Federal Agricultural Mortgage (AGM) 10-Q 9 Aug 16 2016 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Aug. 01, 2016
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	FEDERAL AGRICULTURAL MORTGAGE CORP
Entity Central Index Key	845,877
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
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		8,939,354

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,764,626	$ 1,210,084
Loans:
Loans held for investment, at amortized cost	3,277,522	3,258,413
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	922,666	708,111
Allowance for loan losses	(4,893)	(4,480)
Total loans, net of allowance	4,195,295	3,962,044
Real estate owned, at lower of cost or fair value	1,330	1,369
Financial derivatives, at fair value	8,242	3,816
Interest receivable (includes $9,454 and $7,938, respectively, related to consolidated trusts)	106,400	112,700
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable	39,653	40,189
Deferred tax asset, net	30,659	42,916
Prepaid expenses and other assets	103,724	47,780
Total Assets	16,823,190	15,540,354
Notes payable:
Due within one year	10,125,269	9,111,461
Due after one year	4,722,814	4,967,036
Total notes payable	14,848,083	14,078,497
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	928,050	713,536
Financial derivatives, at fair value	140,758	77,199
Accrued interest payable (includes $7,936 and $6,705, respectively, related to consolidated trusts)	47,906	47,621
Guarantee and commitment obligation	38,115	38,609
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	232,934	29,089
Reserve for losses	2,191	2,083
Total Liabilities	16,238,037	14,986,634
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6)
Common stock:
Additional paid-in capital	117,989	117,862
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax	12,384	(11,019)
Retained earnings	239,349	231,228
Total Stockholders' Equity	584,941	553,517
Non-controlling interest	212	203
Total Equity	585,153	553,720
Total Liabilities and Equity	16,823,190	15,540,354
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	8,929	9,156
Investment Securities [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale, at fair value	2,460,679	2,775,025
Trading, at fair value	281	491
Marketable Securities	2,460,960	2,775,516
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
Assets:
Available-for-sale, at fair value	4,731,031	4,152,605
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost	1,388,724	1,274,016
Marketable Securities	6,119,755	5,426,621
USDA Securities [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale, at fair value	1,967,759	1,888,344
Trading, at fair value	24,787	28,975
Marketable Securities	$ 1,992,546	$ 1,917,319

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Interest receivable - Consolidated Trusts amount	$ 106,400	$ 112,700
Accrued interest payable - Consolidated Trusts amount	$ 47,906	$ 47,621
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	8,928,855	9,155,661
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Interest receivable - Consolidated Trusts amount	$ 9,454	$ 7,938
Accrued interest payable - Consolidated Trusts amount	$ 7,936	$ 6,705

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Interest income:
Investments and cash equivalents		$ 6,560	$ 3,094	$ 13,241	$ 5,959
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities		37,299	34,484	72,809	67,606
Loans		33,377	28,814	65,077	56,778
Total interest income		77,236	66,392	151,127	130,343
Total interest expense		42,878	34,528	83,129	67,690
Net interest income		34,358	31,864	67,998	62,653
Provision for loan losses		(364)	(110)	(413)	(186)
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		33,994	31,754	67,585	62,467
Non-interest (loss)/income:
Guarantee and commitment fees		3,655	3,388	7,281	6,765
(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities		(4,696)	14,389	(11,478)	10,507
Gains on trading securities		394	170	752	532
(Losses)/gains on sale of available-for-sale investment securities		0	0	(9)	6
Losses on sale of real estate owned		0	0	0	(1)
Other income		413	260	514	873
Non-interest (loss)/income		(234)	18,207	(2,940)	18,682
Non-interest expense:
Compensation and employee benefits		5,611	5,733	11,385	11,426
General and administrative		3,757	3,374	7,283	6,197
Regulatory fees		612	600	1,225	1,200
Real estate owned operating costs, net		0	0	39	(1)
Provision for reserve for losses		94	1,146	108	374
Non-interest expense	[1]	10,074	10,853	20,040	19,196
Income before income taxes		23,686	39,108	44,605	61,953
Income tax expense		8,400	13,769	15,735	18,000
Net income		15,286	25,339	28,870	43,953
