15
Losses on sale of real estate owned	-1		-3
Other income	613		92
Non-interest income/(loss)	475		-3,035
Non-interest expense:
Compensation and employee benefits	5,693		4,456
General and administrative	2,823		2,794
Regulatory fees	600		594
Real estate owned operating costs, net	-1		2
(Release of)/provision for reserve for losses	-772		101
Non-interest expense	8,343	[5]	7,947	[5]
Income before income taxes	22,845		6,171
Income tax expense/(benefit)	4,231		-1,141
Net income	18,614		7,312
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	-5,354		-5,547
Net income attributable to Farmer Mac	13,260		1,765
Preferred stock dividends	-3,295		-952
Loss on retirement of preferred stock	-8,147		0
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$1,818		$813
Earnings per common share and dividends:
Basic earnings per common share	$0.17		$0.07
Diluted earnings per common share	$0.16		$0.07
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$0.16		$0.14
[1]	Includes reconciling adjustments for the amortization of premiums and discounts on assets consolidated at fair value to reflect core earnings amounts and interest income related to securities purchased under agreements to resell
[2]	Includes reconciling adjustments for the amortization of premiums and discounts on assets consolidated at fair value to reflect core earnings amounts
[3]	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 on financial derivatives and hedging activities" on the consolidated financial statements. Includes reconciling adjustments for interest expense related to securities sold, not yet purchased
[4]	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 on financial derivatives and hedging activities" on the consolidated financial statements.
[5]	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, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Comprehensive Income
Net income	$18,614,000	$7,312,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract]
Unrealized holding gains losses on available-for-sale securities(1)	39,170,000	34,241,000
Gains on sale of available-for-sale investment securities(4)	4,000	10,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax [Abstract]
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges(2)	-160,000	-68,000
Other comprehensive income	35,651,000	31,156,000
Comprehensive income	54,265,000	38,468,000
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-5,354,000	-5,547,000
Comprehensive income attributable to Farmer Mac	48,911,000	32,921,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax	21,100,000	18,400,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax	-2,000	-5,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax	-100,000	-37,000
financial derivatives and hedging activities [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Reclassification Adjustment, net of tax	-3,160,000	-3,101,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax [Abstract]
Tax effects of reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, tax	-1,700,000	-1,700,000
Other Income [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Reclassification Adjustment, net of tax	-195,000	94,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax [Abstract]
Tax effects of reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, tax	($100,000)	$100,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EQU

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$582,500	$678,975	$781,829
Net income attributable to Farmer Mac	13,260	1,765
Balance, end of period	582,500	678,975	781,829
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	35,651	31,156
Cash dividends:
Loss on retirement of preferred stock	-8,147	0
Preferred Stock [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period (Shares)	8,400	5,400	8,400	2,400
Balance, beginning of period	204,759	131,639	204,759	58,333
Balance, end of period	204,759	131,639	204,759	58,333
Balance, end of period (Shares)	8,400	5,400	8,400	2,400
Preferred Stock [Member] | Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of Series preferred stock (Shares)	0	3,000
Issuance of Series preferred stock	0	73,306
Issuance of Class C common stock (Shares)	0	3,000
Issuance of Class C common stock	0	73,306
Common Stock [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period (Shares)	10,937	10,886	10,937	10,886
Balance, beginning of period	10,937	10,886	10,937	10,886
Balance, end of period	10,937	10,886	10,937	10,886
Balance, end of period (Shares)	10,937	10,886	10,937	10,886
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	114,364	111,477	113,559	110,722
Issuance of Series preferred stock	4	6
Issuance of Class C common stock	4	6
Stock-based compensation expense	839	713
Tax effect of stock-based awards	-38	36
Balance, end of period	114,364	111,477	113,559	110,722
Retained Earnings [Member}
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	201,081	168,166	201,013	168,877
Net income attributable to Farmer Mac	13,260	1,765
Balance, end of period	201,081	168,166	201,013	168,877
Cash dividends:
Common stock ($0.16 per share in 2015, $0.14 per share in 2014)	-1,750	-1,524
Retained Earnings [Member} | Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Cash dividends:
Preferred Stock Series A ($0.3672 per share in 2015 and 2014) Preferred stock, Series B ($0.4297 per share in 2015 and $0.105 per share in 2014), Preferred stock Series C ($0.3750 per share)	-881	-881
Retained Earnings [Member} | Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Cash dividends:
Preferred Stock Series A ($0.3672 per share in 2015 and 2014) Preferred stock, Series B ($0.4297 per share in 2015 and $0.105 per share in 2014), Preferred stock Series C ($0.3750 per share)	-1,289	-71
Retained Earnings [Member} | Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Cash dividends:
Preferred Stock Series A ($0.3672 per share in 2015 and 2014) Preferred stock, Series B ($0.4297 per share in 2015 and $0.105 per share in 2014), Preferred stock Series C ($0.3750 per share)	-1,125	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	51,184	14,954	15,533	-16,202
Balance, end of period	51,184	14,954	15,533	-16,202
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	35,651	31,156
Total Stockholders Equity [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	582,325	437,122
Balance, end of period	582,325	437,122
Non-controlling Interest - Preferred Stock [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	175	241,853	236,028	241,853
Balance, end of period	175	241,853	236,028	241,853
Redemption of preferred stock, Farmer Mac II LLC	($235,853)	$0

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EQU1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Common stock dividend, per share, cash paid	$0.16	$0.14
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock (in usd per share)	$0.37	$0.37
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock (in usd per share)	$0.43	$0.11
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock (in usd per share)	$0.38	$0

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$18,614	$7,312
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 Securities	1,024	13,983
Amortization of debt premiums, discounts and issuance costs	2,832	2,658
Net change in fair value of trading securities, hedged assets, and financial derivatives	532	3,029
Gains on sale of available-for-sale investment securities	-6	-15
Gains on sale of real estate owned	1	3
Total (release of)/provision for losses	-696	674
Deferred income taxes	-1,061	-6,009
Stock-based compensation expense	839	713
Proceeds from repayment of trading investment securities	247	283
Proceeds from repayment of loans purchased as held for sale	32,140	42,713
Net change in:
Interest receivable	40,562	43,327
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable	1,120	-1,318
Other assets	2,066	-2,827
Accrued interest payable	-11,972	-16,668
Other liabilities	2,793	4,793
Net cash provided by operating activities	89,035	92,651
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of loans held for investment	-138,929	-246,310
Purchases of defaulted loans	-657	-440
Proceeds from repayment of loans purchased as held for investment	95,570	141,534
Proceeds from sale of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	49,487	62,751
(Payments)/proceeds from sale of real estate owned	-1	11
Net cash used in investing activities	-403,922	-76,945
Cash flows from financing activities:
Excess tax benefits related to stock-based awards	26	36
Payments to third parties on debt securities of consolidated trusts	-15,793	-11,868
Proceeds from common stock issuance	4	6
Redemption of Farmer Mac II LLC Preferred Stock	-244,000	0
Dividends paid - Non-controlling interest - preferred stock	-5,415	-5,547
Dividends paid on common and preferred stock	-5,045	-2,405
Net cash provided by financing activities	507,746	101,566
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	192,859	117,272
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,363,387	749,313
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1,556,246	866,585
Medium-term Notes [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of discount notes and medium-term notes	1,344,848	750,354
Payments to redeem discount notes and medium-term notes	-912,000	-687,000
Discount Notes [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of discount notes and medium-term notes	14,784,601	15,566,728
Payments to redeem discount notes and medium-term notes	-14,439,480	-15,582,044
Investment Securities [Member]
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of available-for-sale investment securities and Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities	-715,628	-369,120
Proceeds from repayment of available-for-sale investment securities, Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities	427,507	370,084
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale investment securities	74,998	10,015
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	-349,364	-289,484
Proceeds from repayment of available-for-sale investment securities, Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities	153,095	244,014
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from Preferred Stock Issuances	$0	$73,306

Accounting_Policies

Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 ("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, 2014 consolidated balance sheet presented in this report has been derived from Farmer Mac's audited 2014 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 2014 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, 2014 filed with the SEC on March 16, 2015. 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; Transfers of Financial Assets and Liabilities; Investment Securities, Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, and USDA Securities; Loans; Securitization of Loans; Real Estate Owned; Financial Derivatives; Notes Payable; Allowance for Loan Losses and Reserve 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, 2015.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Farmer Mac and its three subsidiaries: (1) Farmer Mac Mortgage Securities Corporation ("FMMSC"), whose principal activities are to facilitate the purchase and issuance of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities; (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; and (3) Contour Valuation Services, LLC, whose principal activity is to provide appraisal services related to agricultural real estate.  All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. 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
		As of March 31, 2015
		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	$	457,117	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—			$	457,117
	Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties(1)	457,903		—			—			—			—				457,903
	Unconsolidated VIEs:
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	Carrying value(2)	—		23,505			—			32,367			—				55,872
	Maximum exposure to loss(3)	—		23,098			—			30,000			—				53,098
	Investment securities:
	Carrying value(4)	—		—			—			—			479,548				479,548
	Maximum exposure to loss(3)(4)	—		—			—			—			482,757				482,757
	Off-Balance Sheet:
	Unconsolidated VIEs:
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	Maximum exposure to loss(3)(5)	598,236		12,847			—			970,000			—				1,581,083
	(1)	Includes borrower remittances of $0.8 million. The borrower remittances have not been passed through to third party investors as of March 31, 2015.
	(2)	Includes $0.4 million of unamortized premiums and discounts and fair value adjustments related to the USDA Guarantees line of business. Includes fair value adjustments related to the Institutional Credit line of business of $2.4 million.
	(3)	Farmer Mac uses unpaid principal balance and outstanding face amount of investment securities to represent maximum exposure to loss.
	(4)	Includes auction-rate certificates, asset-backed securities, and government-sponsored enterprise ("GSE")-guaranteed mortgage-backed securities.
	(5)	The amount under the Farm & Ranch line of business 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
		As of December 31, 2014
		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)	$	421,355	$	—		$	271,123		$	—		$	—			$	692,478
	Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties(2)	424,214		—			—			—			—				424,214
	Unconsolidated VIEs:
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	Carrying value(3)	—		27,620			—			32,415			—				60,035
	Maximum exposure to loss(4)	—		27,832			—			30,000			—				57,832
	Investment securities:
	Carrying value(5)	—		—			—			—			409,657				409,657
	Maximum exposure to loss(4)(5)	—		—			—			—			412,690				412,690
	Off-Balance Sheet:
	Unconsolidated VIEs:
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	Maximum exposure to loss(4)(6)	636,086		13,978			—			970,000			—				1,620,064
	(1)	Includes unamortized premiums related to the Rural Utilities line of business of $3.7 million.
	(2)	Includes borrower remittances of $2.9 million, which have not been passed through to third party investors as of December 31, 2014.
	(3)	Includes $0.2 million of unamortized premiums and discounts and fair value adjustments related to the USDA Guarantees line of business. Includes fair value adjustments related to the Institutional Credit line of business of $2.4 million.
	(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 government-sponsored enterprise ("GSE")-guaranteed mortgage-backed securities.
	(6)	The amount under the Farm & Ranch line of business relates to unconsolidated trusts where Farmer Mac determined it was not the primary beneficiary due to shared power with an unrelated party.
	Statements of Cash Flows
	The following table sets forth information regarding certain non-cash transactions for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	Table 1.2
		For the Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-15		31-Mar-14
		(in thousands)
	Non-cash activity:
	Loans acquired and securitized as Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	$	49,487	$	62,751
	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	49,487		62,751
Purchases of securities - traded, not yet settled	14,915		—
Issuance costs on the retirement of Farmer Mac II LLC Preferred Stock	8,147		—
Transfers of available-for-sale Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities to held-to-maturity	—		1,612,086
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. The unrealized holding gain is being amortized out of accumulated other comprehensive income over the remaining life of the transferred securities.
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, 2015 and 2014:
Table 1.3
	For the Three Months Ended
	31-Mar-15							31-Mar-14
	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	$	1,818	10,938		$	0.17		$	813		10,887			$	0.07
Effect of dilutive securities(1):
Stock options, SARs and restricted stock	—		393		(0.01		)	—			459			—
Diluted EPS	$	1,818	11,331		$	0.16		$	813		11,346			$	0.07
(1)	For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, stock options and SARs of 201,401 and 32,983, 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, 2015 and 2014, contingent shares of non-vested restricted stock of 30,514 and 31,594, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because performance conditions have not yet been met.
New Accounting Standards
In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, "Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis." This update modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities and eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership. It also affects the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships. ASU 2015-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of the new guidance will not have a material effect on Farmer Mac's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Reclassifications
Beginning January 1, 2015, Farmer Mac classified all of the income from Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities that it holds in its portfolio as interest income. Prior to January 1, 2015, Farmer Mac classified a portion of the income from those securities, $2.7 million in first quarter 2014, as guarantee and commitment fees. This change in classification does not affect the timing or amount of income recognized from these securities. The corresponding guarantee and commitment fee receivable balance as of December 31, 2014 also was reclassified to accrued interest receivable. Certain reclassifications of prior period information, including the aforementioned change, were made to conform to the current period presentation.

Investment_Securities

Investment Securities (Investment Securities [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 set forth information about Farmer Mac's investment securities as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
	Table 2.1
		As of March 31, 2015
		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	$	46,600	$	—		$	46,600	$	—		$	(6,221	)	$	40,379
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	100,377		(352		)	100,025		153			(46		)	100,132
	Floating rate corporate debt securities	10,000		—			10,000		85			—			10,085
	Fixed rate corporate debt securities	20,000		(5		)	19,995		35			—			20,030
	Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	727,430		3,438			730,868		4,373			(669		)	734,572
	Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities(1)	811		3,436			4,247		3,882			—			8,129
	Floating rate GSE subordinated debt	70,000		—			70,000		—			(4,159		)	65,841
	Fixed rate senior agency debt	297,806		(34		)	297,772		23			(68		)	297,727
	Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries	862,194		483			862,677		55			(83		)	862,649
	Total available-for-sale	2,135,218		6,966			2,142,184		8,606			(11,246		)	2,139,544
	Trading:
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	2,621		—			2,621		—			(1,983		)	638
	Total investment securities	$	2,137,839	$	6,966		$	2,144,805	$	8,606		$	(13,229	)	$	2,140,182
	(1)	Fair value includes $7.2 million of an interest-only security with a notional amount of $152.4 million.
		As of December 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	$	46,600	$	—		$	46,600	$	—		$	(6,024	)	$	40,576
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	100,730		(74		)	100,656		283			(37		)	100,902
	Floating rate corporate debt securities	10,000		—			10,000		91			—			10,091
	Fixed rate corporate debt securities	30,000		(10		)	29,990		35			—			30,025
	Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	605,053		3,431			608,484		4,712			(443		)	612,753
	Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities(1)	853		3,542			4,395		3,807			—			8,202
	Floating rate GSE subordinated debt	70,000		—			70,000		—			(3,680		)	66,320
	Fixed rate senior agency debt	18,806		130			18,936		3			—			18,939
	Floating rate U.S. Treasuries	75,000		(10		)	74,990		—			(11		)	74,979
	Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries	975,194		462			975,656		72			(16		)	975,712
	Total available-for-sale	1,932,236		7,471			1,939,707		9,003			(10,211		)	1,938,499
	Trading:
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	2,868		—			2,868		—			(2,179		)	689
	Total investment securities	$	1,935,104	$	7,471		$	1,942,575	$	9,003		$	(12,390	)	$	1,939,188
	(1)	Fair value includes $7.3 million of an interest-only security with a notional amount of $152.4 million.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, Farmer Mac received proceeds of $75.0 million from the sale of securities from its available-for-sale investment portfolio, resulting in gross realized gains of $6,000, compared to proceeds of $10.0 million for the same period in 2014, resulting in gross realized gains of $15,000.
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, unrealized losses on available-for-sale investment securities were as follows:
	Table 2.2
		As of March 31, 2015
		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	$	—	$	—		$	40,379	$	(6,221	)
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	22,971		(46		)	640		—
	Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	121,071		(244		)	125,546		(425		)
	Floating rate GSE subordinated debt	—		—			65,841		(4,159		)
	Fixed rate senior agency debt	121,950		(68		)	—		—
	Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries	662,276		(83		)	—		—
	Total	$	928,268	$	(441	)	$	232,406	$	(10,805	)
		As of December 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	$	—	$	—		$	40,576	$	(6,024	)
Floating rate asset-backed securities	19,388		(37		)	—		—
Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	76,100		(164		)	76,867		(279		)
Floating rate GSE subordinated debt	—		—			66,320		(3,680		)
Floating rate U.S. Treasuries	74,980		(11		)	—		—
Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries	325,033		(16		)	—		—
Total	$	495,501	$	(228	)	$	183,763	$	(9,983	)
The unrealized losses presented above are principally due to a general widening of credit spreads from the dates of acquisition to March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, as applicable. The resulting decrease in fair values reflects an increase in the perceived risk by the financial markets related to those securities. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , all of the investment securities in an unrealized loss position either were backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government or had credit ratings of at least "AA+," except one that was rated "A-." The unrealized losses were on 44 and 35 individual investment securities as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
As of March 31, 2015, 17 of the securities in loss positions had been in loss positions for more than 12 months and had a total unrealized loss of $10.8 million. As of December 31, 2014, 15 of the securities in loss positions had been in loss positions for more than 12 months and had a total unrealized loss of $10.0 million.  Securities in unrealized loss positions for 12 months or longer have a fair value as of March 31, 2015 that is, on average, approximately 96 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014. 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014. As of March 31, 2015, Farmer Mac owned trading investment securities with an amortized cost of $2.6 million, a fair value of $0.6 million, and a weighted average yield of 4.26 percent. As of December 31, 2014, Farmer Mac owned trading investment securities with an amortized cost of $2.9 million, a fair value of $0.7 million, and a weighted average yield of 4.24 percent.
The amortized cost, fair value, and weighted average yield of available-for-sale investment securities by remaining contractual maturity as of March 31, 2015 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
	As of March 31, 2015
	Available-for-Sale Securities
	Amortized		Fair Value			Weighted-
	Cost					Average
						Yield
	(dollars in thousands)
Due within one year	$	1,170,447	$	1,170,389		0.29%
Due after one year through five years	114,708		115,551			1.19%
Due after five years through ten years	252,261		252,759			0.86%
Due after ten years	604,768		600,845			0.93%
Total	$	2,142,184	$	2,139,544		0.58%

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, 2015
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
	Table 3.1
		As of March 31, 2015
		Unpaid Principal Balance		Unamortized Premium/(Discount)			Amortized		Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair Value
							Cost		Gains			Losses
		(in thousands)
	Held-to-maturity:
	AgVantage	$	1,761,169	$	5,927		$	1,767,096	$	15,980		$	—		$	1,783,076
	Available-for-sale:
	AgVantage	$	3,782,235	$	—		$	3,782,235	$	54,813		$	(18,344	)	$	3,818,704
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	23,098		(361		)	22,737		768			—			23,505
	Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	3,805,333		(361		)	3,804,972		55,581			(18,344		)	3,842,209
	USDA Securities	1,743,274		2,696			1,745,970		48,929			(55		)	1,794,844
	Total available-for-sale	$	5,548,607	$	2,335		$	5,550,942	$	104,510		$	(18,399	)	$	5,637,053
	Trading:
	USDA Securities	$	35,699	$	2,578		$	38,277	$	120		$	(804	)	$	37,593
		As of December 31, 2014
		Unpaid Principal Balance		Unamortized Premium/(Discount)			Amortized		Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair Value
							Cost		Gains			Losses
		(in thousands)
	Held-to-maturity:
	AgVantage	$	1,785,340	$	9,280		$	1,794,620	$	6,211		$	(255	)	$	1,800,576
	Available-for-sale:
	AgVantage	$	3,625,073	$	—		$	3,625,073	$	36,442		$	(29,853	)	$	3,631,662
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	27,831		(442		)	27,389		237			(7		)	27,619
	Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	3,652,904		(442		)	3,652,462		36,679			(29,860		)	3,659,281
	USDA Securities	1,717,813		3,162			1,720,975		11,850			(1,603		)	1,731,222
	Total available-for-sale	$	5,370,717	$	2,720		$	5,373,437	$	48,529		$	(31,463	)	$	5,390,503
	Trading:
	USDA Securities	$	38,412	$	2,748		$	41,160	$	114		$	(964	)	$	40,310
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, unrealized losses on held-to-maturity and available-for-sale on-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities were as follows:
	Table 3.2
		As of March 31, 2015
		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)
	Available-for-sale:
	AgVantage	$	690,567	$	(11,400	)	648,409		$	(6,944	)
	USDA Securities	—		—			101,882		(55		)
	Total available-for-sale	$	690,567	$	(11,400	)	$	750,291	$	(6,999	)
		December 31, 2014
		Held-to-Maturity and 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)
	Held-to-maturity:
	AgVantage	$	547	$	(1	)	$	49,745	$	(254	)
	Available-for-sale:
	AgVantage	$	685,131	$	(13,115	)	$	1,460,089	$	(16,738	)
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	3,720		(7		)	—		—
	USDA Securities	264,375		(1,549		)	97,817		(54		)
	Total available-for-sale	$	953,226	$	(14,671	)	$	1,557,906	$	(16,792	)
	The unrealized losses presented above are principally due to higher interest rates from the date of acquisition to March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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. The unrealized losses from AgVantage securities were on 9 available-for-sale securities as of March 31, 2015. There were no unrealized losses from held-to-maturity AgVantage securities as of March 31, 2015. The unrealized losses from AgVantage securities were on 2 held-to-maturity securities and 23 available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2014. As of March 31, 2015, 3 available-for-sale AgVantage securities had been in a loss position for more than 12 months with a total unrealized loss of $6.9 million. As of December 31, 2014, 15 available-for-sale AgVantage securities had been in a loss position for more than 12 months with a total unrealized loss of $16.7 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, with such Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities referred to herein as AgVantage securities. Each AgVantage security backed by agricultural mortgages requires some level of overcollateralization, or, in the case of rural utilities loans, 100 percent collateralization, and is secured by eligible loans of the issuing institution with a requirement that delinquent loans be removed from the collateral pool and then replaced with current eligible loans. Thus, Farmer Mac does not believe it will realize any of the losses presented above. Farmer Mac has concluded that none of the unrealized losses on its held-to-maturity Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and available-for-sale Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities are other-than-temporary impairment as of either March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014.  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, 2015 and 2014, 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, 2015 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 3.3
		As of March 31, 2015
		Available-for-Sale Securities
	Amortized		Fair Value			Weighted-
	Cost					Average
						Yield
	(dollars in thousands)
Due within one year	$	563,745	$	571,986		2.78	%
Due after one year through five years	1,181,719		1,201,725			1.35	%
Due after five years through ten years	1,467,700		1,497,617			1.75	%
Due after ten years	2,337,778		2,365,725			2.44	%
Total	$	5,550,942	$	5,637,053		2.06	%
	As of March 31, 2015
	Held-to-Maturity Securities
	Amortized		Fair Value			Weighted-
	Cost					Average
						Yield
	(dollars in thousands)
Due within one year	$	631,918	$	632,923		2.73	%
Due after one year through five years	1,135,178		1,150,153			2.28	%
Total	$	1,767,096	$	1,783,076		2.43	%
As of March 31, 2015, Farmer Mac owned trading USDA Securities with an amortized cost of $38.3 million, a fair value of $37.6 million, and a weighted average yield of 5.54 percent. As of December 31, 2014, Farmer Mac owned trading USDA Securities with an amortized cost of $41.2 million, a fair value of $40.3 million, and a weighted average yield of 5.60 percent.

Financial_Derivatives

Financial Derivatives	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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.
	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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and the effects of financial derivatives on the consolidated statements of operations for three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	Table 4.1
		As of March 31, 2015
					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	$	1,014,915		$	—		$	(37,478	)	2.46%	0.26%		3.83
	Cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate swaps:
	Pay fixed non-callable	37,000			—			(751		)	2.43%	0.57%		8.3
	No hedge designation:
	Interest rate swaps:
	Pay fixed non-callable	476,113			19			(56,602		)	4.19%	0.26%		6.99
	Receive fixed non-callable	4,042,209			4,305			(230		)	0.15%	0.30%		0.57
	Receive fixed callable	632,565			238			(277		)	0.13%	1.02%		2.8
	Basis swaps	1,130,000			247			(262		)	0.12%	0.31%		2.61
	Agency forwards	34,827			—			(132		)			101.41
	Treasury futures	2,900			—			(5		)			128.73
	Credit valuation adjustment				(1		)	244
	Total financial derivatives	$	7,370,529		$	4,808		$	(95,493	)
	Collateral pledged				—			48,870
	Net amount				$	4,808		$	(46,623	)
		As of December 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	$	1,000,000		$	—		$	(31,718	)	2.47%	0.23%		3.98
	Cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate swaps:
	Pay fixed non-callable	15,000			—			(289		)	2.43%	0.51%		6.23
	No hedge designation:
	Interest rate swaps:
	Pay fixed non-callable	490,183			537			(51,224		)	4.23%	0.23%		7.05
	Receive fixed non-callable	3,829,355			3,414			(461		)	0.14%	0.27%		0.55
	Receive fixed callable	383,565			1			(877		)	0.12%	1.34%		3.47
	Basis swaps	1,105,000			247			(406		)	0.11%	0.31%		2.42
	Agency forwards	12,768			—			(53		)			101
	Treasury futures	1,700			—			(3		)			126.6
	Credit valuation adjustment				(22		)	187
	Total financial derivatives	$	6,837,571		$	4,177		$	(84,844	)
	Collateral pledged				—			46,627
	Net amount				$	4,177		$	(38,217	)
	Table 4.2
		Losses on financial derivatives and hedging activities
		For the Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-15			31-Mar-14
		(in thousands)
	Fair value hedges:
	Interest rate swaps(1)	$	(5,760	)	$	200
	Hedged items	8,876			2,750
	Gains on hedging activities	3,116			2,950
	No hedge designation:
	Interest rate swaps	(5,956		)	(9,548		)
	Agency forwards	(786		)	(852		)
Treasury futures	(256		)	(128		)
Losses on financial derivatives not designated in hedging relationships	(6,998		)	(10,528		)
Losses on financial derivatives and hedging activities	$	(3,882	)	$	(7,578	)
(1)	Included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness as of March 31, 2015, but excluded from the amounts in the table, were losses of $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, 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, 2015 were gains of $0.2 million. The comparable amounts as of March 31, 2014 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 and, accordingly, gains of $29,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014, attributable to hedge ineffectiveness.
As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Farmer Mac's credit exposure to interest rate swap counterparties, excluding netting arrangements and any adjustment for nonperformance risk, but including accrued interest, was $8.7 million and $6.1 million, respectively; however, including netting arrangements and accrued interest, Farmer Mac's credit exposure was $0.3 million and $0.4 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Farmer Mac held no cash as collateral for its derivatives in net asset positions, resulting in uncollateralized net asset positions of $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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 $105.3 million and $99.4 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 $96.8 million and $93.4 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  Farmer Mac posted cash of $48.9 million and no investment securities as of March 31, 2015 and posted cash of $46.6 million and no investment securities as of December 31, 2014.  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, 2015 and December 31, 2014, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements or post additional collateral of $47.9 million and $46.8 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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.
Of Farmer Mac's $7.3 billion notional amount of interest rate swaps outstanding as of March 31, 2015, $4.2 billion were cleared through swap clearinghouses. Of Farmer Mac's $6.8 billion notional amount of interest rate swaps outstanding as of December 31, 2014, $4.0 billion were cleared through swap clearinghouses.

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Losses

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Receivables [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, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Farmer Mac had no loans held for sale. The following table displays the composition of the loan balances as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
	Table 5.1
		As of March 31, 2015									As of December 31, 2014
		Unsecuritized			In Consolidated Trusts			Total			Unsecuritized			In Consolidated Trusts			Total
		(in thousands)
	Farm & Ranch	$	2,113,795		$	457,117		$	2,570,912		$	2,118,867		$	421,355		$	2,540,222
	Rural Utilities	968,117			—			968,117			718,213			267,396			985,609
	Total unpaid principal balance(1)	3,081,912			457,117			3,539,029			2,837,080			688,751			3,525,831
	Unamortized premiums, discounts and other cost basis adjustments	466			—			466			(3,619		)	3,727			108
	Total loans	3,082,378			457,117			3,539,495			2,833,461			692,478			3,525,939
	Allowance for loan losses	(5,396		)	(544		)	(5,940		)	(5,324		)	(540		)	(5,864		)
	Total loans, net of allowance	$	3,076,982		$	456,573		$	3,533,555		$	2,828,137		$	691,938		$	3,520,075
	(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 losses presented in two components on its consolidated balance sheets: an allowance for loan losses to account for estimated probable losses on loans held, and a reserve for losses to account for estimated probable losses on loans underlying LTSPCs and off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities.  As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Farmer Mac reported allowances for losses of $9.4 million and $10.1 million, respectively. See Note 6 for more information about off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and LTSPCs.
	The following is a summary of the changes in the allowance for losses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	Table 5.2
		As of March 31, 2015									As of March 31, 2014
		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	$	5,864		$	4,263		$	10,127		$	6,866		$	6,468		$	13,334
	Provision for/(release of) losses	76			(772		)	(696		)	573			101			674
	Charge-offs	—			—			—			(29		)	—			(29		)
	Ending Balance	5,940			3,491			9,431			7,410			6,569			13,979
	During first quarter 2015, Farmer Mac recorded provisions from its allowance for loan losses of $0.1 million and releases from its reserve for losses of $0.8 million, primarily related to paydowns of processing loans (e.g., ethanol and canola facilities) underlying LTSPCs. Farmer Mac recorded no charge-offs to its allowance for loan losses during first quarter 2015.
	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.
	The following tables present the changes in the total allowance for losses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 by commodity type:
	Table 5.3
		31-Mar-15
		Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
					Plantings						Farm			Processing
		(in thousands)
	For the Three Months Ended:
	Beginning Balance	$	2,519		$	2,159		$	1,423		$	467		$	3,552		$	7		$	10,127
	Provision for/(release of) losses	121			125			(80		)	(8		)	(854		)	—			(696		)
	Ending Balance	$	2,640		$	2,284		$	1,343		$	459		$	2,698		$	7		$	9,431
		31-Mar-14
		Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
					Plantings						Farm			Processing
		(in thousands)
	For the Three Months Ended:
	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
	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 total allowance for losses by impairment method and commodity type as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
	Table 5.4
		As of March 31, 2015
		Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
					Plantings						Farm			Processing
		(in thousands)
	Ending Balance:
	Collectively evaluated for impairment:
	On-balance sheet	$	1,642,496		$	367,380		$	402,478		$	57,995		$	25,800		$	1,360		$	2,497,509
	Off-balance sheet	1,265,316			500,504			804,467			99,844			84,567			6,306			2,761,004
	Total	$	2,907,812		$	867,884		$	1,206,945		$	157,839		$	110,367		$	7,666		$	5,258,513
	Individually evaluated for impairment:
	On-balance sheet	$	18,706		$	38,030		$	6,178		$	10,489		$	—		$	—		$	73,403
	Off-balance sheet	2,458			3,174			8,611			1,089			—			—			15,332
	Total	$	21,164		$	41,204		$	14,789		$	11,578		$	—		$	—		$	88,735
Total Farm & Ranch loans:
On-balance sheet	$	1,661,202		$	405,410		$	408,656		$	68,484		$	25,800		$	1,360		$	2,570,912
Off-balance sheet	1,267,774			503,678			813,078			100,933			84,567			6,306			2,776,336
Total	$	2,928,976		$	909,088		$	1,221,734		$	169,417		$	110,367		$	7,666		$	5,347,248
Allowance for Losses:
Collectively evaluated for impairment:
On-balance sheet	$	1,726		$	520		$	654		$	49		$	335		$	—		$	3,284
Off-balance sheet	274			155			340			53			2,363			7			3,192
Total	$	2,000		$	675		$	994		$	102		$	2,698		$	7		$	6,476
Individually evaluated for impairment:
On-balance sheet	$	517		$	1,502		$	317		$	320		$	—		$	—		$	2,656
Off-balance sheet	123			107			32			37			—			—			299
Total	$	640		$	1,609		$	349		$	357		$	—		$	—		$	2,955
Total Farm & Ranch loans:
On-balance sheet	$	2,243		$	2,022		$	971		$	369		$	335		$	—		$	5,940
Off-balance sheet	397			262			372			90			2,363			7			3,491
Total	$	2,640		$	2,284		$	1,343		$	459		$	2,698		$	7		$	9,431
	As of December 31, 2014
	Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
				Plantings						Farm			Processing
	(in thousands)
Ending Balance:
Collectively evaluated for impairment:
On-balance sheet	$	1,621,360		$	359,517		$	406,049		$	57,851		$	29,003		$	—		$	2,473,780
Off-balance sheet	1,305,141			521,535			839,286			102,857			85,357			6,781			2,860,957
Total	$	2,926,501		$	881,052		$	1,245,335		$	160,708		$	114,360		$	6,781		$	5,334,737
Individually evaluated for impairment:
On-balance sheet	$	12,307		$	35,904		$	6,571		$	11,660		$	—		$	—		$	66,442
Off-balance sheet	2,458			3,239			8,712			1,586			—			—			15,995
Total	$	14,765		$	39,143		$	15,283		$	13,246		$	—		$	—		$	82,437
Total Farm & Ranch loans:
On-balance sheet	$	1,633,667		$	395,421		$	412,620		$	69,511		$	29,003		$	—		$	2,540,222
Off-balance sheet	1,307,599			524,774			847,998			104,443			85,357			6,781			2,876,952
Total	$	2,941,266		$	920,195		$	1,260,618		$	173,954		$	114,360		$	6,781		$	5,417,174
Allowance for Losses:
Collectively evaluated for impairment:
On-balance sheet	$	1,824		$	495		$	658		$	51		$	503		$	—		$	3,531
Off-balance sheet	298			149			404			52			3,049			7			3,959
Total	$	2,122		$	644		$	1,062		$	103		$	3,552		$	7		$	7,490
Individually evaluated for impairment:
On-balance sheet	$	283		$	1,410		$	328		$	312		$	—		$	—		$	2,333
Off-balance sheet	114			105			33			52			—			—			304
Total	$	397		$	1,515		$	361		$	364		$	—		$	—		$	2,637
Total Farm & Ranch loans:
On-balance sheet	$	2,107		$	1,905		$	986		$	363		$	503		$	—		$	5,864
Off-balance sheet	412			254			437			104			3,049			7			4,263
Total	$	2,519		$	2,159		$	1,423		$	467		$	3,552		$	7		$	10,127
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, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
Table 5.5
	As of March 31, 2015
	Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
				Plantings						Farm			Processing
	(in thousands)
Impaired Loans:
With no specific allowance:
Recorded investment	$	3,117		$	5,622		$	9,360		$	1,625		$	—		$	—		$	19,724
Unpaid principal balance	2,982			5,535			9,174			1,625			—			—			19,316
With a specific allowance:
Recorded investment(1)	19,689			36,378			5,707			10,038			—			—			71,812
Unpaid principal balance	18,182			35,669			5,615			9,953			—			—			69,419
Associated allowance	640			1,609			349			357			—			—			2,955
Total:
Recorded investment	22,806			42,000			15,067			11,663			—			—			91,536
Unpaid principal balance	21,164			41,204			14,789			11,578			—			—			88,735
Associated allowance	640			1,609			349			357			—			—			2,955
Recorded investment of loans on nonaccrual status(2)	$	3,588		$	24,582		$	4,180		$	6,133		$	—		$	—		$	38,483
(1)	Impairment analysis was performed in the aggregate in consideration of similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics on $64.1 million (70 percent) of impaired loans as of March 31, 2015, which resulted in a specific reserve of $1.6 million.
(2)	Includes $8.3 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, 2014
	Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
				Plantings						Farm			Processing
	(in thousands)
Impaired Loans:
With no specific allowance:
Recorded investment	$	4,877		$	5,837		$	9,576		$	2,001		$	—		$	—		$	22,291
Unpaid principal balance	4,723			5,750			9,386			1,981			—			—			21,840
With a specific allowance:
Recorded investment(1)	10,753			33,690			5,979			11,350			—			—			61,772
Unpaid principal balance	10,042			33,393			5,897			11,265			—			—			60,597
Associated allowance	397			1,515			361			364			—			—			2,637
Total:
Recorded investment	15,630			39,527			15,555			13,351			—			—			84,063
Unpaid principal balance	14,765			39,143			15,283			13,246			—			—			82,437
Associated allowance	397			1,515			361			364			—			—			2,637
Recorded investment of loans on nonaccrual status(2)	$	5,168		$	14,413		$	4,438		$	6,133		$	—		$	—		$	30,152
(1)	Impairment analysis was performed in the aggregate in consideration of similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics on $54.4 million (65 percent) of impaired loans as of December 31, 2014, which resulted in a specific reserve of $1.2 million.
(2)	Includes $11.7 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, 2015 and 2014:
Table 5.6
	31-Mar-15
	Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
				Plantings						Farm			Processing
	(in thousands)
For the Three Months Ended:
Average recorded investment in impaired loans	$	19,218		$	40,764		$	15,311		$	12,507		$	—		$	—		$	87,800
Income recognized on impaired loans	282			83			148			58			—			—			571
	31-Mar-14
	Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
				Plantings						Farm			Processing
	(in thousands)
For the Three Months Ended:
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, 2015, there were no troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs"). For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the recorded investment of loans determined to be TDRs was $0.6 million both before and after restructuring. As of March 31, 2015 and 2014, there were no TDRs identified during the previous 12 months that were in default under the modified terms. The impact of TDRs on Farmer Mac's allowance for loan losses was immaterial for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
When particular criteria are met, such as the default of the borrower, Farmer Mac becomes entitled to purchase the defaulted loans underlying Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities (commonly referred to as "removal-of-account" provisions).  Farmer Mac records all such defaulted loans at their unpaid principal balance during the period in which Farmer Mac becomes entitled to purchase the loans and therefore regains effective control over the transferred loans. In accordance with the terms of all LTSPCs, Farmer Mac acquires loans that are either 90 days or 120 days delinquent (depending on the provisions of the applicable agreement) upon the request of the counterparty. Subsequent to the purchase, these defaulted loans are treated as nonaccrual loans and, therefore, interest is accounted for on the cash basis.  Any decreases in expected cash flows are recognized as impairment.
During first quarter 2015, Farmer Mac purchased one defaulted loan having an unpaid principal balance of $0.7 million, from a pool underlying a Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Security.  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.
The following tables present information related to Farmer Mac's acquisition of defaulted loans for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 and the outstanding balances and carrying amounts of all such loans as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
Table 5.7
	For the Three Months Ended
	31-Mar-15			31-Mar-14
	(in thousands)
Unpaid principal balance at acquisition date:
Loans underlying LTSPCs	$	—		$	440
Loans underlying off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	657			—
Total unpaid principal balance at acquisition date	657			440
Contractually required payments receivable	—			440
Impairment recognized subsequent to acquisition	52			52
Recovery/release of allowance for defaulted loans	121			2
	As of
	31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	(in thousands)
Outstanding balance	$	24,882		$	24,921
Carrying amount	22,087			22,149
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, 2015, there were no delinquencies and no probable losses inherent in Farmer Mac's Rural Utilities loan portfolio and Farmer Mac had 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-15			31-Dec-14			31-Mar-15			31-Mar-14
	(in thousands)
On-balance sheet assets:
Farm & Ranch:
Loans	$	30,151		$	18,427		$	—		$	32
Total on-balance sheet	$	30,151		$	18,427		$	—		$	32
Off-balance sheet assets:
Farm & Ranch:
LTSPCs	$	1,950		$	490		$	—		$	—
Total off-balance sheet	$	1,950		$	490		$	—		$	—
Total	$	32,101		$	18,917		$	—		$	32
(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, or in bankruptcy, excluding loans performing under either their original loan terms or a court-approved bankruptcy plan.
Of the $30.2 million and $18.4 million of on-balance sheet loans reported as 90-day delinquencies as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, $3.1 million and $1.8 million, respectively, were loans subject to "removal-of-account" provisions.
Credit Quality Indicators
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, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
Table 5.9
	As of March 31, 2015
	Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
				Plantings						Farm			Processing
	(in thousands)
Credit risk profile by internally assigned grade(1)
On-balance sheet:
Acceptable	$	1,629,509		$	361,875		$	373,623		$	57,363		$	25,800		$	1,360		$	2,449,530
Special mention(2)	12,987			4,181			28,855			632			—			—			46,655
Substandard(3)	18,706			39,354			6,178			10,489			—			—			74,727
Total on-balance sheet	$	1,661,202		$	405,410		$	408,656		$	68,484		$	25,800		$	1,360		$	2,570,912
Off-Balance Sheet:
Acceptable	$	1,243,212		$	484,527		$	772,974		$	94,477		$	64,987		$	5,650		$	2,665,827
Special mention(2)	14,018			11,633			21,548			1,333			—			8			48,540
Substandard(3)	10,544			7,518			18,556			5,123			19,580			648			61,969
Total off-balance sheet	$	1,267,774		$	503,678		$	813,078		$	100,933		$	84,567		$	6,306		$	2,776,336
Total Ending Balance:
Acceptable	$	2,872,721		$	846,402		$	1,146,597		$	151,840		$	90,787		$	7,010		$	5,115,357
Special mention(2)	27,005			15,814			50,403			1,965			—			8			95,195
Substandard(3)	29,250			46,872			24,734			15,612			19,580			648			136,696
Total	$	2,928,976		$	909,088		$	1,221,734		$	169,417		$	110,367		$	7,666		$	5,347,248
Commodity analysis of past due loans(1)
On-balance sheet	$	2,406		$	21,967		$	2,517		$	3,261		$	—		$	—		$	30,151
Off-balance sheet	1,411			—			497			42			—			—			1,950
90-days or more past due	$	3,817		$	21,967		$	3,014		$	3,303		$	—		$	—		$	32,101
(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, 2014
	Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
				Plantings						Farm			Processing
	(in thousands)
Credit risk profile by internally assigned grade(1)
On-balance sheet:
Acceptable	$	1,604,546		$	353,487		$	375,010		$	57,239		$	29,003		$	—		$	2,419,285
Special Mention(2)	16,814			6,030			31,039			612			—			—			54,495
Substandard(3)	12,307			35,904			6,571			11,660			—			—			66,442
Total on-balance sheet	$	1,633,667		$	395,421		$	412,620		$	69,511		$	29,003		$	—		$	2,540,222
Off-Balance Sheet
Acceptable	$	1,282,773		$	503,414		$	799,047		$	97,692		$	64,363		$	6,117		$	2,753,406
Special Mention(2)	13,603			12,150			30,281			1,351			—			8			57,393
Substandard(3)	11,223			9,210			18,670			5,400			20,994			656			66,153
Total off-balance sheet	$	1,307,599		$	524,774		$	847,998		$	104,443		$	85,357		$	6,781		$	2,876,952
Total Ending Balance:
Acceptable	$	2,887,319		$	856,901		$	1,174,057		$	154,931		$	93,366		$	6,117		$	5,172,691
Special Mention(2)	30,417			18,180			61,320			1,963			—			8			111,888
Substandard(3)	23,530			45,114			25,241			17,060			20,994			656			132,595
Total	$	2,941,266		$	920,195		$	1,260,618		$	173,954		$	114,360		$	6,781		$	5,417,174
Commodity analysis of past due loans(1)
On-balance sheet	$	4,175		$	6,869		$	4,555		$	2,828		$	—		$	—		$	18,427
Off-balance sheet	—			—			490			—			—			—			490
90-days or more past due	$	4,175		$	6,869		$	5,045		$	2,828		$	—		$	—		$	18,917
(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, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
Table 5.10
	As of
	31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	(in thousands)
By commodity/collateral type:
Crops	$	2,928,976		$	2,941,266
Permanent plantings	909,088			920,195
Livestock	1,221,734			1,260,618
Part-time farm	169,417			173,954
Ag. Storage and Processing	110,367			114,360
Other	7,666			6,781
Total	$	5,347,248		$	5,417,174
By geographic region(1):
Northwest	$	572,085		$	573,135
Southwest	1,701,128			1,753,606
Mid-North	1,859,293			1,873,041
Mid-South	633,545			627,615
Northeast	205,781			214,402
Southeast	375,416			375,375
Total	$	5,347,248		$	5,417,174
By original loan-to-value ratio:
0.00% to 40.00%	$	1,475,336		$	1,503,076
40.01% to 50.00%	1,194,757			1,191,804
50.01% to 60.00%	1,475,969			1,491,502
60.01% to 70.00%	1,065,814			1,091,759
70.01% to 80.00%	113,643			115,645
80.01% to 90.00%	21,729			23,388
Total	$	5,347,248		$	5,417,174
(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, 2015
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, or Institutional Credit lines of business, and (2) LTSPCs, which are available through the Farm & Ranch or the Rural Utilities lines of business.
	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, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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
		As of March 31, 2015		As of December 31, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Farm & Ranch:
	Guaranteed Securities	$	598,236	$	636,086
	USDA Guarantees:
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	12,847		13,978
	Institutional Credit:
	AgVantage Securities	986,529		986,528
	Total off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	$	1,597,612	$	1,636,592
	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-15		31-Mar-14
		(in thousands)
	Proceeds from new securitizations	$	49,487	$	62,751
	Guarantee fees received	692		827
	Purchases of assets from the trusts	657		—
	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 $10.4 million as of March 31, 2015 and $11.1 million as of December 31, 2014. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the weighted-average remaining maturity of all loans underlying off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, excluding AgVantage securities, was 11.9 years and 12.0 years, respectively.  As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the weighted-average remaining maturity of the off-balance sheet AgVantage securities was 2.2 years and 2.4 years, respectively.
	Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments
	An LTSPC is a commitment by Farmer Mac to purchase eligible loans from an identified pool of loans under specified circumstances set forth in the applicable agreement, either for cash or in exchange for Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, on one or more undetermined future dates.  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 $2.2 billion as of both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
	As of both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the weighted-average remaining maturity of all loans underlying LTSPCs was 14.3 years.  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 sheets.  This liability approximated $26.2 million as of March 31, 2015 and $26.8 million as of December 31, 2014.