Less: Net loss/(income) attributable to non-controlling interest		16	119	44	(5,235)
Net income attributable to Farmer Mac		15,302	25,458	28,914	38,718
Preferred stock dividends		(3,296)	(3,296)	(6,591)	(6,591)
Loss on retirement of preferred stock		0	0	0	(8,147)
Net income attributable to common stockholders		$ 12,006	$ 22,162	$ 22,323	$ 23,980
Earnings per common share and dividends:
Basic earnings per common share		$ 1.15	$ 2.01	$ 2.13	$ 2.19
Diluted earnings per common share		1.13000	1.94000	2.07000	2.11000
Common stock dividends per common share		$ 0.26	$ 0.16	$ 0.52	$ 0.32
[1]	(4) Includes reconciling adjustments for 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.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 15,286	$ 25,339	$ 28,870	$ 43,953
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before taxes:
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on available-for sale securities	52,130	(41,851)	45,753	16,586
Net changes in held-to-maturity securities	(997)	(3,350)	(2,008)	(6,693)
Net unrealized (losses)/gains on cash flow hedges	(2,976)	1,430	(7,739)	1,183
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before tax	48,157	(43,771)	36,006	11,076
Income tax (expense)/benefit related to other comprehensive income	(16,856)	15,320	(12,603)	(3,876)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax	31,301	(28,451)	23,403	7,200
Comprehensive income/(loss)	46,587	(3,112)	52,273	51,153
Less: comprehensive loss/(income) attributable to non-controlling interest	16	119	44	(5,235)
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Farmer Mac	$ 46,603	$ (2,993)	$ 52,317	$ 45,918

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUI

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY Statement - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Class C, Non-Voting [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]Common Class C, Non-Voting [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]Common Class C, Non-Voting [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]Common Class C, Non-Voting [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]Common Class C, Non-Voting [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]Common Class C, Non-Voting [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]Common Class C, Non-Voting [Member]
Beginning Balance (Shares Outstanding) at Dec. 31, 2014			8,400		10,937
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 781,829		$ 204,759		$ 10,937		$ 113,559		$ 15,533		$ 201,013		$ 236,028
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Attributable to Farmer Mac	38,718		0		0		0		0		38,718		0
Less: Net loss/(income) attributable to non-controlling interest	(5,235)		0		0		0		0		0		(119)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	7,200		0		0		0		7,200		0		0
Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash	(6,591)		0		0		0		0		(6,591)		0
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	(3,516)		0		0		0		0		(3,516)		0
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues				0		102
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues		$ 109		$ 0		$ 102		$ 7		$ 0		$ 0		$ 0
Stock-based compensation cost	1,644		0		0		1,644		0		0		0
Other stock-based award activity	888		0		0		888		0		0		0
Investment in subsidiary - non-controlling interest	131		0		0		0		0		0		131
Redemption of Farmer Mac II LLC preferred stock	(244,000)		$ 0		$ 0		0		0		(8,147)		(235,853)
Ending Balance (Shares Outstanding) at Jun. 30, 2015			8,400		11,039
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2015	576,293		$ 204,759		$ 11,039		116,098		22,733		221,477		187
Beginning Balance (Shares Outstanding) at Dec. 31, 2015			8,400		10,687
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	553,720		$ 204,759		$ 10,687		117,862		(11,019)		231,228		203
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Attributable to Farmer Mac	28,914		0		0		0		0		28,914		0
Less: Net loss/(income) attributable to non-controlling interest	44		0		0		0		0		0		(44)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	23,403		0		0		0		23,403		0		0
Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash	(6,591)		0		0		0		0		(6,591)		0
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	(5,421)		0		0		0		0		(5,421)		0
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues				0		80
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues		86		$ 0		$ 80		6		0		0		0
Repurchase of Class C Common Stock				0		(307)
Repurchase of Class C Common Stock		$ (9,088)		$ 0		$ (307)		$ 0		$ 0		$ (8,781)		$ 0
Stock-based compensation cost	1,788		0		0		1,788		0		0		0
Other stock-based award activity	(1,667)		0		0		(1,667)		0		0		0