Equity

Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Equity Disclosure	EQUITY
	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, called Farm Asset-Linked Capital Securities or "FALConS," represented 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 had a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. On May 14, 2014, Farmer Mac purchased $6.0 million of FALConS from certain holders. On March 30, 2015, Farmer Mac II LLC redeemed all of the outstanding shares of Farmer Mac II LLC Preferred Stock which, in turn, triggered the redemption of all of the outstanding FALConS on that same day. Farmer Mac wrote off $8.1 million in deferred issuance costs upon the retirement of the Farmer Mac II LLC Preferred Stock.
	Capital Requirements
	Farmer Mac is subject to the following 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 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the minimum capital requirement was greater than the risk-based capital requirement. Farmer Mac's ability to declare and pay dividends on its preferred stock could be restricted if it fails to comply with applicable capital requirements.
	As of March 31, 2015, Farmer Mac's minimum capital requirement was $434.2 million and its actual core capital level was $531.3 million, which was $97.1 million above the minimum capital requirement as of that date.  As of December 31, 2014, Farmer Mac's minimum capital requirement was $421.3 million and its actual core capital level was $766.3 million, which was $345.0 million above the minimum capital requirement as of that date.
	In accordance with FCA's rule on Farmer Mac's capital planning, and as part of Farmer Mac's capital plan, Farmer Mac has adopted a policy for maintaining a sufficient level of Tier 1 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 any discretionary bonus payments in the event that this capital falls below specified thresholds.

Fair_Value_Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosure	FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES
	As of March 31, 2015, Farmer Mac's assets and liabilities recorded at fair value included financial instruments valued at $5.7 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 39 percent of total assets and 72 percent of financial instruments measured at fair value as of March 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2014, Farmer Mac's assets and liabilities recorded at fair value included financial instruments valued at $5.5 billion whose fair values were estimated by management in the absence of readily determinable fair values.  These financial instruments measured as level 3 represented 38 percent of total assets and 73 percent of financial instruments measured at fair value as of December 31, 2014.
	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 2015. 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. There were no transfers within the fair value hierarchy for fair value measurements of Farmer Mac's investment securities, USDA Securities, and financial derivatives during the first three months of 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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, 2015
		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	$	—		$	—		$	40,379	$	40,379
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	—			100,132			—		100,132
	Floating rate corporate debt securities	—			10,085			—		10,085
	Fixed rate corporate debt securities	—			20,030			—		20,030
	Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	—			734,572			—		734,572
	Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	—			8,129			—		8,129
	Floating rate GSE subordinated debt	—			65,841			—		65,841
	Fixed rate senior agency debt	—			297,727			—		297,727
	Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries	862,649			—			—		862,649
	Total available-for-sale	862,649			1,236,516			40,379		2,139,544
	Trading:
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	—			—			638		638
	Total trading	—			—			638		638
	Total Investment Securities	862,649			1,236,516			41,017		2,140,182
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	AgVantage	—			—			3,818,704		3,818,704
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	—			—			23,505		23,505
	Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	—			—			3,842,209		3,842,209
	USDA Securities:
	Available-for-sale	—			—			1,794,844		1,794,844
	Trading	—			—			37,593		37,593
	Total USDA Securities	—			—			1,832,437		1,832,437
	Financial derivatives	—			4,808			—		4,808
	Total Assets at fair value	$	862,649		$	1,241,324		$	5,715,663	$	7,819,636
	Liabilities:
	Financial derivatives	5			95,488			—		95,493
	Total Liabilities at fair value	$	5		$	95,488		$	—	$	95,493
	Nonrecurring:
	Assets:
	Loans held for investment	$	—		$	—		$	6,376	$	6,376
	Total Nonrecurring Assets at fair value	$	—		$	—		$	6,376	$	6,376
	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value as of December 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	$	—		$	—		$	40,576	$	40,576
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	—			100,902			—		100,902
	Floating rate corporate debt securities	—			10,091			—		10,091
	Fixed rate corporate debt	—			30,025			—		30,025
	Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	—			612,753			—		612,753
	Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	—			8,202			—		8,202
	Floating rate GSE subordinated debt	—			66,320			—		66,320
	Fixed rate senior agency debt	—			18,939			—		18,939
	Floating rate U.S. Treasuries	74,979			—			—		74,979
	Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries	975,712			—			—		975,712
	Total available-for-sale	1,050,691			847,232			40,576		1,938,499
	Trading:
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	—			—			689		689
Total trading	—			—			689		689
Total Investment Securities	1,050,691			847,232			41,265		1,939,188
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
Available-for-sale:
AgVantage	—			—			3,631,662		3,631,662
Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	—			—			27,619		27,619
Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	—			—			3,659,281		3,659,281
USDA Guaranteed Securities:
Available-for-sale	—			—			1,731,222		1,731,222
Trading	—			—			40,310		40,310
Total USDA Guaranteed Securities	—			—			1,771,532		1,771,532
Financial derivatives	—			4,177			—		4,177
Total Assets at fair value	$	1,050,691		$	851,409		$	5,472,078	$	7,374,178
Liabilities:
Financial derivatives	3			84,841			—		84,844
Total Liabilities at fair value	$	3		$	84,841		$	—	$	84,844
Nonrecurring:
Assets:
Loans held for investment	$	—		$	—		$	5,973	$	5,973
Total Nonrecurring Assets at fair value	$	—		$	—		$	5,973	$	5,973
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. There were no liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
Table 8.2
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	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	$	40,576		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—	$	(197	)	$	—		$	40,379
Total available-for-sale	40,576			—			—		—			—		(197		)	—			40,379
Trading:
Floating rate asset-backed securities(1)	689			—			—		(247		)	196		—			—			638
Total trading	689			—			—		(247		)	196		—			—			638
Total Investment Securities	41,265			—			—		(247		)	196		(197		)	—			41,017
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
Available-for-sale:
AgVantage	3,631,662			214,915			—		(57,753		)	8,877		21,003			—			3,818,704
Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	27,619			—			—		(4,652		)	—		538			—			23,505
Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	3,659,281			214,915			—		(62,405		)	8,877		21,541			—			3,842,209
USDA Securities:
Available-for-sale	1,731,222			89,186			—		(64,191		)	—		38,627			—			1,794,844
Trading(2)	40,310			—			—		(2,883		)	166		—			—			37,593
Total USDA Securities	1,771,532			89,186			—		(67,074		)	166		38,627			—			1,832,437
Total Assets at fair value	$	5,472,078		$	304,101		$	—	$	(129,726	)	$	9,239	$	59,971		$	—		$	5,715,663
(1)	Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of March 31, 2015 and are recorded in "Gains on trading securities."
(2)	Includes unrealized gains of $0.2 million attributable to assets still held as of March 31, 2015 that are recorded in "Gains on trading securities."
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the 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 securities."
(2)	Includes unrealized losses of $0.7 million attributable to assets still held as of March 31, 2014 that are recorded in "Gains on trading securities."
(3)	Unrealized gains are attributable to liabilities still held as of March 31, 2014 and are recorded in "Losses 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
Table 8.3
		As of March 31, 2015
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		$	40,379		Indicative bids	Range of broker quotes		82.0% - 93.0% (86.7%)
Floating rate asset-backed securities		$	638		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		14.5% - 23.5% (19.1%)
						CPR		10%
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
AgVantage		$	3,818,704		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		0.9% - 2.7% (1.4%)
Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities		$	23,505		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		1.0% - 4.0% (1.8%)
						CPR		9% - 22% (11%)
USDA Securities		$	1,832,437		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		1.1% - 5.2% (3.1%)
						CPR		0% - 20% (9%)
		As of December 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		$	40,576		Indicative bids	Range of broker quotes		82.0% - 94.0% (87.1%)
Floating rate asset-backed securities		$	689		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		14.3% - 23.9% (19.1%)
						CPR		10%
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
AgVantage		$	3,631,662		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		0.7% - 2.7% (1.3%)
Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities		$	27,619		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		0.8% - 3.6% (1.9%)
						CPR		0% - 21% (9%)
USDA Securities		$	1,771,532		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		1.1% - 5.3% (3.2%)
						CPR		0% - 20% (8%)
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 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
Table 8.4
	As of March 31, 2015						As of December 31, 2014
	Fair Value			Carrying			Fair Value		Carrying
				Amount					Amount
	(in thousands)
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,556,246		$	1,556,246		$	1,363,387	$	1,363,387
Investment securities	2,140,182			2,140,182			1,939,188		1,939,188
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	5,625,285			5,609,305			5,459,857		5,453,901
USDA Securities	1,832,437			1,832,437			1,771,532		1,771,532
Loans	3,626,473			3,533,555			3,547,424		3,520,075
Financial derivatives	4,808			4,808			4,177		4,177
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable:
LTSPCs	27,153			27,071			29,095		27,807
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	11,080			11,271			11,876		11,655
Financial liabilities:
Notes payable:
Due within one year	7,960,289			7,957,193			7,357,770		7,353,953
Due after one year	5,767,568			5,648,752			5,556,570		5,471,186
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	467,186			457,903			423,085		424,214
Financial derivatives	95,493			95,493			84,844		84,844
Guarantee and commitment obligations:
LTSPCs	26,254			26,171			28,130		26,843
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	10,174			10,366			11,303		11,082
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, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment Reporting Disclosure
		BUSINESS SEGMENT REPORTING
	Farmer Mac's operations consist of four reportable operating segments – 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.
	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 net income attributable to common stockholders by excluding the effects of fair value fluctuations, which are not expected to have a cumulative net impact on financial condition or results of operations reported in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") if the related financial instruments are held to maturity, as is generally expected. Core earnings also differs from net income attributable to common stockholders 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, 2015, Farmer Mac II LLC held assets with a fair value of $1.9 billion, had debt outstanding of $735.0 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, 2015 and 2014:
	Table 9.1
	Core Earnings by Business Segment
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
		Farm & Ranch			USDA Guarantees			Rural			Institutional Credit			Corporate			Reconciling				Consolidated Net Income
								Utilities									Adjustments
		(in thousands)
	Interest income(1)	$	21,968		$	14,348		$	6,585		$	19,299		$	2,865		$	(1,114	)		$	63,951
	Interest income related to consolidated trusts owned by third parties reclassified to guarantee fee income	(635		)	—			—			—			—			635				—
	Interest expense(2)	(11,219		)	(10,123		)	(3,781		)	(8,874		)	(1,176		)	2,011				(33,162		)
	Net effective spread	10,114			4,225			2,804			10,425			1,689			1,532				30,789
	Guarantee and commitment fees	3,633			(6		)	—			385			—			(635		)		3,377
	Other income/(expense)(3)	87			59			—			—			(552		)	(2,496		)		(2,902		)
	Non-interest income/(loss)	3,720			53			—			385			(552		)	(3,131		)		475
	Provision for loan losses	(76		)	—			—			—			—			—				(76		)
	Release of reserve for losses	772			—			—			—			—			—				772
	Other non-interest expense	(4,326		)	(385		)	(866		)	(535		)	(3,003		)	—				(9,115		)
	Non-interest expense(4)	(3,554		)	(385		)	(866		)	(535		)	(3,003		)	—				(8,343		)
	Core earnings before income taxes	10,204			3,893			1,938			10,275			(1,866		)	(1,599		)	(5)	22,845
	Income tax (expense)/benefit	(3,571		)	(1,363		)	(678		)	(3,596		)	2,516			2,461				(4,231		)
	Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest	6,633			2,530			1,260			6,679			650			862			(5)	18,614
	Preferred stock dividends	—			—			—			—			(3,295		)	—				(3,295		)
	Non-controlling interest	—			—			—			—			(5,354		)	—				(5,354		)
	Loss on retirement of preferred stock	—			—			—			—			—			(8,147		)		(8,147		)
	Segment core earnings/(losses)	$	6,633		$	2,530		$	1,260		$	6,679		$	(7,999	)	$	(7,285	)	(5)	$	1,818
	Total assets at carrying value	$	2,637,743		$	1,876,337		$	970,020		$	5,594,736		$	3,770,849		$	—			$	14,849,685
	Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance	5,347,248			1,814,918			968,117			6,529,934						—				14,660,217
	(1)	Includes reconciling adjustments for the amortization of premiums and discounts on assets consolidated at fair value to reflect core earnings amounts and interest income related to securities purchased under agreements to resell.
	(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 on financial derivatives and hedging activities" on the consolidated financial statements. Includes reconciling adjustments for interest expense related to securities sold, not yet purchased.
	(3)	Includes interest income and interest expense related to securities purchased under agreements to resell and securities sold, not yet purchased, respectively; 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; and 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, 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		$	20,380		$	5,235		$	(12,205	)		$	52,452
	Interest income related to consolidated trusts owned by third parties reclassified to guarantee fee income	(531		)	—			—			—			—			531				—
	Interest expense(2)	(10,694		)	(9,175		)	(5,754		)	(10,974		)	(1,093		)	2,964				(34,726		)
	Net effective spread	7,114			3,784			1,990			9,406			4,142			(8,710		)		17,726
	Guarantee and commitment fees	3,909			26			—			380			—			(531		)		3,784
	Other income/(expense)(3)	130			28			—			—			(571		)	(6,406		)		(6,819		)
	Non-interest income/(loss)	4,039			54			—			380			(571		)	(6,937		)		(3,035		)
	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	6,927			3,107			1,213			9,341			1,230			(15,647		)	(5)	6,171
	Income tax (expense)/benefit	(2,424		)	(1,087		)	(425		)	(3,269		)	2,871			5,475				1,141
	Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest	4,503			2,020			788			6,072			4,101			(10,172		)	(5)	7,312
	Preferred stock dividends	—			—			—			—			(952		)	—				(952		)
	Non-controlling interest	—			—			—			—			(5,547		)	—				(5,547		)
	Segment core earnings/(losses)	$	4,503		$	2,020		$	788		$	6,072		$	(2,398	)	$	(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 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_Accounting

Accounting Policies - Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 ("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, 2014 consolidated balance sheet presented in this report has been derived from Farmer Mac's audited 2014 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 2014 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, 2014 filed with the SEC on March 16, 2015. 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; Transfers of Financial Assets and Liabilities; Investment Securities, Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, and USDA Securities; Loans; Securitization of Loans; Real Estate Owned; Financial Derivatives; Notes Payable; Allowance for Loan Losses and Reserve 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, 2015.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Farmer Mac and its three subsidiaries: (1) Farmer Mac Mortgage Securities Corporation ("FMMSC"), whose principal activities are to facilitate the purchase and issuance of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities; (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; and (3) Contour Valuation Services, LLC, whose principal activity is to provide appraisal services related to agricultural real estate.  All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. 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	Statements of Cash Flows
Earnings Per Common Share	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.
New Accounting Standards	New Accounting Standards
	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, "Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis." This update modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities and eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership. It also affects the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships. ASU 2015-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of the new guidance will not have a material effect on Farmer Mac's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications
	Beginning January 1, 2015, Farmer Mac classified all of the income from Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities that it holds in its portfolio as interest income. Prior to January 1, 2015, Farmer Mac classified a portion of the income from those securities, $2.7 million in first quarter 2014, as guarantee and commitment fees. This change in classification does not affect the timing or amount of income recognized from these securities. The corresponding guarantee and commitment fee receivable balance as of December 31, 2014 also was reclassified to accrued interest receivable. Certain reclassifications of prior period information, including the aforementioned change, were made to conform to the current period presentation.

Accounting_Policies_Accounting1

Accounting Policies - Accounting Policies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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
		As of March 31, 2015
		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	$	457,117	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—			$	457,117
	Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties(1)	457,903		—			—			—			—				457,903
	Unconsolidated VIEs:
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	Carrying value(2)	—		23,505			—			32,367			—				55,872
	Maximum exposure to loss(3)	—		23,098			—			30,000			—				53,098
	Investment securities:
	Carrying value(4)	—		—			—			—			479,548				479,548
	Maximum exposure to loss(3)(4)	—		—			—			—			482,757				482,757
	Off-Balance Sheet:
	Unconsolidated VIEs:
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	Maximum exposure to loss(3)(5)	598,236		12,847			—			970,000			—				1,581,083
	(1)	Includes borrower remittances of $0.8 million. The borrower remittances have not been passed through to third party investors as of March 31, 2015.
	(2)	Includes $0.4 million of unamortized premiums and discounts and fair value adjustments related to the USDA Guarantees line of business. Includes fair value adjustments related to the Institutional Credit line of business of $2.4 million.
	(3)	Farmer Mac uses unpaid principal balance and outstanding face amount of investment securities to represent maximum exposure to loss.
	(4)	Includes auction-rate certificates, asset-backed securities, and government-sponsored enterprise ("GSE")-guaranteed mortgage-backed securities.
	(5)	The amount under the Farm & Ranch line of business 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
		As of December 31, 2014
		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)	$	421,355	$	—		$	271,123		$	—		$	—			$	692,478
	Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties(2)	424,214		—			—			—			—				424,214
	Unconsolidated VIEs:
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	Carrying value(3)	—		27,620			—			32,415			—				60,035
	Maximum exposure to loss(4)	—		27,832			—			30,000			—				57,832
	Investment securities:
	Carrying value(5)	—		—			—			—			409,657				409,657
	Maximum exposure to loss(4)(5)	—		—			—			—			412,690				412,690
	Off-Balance Sheet:
	Unconsolidated VIEs:
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	Maximum exposure to loss(4)(6)	636,086		13,978			—			970,000			—				1,620,064
	(1)	Includes unamortized premiums related to the Rural Utilities line of business of $3.7 million.
	(2)	Includes borrower remittances of $2.9 million, which have not been passed through to third party investors as of December 31, 2014.
	(3)	Includes $0.2 million of unamortized premiums and discounts and fair value adjustments related to the USDA Guarantees line of business. Includes fair value adjustments related to the Institutional Credit line of business of $2.4 million.
	(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 government-sponsored enterprise ("GSE")-guaranteed mortgage-backed securities.
	(6)	The amount under the Farm & Ranch line of business 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 non-cash transactions for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	Table 1.2
		For the Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-15		31-Mar-14
		(in thousands)
	Non-cash activity:
	Loans acquired and securitized as Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	$	49,487	$	62,751
	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	49,487		62,751
	Purchases of securities - traded, not yet settled	14,915		—
	Issuance costs on the retirement of Farmer Mac II LLC Preferred Stock	8,147		—
	Transfers of available-for-sale Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities to held-to-maturity	—		1,612,086
Earnings Per Common Share	The following schedule reconciles basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	Table 1.3
		For the Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-15							31-Mar-14
		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	$	1,818	10,938		$	0.17		$	813		10,887			$	0.07
	Effect of dilutive securities(1):
	Stock options, SARs and restricted stock	—		393		(0.01		)	—			459			—
	Diluted EPS	$	1,818	11,331		$	0.16		$	813		11,346			$	0.07
	(1)	For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, stock options and SARs of 201,401 and 32,983, 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, 2015 and 2014, contingent shares of non-vested restricted stock of 30,514 and 31,594, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because performance conditions have not yet been met.

Investment_Securities_Investme

Investment Securities - Investment Securities (Tables) (Investment Securities [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investment Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Marketable Securities [Table Text Block]	The following tables set forth information about Farmer Mac's investment securities as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
	Table 2.1
		As of March 31, 2015
		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	$	46,600	$	—		$	46,600	$	—		$	(6,221	)	$	40,379
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	100,377		(352		)	100,025		153			(46		)	100,132
	Floating rate corporate debt securities	10,000		—			10,000		85			—			10,085
	Fixed rate corporate debt securities	20,000		(5		)	19,995		35			—			20,030
	Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	727,430		3,438			730,868		4,373			(669		)	734,572
	Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities(1)	811		3,436			4,247		3,882			—			8,129
	Floating rate GSE subordinated debt	70,000		—			70,000		—			(4,159		)	65,841
	Fixed rate senior agency debt	297,806		(34		)	297,772		23			(68		)	297,727
	Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries	862,194		483			862,677		55			(83		)	862,649
	Total available-for-sale	2,135,218		6,966			2,142,184		8,606			(11,246		)	2,139,544
	Trading:
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	2,621		—			2,621		—			(1,983		)	638
	Total investment securities	$	2,137,839	$	6,966		$	2,144,805	$	8,606		$	(13,229	)	$	2,140,182
	(1)	Fair value includes $7.2 million of an interest-only security with a notional amount of $152.4 million.
		As of December 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	$	46,600	$	—		$	46,600	$	—		$	(6,024	)	$	40,576
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	100,730		(74		)	100,656		283			(37		)	100,902
	Floating rate corporate debt securities	10,000		—			10,000		91			—			10,091
	Fixed rate corporate debt securities	30,000		(10		)	29,990		35			—			30,025
	Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	605,053		3,431			608,484		4,712			(443		)	612,753
	Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities(1)	853		3,542			4,395		3,807			—			8,202
	Floating rate GSE subordinated debt	70,000		—			70,000		—			(3,680		)	66,320
	Fixed rate senior agency debt	18,806		130			18,936		3			—			18,939
	Floating rate U.S. Treasuries	75,000		(10		)	74,990		—			(11		)	74,979
	Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries	975,194		462			975,656		72			(16		)	975,712
	Total available-for-sale	1,932,236		7,471			1,939,707		9,003			(10,211		)	1,938,499
	Trading:
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	2,868		—			2,868		—			(2,179		)	689
	Total investment securities	$	1,935,104	$	7,471		$	1,942,575	$	9,003		$	(12,390	)	$	1,939,188
	(1)	Fair value includes $7.3 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014, unrealized losses on available-for-sale investment securities were as follows:
	Table 2.2
		As of March 31, 2015
		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	$	—	$	—		$	40,379	$	(6,221	)
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	22,971		(46		)	640		—
	Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	121,071		(244		)	125,546		(425		)
	Floating rate GSE subordinated debt	—		—			65,841		(4,159		)
	Fixed rate senior agency debt	121,950		(68		)	—		—
	Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries	662,276		(83		)	—		—
	Total	$	928,268	$	(441	)	$	232,406	$	(10,805	)
		As of December 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	$	—	$	—		$	40,576	$	(6,024	)
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	19,388		(37		)	—		—
	Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	76,100		(164		)	76,867		(279		)
	Floating rate GSE subordinated debt	—		—			66,320		(3,680		)
	Floating rate U.S. Treasuries	74,980		(11		)	—		—
	Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries	325,033		(16		)	—		—
	Total	$	495,501	$	(228	)	$	183,763	$	(9,983	)
	The unrealized losses presented above are principally due to a general widening of credit spreads from the dates of acquisition to March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, as applicable. The resulting decrease in fair values reflects an increase in the perceived risk by the financial markets related to those securities. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , all of the investment securities in an unrealized loss position either were backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government or had credit ratings of at least "AA+," except one that was rated "A-." The unrealized losses were on 44 and 35 individual investment securities as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	As of March 31, 2015, 17 of the securities in loss positions had been in loss positions for more than 12 months and had a total unrealized loss of $10.8 million. As of December 31, 2014, 15 of the securities in loss positions had been in loss positions for more than 12 months and had a total unrealized loss of $10.0 million.  Securities in unrealized loss positions for 12 months or longer have a fair value as of March 31, 2015 that is, on average, approximately 96 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014. 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.
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, 2015 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
		As of March 31, 2015
		Available-for-Sale Securities
		Amortized		Fair Value			Weighted-
		Cost					Average
							Yield
		(dollars in thousands)
	Due within one year	$	1,170,447	$	1,170,389		0.29%
	Due after one year through five years	114,708		115,551			1.19%
	Due after five years through ten years	252,261		252,759			0.86%
	Due after ten years	604,768		600,845			0.93%
	Total	$	2,142,184	$	2,139,544		0.58%

Farmer_Mac_Guaranteed_Securiti1

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities (Tables) (Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Marketable Securities [Table Text Block]	The following tables set forth information about on-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
	Table 3.1
		As of March 31, 2015
		Unpaid Principal Balance		Unamortized Premium/(Discount)			Amortized		Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair Value
							Cost		Gains			Losses
		(in thousands)
	Held-to-maturity:
	AgVantage	$	1,761,169	$	5,927		$	1,767,096	$	15,980		$	—		$	1,783,076
	Available-for-sale:
	AgVantage	$	3,782,235	$	—		$	3,782,235	$	54,813		$	(18,344	)	$	3,818,704
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	23,098		(361		)	22,737		768			—			23,505
	Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	3,805,333		(361		)	3,804,972		55,581			(18,344		)	3,842,209
	USDA Securities	1,743,274		2,696			1,745,970		48,929			(55		)	1,794,844
	Total available-for-sale	$	5,548,607	$	2,335		$	5,550,942	$	104,510		$	(18,399	)	$	5,637,053
	Trading:
	USDA Securities	$	35,699	$	2,578		$	38,277	$	120		$	(804	)	$	37,593
		As of December 31, 2014
		Unpaid Principal Balance		Unamortized Premium/(Discount)			Amortized		Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair Value
							Cost		Gains			Losses
		(in thousands)
	Held-to-maturity:
	AgVantage	$	1,785,340	$	9,280		$	1,794,620	$	6,211		$	(255	)	$	1,800,576
	Available-for-sale:
	AgVantage	$	3,625,073	$	—		$	3,625,073	$	36,442		$	(29,853	)	$	3,631,662
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	27,831		(442		)	27,389		237			(7		)	27,619
	Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	3,652,904		(442		)	3,652,462		36,679			(29,860		)	3,659,281
	USDA Securities	1,717,813		3,162			1,720,975		11,850			(1,603		)	1,731,222
	Total available-for-sale	$	5,370,717	$	2,720		$	5,373,437	$	48,529		$	(31,463	)	$	5,390,503
	Trading:
	USDA Securities	$	38,412	$	2,748		$	41,160	$	114		$	(964	)	$	40,310
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, unrealized losses on held-to-maturity and available-for-sale on-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities were as follows:
	Table 3.2
		As of March 31, 2015
		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)
	Available-for-sale:
	AgVantage	$	690,567	$	(11,400	)	648,409		$	(6,944	)
	USDA Securities	—		—			101,882		(55		)
	Total available-for-sale	$	690,567	$	(11,400	)	$	750,291	$	(6,999	)
		December 31, 2014
		Held-to-Maturity and 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)
	Held-to-maturity:
	AgVantage	$	547	$	(1	)	$	49,745	$	(254	)
	Available-for-sale:
	AgVantage	$	685,131	$	(13,115	)	$	1,460,089	$	(16,738	)
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	3,720		(7		)	—		—
	USDA Securities	264,375		(1,549		)	97,817		(54		)
	Total available-for-sale	$	953,226	$	(14,671	)	$	1,557,906	$	(16,792	)
	The unrealized losses presented above are principally due to higher interest rates from the date of acquisition to March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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. The unrealized losses from AgVantage securities were on 9 available-for-sale securities as of March 31, 2015. There were no unrealized losses from held-to-maturity AgVantage securities as of March 31, 2015. The unrealized losses from AgVantage securities were on 2 held-to-maturity securities and 23 available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2014. As of March 31, 2015, 3 available-for-sale AgVantage securities had been in a loss position for more than 12 months with a total unrealized loss of $6.9 million. As of December 31, 2014, 15 available-for-sale AgVantage securities had been in a loss position for more than 12 months with a total unrealized loss of $16.7 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, with such Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities referred to herein as AgVantage securities. Each AgVantage security backed by agricultural mortgages requires some level of overcollateralization, or, in the case of rural utilities loans, 100 percent collateralization, and is secured by eligible loans of the issuing institution with a requirement that delinquent loans be removed from the collateral pool and then replaced with current eligible loans. Thus, Farmer Mac does not believe it will realize any of the losses presented above. Farmer Mac has concluded that none of the unrealized losses on its held-to-maturity Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and available-for-sale Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities are other-than-temporary impairment as of either March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014.  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.
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, 2015 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 3.3
		As of March 31, 2015
		Available-for-Sale Securities
		Amortized		Fair Value			Weighted-
		Cost					Average
							Yield
		(dollars in thousands)
	Due within one year	$	563,745	$	571,986		2.78	%
	Due after one year through five years	1,181,719		1,201,725			1.35	%
	Due after five years through ten years	1,467,700		1,497,617			1.75	%
	Due after ten years	2,337,778		2,365,725			2.44	%
	Total	$	5,550,942	$	5,637,053		2.06	%
		As of March 31, 2015
		Held-to-Maturity Securities
		Amortized		Fair Value			Weighted-
		Cost					Average
							Yield
		(dollars in thousands)
	Due within one year	$	631,918	$	632,923		2.73	%
	Due after one year through five years	1,135,178		1,150,153			2.28	%
	Total	$	1,767,096	$	1,783,076		2.43	%

Financial_Derivatives_Financia

Financial Derivatives - Financial Derivatives (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments [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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and the effects of financial derivatives on the consolidated statements of operations for three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	Table 4.1
		As of March 31, 2015
					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	$	1,014,915		$	—		$	(37,478	)	2.46%	0.26%		3.83
	Cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate swaps:
	Pay fixed non-callable	37,000			—			(751		)	2.43%	0.57%		8.3
	No hedge designation:
	Interest rate swaps:
	Pay fixed non-callable	476,113			19			(56,602		)	4.19%	0.26%		6.99
	Receive fixed non-callable	4,042,209			4,305			(230		)	0.15%	0.30%		0.57
	Receive fixed callable	632,565			238			(277		)	0.13%	1.02%		2.8
	Basis swaps	1,130,000			247			(262		)	0.12%	0.31%		2.61
	Agency forwards	34,827			—			(132		)			101.41
	Treasury futures	2,900			—			(5		)			128.73
	Credit valuation adjustment				(1		)	244
	Total financial derivatives	$	7,370,529		$	4,808		$	(95,493	)
	Collateral pledged				—			48,870
	Net amount				$	4,808		$	(46,623	)
		As of December 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	$	1,000,000		$	—		$	(31,718	)	2.47%	0.23%		3.98
	Cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate swaps:
	Pay fixed non-callable	15,000			—			(289		)	2.43%	0.51%		6.23
	No hedge designation:
	Interest rate swaps:
	Pay fixed non-callable	490,183			537			(51,224		)	4.23%	0.23%		7.05
	Receive fixed non-callable	3,829,355			3,414			(461		)	0.14%	0.27%		0.55
	Receive fixed callable	383,565			1			(877		)	0.12%	1.34%		3.47
	Basis swaps	1,105,000			247			(406		)	0.11%	0.31%		2.42
	Agency forwards	12,768			—			(53		)			101
	Treasury futures	1,700			—			(3		)			126.6
	Credit valuation adjustment				(22		)	187
	Total financial derivatives	$	6,837,571		$	4,177		$	(84,844	)
	Collateral pledged				—			46,627
	Net amount				$	4,177		$	(38,217	)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Table 4.2
		Losses on financial derivatives and hedging activities
		For the Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-15			31-Mar-14
		(in thousands)
	Fair value hedges:
	Interest rate swaps(1)	$	(5,760	)	$	200
	Hedged items	8,876			2,750
	Gains on hedging activities	3,116			2,950
	No hedge designation:
	Interest rate swaps	(5,956		)	(9,548		)
	Agency forwards	(786		)	(852		)
	Treasury futures	(256		)	(128		)
	Losses on financial derivatives not designated in hedging relationships	(6,998		)	(10,528		)
	Losses on financial derivatives and hedging activities	$	(3,882	)	$	(7,578	)
	(1)	Included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness as of March 31, 2015, but excluded from the amounts in the table, were losses of $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, 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, 2015 were gains of $0.2 million. The comparable amounts as of March 31, 2014 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 and, accordingly, gains of $29,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014, attributable to hedge ineffectiveness.