Investment in subsidiary - non-controlling interest	53		$ 0		$ 0		0		0		0		53
Ending Balance (Shares Outstanding) at Jun. 30, 2016			8,400		10,460
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2016	$ 585,153		$ 204,759		$ 10,460		$ 117,989		$ 12,384		$ 239,349		$ 212

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 28,870	$ 43,953
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	1,035	1,604
Amortization of debt premiums, discounts and issuance costs	16,143	5,870
Net change in fair value of trading securities, hedged assets, and financial derivatives	4,314	(15,619)
Losses/(gains) on sale of available-for-sale investment securities	9	(6)
Loss on sale of real estate owned	0	1
Total (release of)/provision for losses	521	560
Deferred income taxes	(1,964)	5,657
Stock-based compensation expense	1,788	1,644
Proceeds from repayment of trading investment securities	325	437
Proceeds from repayment of loans purchased as held for sale	37,460	54,728
Net change in:
Interest receivable	6,300	5,747
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable	536	1,615
Other assets	(54,970)	9,182
Accrued interest payable	285	1,828
Other liabilities	(3,499)	(3,838)
Net cash provided by operating activities	37,153	113,363
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of loans held for investment	(459,315)	(336,364)
Purchases of defaulted loans	(1,415)	(1,981)
Proceeds from repayment of loans purchased as held for investment	199,357	143,804
Proceeds from sale of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	278,443	112,440
Payments from sale of real estate owned	0	(1)
Net cash used in investing activities	(173,829)	(330,091)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Excess tax benefits related to stock-based awards	253	154
Payments to third parties on debt securities of consolidated trusts	(41,259)	(20,641)
Proceeds from common stock issuance	137	1,488
Investment in subsidiary - non-controlling interest	53	131
Redemption of Farmer Mac II LLC Preferred Stock	0	(244,000)
Dividends paid - Non-controlling interest - preferred stock	0	(5,415)
Dividends paid on common and preferred stock	(12,012)	(10,107)
Net cash provided by financing activities	691,218	536,497
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	554,542	319,769
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,210,084	1,363,387
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1,764,626	1,683,156
Medium-term Notes [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of discount notes and medium-term notes	2,843,542	2,690,604
Payments to redeem discount notes and medium-term notes	(2,040,800)	(2,106,715)
Discount Notes [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of discount notes and medium-term notes	48,914,061	38,965,462
Payments to redeem discount notes and medium-term notes	(48,963,471)	(38,734,464)
Investment Securities [Member]
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of available-for-sale investment securities and Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities	(341,099)	(915,614)
Proceeds from repayment of available-for-sale investment securities, Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities	624,402	914,988
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale investment securities	186,769	74,998
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	(1,506,177)	(559,162)
Proceeds from repayment of available-for-sale investment securities, Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities	845,206	236,801
Common Class C, Non-Voting [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Common stock repurchased	$ (9,286)	$ 0

Accounting Policies

Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting Policies Disclosure	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT 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, 2015 consolidated balance sheet presented in this report has been derived from Farmer Mac's audited 2015 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 2015 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, 2015 filed with the SEC on March 10, 2016. 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 and six months ended June 30, 2016 . 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 (which began doing business as AgVisory during first quarter 2016), whose principal activity is to appraise agricultural real estate. 