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Losses1

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Receivables [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, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Farmer Mac had no loans held for sale. The following table displays the composition of the loan balances as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
	Table 5.1
		As of March 31, 2015									As of December 31, 2014
		Unsecuritized			In Consolidated Trusts			Total			Unsecuritized			In Consolidated Trusts			Total
		(in thousands)
	Farm & Ranch	$	2,113,795		$	457,117		$	2,570,912		$	2,118,867		$	421,355		$	2,540,222
	Rural Utilities	968,117			—			968,117			718,213			267,396			985,609
	Total unpaid principal balance(1)	3,081,912			457,117			3,539,029			2,837,080			688,751			3,525,831
	Unamortized premiums, discounts and other cost basis adjustments	466			—			466			(3,619		)	3,727			108
	Total loans	3,082,378			457,117			3,539,495			2,833,461			692,478			3,525,939
	Allowance for loan losses	(5,396		)	(544		)	(5,940		)	(5,324		)	(540		)	(5,864		)
	Total loans, net of allowance	$	3,076,982		$	456,573		$	3,533,555		$	2,828,137		$	691,938		$	3,520,075
	(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]	Allowances for Losses
	Farmer Mac maintains an allowance for losses presented in two components on its consolidated balance sheets: an allowance for loan losses to account for estimated probable losses on loans held, and a reserve for losses to account for estimated probable losses on loans underlying LTSPCs and off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities.  As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Farmer Mac reported allowances for losses of $9.4 million and $10.1 million, respectively. See Note 6 for more information about off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and LTSPCs.
	The following is a summary of the changes in the allowance for losses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	Table 5.2
		As of March 31, 2015									As of March 31, 2014
		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	$	5,864		$	4,263		$	10,127		$	6,866		$	6,468		$	13,334
	Provision for/(release of) losses	76			(772		)	(696		)	573			101			674
	Charge-offs	—			—			—			(29		)	—			(29		)
	Ending Balance	5,940			3,491			9,431			7,410			6,569			13,979
	During first quarter 2015, Farmer Mac recorded provisions from its allowance for loan losses of $0.1 million and releases from its reserve for losses of $0.8 million, primarily related to paydowns of processing loans (e.g., ethanol and canola facilities) underlying LTSPCs. Farmer Mac recorded no charge-offs to its allowance for loan losses during first quarter 2015.
	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.
	The following tables present the changes in the total allowance for losses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 by commodity type:
	Table 5.3
		31-Mar-15
		Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
					Plantings						Farm			Processing
		(in thousands)
	For the Three Months Ended:
	Beginning Balance	$	2,519		$	2,159		$	1,423		$	467		$	3,552		$	7		$	10,127
	Provision for/(release of) losses	121			125			(80		)	(8		)	(854		)	—			(696		)
	Ending Balance	$	2,640		$	2,284		$	1,343		$	459		$	2,698		$	7		$	9,431
		31-Mar-14
		Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
					Plantings						Farm			Processing
		(in thousands)
	For the Three Months Ended:
	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
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 total allowance for losses by impairment method and commodity type as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
	Table 5.4
		As of March 31, 2015
		Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
					Plantings						Farm			Processing
		(in thousands)
	Ending Balance:
	Collectively evaluated for impairment:
	On-balance sheet	$	1,642,496		$	367,380		$	402,478		$	57,995		$	25,800		$	1,360		$	2,497,509
	Off-balance sheet	1,265,316			500,504			804,467			99,844			84,567			6,306			2,761,004
	Total	$	2,907,812		$	867,884		$	1,206,945		$	157,839		$	110,367		$	7,666		$	5,258,513
	Individually evaluated for impairment:
	On-balance sheet	$	18,706		$	38,030		$	6,178		$	10,489		$	—		$	—		$	73,403
	Off-balance sheet	2,458			3,174			8,611			1,089			—			—			15,332
	Total	$	21,164		$	41,204		$	14,789		$	11,578		$	—		$	—		$	88,735
	Total Farm & Ranch loans:
	On-balance sheet	$	1,661,202		$	405,410		$	408,656		$	68,484		$	25,800		$	1,360		$	2,570,912
	Off-balance sheet	1,267,774			503,678			813,078			100,933			84,567			6,306			2,776,336
	Total	$	2,928,976		$	909,088		$	1,221,734		$	169,417		$	110,367		$	7,666		$	5,347,248
	Allowance for Losses:
	Collectively evaluated for impairment:
	On-balance sheet	$	1,726		$	520		$	654		$	49		$	335		$	—		$	3,284
	Off-balance sheet	274			155			340			53			2,363			7			3,192
	Total	$	2,000		$	675		$	994		$	102		$	2,698		$	7		$	6,476
	Individually evaluated for impairment:
	On-balance sheet	$	517		$	1,502		$	317		$	320		$	—		$	—		$	2,656
	Off-balance sheet	123			107			32			37			—			—			299
	Total	$	640		$	1,609		$	349		$	357		$	—		$	—		$	2,955
	Total Farm & Ranch loans:
	On-balance sheet	$	2,243		$	2,022		$	971		$	369		$	335		$	—		$	5,940
	Off-balance sheet	397			262			372			90			2,363			7			3,491
	Total	$	2,640		$	2,284		$	1,343		$	459		$	2,698		$	7		$	9,431
		As of December 31, 2014
		Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
					Plantings						Farm			Processing
		(in thousands)
	Ending Balance:
	Collectively evaluated for impairment:
	On-balance sheet	$	1,621,360		$	359,517		$	406,049		$	57,851		$	29,003		$	—		$	2,473,780
	Off-balance sheet	1,305,141			521,535			839,286			102,857			85,357			6,781			2,860,957
	Total	$	2,926,501		$	881,052		$	1,245,335		$	160,708		$	114,360		$	6,781		$	5,334,737
	Individually evaluated for impairment:
	On-balance sheet	$	12,307		$	35,904		$	6,571		$	11,660		$	—		$	—		$	66,442
	Off-balance sheet	2,458			3,239			8,712			1,586			—			—			15,995
	Total	$	14,765		$	39,143		$	15,283		$	13,246		$	—		$	—		$	82,437
	Total Farm & Ranch loans:
	On-balance sheet	$	1,633,667		$	395,421		$	412,620		$	69,511		$	29,003		$	—		$	2,540,222
	Off-balance sheet	1,307,599			524,774			847,998			104,443			85,357			6,781			2,876,952
	Total	$	2,941,266		$	920,195		$	1,260,618		$	173,954		$	114,360		$	6,781		$	5,417,174
	Allowance for Losses:
	Collectively evaluated for impairment:
	On-balance sheet	$	1,824		$	495		$	658		$	51		$	503		$	—		$	3,531
	Off-balance sheet	298			149			404			52			3,049			7			3,959
	Total	$	2,122		$	644		$	1,062		$	103		$	3,552		$	7		$	7,490
	Individually evaluated for impairment:
	On-balance sheet	$	283		$	1,410		$	328		$	312		$	—		$	—		$	2,333
	Off-balance sheet	114			105			33			52			—			—			304
	Total	$	397		$	1,515		$	361		$	364		$	—		$	—		$	2,637
	Total Farm & Ranch loans:
	On-balance sheet	$	2,107		$	1,905		$	986		$	363		$	503		$	—		$	5,864
	Off-balance sheet	412			254			437			104			3,049			7			4,263
	Total	$	2,519		$	2,159		$	1,423		$	467		$	3,552		$	7		$	10,127
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, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
	Table 5.5
		As of March 31, 2015
		Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
					Plantings						Farm			Processing
		(in thousands)
	Impaired Loans:
	With no specific allowance:
	Recorded investment	$	3,117		$	5,622		$	9,360		$	1,625		$	—		$	—		$	19,724
	Unpaid principal balance	2,982			5,535			9,174			1,625			—			—			19,316
	With a specific allowance:
	Recorded investment(1)	19,689			36,378			5,707			10,038			—			—			71,812
	Unpaid principal balance	18,182			35,669			5,615			9,953			—			—			69,419
	Associated allowance	640			1,609			349			357			—			—			2,955
	Total:
	Recorded investment	22,806			42,000			15,067			11,663			—			—			91,536
	Unpaid principal balance	21,164			41,204			14,789			11,578			—			—			88,735
	Associated allowance	640			1,609			349			357			—			—			2,955
	Recorded investment of loans on nonaccrual status(2)	$	3,588		$	24,582		$	4,180		$	6,133		$	—		$	—		$	38,483
	(1)	Impairment analysis was performed in the aggregate in consideration of similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics on $64.1 million (70 percent) of impaired loans as of March 31, 2015, which resulted in a specific reserve of $1.6 million.
	(2)	Includes $8.3 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, 2014
		Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
					Plantings						Farm			Processing
		(in thousands)
	Impaired Loans:
	With no specific allowance:
	Recorded investment	$	4,877		$	5,837		$	9,576		$	2,001		$	—		$	—		$	22,291
	Unpaid principal balance	4,723			5,750			9,386			1,981			—			—			21,840
	With a specific allowance:
	Recorded investment(1)	10,753			33,690			5,979			11,350			—			—			61,772
	Unpaid principal balance	10,042			33,393			5,897			11,265			—			—			60,597
	Associated allowance	397			1,515			361			364			—			—			2,637
	Total:
	Recorded investment	15,630			39,527			15,555			13,351			—			—			84,063
	Unpaid principal balance	14,765			39,143			15,283			13,246			—			—			82,437
	Associated allowance	397			1,515			361			364			—			—			2,637
	Recorded investment of loans on nonaccrual status(2)	$	5,168		$	14,413		$	4,438		$	6,133		$	—		$	—		$	30,152
	(1)	Impairment analysis was performed in the aggregate in consideration of similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics on $54.4 million (65 percent) of impaired loans as of December 31, 2014, which resulted in a specific reserve of $1.2 million.
	(2)	Includes $11.7 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, 2015 and 2014:
	Table 5.6
		31-Mar-15
		Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
					Plantings						Farm			Processing
		(in thousands)
	For the Three Months Ended:
	Average recorded investment in impaired loans	$	19,218		$	40,764		$	15,311		$	12,507		$	—		$	—		$	87,800
	Income recognized on impaired loans	282			83			148			58			—			—			571
		31-Mar-14
		Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
					Plantings						Farm			Processing
		(in thousands)
	For the Three Months Ended:
	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
Schedule of Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Acquired During Period [Table Text Block]	The following tables present information related to Farmer Mac's acquisition of defaulted loans for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 and the outstanding balances and carrying amounts of all such loans as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
	Table 5.7
		For the Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-15			31-Mar-14
		(in thousands)
	Unpaid principal balance at acquisition date:
	Loans underlying LTSPCs	$	—		$	440
	Loans underlying off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	657			—
	Total unpaid principal balance at acquisition date	657			440
	Contractually required payments receivable	—			440
	Impairment recognized subsequent to acquisition	52			52
	Recovery/release of allowance for defaulted loans	121			2
		As of
		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
		(in thousands)
	Outstanding balance	$	24,882		$	24,921
	Carrying amount	22,087			22,149
Past Due Financing Receivables [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, 2015, there were no delinquencies and no probable losses inherent in Farmer Mac's Rural Utilities loan portfolio and Farmer Mac had 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-15			31-Dec-14			31-Mar-15			31-Mar-14
		(in thousands)
	On-balance sheet assets:
	Farm & Ranch:
	Loans	$	30,151		$	18,427		$	—		$	32
	Total on-balance sheet	$	30,151		$	18,427		$	—		$	32
	Off-balance sheet assets:
	Farm & Ranch:
	LTSPCs	$	1,950		$	490		$	—		$	—
	Total off-balance sheet	$	1,950		$	490		$	—		$	—
	Total	$	32,101		$	18,917		$	—		$	32
	(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, or in bankruptcy, excluding loans performing under either their original loan terms or a court-approved bankruptcy plan.
	Of the $30.2 million and $18.4 million of on-balance sheet loans reported as 90-day delinquencies as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, $3.1 million and $1.8 million, respectively, 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
	Table 5.9
		As of March 31, 2015
		Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
					Plantings						Farm			Processing
		(in thousands)
	Credit risk profile by internally assigned grade(1)
	On-balance sheet:
	Acceptable	$	1,629,509		$	361,875		$	373,623		$	57,363		$	25,800		$	1,360		$	2,449,530
	Special mention(2)	12,987			4,181			28,855			632			—			—			46,655
	Substandard(3)	18,706			39,354			6,178			10,489			—			—			74,727
	Total on-balance sheet	$	1,661,202		$	405,410		$	408,656		$	68,484		$	25,800		$	1,360		$	2,570,912
	Off-Balance Sheet:
	Acceptable	$	1,243,212		$	484,527		$	772,974		$	94,477		$	64,987		$	5,650		$	2,665,827
	Special mention(2)	14,018			11,633			21,548			1,333			—			8			48,540
	Substandard(3)	10,544			7,518			18,556			5,123			19,580			648			61,969
	Total off-balance sheet	$	1,267,774		$	503,678		$	813,078		$	100,933		$	84,567		$	6,306		$	2,776,336
	Total Ending Balance:
	Acceptable	$	2,872,721		$	846,402		$	1,146,597		$	151,840		$	90,787		$	7,010		$	5,115,357
	Special mention(2)	27,005			15,814			50,403			1,965			—			8			95,195
	Substandard(3)	29,250			46,872			24,734			15,612			19,580			648			136,696
	Total	$	2,928,976		$	909,088		$	1,221,734		$	169,417		$	110,367		$	7,666		$	5,347,248
	Commodity analysis of past due loans(1)
	On-balance sheet	$	2,406		$	21,967		$	2,517		$	3,261		$	—		$	—		$	30,151
	Off-balance sheet	1,411			—			497			42			—			—			1,950
	90-days or more past due	$	3,817		$	21,967		$	3,014		$	3,303		$	—		$	—		$	32,101
	(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, 2014
		Crops			Permanent			Livestock			Part-time			Ag. Storage and			Other			Total
					Plantings						Farm			Processing
		(in thousands)
	Credit risk profile by internally assigned grade(1)
	On-balance sheet:
	Acceptable	$	1,604,546		$	353,487		$	375,010		$	57,239		$	29,003		$	—		$	2,419,285
	Special Mention(2)	16,814			6,030			31,039			612			—			—			54,495
	Substandard(3)	12,307			35,904			6,571			11,660			—			—			66,442
	Total on-balance sheet	$	1,633,667		$	395,421		$	412,620		$	69,511		$	29,003		$	—		$	2,540,222
	Off-Balance Sheet
	Acceptable	$	1,282,773		$	503,414		$	799,047		$	97,692		$	64,363		$	6,117		$	2,753,406
	Special Mention(2)	13,603			12,150			30,281			1,351			—			8			57,393
	Substandard(3)	11,223			9,210			18,670			5,400			20,994			656			66,153
	Total off-balance sheet	$	1,307,599		$	524,774		$	847,998		$	104,443		$	85,357		$	6,781		$	2,876,952
	Total Ending Balance:
	Acceptable	$	2,887,319		$	856,901		$	1,174,057		$	154,931		$	93,366		$	6,117		$	5,172,691
	Special Mention(2)	30,417			18,180			61,320			1,963			—			8			111,888
	Substandard(3)	23,530			45,114			25,241			17,060			20,994			656			132,595
	Total	$	2,941,266		$	920,195		$	1,260,618		$	173,954		$	114,360		$	6,781		$	5,417,174
	Commodity analysis of past due loans(1)
	On-balance sheet	$	4,175		$	6,869		$	4,555		$	2,828		$	—		$	—		$	18,427
	Off-balance sheet	—			—			490			—			—			—			490
	90-days or more past due	$	4,175		$	6,869		$	5,045		$	2,828		$	—		$	—		$	18,917
	(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]	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, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
	Table 5.10
		As of
		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
		(in thousands)
	By commodity/collateral type:
	Crops	$	2,928,976		$	2,941,266
	Permanent plantings	909,088			920,195
	Livestock	1,221,734			1,260,618
	Part-time farm	169,417			173,954
	Ag. Storage and Processing	110,367			114,360
	Other	7,666			6,781
	Total	$	5,347,248		$	5,417,174
	By geographic region(1):
	Northwest	$	572,085		$	573,135
	Southwest	1,701,128			1,753,606
	Mid-North	1,859,293			1,873,041
	Mid-South	633,545			627,615
	Northeast	205,781			214,402
	Southeast	375,416			375,375
	Total	$	5,347,248		$	5,417,174
	By original loan-to-value ratio:
	0.00% to 40.00%	$	1,475,336		$	1,503,076
	40.01% to 50.00%	1,194,757			1,191,804
	50.01% to 60.00%	1,475,969			1,491,502
	60.01% to 70.00%	1,065,814			1,091,759
	70.01% to 80.00%	113,643			115,645
	80.01% to 90.00%	21,729			23,388
	Total	$	5,347,248		$	5,417,174
	(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 - Off-Balance Sheet Guarantees and Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table Text Block]	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, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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
		As of March 31, 2015		As of December 31, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Farm & Ranch:
	Guaranteed Securities	$	598,236	$	636,086
	USDA Guarantees:
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	12,847		13,978
	Institutional Credit:
	AgVantage Securities	986,529		986,528
	Total off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	$	1,597,612	$	1,636,592
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-15		31-Mar-14
		(in thousands)
	Proceeds from new securitizations	$	49,487	$	62,751
	Guarantee fees received	692		827
	Purchases of assets from the trusts	657		—
	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 $10.4 million as of March 31, 2015 and $11.1 million as of December 31, 2014. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the weighted-average remaining maturity of all loans underlying off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, excluding AgVantage securities, was 11.9 years and 12.0 years, respectively.  As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the weighted-average remaining maturity of the off-balance sheet AgVantage securities was 2.2 years and 2.4 years, respectively.

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Fair_Va

Fair Value Disclosures - Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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, 2015
		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	$	—		$	—		$	40,379	$	40,379
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	—			100,132			—		100,132
	Floating rate corporate debt securities	—			10,085			—		10,085
	Fixed rate corporate debt securities	—			20,030			—		20,030
	Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	—			734,572			—		734,572
	Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	—			8,129			—		8,129
	Floating rate GSE subordinated debt	—			65,841			—		65,841
	Fixed rate senior agency debt	—			297,727			—		297,727
	Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries	862,649			—			—		862,649
	Total available-for-sale	862,649			1,236,516			40,379		2,139,544
	Trading:
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	—			—			638		638
	Total trading	—			—			638		638
	Total Investment Securities	862,649			1,236,516			41,017		2,140,182
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	AgVantage	—			—			3,818,704		3,818,704
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	—			—			23,505		23,505
	Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	—			—			3,842,209		3,842,209
	USDA Securities:
	Available-for-sale	—			—			1,794,844		1,794,844
	Trading	—			—			37,593		37,593
	Total USDA Securities	—			—			1,832,437		1,832,437
	Financial derivatives	—			4,808			—		4,808
	Total Assets at fair value	$	862,649		$	1,241,324		$	5,715,663	$	7,819,636
	Liabilities:
	Financial derivatives	5			95,488			—		95,493
	Total Liabilities at fair value	$	5		$	95,488		$	—	$	95,493
	Nonrecurring:
	Assets:
	Loans held for investment	$	—		$	—		$	6,376	$	6,376
	Total Nonrecurring Assets at fair value	$	—		$	—		$	6,376	$	6,376
	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value as of December 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	$	—		$	—		$	40,576	$	40,576
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	—			100,902			—		100,902
	Floating rate corporate debt securities	—			10,091			—		10,091
	Fixed rate corporate debt	—			30,025			—		30,025
	Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	—			612,753			—		612,753
	Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	—			8,202			—		8,202
	Floating rate GSE subordinated debt	—			66,320			—		66,320
	Fixed rate senior agency debt	—			18,939			—		18,939
	Floating rate U.S. Treasuries	74,979			—			—		74,979
	Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries	975,712			—			—		975,712
	Total available-for-sale	1,050,691			847,232			40,576		1,938,499
	Trading:
	Floating rate asset-backed securities	—			—			689		689
	Total trading	—			—			689		689
	Total Investment Securities	1,050,691			847,232			41,265		1,939,188
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
Available-for-sale:
AgVantage	—			—			3,631,662		3,631,662
Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	—			—			27,619		27,619
Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	—			—			3,659,281		3,659,281
USDA Guaranteed Securities:
Available-for-sale	—			—			1,731,222		1,731,222
Trading	—			—			40,310		40,310
Total USDA Guaranteed Securities	—			—			1,771,532		1,771,532
Financial derivatives	—			4,177			—		4,177
Total Assets at fair value	$	1,050,691		$	851,409		$	5,472,078	$	7,374,178
Liabilities:
Financial derivatives	3			84,841			—		84,844
Total Liabilities at fair value	$	3		$	84,841		$	—	$	84,844
Nonrecurring:
Assets:
Loans held for investment	$	—		$	—		$	5,973	$	5,973
Total Nonrecurring Assets at fair value	$	—		$	—		$	5,973	$	5,973
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	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. There were no liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	Table 8.2
	Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
		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	$	40,576		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—	$	(197	)	$	—		$	40,379
	Total available-for-sale	40,576			—			—		—			—		(197		)	—			40,379
	Trading:
	Floating rate asset-backed securities(1)	689			—			—		(247		)	196		—			—			638
	Total trading	689			—			—		(247		)	196		—			—			638
	Total Investment Securities	41,265			—			—		(247		)	196		(197		)	—			41,017
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	AgVantage	3,631,662			214,915			—		(57,753		)	8,877		21,003			—			3,818,704
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	27,619			—			—		(4,652		)	—		538			—			23,505
	Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	3,659,281			214,915			—		(62,405		)	8,877		21,541			—			3,842,209
	USDA Securities:
	Available-for-sale	1,731,222			89,186			—		(64,191		)	—		38,627			—			1,794,844
	Trading(2)	40,310			—			—		(2,883		)	166		—			—			37,593
	Total USDA Securities	1,771,532			89,186			—		(67,074		)	166		38,627			—			1,832,437
	Total Assets at fair value	$	5,472,078		$	304,101		$	—	$	(129,726	)	$	9,239	$	59,971		$	—		$	5,715,663
	(1)	Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of March 31, 2015 and are recorded in "Gains on trading securities."
	(2)	Includes unrealized gains of $0.2 million attributable to assets still held as of March 31, 2015 that are recorded in "Gains on trading securities."
	Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the 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 securities."
	(2)	Includes unrealized losses of $0.7 million attributable to assets still held as of March 31, 2014 that are recorded in "Gains on trading securities."
(3)	Unrealized gains are attributable to liabilities still held as of March 31, 2014 and are recorded in "Losses 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
	Table 8.3
			As of March 31, 2015
	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		$	40,379		Indicative bids	Range of broker quotes		82.0% - 93.0% (86.7%)
	Floating rate asset-backed securities		$	638		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		14.5% - 23.5% (19.1%)
							CPR		10%
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	AgVantage		$	3,818,704		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		0.9% - 2.7% (1.4%)
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities		$	23,505		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		1.0% - 4.0% (1.8%)
							CPR		9% - 22% (11%)
	USDA Securities		$	1,832,437		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		1.1% - 5.2% (3.1%)
							CPR		0% - 20% (9%)
			As of December 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		$	40,576		Indicative bids	Range of broker quotes		82.0% - 94.0% (87.1%)
	Floating rate asset-backed securities		$	689		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		14.3% - 23.9% (19.1%)
							CPR		10%
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
	AgVantage		$	3,631,662		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		0.7% - 2.7% (1.3%)
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities		$	27,619		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		0.8% - 3.6% (1.9%)
							CPR		0% - 21% (9%)
	USDA Securities		$	1,771,532		Discounted cash flow	Discount rate		1.1% - 5.3% (3.2%)
							CPR		0% - 20% (8%)
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the estimated fair values and carrying values for financial assets, liabilities, and guarantees and commitments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
	Table 8.4
		As of March 31, 2015						As of December 31, 2014
		Fair Value			Carrying			Fair Value		Carrying
					Amount					Amount
		(in thousands)
	Financial assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,556,246		$	1,556,246		$	1,363,387	$	1,363,387
	Investment securities	2,140,182			2,140,182			1,939,188		1,939,188
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	5,625,285			5,609,305			5,459,857		5,453,901
	USDA Securities	1,832,437			1,832,437			1,771,532		1,771,532
	Loans	3,626,473			3,533,555			3,547,424		3,520,075
	Financial derivatives	4,808			4,808			4,177		4,177
	Guarantee and commitment fees receivable:
	LTSPCs	27,153			27,071			29,095		27,807
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	11,080			11,271			11,876		11,655
	Financial liabilities:
	Notes payable:
	Due within one year	7,960,289			7,957,193			7,357,770		7,353,953
	Due after one year	5,767,568			5,648,752			5,556,570		5,471,186
	Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	467,186			457,903			423,085		424,214
	Financial derivatives	95,493			95,493			84,844		84,844
	Guarantee and commitment obligations:
	LTSPCs	26,254			26,171			28,130		26,843
	Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	10,174			10,366			11,303		11,082
	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_Bus

Business Segment Reporting - Business Segment Reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014:
	Table 9.1
	Core Earnings by Business Segment
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
		Farm & Ranch			USDA Guarantees			Rural			Institutional Credit			Corporate			Reconciling				Consolidated Net Income
								Utilities									Adjustments
		(in thousands)
	Interest income(1)	$	21,968		$	14,348		$	6,585		$	19,299		$	2,865		$	(1,114	)		$	63,951
	Interest income related to consolidated trusts owned by third parties reclassified to guarantee fee income	(635		)	—			—			—			—			635				—
	Interest expense(2)	(11,219		)	(10,123		)	(3,781		)	(8,874		)	(1,176		)	2,011				(33,162		)
	Net effective spread	10,114			4,225			2,804			10,425			1,689			1,532				30,789
	Guarantee and commitment fees	3,633			(6		)	—			385			—			(635		)		3,377
	Other income/(expense)(3)	87			59			—			—			(552		)	(2,496		)		(2,902		)
	Non-interest income/(loss)	3,720			53			—			385			(552		)	(3,131		)		475
	Provision for loan losses	(76		)	—			—			—			—			—				(76		)
	Release of reserve for losses	772			—			—			—			—			—				772
	Other non-interest expense	(4,326		)	(385		)	(866		)	(535		)	(3,003		)	—				(9,115		)
	Non-interest expense(4)	(3,554		)	(385		)	(866		)	(535		)	(3,003		)	—				(8,343		)
	Core earnings before income taxes	10,204			3,893			1,938			10,275			(1,866		)	(1,599		)	(5)	22,845
	Income tax (expense)/benefit	(3,571		)	(1,363		)	(678		)	(3,596		)	2,516			2,461				(4,231		)
	Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest	6,633			2,530			1,260			6,679			650			862			(5)	18,614
	Preferred stock dividends	—			—			—			—			(3,295		)	—				(3,295		)
	Non-controlling interest	—			—			—			—			(5,354		)	—				(5,354		)
	Loss on retirement of preferred stock	—			—			—			—			—			(8,147		)		(8,147		)
	Segment core earnings/(losses)	$	6,633		$	2,530		$	1,260		$	6,679		$	(7,999	)	$	(7,285	)	(5)	$	1,818
	Total assets at carrying value	$	2,637,743		$	1,876,337		$	970,020		$	5,594,736		$	3,770,849		$	—			$	14,849,685
	Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance	5,347,248			1,814,918			968,117			6,529,934						—				14,660,217
	(1)	Includes reconciling adjustments for the amortization of premiums and discounts on assets consolidated at fair value to reflect core earnings amounts and interest income related to securities purchased under agreements to resell.
	(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 on financial derivatives and hedging activities" on the consolidated financial statements. Includes reconciling adjustments for interest expense related to securities sold, not yet purchased.
	(3)	Includes interest income and interest expense related to securities purchased under agreements to resell and securities sold, not yet purchased, respectively; 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; and 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, 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		$	20,380		$	5,235		$	(12,205	)		$	52,452
	Interest income related to consolidated trusts owned by third parties reclassified to guarantee fee income	(531		)	—			—			—			—			531				—
	Interest expense(2)	(10,694		)	(9,175		)	(5,754		)	(10,974		)	(1,093		)	2,964				(34,726		)
	Net effective spread	7,114			3,784			1,990			9,406			4,142			(8,710		)		17,726
	Guarantee and commitment fees	3,909			26			—			380			—			(531		)		3,784
	Other income/(expense)(3)	130			28			—			—			(571		)	(6,406		)		(6,819		)
	Non-interest income/(loss)	4,039			54			—			380			(571		)	(6,937		)		(3,035		)
	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	6,927			3,107			1,213			9,341			1,230			(15,647		)	(5)	6,171
	Income tax (expense)/benefit	(2,424		)	(1,087		)	(425		)	(3,269		)	2,871			5,475				1,141
	Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest	4,503			2,020			788			6,072			4,101			(10,172		)	(5)	7,312
	Preferred stock dividends	—			—			—			—			(952		)	—				(952		)
	Non-controlling interest	—			—			—			—			(5,547		)	—				(5,547		)
	Segment core earnings/(losses)	$	4,503		$	2,020		$	788		$	6,072		$	(2,398	)	$	(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 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, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
	subsidiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Number of Subsidiaries	3
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	$457,117,000		$692,478,000
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	457,903,000		424,214,000
Farm & Ranch [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Other Liabilities	800,000		2,900,000
USDA Guarantees [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	400,000		-200,000
Rural Utilities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium			3,700,000
Institutional Credit [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	2,400,000		2,400,000
On-balance sheet [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	457,117,000	[1]	692,478,000	[2]
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	457,903,000	[3]	424,214,000	[4]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Farm & Ranch [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	457,117,000	[1]	421,355,000	[2]
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	457,903,000	[3]	424,214,000	[4]
On-balance sheet [Member] | USDA Guarantees [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	0	[1]	0	[2]
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	0	[3]	0	[4]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Rural Utilities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	0	[1]	271,123,000	[2]
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	0	[3]	0	[4]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	0	[1]	0	[2]
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	0	[3]	0	[4]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Corporate [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	0	[1]	0	[2]
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	0	[3]	0	[4]
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	1,581,083,000	[5]	1,620,064,000	[6],[7]
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Farm & Ranch [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	598,236,000	[5]	636,086,000	[6],[7]
Off-balance sheet [Member] | USDA Guarantees [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	12,847,000	[5]	13,978,000	[6],[7]
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Rural Utilities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	[5]	0	[6],[7]
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Institutional Credit [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	[5]	970,000,000	[6],[7]
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Corporate [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	[5]	0	[6],[7]
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: | 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	55,872,000	[8]	60,035,000	[9]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	53,098,000	[5]	57,832,000	[7]
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: | On-balance sheet [Member] | Farm & Ranch [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	0	[8]	0	[9]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	[5]	0	[7]
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: | On-balance sheet [Member] | USDA Guarantees [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	23,505,000	[8]	27,620,000	[9]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	23,098,000	[5]	27,832,000	[7]
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: | On-balance sheet [Member] | Rural Utilities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	0	[8]	0	[9]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	[5]	0	[7]
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: | On-balance sheet [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	32,367,000	[8]	32,415,000	[9]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	30,000,000	[5]	30,000,000	[7]
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: | On-balance sheet [Member] | Corporate [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	0	[8]	0	[9]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	[5]	0	[7]
Investment Securities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	6,966,000		7,471,000
Investment Securities [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	479,548,000	[6]	409,657,000	[5]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	482,757,000	[5],[6]	412,690,000	[5],[7]
Investment Securities [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Farm & Ranch [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	0	[6]	0	[5]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	[5],[6]	0	[5],[7]
Investment Securities [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | USDA Guarantees [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	0	[6]	0	[5]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	[5],[6]	0	[5],[7]
Investment Securities [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Rural Utilities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	0	[6]	0	[5]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	[5],[6]	0	[5],[7]
Investment Securities [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	0	[6]	0	[5]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	[5],[6]	0	[5],[7]
Investment Securities [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Corporate [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	479,548,000	[6]	409,657,000	[5]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	$482,757,000	[5],[6]	$412,690,000	[5],[7]
[1]	Includes borrower remittances of $0.8 million. The borrower remittances have not been passed through to third party investors as of MarchB 31, 2015.
[2]	Includes unamortized premiums related to the Rural Utilities line of business of $3.7 million.
[3]	Includes $0.4 million of unamortized premiums and discounts and fair value adjustments related to the USDA Guarantees line of business. Includes fair value adjustments related to the Institutional Credit line of business of $2.4 million.
[4]	Includes borrower remittances of $2.9 million, which have not been passed through to third party investors as of December 31, 2014.
[5]	Includes auction-rate certificates, asset-backed securities, and government-sponsored enterprise ("GSE")-guaranteed mortgage-backed securities.
[6]	The amount under the Farm & Ranch line of business relates to unconsolidated trusts where Farmer Mac determined it was not the primary beneficiary due to shared power with an unrelated party.
[7]	armer Mac uses unpaid principal balance and the outstanding face amount of investment securities to represent maximum exposure to loss.
[8]	Farmer Mac uses unpaid principal balance and outstanding face amount of investment securities to represent maximum exposure to loss.
[9]	Includes $0.2 million of unamortized premiums and discounts and fair value adjustments related to the USDA Guarantees line of business. Includes fair value adjustments related to the Institutional Credit line of business of $2.4 million.

Accounting_Policies_Cash_and_C

Accounting Policies - Cash and Cash Equivalents and Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Non-cash activity:
Loans acquired and securitized as Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	$49,487,000		$62,751,000
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	49,487,000		62,751,000
Purchases of securities - traded, not yet settled	14,915,000		0
Preferred Stock Redemption Premium	8,147,000		0
Institutional Credit [Member]
Non-cash activity:
Preferred Stock Redemption Premium	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Non-cash activity:
Transfers of available-for-sale Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities to held-to-maturity	0		1,612,086,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Non-cash activity:
Transfers of available-for-sale Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities to held-to-maturity	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Non-cash activity:
Transfers of available-for-sale Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities to held-to-maturity	$0	[1]	$1,612,086,000	[1]
[1]	Includes unrealized gains of $0.2 million attributable to assets still held as of MarchB 31, 2015 that are recorded in "Gains on trading securities."

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, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Net income attributable to common stockholders (Basic)	$1,818		$813
Net income attributable to common stockholders (Dilutive)	$1,818		$813
Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract]
Stock options, SARs and restricted stock	393	[1]	459	[1]
Stock options, SARs and restricted stock (in usd per share)	($0.01)	[1]	$0	[1]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	10,938		10,887
Basic earnings per common share	$0.17		$0.07
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	11,331		11,346
Diluted earnings per common share	$0.16		$0.07
[1]	For the three months ended MarchB 31, 2015 and 2014, stock options and SARs of 201,401 and 32,983, 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, 2015 and 2014, contingent shares of non-vested restricted stock of 30,514 and 31,594, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because performance conditions have not yet been met.

Accounting_Policies_Earnings_P1

Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share Anti-Dilutive (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Stock Options and SARs [Members]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from earnings per share (shares)	201,401	32,983
Performance Shares [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from earnings per share (shares)	30,514	31,594

Accounting_Policies_Reclassifi

Accounting Policies - Reclassifications (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment	$2.70

Investment_Securities_Schedule

Investment Securities - Schedule of Investment Securities (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2015
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount		$6,837,571		$7,370,529
Investment Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance		1,932,236		2,135,218
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)		7,471		6,966
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		1,939,707		2,142,184
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		9,003		8,606
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses		-10,211		-11,246
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure		1,938,499		2,139,544
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Trading, at fair value		689		638
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities Unpaid Principal Balance		1,935,104		2,137,839
Marketable Securities, Amortized Cost		1,942,575		2,144,805
Marketable Securities, Unrealized Gains		9,003		8,606
Marketable Securities, Unrealized Losses		-12,390		-13,229
Marketable Securities		1,939,188		2,140,182
USDA Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure		1,731,222		1,794,844
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Trading, at fair value		40,310		37,593
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities		1,771,532		1,832,437
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Investment Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)		7,471		6,966
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance		46,600		46,600
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		46,600		46,600
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		0		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses		-6,024		-6,221
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure		40,576		40,379
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance		100,730		100,377
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		100,656		100,025
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		283		153
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses		-37		-46
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure		100,902		100,132
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Trading Securities - Amount Outstanding		2,868		2,621
Trading Securities, Debt, Amortized Cost		2,868		2,621
Trading Securities, Unrealized Gains	0	0
Trading Securities, Unrealized Losses	-1,983	-2,179
Trading, at fair value		689		638
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance		10,000		10,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		10,000		10,000
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		91		85
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses		0		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure		10,091		10,085
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance		605,053		727,430
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		608,484		730,868
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		4,712		4,373
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses		-443		-669
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure		612,753		734,572
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | GSE Subordinated Debt [Member}
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
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 Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		0		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses		-3,680		-4,159
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure		66,320		65,841
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Taxable Municipal Bonds [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance		75,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		74,990
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses		-11
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure		74,979
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Trading Securities [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)		0		0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)		0		0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)		-74		-352
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)		0		0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)		3,431		3,438
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | GSE Subordinated Debt [Member}
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)		0		0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Taxable Municipal Bonds [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)		-10
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance		30,000		20,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		29,990		19,995
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		35		35
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses		0		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure		30,025		20,030
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance		853	[1]	811
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		4,395	[1]	4,247
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		3,807	[1]	3,882
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses		0	[1]	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure		8,202	[1]	8,129	[2]
Derivative, Notional Amount		152,400		152,400
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance		18,806		297,806
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		18,936		297,772
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		3		23
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses		0		-68
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure		18,939		297,727
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance		975,194		862,194
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		975,656		862,677
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		72		55
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses		-16		-83
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure		975,712		862,649
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)		-10		-5
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)		3,542	[1]	3,436
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)		130		-34
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)		462		483
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Interest-Only-Strip [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)		$7,300		$7,200
[1]	Fair value includes $7.3 million of an interest-only security with a notional amount of $152.4 million.
[2]	Fair value includes $7.2 million of an interest-only security with a notional amount of $152.4 million.

Investment_Securities_Narrativ

Investment Securities - Narrative (Details) (Investment Securities [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Investment Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale investment securities	$74,998,000	$10,015,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	$6,000	$15,000

Investment_Securities_Unrealiz

Investment Securities - Unrealized Loss Position (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	position	position
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$928,268	$495,501
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	232,406	183,763
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	-441	-228
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	-10,805	-9,983
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract]
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions	44	35
Investment Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract]
Available-for-sale securities in a loss position for more than 12 months, qualitative disclosure, percent of amortized cost	96.00%
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Greater than or Equal to One Year	17	15
Standard & Poor's, A- Rating [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract]
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions	1
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	40,379	40,576
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	-6,221	-6,024
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	22,971	19,388
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	640	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	-46	-37
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	0	0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	121,071	76,100
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	125,546	76,867
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	-244	-164
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	-425	-279
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | GSE Subordinated Debt [Member}
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	65,841	66,320
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	-4,159	-3,680
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value		74,980
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses		-11
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses		0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	121,950
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	-68
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	662,276	325,033
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	-83	-16
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	$0	$0

Investment_Securities_Trading_

Investment Securities - Trading Securities (Details) (Floating Interest Rate [Member], Asset-backed Securities [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Debt, Amortized Cost	$2,621	$2,868
Trading, at fair value	$638	$689
Trading Securities, Weighted-Average Yield	4.26%	4.24%

Investment_Securities_Debt_Mat

Investment Securities - Debt Maturities (Details) (Investment Securities [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investment Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Amortized Cost	$1,170,447
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	114,708
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	252,261
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	604,768
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Fair Value	1,170,389
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Fair Value	115,551
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value	252,759
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Fair Value	600,845
Available-for-sale securities	$2,139,544	$1,938,499
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted Average Yield, Single Maturity Date [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Weighted-Average Yield	0.29%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Weighted-Average Yield	1.19%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Weighted-Average Yield	0.86%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Weighted-Average Yield	0.93%
Available-for-sale Securities, Total Weighted-Average Yield	0.58%

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. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance		$5,370,717	$5,548,607
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		5,373,437	5,550,942
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		48,529	104,510
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		31,463	18,399
Available-for-sale, at fair value		5,390,503	5,637,053
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Held-to-Maturity Securities [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment			1,767,096
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value			1,783,076
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance		3,652,904	3,805,333
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		3,652,462	3,804,972
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		36,679	55,581
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		29,860	18,344
Available-for-sale, at fair value		3,659,281	3,842,209
USDA Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale, at fair value		1,731,222	1,794,844
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Trading, at fair value		40,310	37,593
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)		2,720	2,335
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)		-442	-361
Institutional Credit [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)		2,400	2,400
Institutional Credit [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Held-to-Maturity Securities [Abstract]
Held-to-Maturity Unpaid Principal Balance		1,785,340	1,761,169
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment		1,794,620	1,767,096
Held to Maturity; Unrealized Holding Gains		6,211	15,980
Held to Maturity - Unrealized Holding Loss		-255	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value		1,800,576	1,783,076
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance		3,625,073	3,782,235
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		3,625,073	3,782,235
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		36,442	54,813
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		29,853	18,344
Available-for-sale, at fair value		3,631,662	3,818,704
Institutional Credit [Member] | Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)		9,280	5,927
Institutional Credit [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)		0	0
USDA Guarantees [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)		-200	400
USDA Guarantees [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance		27,831	23,098
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		27,389	22,737
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		237	768
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		7	0
Available-for-sale, at fair value		27,619	23,505
USDA Guarantees [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance		1,717,813	1,743,274
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		1,720,975	1,745,970
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		11,850	48,929
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		1,603	55
Available-for-sale, at fair value		1,731,222	1,794,844
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Trading Securities Unpaid Principal Balance		38,412	35,699
Trading Securities, Debt, Amortized Cost		41,160	38,277
Trading Securities, Unrealized Gains	120	114
Trading Securities, Unrealized Holding Loss	804	964
Trading, at fair value		40,310	37,593
USDA Guarantees [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)		-442	-361
USDA Guarantees [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)		3,162	2,696
USDA Guarantees [Member] | Trading Securities [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)		$2,748	$2,578

Farmer_Mac_Guaranteed_Securiti3

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Unrealized Loss Position (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	position	position
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$928,268	$495,501
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	232,406	183,763
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	441	228
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	10,805	9,983
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions [Abstract]
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions	44	35
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	690,567	953,226
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	750,291	1,557,906
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	11,400	14,671
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	6,999	16,792
Institutional Credit [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value		547
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value		49,745
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss		-1
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss		-254
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	690,567	685,131
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	648,409	1,460,089
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	11,400	13,115
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	6,944	16,738
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions [Abstract]
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions	9	23
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Greater than or Equal to One Year	3	15
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions	0	2
USDA Guarantees [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value		3,720
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss		7
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss		0
USDA Guarantees [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	0	264,375
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	101,882	97,817
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	0	1,549
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	$55	$54

Farmer_Mac_Guaranteed_Securiti4

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities (Details) (Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Amortized Cost	$563,745
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	1,181,719
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	1,467,700
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	2,337,778
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	5,550,942	5,373,437
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Fair Value	571,986
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Fair Value	1,201,725
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value	1,497,617
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Fair Value	2,365,725
Available-for-sale, at fair value	$5,637,053	$5,390,503
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted Average Yield, Single Maturity Date [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Weighted-Average Yield	2.78%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Weighted-Average Yield	1.35%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Weighted-Average Yield	1.75%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Weighted-Average Yield	2.44%
Available-for-sale Securities, Total Weighted-Average Yield	2.06%

Farmer_Mac_Guaranteed_Securiti5

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities (Details) (Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Net Carrying Amount	$631,918
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Net Carrying Amount	1,135,178
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	1,767,096
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Fair Value [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value	632,923
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value	1,150,153
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	$1,783,076
Held-to-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted Average Yield, Single Maturity Date [Abstract]
Held-to-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Weighted-Average Yield	2.73%
Held-to-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Weighted-Average Yield	2.28%
Held-to-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted-Average Yield	2.43%

Farmer_Mac_Guaranteed_Securiti6

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Trading Securities (Details) (USDA Securities [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Trading, at fair value	$37,593	$40,310
USDA Guarantees [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Debt, Amortized Cost	38,277	41,160
Trading, at fair value	$37,593	$40,310
Trading Securities, Weighted-Average Yield	5.54%	5.60%

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, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$7,370,529	$6,837,571
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	4,808	4,177
Financial derivatives, at fair value	95,493	84,844
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Collateral Pledged	48,870	46,627
Derivative Asset	4,808	4,177
Derivative Liability	46,623	38,217
Cash [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Obligation to Return Securities Received as Collateral	0	0
Collateral Pledged	48,900	46,600
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap, Pay Fixed Non-Callable [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	1,014,915	1,000,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	0	0
Financial derivatives, at fair value	37,478	31,718
Derivative, Weighted-Average Pay Rate	2.46%	2.47%
Derivative, Weighted-Average Receive Rate	0.26%	0.23%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	3 years 9 months 29 days	3 years 11 months 23 days
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap, Pay Fixed Non-Callable [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	37,000	15,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	0	0
Financial derivatives, at fair value	751	289
Derivative, Weighted-Average Pay Rate	2.43%	2.43%
Derivative, Weighted-Average Receive Rate	0.57%	0.51%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	8 years 3 months 18 days	6 years 2 months 23 days
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Credit Risk Valuation Adjustment, Derivative Assets	1	22
Derivative Credit Risk Valuation Adjustment, Derivative Liabilities	244	187
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap, Pay Fixed Non-Callable [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	476,113	490,183
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	19	537
Financial derivatives, at fair value	56,602	51,224
Derivative, Weighted-Average Pay Rate	4.19%	4.23%
Derivative, Weighted-Average Receive Rate	0.26%	0.23%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	6 years 11 months 26 days	7 years 0 months 18 days
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap, Receive Fixed Non-Callable [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	4,042,209	3,829,355
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	4,305	3,414
Financial derivatives, at fair value	230	461
Derivative, Weighted-Average Pay Rate	0.15%	0.14%
Derivative, Weighted-Average Receive Rate	0.30%	0.27%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	0 years 6 months 25 days	0 years 6 months 18 days
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap, Receive Fixed Callable [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	632,565	383,565
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	238	1
Financial derivatives, at fair value	277	877
Derivative, Weighted-Average Pay Rate	0.13%	0.12%
Derivative, Weighted-Average Receive Rate	1.02%	1.34%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	2 years 9 months 18 days	3 years 5 months 19 days
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Basis Swap [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	1,130,000	1,105,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	247	247
Financial derivatives, at fair value	262	406
Derivative, Weighted-Average Pay Rate	0.12%	0.11%
Derivative, Weighted-Average Receive Rate	0.31%	0.31%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	2 years 7 months 10 days	2 years 5 months 1 day
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	34,827	12,768
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	0	0
Financial derivatives, at fair value	132	53
Derivative, Weighted-Average Forward Price	$101.41	$101
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Future [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	2,900	1,700
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	0	0
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$5	$3
Derivative, Weighted-Average Forward Price	$128.73	$126.60

Financial_Derivatives_Schedule1

Financial Derivatives - Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Impact on Results of Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Losses on financial derivatives and hedging activities	($3,882,000)	($7,578,000)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge	8,876,000	2,750,000
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	3,116,000	2,950,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Losses on financial derivatives and hedging activities	-6,998,000	-10,528,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Components Included from Assessment of Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Effectiveness	2,900,000	2,900,000
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net	-200,000	-29,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedging Instruments	-5,760,000	200,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Losses on financial derivatives and hedging activities	-5,956,000	-9,548,000
Forward Contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Losses on financial derivatives and hedging activities	-786,000	-852,000
Future [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Losses on financial derivatives and hedging activities	($256,000)	($128,000)

Financial_Derivatives_Narrativ

Financial Derivatives - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$95,493,000	$84,844,000
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Collateral Pledged	48,870,000	46,627,000
Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value	47,900,000	46,800,000
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	7,370,529,000	6,837,571,000
Excluding netting [Member] | Including accrued interest [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Credit exposure to interest rate swap counterparties	8,700,000	6,100,000
Financial derivatives, at fair value	105,300,000	99,400,000
Netting [Member] | Including accrued interest [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Credit exposure to interest rate swap counterparties	300,000	400,000
Financial derivatives, at fair value	96,800,000	93,400,000
Uncollateralized [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Credit exposure to interest rate swap counterparties	300,000	400,000
Cash [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Collateral Received	0	0
Collateral Pledged	48,900,000	46,600,000
Securities Pledged as Collateral [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Collateral Pledged	0	0
Exchange Cleared [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	4,200,000,000	4,000,000,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$7,300,000,000	$6,800,000,000

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Losses2

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Loan (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans held for investment, at amortized cost	$3,082,378		$2,833,461
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate	5,940		5,864
Total loans, net of allowance	3,533,555		3,520,075
Unsecuritized [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	3,081,912	[1]	2,837,080	[1]
Unamortized premiums, discounts and other cost basis adjustments	466		-3,619
Loans held for investment, at amortized cost	3,082,378		2,833,461
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate	5,396		5,324
Total loans, net of allowance	3,076,982		2,828,137
Unsecuritized [Member] | Farm & Ranch [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	2,113,795		2,118,867
Unsecuritized [Member] | Rural Utilities [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	968,117		718,213
In Consolidated Trusts
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	457,117	[1]	688,751	[1]
Unamortized premiums, discounts and other cost basis adjustments	0		3,727
Loans held for investment, at amortized cost	457,117		692,478
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate	544		540
Total loans, net of allowance	456,573		691,938
In Consolidated Trusts | Farm & Ranch [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	457,117		421,355
In Consolidated Trusts | Rural Utilities [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	0		267,396
Loans Collateralized by Real Estate [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	3,539,029	[1]	3,525,831	[1]
Unamortized premiums, discounts and other cost basis adjustments	466		108
Loans held for investment, at amortized cost	3,539,495		3,525,939
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate	5,940		5,864
Total loans, net of allowance	3,533,555		3,520,075
Loans Collateralized by Real Estate [Member] | Farm & Ranch [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	2,570,912		2,540,222
Loans Collateralized by Real Estate [Member] | Rural Utilities [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	$968,117		$985,609
[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_Losses3

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Allowance for Credit Losses Roll Forward (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Allowance for Loan Losses	$5,864,000
Beginning Balance - Reserve for Losses	4,263,000
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	10,127,000	13,334,000
Provision for loan losses	-76,000	-573,000
(Release of)/provision for reserve for losses	-772,000	101,000
Total (release of)/provision for losses	-696,000	674,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs	0	-29,000
Ending Balance - Allowance for Loan Losses	5,940,000
Ending Balance - Reserve for Losses	3,491,000
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	9,431,000	13,979,000
Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	2,519,000	2,124,000
Total (release of)/provision for losses	121,000	154,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		0
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	2,640,000	2,278,000
Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	2,159,000	2,186,000
Total (release of)/provision for losses	125,000	-55,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		0
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	2,284,000	2,131,000
Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	1,423,000	1,271,000
Total (release of)/provision for losses	-80,000	116,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		0
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	1,343,000	1,387,000
Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	467,000	454,000
Total (release of)/provision for losses	-8,000	39,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		-29,000
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	459,000	464,000
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	3,552,000	7,292,000
Total (release of)/provision for losses	-854,000	423,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		0
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	2,698,000	7,715,000
Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	7,000	7,000
Total (release of)/provision for losses	0	-3,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		0
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	7,000	4,000
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Allowance for Loan Losses	5,864,000	6,866,000
Provision for loan losses	-76,000	-573,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs	0	-29,000
Ending Balance - Allowance for Loan Losses	5,940,000	7,410,000
Reserve for Off-balance Sheet Activities [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Reserve for Losses	4,263,000	6,468,000
(Release of)/provision for reserve for losses	-772,000	101,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs	0	0
Ending Balance - Reserve for Losses	$3,491,000	$6,569,000

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Losses4

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Allowance for Losses by Impairment Method and Commodity (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	$5,258,513		$5,334,737
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	88,735		82,437
Financing Receivable, Gross	5,347,248	[1],[2]	5,417,174	[1],[2]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	6,476		7,490
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	2,955		2,637
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	9,431		10,127		13,979	13,334
Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	2,907,812		2,926,501
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	21,164		14,765
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,928,976	[1]	2,941,266	[1]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	2,000		2,122
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	640		397
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	2,640		2,519		2,278	2,124
Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	867,884		881,052
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	41,204		39,143
Financing Receivable, Gross	909,088	[1]	920,195	[1]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	675		644
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	1,609		1,515
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	2,284		2,159		2,131	2,186
Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,206,945		1,245,335
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	14,789		15,283
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,221,734	[1]	1,260,618	[1]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	994		1,062
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	349		361
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	1,343		1,423		1,387	1,271
Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	157,839		160,708
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	11,578		13,246
Financing Receivable, Gross	169,417	[1]	173,954	[1]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	102		103
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	357		364
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	459		467		464	454
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	110,367		114,360
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0
Financing Receivable, Gross	110,367	[1]	114,360	[1]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	2,698		3,552
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	2,698		3,552		7,715	7,292
Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	7,666		6,781
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0
Financing Receivable, Gross	7,666	[1]	6,781	[1]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	7		7
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	7		7		4	7
On-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	2,497,509		2,473,780
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	73,403		66,442
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,570,912	[1]	2,540,222	[1]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	3,284		3,531
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	2,656		2,333
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	5,940		5,864
On-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,642,496		1,621,360
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	18,706		12,307
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,661,202	[1]	1,633,667	[1]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,726		1,824
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	517		283
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	2,243		2,107
On-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	367,380		359,517
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	38,030		35,904
Financing Receivable, Gross	405,410	[1]	395,421	[1]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	520		495
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	1,502		1,410
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	2,022		1,905
On-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	402,478		406,049
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	6,178		6,571
Financing Receivable, Gross	408,656	[1]	412,620	[1]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	654		658
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	317		328
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	971		986
On-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	57,995		57,851
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	10,489		11,660
Financing Receivable, Gross	68,484	[1]	69,511	[1]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	49		51
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	320		312
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	369		363
On-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	25,800		29,003
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0
Financing Receivable, Gross	25,800	[1]	29,003	[1]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	335		503
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	335		503
On-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,360		0
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,360	[1]	0	[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
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	0		0
Off-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	2,761,004		2,860,957
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	15,332		15,995
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,776,336	[1]	2,876,952	[1]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	3,192		3,959
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	299		304
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	3,491		4,263
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,265,316		1,305,141
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	2,458		2,458
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,267,774	[1]	1,307,599	[1]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	274		298
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	123		114
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	397		412
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	500,504		521,535
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	3,174		3,239
Financing Receivable, Gross	503,678	[1]	524,774	[1]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	155		149
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	107		105
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	262		254
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	804,467		839,286
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	8,611		8,712
Financing Receivable, Gross	813,078	[1]	847,998	[1]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	340		404
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	32		33
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	372		437
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	99,844		102,857
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	1,089		1,586
Financing Receivable, Gross	100,933	[1]	104,443	[1]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	53		52
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	37		52
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	90		104
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	84,567		85,357
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0
Financing Receivable, Gross	84,567	[1]	85,357	[1]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	2,363		3,049
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	2,363		3,049
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	6,306		6,781
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0
Financing Receivable, Gross	6,306	[1]	6,781	[1]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	7		7
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	$7		$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.
[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).

Loans_and_Allowance_for_Losses5

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, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	$19,724			$22,291
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	71,812	[1]		61,772	[2]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	91,536			84,063
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	19,316			21,840
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	69,419			60,597
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	88,735			82,437
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	2,955			2,637
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	38,483	[3]		30,152	[4]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	87,800		95,154
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	571		562
Crops [Member]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	3,117			4,877
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	19,689	[1]		10,753	[2]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	22,806			15,630
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	2,982			4,723
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	18,182			10,042
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	21,164			14,765
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	640			397
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	3,588	[3]		5,168	[4]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	19,218		23,772
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	282		170
Permanent Plantings [Member]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	5,622			5,837
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	36,378	[1]		33,690	[2]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	42,000			39,527
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	5,535			5,750
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	35,669			33,393
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	41,204			39,143
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	1,609			1,515
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	24,582	[3]		14,413	[4]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	40,764		45,008
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	83		194
Livestock [Member]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	9,360			9,576
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	5,707	[1]		5,979	[2]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	15,067			15,555
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	9,174			9,386
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	5,615			5,897
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	14,789			15,283
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	349			361
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	4,180	[3]		4,438	[4]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	15,311		13,776
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	148		76
Part-Time Farm [Member]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	1,625			2,001
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	10,038	[1]		11,350	[2]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	11,663			13,351
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	1,625			1,981
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	9,953			11,265
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	11,578			13,246
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	357			364
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	6,133	[3]		6,133	[4]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	12,507		12,538
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	58		122
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	0			0
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	0	[1]		0	[2]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0			0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	0			0
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	0			0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	0			0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	0			0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	0	[3]		0	[4]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	0		0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	0		0
Other Commodity [Member]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	0			0
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	0	[1]		0	[2]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0			0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	0			0
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	0			0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	0			0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	0			0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	0	[3]		0	[4]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	0		60
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	0		0
Collateral Dependent Not Individually Analyzed [Member]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	64,100			54,400
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	1,600			-1,200
Impaired Financing Receivable, Impairment analysis performed percent	70.00%			65.00%
Less than 90 days past due [Member]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	$8,300	[3]		$11,700	[4]
[1]	Impairment analysis was performed in the aggregate in consideration of similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics on $64.1 million (70 percent) of impaired loans as of MarchB 31, 2015, which resulted in a specific reserve of $1.6 million.
[2]	Impairment analysis was performed in the aggregate in consideration of similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics on $54.4 million (65 percent) of impaired loans as of DecemberB 31, 2014, which resulted in a specific reserve of $1.2 million.
[3]	Includes $8.3 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 $11.7 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_Losses6

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Troubled Debt Restructurings (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
	defaulted_loan	defaulted_loan
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Pre-Modification Recorded Investment	$0	$600,000
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Post-Modification Recorded Investment	0	600,000
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Number of Contracts	0	0
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Recorded Investment	0	0
Total (release of)/provision for losses	-696,000	674,000
Loans Collateralized by Real Estate [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Total (release of)/provision for losses	$0

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, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	defaulted_loan	defaulted_loan
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities Acquired During Period [Line Items]
Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities, Number Defaulted	1	1
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Balance During Period	$657	$440
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Acquired During Period, Contractually Required Payments Receivable at Acquisition, During the Period	0	440
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Provision for Loan Losses	52	52
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Allowance for Loan Losses, Decreases	121	2
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Outstanding Balance	24,882		24,921
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Carrying Amount, Net	22,087		22,149
Payments to Acquire Other Loans and Leases Held-for-investment	657	440
Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments [Member]
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities Acquired During Period [Line Items]
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Balance During Period	0	440
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities Acquired During Period [Line Items]
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Balance During Period	$657	$0

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, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	$32,101,000	[1]		$18,917,000	[2]
Net credit losses (recoveries)	0		32,000
Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities, Subject To Be Purchased	3,100,000	[3]		1,800,000	[3]
On-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	30,151,000	[1]		18,427,000	[2]
Net credit losses (recoveries)	0		32,000
Off-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	1,950,000	[1]		490,000	[2]
Net credit losses (recoveries)	$0		$0
[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)B 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]	Includes loans and loans underlying off-balance sheet Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities and LTSPCs that are 90 days or more past due, in foreclosure, or 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, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	$5,347,248	[1],[2]	$5,417,174	[1],[2]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	32,101	[1]	18,917	[3]
Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	5,115,357	[1]	5,172,691	[1]
Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	95,195	[1],[4]	111,888	[1],[4]
Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	136,696	[1],[5]	132,595	[1],[5]
On-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,570,912	[1]	2,540,222	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	30,151	[1]	18,427	[3]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,449,530	[1]	2,419,285	[1]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	46,655	[1],[4]	54,495	[1],[4]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	74,727	[1],[5]	66,442	[1],[5]
Off-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,776,336	[1]	2,876,952	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	1,950	[1]	490	[3]
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,665,827	[1]	2,753,406	[1]
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	48,540	[1],[4]	57,393	[1],[4]
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	61,969	[1],[5]	66,153	[1],[5]
Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,928,976	[1]	2,941,266	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	3,817	[1]	4,175	[3]
Crops [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,872,721	[1]	2,887,319	[1]
Crops [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	27,005	[1],[4]	30,417	[1],[4]
Crops [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	29,250	[1],[5]	23,530	[1],[5]
Crops [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,661,202	[1]	1,633,667	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	2,406	[1]	4,175	[3]
Crops [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,629,509	[1]	1,604,546	[1]
Crops [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	12,987	[1],[4]	16,814	[1],[4]
Crops [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	18,706	[1],[5]	12,307	[1],[5]
Crops [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,267,774	[1]	1,307,599	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	1,411	[1]	0	[3]
Crops [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,243,212	[1]	1,282,773	[1]
Crops [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	14,018	[1],[4]	13,603	[1],[4]
Crops [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	10,544	[1],[5]	11,223	[1],[5]
Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	909,088	[1]	920,195	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	21,967	[1]	6,869	[3]
Permanent Plantings [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	846,402	[1]	856,901	[1]
Permanent Plantings [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	15,814	[1],[4]	18,180	[1],[4]
Permanent Plantings [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	46,872	[1],[5]	45,114	[1],[5]
Permanent Plantings [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	405,410	[1]	395,421	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	21,967	[1]	6,869	[3]
Permanent Plantings [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	361,875	[1]	353,487	[1]
Permanent Plantings [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	4,181	[1],[4]	6,030	[1],[4]
Permanent Plantings [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	39,354	[1],[5]	35,904	[1],[5]
Permanent Plantings [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	503,678	[1]	524,774	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	0	[1]	0	[3]
Permanent Plantings [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	484,527	[1]	503,414	[1]
Permanent Plantings [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	11,633	[1],[4]	12,150	[1],[4]
Permanent Plantings [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	7,518	[1],[5]	9,210	[1],[5]
Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,221,734	[1]	1,260,618	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	3,014	[1]	5,045	[3]
Livestock [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,146,597	[1]	1,174,057	[1]
Livestock [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	50,403	[1],[4]	61,320	[1],[4]
Livestock [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	24,734	[1],[5]	25,241	[1],[5]
Livestock [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	408,656	[1]	412,620	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	2,517	[1]	4,555	[3]
Livestock [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	373,623	[1]	375,010	[1]
Livestock [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	28,855	[1],[4]	31,039	[1],[4]
Livestock [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	6,178	[1],[5]	6,571	[1],[5]
Livestock [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	813,078	[1]	847,998	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	497	[1]	490	[3]
Livestock [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	772,974	[1]	799,047	[1]
Livestock [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	21,548	[1],[4]	30,281	[1],[4]
Livestock [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	18,556	[1],[5]	18,670	[1],[5]
Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	169,417	[1]	173,954	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	3,303	[1]	2,828	[3]
Part-Time Farm [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	151,840	[1]	154,931	[1]
Part-Time Farm [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,965	[1],[4]	1,963	[1],[4]
Part-Time Farm [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	15,612	[1],[5]	17,060	[1],[5]
Part-Time Farm [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	68,484	[1]	69,511	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	3,261	[1]	2,828	[3]
Part-Time Farm [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	57,363	[1]	57,239	[1]
Part-Time Farm [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	632	[1],[4]	612	[1],[4]
Part-Time Farm [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	10,489	[1],[5]	11,660	[1],[5]
Part-Time Farm [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	100,933	[1]	104,443	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	42	[1]	0	[3]
Part-Time Farm [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	94,477	[1]	97,692	[1]
Part-Time Farm [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,333	[1],[4]	1,351	[1],[4]
Part-Time Farm [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	5,123	[1],[5]	5,400	[1],[5]
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	110,367	[1]	114,360	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	0	[1]	0	[3]
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	90,787	[1]	93,366	[1]
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	0	[1],[4]	0	[1],[4]
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	19,580	[1],[5]	20,994	[1],[5]
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	25,800	[1]	29,003	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	0	[1]	0	[3]
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	25,800	[1]	29,003	[1]
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	0	[1],[4]	0	[1],[4]
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	0	[1],[5]	0	[1],[5]
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	84,567	[1]	85,357	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	0	[1]	0	[3]
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	64,987	[1]	64,363	[1]
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	0	[1],[4]	0	[1],[4]
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	19,580	[1],[5]	20,994	[1],[5]
Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	7,666	[1]	6,781	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	0	[1]	0	[3]
Other Commodity [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	7,010	[1]	6,117	[1]
Other Commodity [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	8	[1],[4]	8	[1],[4]
Other Commodity [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	648	[1],[5]	656	[1],[5]
Other Commodity [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,360	[1]	0	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	0	[1]	0	[3]
Other Commodity [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,360	[1]	0	[1]
Other Commodity [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	0	[1],[4]	0	[1],[4]
Other Commodity [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	0	[1],[5]	0	[1],[5]
Other Commodity [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	6,306	[1]	6,781	[1]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due	0	[1]	0	[3]
Other Commodity [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Pass [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	5,650	[1]	6,117	[1]
Other Commodity [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	8	[1],[4]	8	[1],[4]
Other Commodity [Member] | Off-balance sheet [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	$648	[1],[5]	$656	[1],[5]
[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).
[3]	(1)B 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.
[4]	Assets in the Special mention category generally have potential weaknesses due to performance issues but are currently considered to be adequately secured.
[5]	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, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	$5,347,248	[1],[2]	$5,417,174	[1],[2]
Northwest [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	572,085	[2]	573,135	[2]
Southwest [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,701,128	[2]	1,753,606	[2]
Mid-North [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,859,293	[2]	1,873,041	[2]
Mid-South [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	633,545	[2]	627,615	[2]
Northeast [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	205,781	[2]	214,402	[2]
Southeast [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	375,416	[2]	375,375	[2]
Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range One [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,475,336		1,503,076
Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Lower Range Limit	0.00%
Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Upper Range Limit	40.00%
Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range Two [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,194,757		1,191,804
Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Lower Range Limit	40.01%
Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Upper Range Limit	50.00%
Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range Three [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,475,969		1,491,502
Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Lower Range Limit	50.01%
Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Upper Range Limit	60.00%
Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range Four [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,065,814		1,091,759
Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Lower Range Limit	60.01%
Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Upper Range Limit	70.00%
Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range Five [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	113,643		115,645
Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Lower Range Limit	70.01%
Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Upper Range Limit	80.00%
Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range Six [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	21,729		23,388
Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Lower Range Limit	80.01%
Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Upper Range Limit	90.00%
Crops [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,928,976	[1]	2,941,266	[1]
Permanent Plantings [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	909,088	[1]	920,195	[1]
Livestock [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,221,734	[1]	1,260,618	[1]
Part-Time Farm [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	169,417	[1]	173,954	[1]
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	110,367	[1]	114,360	[1]
Other Commodity [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	$7,666	[1]	$6,781	[1]
[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) (Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$1,597,612	$1,636,592
Farm & Ranch [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	598,236	636,086
USDA Guarantees [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	12,847	13,978
Institutional Credit [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$986,529	$986,528

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
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	$49,487,000	$62,751,000
Proceeds from Fees Received	692,000	827,000
Payments to Acquire Loans and Leases Held-for-investment	657,000	0
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	1,597,612,000		1,636,592,000
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining maturity, Loans underlying guarantees not held by transferor	11 years 10 months 24 days	12 years 0 months 0 days
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	10,400,000		11,100,000
Institutional Credit [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$986,529,000		986,528,000
Institutional Credit [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining maturity, Loans underlying guarantees not held by transferor	2 years 2 months 5 days		2 years 5 months 5 days

OffBalance_Sheet_Guarantees_an4

Off-Balance Sheet Guarantees and Long Term Standby Purchase Commitments - Long Term Standby Purchase Commitments (Details) (Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$2,200,000,000		$2,200,000,000
Weighted average remaining maturity, Loans underlying guarantees not held by transferor	14 years 3 months 18 days	14 years 3 months 18 days
Guarantee obligations issued after January 1, 2003 [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	$26,200,000		$26,800,000

Equity_Noncontrolling_interest

Equity - Non-controlling interest (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 25, 2010	Jun. 30, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock Redemption Premium	$8,147,000	$0
Farmer Mac II LLC [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Sale of Stock, Consideration Received on Transaction			250,000,000
Farmer Mac II LLC [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share	$1,000
Farmer Mac II LLC [Member] | Private Placement [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction			250,000
Non-controlling Interest - Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests	$235,853,000	$0		$6,000,000

Equity_Capital_Requirements_De

Equity - Capital Requirements (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Regulatory Capital Requirements [Abstract]
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	$434.20	$421.30
Core Capital	531.3	766.3
Excess Capital, Core Capital In Excess of Capital Required for Capital Adequacy	$97.10	$345

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Narrati

Fair Value Disclosures - Narrative (Details) (Level 3 [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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	$5.70	$5.50
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Fair Value as Percent of Total Assets	39.00%	38.00%
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities, Fair Value as Percent of Total Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value	72.00%	73.00%

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Fair_Va1

Fair Value Disclosures - Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	$4,808	$4,177
Derivative Liability	46,623	38,217
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	3,533,555	3,520,075
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	6,376	5,973
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	6,376	5,973
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	6,376	5,973
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	6,376	5,973
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	4,808	4,177
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	7,819,636	7,374,178
Derivative Liability	95,493	84,844
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	95,493	84,844
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	862,649	1,050,691
Derivative Liability	5	3
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	5	3
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	4,808	4,177
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,241,324	851,409
Derivative Liability	95,488	84,841
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	95,488	84,841
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	5,715,663	5,472,078
Derivative Liability	0	0
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	3,818,704	3,631,662
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	3,818,704	3,631,662
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | USDA Guarantees [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	23,505	27,619
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | USDA Guarantees [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | USDA Guarantees [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | USDA Guarantees [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	23,505	27,619
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	3,842,209	3,659,281
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	3,842,209	3,659,281
Investment Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	2,140,182	1,939,188
Investment Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	862,649	1,050,691
Investment Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	1,236,516	847,232
Investment Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	41,017	41,265
Investment Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	2,139,544	1,938,499
Investment Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	862,649	1,050,691
Investment Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	1,236,516	847,232
Investment Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	40,379	40,576
Investment Securities [Member] | Trading Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	638	689
Investment Securities [Member] | Trading Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Investment Securities [Member] | Trading Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Investment Securities [Member] | Trading Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	638	689
USDA Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	1,832,437	1,771,532
USDA Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
USDA Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
USDA Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	1,832,437	1,771,532
USDA Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	1,794,844	1,731,222
USDA Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
USDA Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
USDA Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	1,794,844	1,731,222
USDA Securities [Member] | Trading Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	37,593	40,310
USDA Securities [Member] | Trading Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
USDA Securities [Member] | Trading Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
USDA Securities [Member] | Trading Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	37,593	40,310
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	40,379	40,576
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	40,379	40,576
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	100,132	100,902
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	100,132	100,902
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Trading Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	638	689
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Trading Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Trading Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Trading Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	638	689
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	10,085	10,091
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	10,085	10,091
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	734,572	612,753
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	734,572	612,753
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | GSE Subordinated Debt [Member} | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	65,841	66,320
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | GSE Subordinated Debt [Member} | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | GSE Subordinated Debt [Member} | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	65,841	66,320
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | GSE Subordinated Debt [Member} | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Senior Agency Debt [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	297,727	18,939
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Senior Agency Debt [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Senior Agency Debt [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	297,727	18,939
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Senior Agency Debt [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		74,979
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		74,979
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	20,030	30,025
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	20,030	30,025
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	8,129	8,202
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	8,129	8,202
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	862,649	975,712
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	862,649	975,712
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Unobser

Fair Value Disclosures - Unobservable Input Reconciliation (Details) (Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member], Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$5,472,078		$6,770,031
Purchases	304,101		237,984
Sales	0		0
Settlements	129,726		244,801
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income	9,239		3,405
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income	59,971		52,580
Transfers Out	0		-1,612,086
Ending Balance	5,715,663		5,207,113
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			235
Purchases			0
Sales			0
Settlements			0
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income			74
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income			0
Transfers Out			0
Ending Balance			161
Investment Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	41,265		66,418
Purchases	0		0
Sales	0		0
Settlements	247		287
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income	196		278
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income	-197		-320
Transfers Out	0		0
Ending Balance	41,017		66,089
USDA Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Unrealized Holding Loss			700
Trading Securities, Unrealized Gains	200
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	1,771,532		1,612,013
Purchases	89,186		67,984
Sales	0		0
Settlements	67,074		68,074
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income	166		377
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income	38,627		39,461
Transfers Out	0		0
Ending Balance	1,832,437		1,651,761
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Investment Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	40,576		65,490
Purchases	0		0
Sales	0		0
Settlements	0		4
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income	0		0
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income	-197		-320
Transfers Out	0		0
Ending Balance	40,379		65,166
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	3,659,281		5,091,600
Purchases	214,915		170,000
Sales	0		0
Settlements	62,405		176,440
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income	8,877		2,750
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income	21,541		13,439
Transfers Out	0
Ending Balance	3,842,209		3,489,263
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	1,731,222		1,553,669
Purchases	89,186		67,984
Sales	0		0
Settlements	64,191		60,455
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income	0		0
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income	38,627		39,461
Transfers Out	0		0
Ending Balance	1,794,844		1,600,659
Trading Securities [Member] | Investment Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	689		928
Purchases	0		0
Sales	0		0
Settlements	247		283
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income	196		278
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income	0		0
Transfers Out	0		0
Ending Balance	638		923
Trading Securities [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	40,310		58,344	[1]
Purchases	0		0	[1]
Sales	0		0	[1]
Settlements	2,883		7,619	[1]
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income	166		377	[1]
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income	0		0	[1]
Transfers Out	0		0
Ending Balance	37,593		51,102	[1]
Institutional Credit [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	3,631,662	[2]	5,070,366
Purchases	214,915	[2]	170,000
Sales	0	[2]	0
Settlements	57,753	[2]	176,269
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income	8,877	[2]	2,750
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income	21,003	[2]	12,894
Transfers Out	0	[2]	-1,612,086	[2]
Ending Balance	3,818,704	[2]	3,467,655
USDA Guarantees [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	27,619		21,234
Purchases	0		0
Sales	0		0
Settlements	4,652		171
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income	0		0
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income	538		545
Transfers Out	0		0
Ending Balance	23,505		21,608
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			235	[3]
Purchases			0	[3]
Sales			0	[3]
Settlements			0	[3]
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income			74	[3]
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income			0	[3]
Transfers Out			0
Ending Balance			161	[3]
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	40,576		65,285
Purchases	0		0
Sales	0		0
Settlements	0		0
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income	0		0
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income	-197		-322
Transfers Out	0		0
Ending Balance	40,379		64,963
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			205
Purchases			0
Sales			0
Settlements			4
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income			0
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income			2
Transfers Out			0
Ending Balance			203
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Trading Securities [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	689	[4]	928	[5]
Purchases	0	[4]	0	[5]
Sales	0	[4]	0	[5]
Settlements	247	[4]	283	[5]
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income	196	[4]	278	[5]
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income	0	[4]	0	[5]
Transfers Out	0	[4]	0	[4]
Ending Balance	$638	[4]	$923	[5]
[1]	Includes unrealized losses of $0.7 million attributable to assets still held as of MarchB 31, 2014 that are recorded in "Gains on trading securities."
[2]	Includes unrealized gains of $0.2 million attributable to assets still held as of MarchB 31, 2015 that are recorded in "Gains on trading securities."
[3]	Unrealized gains are attributable to liabilities still held as of MarchB 31, 2014 and are recorded in "Losses on financial derivatives and hedging activities."
[4]	Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of MarchB 31, 2015 and are recorded in "Gains on trading securities."
[5]	(1)B Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of MarchB 31, 2014 and are recorded in "Gains on trading securities."

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Quantit

Fair Value Disclosures - Quantitative Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	46,623	38,217
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	95,493	84,844
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	0	0
Institutional Credit [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, at fair value	3,818,704	3,631,662
USDA Guarantees [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, at fair value	23,505	27,619
USDA Guarantees [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | USDA Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	1,832,437	1,771,532
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, at fair value	40,379	40,576
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Trading, at fair value	638	689
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	10.00%	10.00%
Minimum [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, 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] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	12.20%	13.00%
Minimum [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	0.80%	0.90%
Minimum [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | USDA Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, 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 Guarantees [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | USDA Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, 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] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, 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] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	20.90%	22.50%
Maximum [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	2.20%	3.60%
Maximum [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | USDA Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, 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 Guarantees [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | USDA Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, 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] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, 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] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, 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] | Institutional Credit [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, 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] | Institutional Credit [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | USDA Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, 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 Guarantees [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | USDA Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, 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, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Financial derivatives	$4,808	$4,177
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable:	38,342	39,462
Derivative Liability	46,623	38,217
Guarantee and commitment obligation	36,537	37,925
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	1,556,246	1,363,387
Loans	3,533,555	3,520,075
Financial derivatives	4,808	4,177
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	457,903	424,214
Derivative Liability	95,493	84,844
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Investment Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	2,140,182	1,939,188
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	5,609,305	5,453,901
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	1,832,437	1,771,532
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable:	27,071	27,807
Guarantee and commitment obligation	26,171	26,843
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable:	11,271	11,655
Guarantee and commitment obligation	10,366	11,082
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Due within one year [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes payable:	7,957,193	7,353,953
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes payable:	5,648,752	5,471,186
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	1,556,246	1,363,387
Loans	3,626,473	3,547,424
Financial derivatives	4,808	4,177
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	467,186	423,085
Derivative Liability	95,493	84,844
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Investment Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	2,140,182	1,939,188
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	5,625,285	5,459,857
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	1,832,437	1,771,532
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable:	27,153	29,095
Guarantee and commitment obligation	26,254	28,130
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable:	11,080	11,876
Guarantee and commitment obligation	10,174	11,303
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Due within one year [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes payable:	7,960,289	7,357,770
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes payable:	$5,767,568	$5,556,570

Business_Segment_Reporting_Nar

Business Segment Reporting - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total notes payable	$13,605,945,000	$12,825,139,000
Farmer Mac II LLC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,900,000,000
Total notes payable	735,000,000
Common Stock outstanding	$1,000,000,000

Business_Segment_Reporting_Cor

Business Segment Reporting - Core Earnings - Business Segments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Interest and Dividend Income, Operating	$63,951	[1]	$52,452	[2]
Interest Income Reclassification	0		0
Total interest expense	-33,162	[3]	-34,726	[4]
Net effective spread	30,789		17,726
Guarantee and commitment fees	3,377		3,784
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	-2,902	[5]	-6,819	[6]
Non-interest income/(loss)	475		-3,035
Provision for loan losses	-76		-573
(Release of)/provision for reserve for losses	772		-101
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	-9,115		-7,846
Noninterest Expense	-8,343	[7]	-7,947	[7]
Income before income taxes	22,845		6,171
Income tax expense	-4,231		1,141
Net income	18,614		7,312
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact	-3,295		-952
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	-5,354		-5,547
Loss on retirement of preferred stock	-8,147		0
Net income attributable to common stockholders	1,818		813
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Assets	14,849,685		13,554,353		14,287,821
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance	14,660,217		14,108,203
Farm & Ranch [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Interest and Dividend Income, Operating	21,968	[1]	18,339	[2]
Interest Income Reclassification	-635		-531
Total interest expense	-11,219	[3]	-10,694	[4]
Net effective spread	10,114		7,114
Guarantee and commitment fees	3,633		3,909
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	87	[5]	130	[6]
Non-interest income/(loss)	3,720		4,039
Provision for loan losses	-76		-573
(Release of)/provision for reserve for losses	772		-101
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	-4,326		-3,552
Noninterest Expense	-3,554	[7]	-3,653	[7]
Segment core earnings before income taxes	10,204		6,927
Income tax expense	-3,571		-2,424
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	6,633		4,503
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact	0		0
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	0		0
Loss on retirement of preferred stock	0
Segment core earnings	6,633		4,503
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Assets	2,637,743		2,272,643
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance	5,347,248		5,293,975
USDA Guarantees [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Interest and Dividend Income, Operating	14,348	[1]	12,959	[2]
Interest Income Reclassification	0		0
Total interest expense	-10,123	[3]	-9,175	[4]
Net effective spread	4,225		3,784
Guarantee and commitment fees	-6		26
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	59	[5]	28	[6]
Non-interest income/(loss)	53		54
Provision for loan losses	0		0
(Release of)/provision for reserve for losses	0		0
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	-385		-731
Noninterest Expense	-385	[7]	-731	[7]
Segment core earnings before income taxes	3,893		3,107
Income tax expense	-1,363		-1,087
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	2,530		2,020
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact	0		0
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	0		0
Loss on retirement of preferred stock	0
Segment core earnings	2,530		2,020
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Assets	1,876,337		1,691,056
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance	1,814,918		1,686,696
Rural Utilities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Interest and Dividend Income, Operating	6,585	[1]	7,744	[2]
Interest Income Reclassification	0		0
Total interest expense	-3,781	[3]	-5,754	[4]
Net effective spread	2,804		1,990
Guarantee and commitment fees	0		0
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	0	[5]	0	[6]
Non-interest income/(loss)	0		0
Provision for loan losses	0		0
(Release of)/provision for reserve for losses	0		0
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	-866		-777
Noninterest Expense	-866	[7]	-777	[7]
Segment core earnings before income taxes	1,938		1,213
Income tax expense	-678		-425
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	1,260		788
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact	0		0
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	0		0
Loss on retirement of preferred stock	0
Segment core earnings	1,260		788
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Assets	970,020		1,030,422
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance	968,117		1,027,246
Institutional Credit [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Interest and Dividend Income, Operating	19,299	[1]	20,380	[2]
Interest Income Reclassification	0		0
Total interest expense	-8,874	[3]	-10,974	[4]
Net effective spread	10,425		9,406
Guarantee and commitment fees	385		380
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	0	[5]	0	[6]
Non-interest income/(loss)	385		380
Provision for loan losses	0		0
(Release of)/provision for reserve for losses	0		0
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	-535		-445
Noninterest Expense	-535	[7]	-445	[7]
Segment core earnings before income taxes	10,275		9,341
Income tax expense	-3,596		-3,269
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	6,679		6,072
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact	0		0
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	0		0
Loss on retirement of preferred stock	0
Segment core earnings	6,679		6,072
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Assets	5,594,736		5,157,887
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance	6,529,934		6,100,286
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Interest and Dividend Income, Operating	2,865	[1]	5,235	[2]
Interest Income Reclassification	0		0
Total interest expense	-1,176	[3]	-1,093	[4]
Net effective spread	1,689		4,142
Guarantee and commitment fees	0		0
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	-552	[5]	-571	[6]
Non-interest income/(loss)	-552		-571
Provision for loan losses	0		0
(Release of)/provision for reserve for losses	0		0
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	-3,003		-2,341
Noninterest Expense	-3,003	[7]	-2,341	[7]
Segment core earnings before income taxes	-1,866		1,230
Income tax expense	2,516		2,871
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	650		4,101
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact	-3,295		-952
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	-5,354		-5,547
Loss on retirement of preferred stock	0
Segment core earnings	-7,999		-2,398
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Assets	3,770,849		3,402,345
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Interest and Dividend Income, Operating	-1,114	[1]	-12,205	[2]
Interest Income Reclassification	635		531
Total interest expense	2,011	[3]	2,964	[4]
Net effective spread	1,532		-8,710
Guarantee and commitment fees	-635		-531
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	-2,496	[5]	-6,406	[6]
Non-interest income/(loss)	-3,131		-6,937
Provision for loan losses	0		0
(Release of)/provision for reserve for losses	0		0
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	0		0
Noninterest Expense	0	[7]	0	[7]
Segment core earnings before income taxes	-1,599	[8]	-15,647	[9]
Income tax expense	2,461		5,475
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	862	[8]	-10,172	[9]
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact	0		0
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	0		0
Loss on retirement of preferred stock	-8,147
Segment core earnings	-7,285	[8]	-10,172	[9]
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Assets	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 and interest income related to securities purchased under agreements to resell
[2]	Includes reconciling adjustments for the amortization of premiums and discounts on assets consolidated at fair value to reflect core earnings amounts
[3]	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 on financial derivatives and hedging activities" on the consolidated financial statements. Includes reconciling adjustments for interest expense related to securities sold, not yet purchased
[4]	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 on financial derivatives and hedging activities" on the consolidated financial statements.
[5]	Includes interest income and interest expense related to securities purchased under agreements to resell and securities sold, not yet purchased, respectively; 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; and a reconciling adjustment related to the recognition of deferred gains over the estimated lives of certain Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities
[6]	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
[7]	Includes directly attributable costs and an allocation of indirectly attributable costs based on headcount
[8]	NetB 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
[9]	NetB 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.

Uncategorized_Items

Uncategorized Items	1/2/14
	USD ($)
[agm_TransferofFarmerMacGuaranteedSecuritiesAvailableforsaletoHeldtomaturityUnrealizedholdinggains]	22,300,000