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 June 30, 2016 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 $ 922,666 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 922,666 Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties (1) 928,050 — — — — 928,050 Unconsolidated VIEs: Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Carrying value (2) — 33,447 — 30,962 — 64,409 Maximum exposure to loss (3) — 32,886 — 30,000 — 62,886 Investment securities: Carrying value (4) — — — — 812,501 812,501 Maximum exposure to loss (3) (4) — — — — 813,063 813,063 Off-Balance Sheet: Unconsolidated VIEs: Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Maximum exposure to loss (3) (5) 466,479 30,962 — 970,000 — 1,467,441 (1) Includes borrower remittances of $5.4 million . The borrower remittances have not been passed through to third party investors as of June 30, 2016 . (2) Includes $0.6 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 $1.0 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, 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 $ 708,111 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 708,111 Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties (1) 713,536 — — — — 713,536 Unconsolidated VIEs: Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Carrying value (2) — 31,360 — 31,400 — 62,760 Maximum exposure to loss (3) — 31,553 — 30,000 — 61,553 Investment securities: Carrying value (4) — — — — 917,292 917,292 Maximum exposure to loss (3) (4) — — — — 918,121 918,121 Off-Balance Sheet: Unconsolidated VIEs: Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Maximum exposure to loss (3) (5) 514,051 10,272 — 970,000 — 1,494,323 (1) Includes borrower remittances of $5.4 million , which have not been passed through to third party investors as of December 31, 2015. (2) 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 $1.4 million . (3) Farmer Mac uses unpaid principal balance and the outstanding face amount of investment securities to represent maximum exposure to loss. (4) Includes auction-rate certificates, asset-backed securities, and 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. Statements of Cash Flows The following table sets forth information regarding certain non-cash transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 1.2 For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 (in thousands) Non-cash activity: Loans acquired and securitized as Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities $ 278,443 $ 112,440 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 255,781 112,440 Purchases of securities - traded, not yet settled 224,990 236,600 Issuance costs on the retirement of Farmer Mac II LLC Preferred Stock — 8,147 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 six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 1.3 For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 Net Weighted-Average Shares $ per Net Weighted-Average Shares $ per (in thousands, except per share amounts) Basic EPS Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 12,006 10,456 $ 1.15 $ 22,162 11,010 $ 2.01 Effect of dilutive securities (1) Stock options, SARs and restricted stock — 158 (0.02 ) — 428 (0.07 ) Diluted EPS $ 12,006 10,614 $ 1.13 $ 22,162 11,438 $ 1.94 (1) For the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, stock options and SARs of 82,052 and 229,693 , 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 June 30, 2016 and 2015, contingent shares of non-vested restricted stock of 37,284 and 45,034 , respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because performance conditions had not yet been met. For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 Net Weighted-Average Shares $ per Net Weighted-Average Shares $ per (in thousands, except per share amounts) Basic EPS Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 22,323 10,460 $ 2.13 $ 23,980 10,974 $ 2.19 Effect of dilutive securities(1) Stock options, SARs and restricted stock — 348 (0.06 ) — 411 (0.08 ) Diluted EPS $ 22,323 10,808 $ 2.07 $ 23,980 11,385 $ 2.11 (1) For the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, stock options and SARs of 146,459 and 215,547 , respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because they were anti-dilutive. For the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, contingent shares of non-vested restricted stock of 37,284 and 37,774 , respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because performance conditions had not yet been met. Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income represents all changes in stockholders' equity except those resulting from investments by or distributions to stockholders, and is comprised of net income and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, certain held-to-maturity securities transferred from the available-for-sale classification, and cash flow hedges, net of related taxes. The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"), net of tax, by component for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 1.4 As of June 30, 2016 As of June 30, 2015 Available-for-Sale Securities Held-to-Maturity Securities Cash Flow Hedges Total Available-for-Sale Securities Held-to-Maturity Securities Cash Flow Hedges Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ (14,180 ) $ (1,133 ) $ (3,604 ) $ (18,917 ) $ 47,700 $ 3,800 $ (316 ) $ 51,184 Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications 36,469 — (2,267 ) 34,202 (23,936 ) — 772 (23,164 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (2,585 ) (648 ) 332 (2,901 ) (3,266 ) (2,178 ) 157 (5,287 ) Net other comprehensive income/(loss) 33,884 (648 ) (1,935 ) 31,301 (27,202 ) (2,178 ) 929 (28,451 ) Ending Balance $ 19,704 $ (1,781 ) $ (5,539 ) $ 12,384 $ 20,498 $ 1,622 $ 613 $ 22,733 For the Six Months Ended Beginning Balance $ (10,035 ) $ (476 ) $ (508 ) $ (11,019 ) $ 9,716 $ 5,973 $ (156 ) $ 15,533 Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications 34,700 — (5,662 ) 29,038 17,407 — 533 17,940 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (4,961 ) (1,305 ) 631 (5,635 ) (6,625 ) (4,351 ) 236 (10,740 ) Net other comprehensive income/(loss) 29,739 (1,305 ) (5,031 ) 23,403 10,782 (4,351 ) 769 7,200 Ending Balance $ 19,704 $ (1,781 ) $ (5,539 ) $ 12,384 $ 20,498 $ 1,622 $ 613 $ 22,733 The following table presents other comprehensive income activity, the impact on net income of amounts reclassified from each component of AOCI, and the related tax impact for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 1.5 For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 Before Tax Provision (Benefit) After Tax Before Tax Provision (Benefit) After Tax (in thousands) Other comprehensive income/(loss): Available-for-sale-securities: Unrealized holding gains/(losses) on available-for-sale-securities $ 56,107 $ 19,638 $ 36,469 $ (36,826 ) $ (12,890 ) $ (23,936 ) Less reclassification adjustments included in: (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities (1) (4,016 ) (1,405 ) (2,611 ) (4,952 ) (1,733 ) (3,219 ) Other income (2) 39 13 26 (73 ) (26 ) (47 ) Total $ 52,130 $ 18,246 $ 33,884 $ (41,851 ) $ (14,649 ) $ (27,202 ) Held-to-maturity securities: Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net interest income (3) $ (997 ) $ (349 ) $ (648 ) $ (3,350 ) $ (1,172 ) $ (2,178 ) Total $ (997 ) $ (349 ) $ (648 ) $ (3,350 ) $ (1,172 ) $ (2,178 ) Cash flow hedges Unrealized (losses)/gains on cash flow hedges $ (3,488 ) $ (1,221 ) $ (2,267 ) $ 1,186 $ 414 $ 772 Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net interest income (4) 512 180 332 244 87 157 Total $ (2,976 ) $ (1,041 ) $ (1,935 ) $ 1,430 $ 501 $ 929 Other comprehensive income/(loss) $ 48,157 $ 16,856 $ 31,301 $ (43,771 ) $ (15,320 ) $ (28,451 ) (1) Relates to the amortization of unrealized gains on hedged items prior to the application of fair value hedge accounting. (2) Represents amortization of deferred gains related to certain available-for-sale USDA Securities and Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities. (3) Relates to the amortization of unrealized gains or losses prior to the reclassification of these securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity. The amortization of unrealized gains or losses reported in AOCI for held-to-maturity securities will be offset by the amortization of the premium or discount created from the transfer into held-to-maturity securities, which occurred at fair value. These unrealized gains or losses will be recorded over the remaining life of the security with no impact on future net income. (4) Relates to the recognition of unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges recorded in AOCI. For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 Before Tax Provision (Benefit) After Tax Before Tax Provision (Benefit) After Tax (in thousands) Other comprehensive income: Available-for-sale-securities: Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale-securities $ 53,385 $ 18,685 $ 34,700 $ 26,778 $ 9,371 $ 17,407 Less reclassification adjustments included in: (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities (1) (7,939 ) (2,778 ) (5,161 ) (9,813 ) (3,434 ) (6,379 ) (Losses)/gains on sale of available-for-sale investment securities (2) 9 3 6 (6 ) (2 ) (4 ) Other income (3) 298 104 194 (373 ) (131 ) (242 ) Total $ 45,753 $ 16,014 $ 29,739 $ 16,586 $ 5,804 $ 10,782 Held-to-maturity securities: Net interest income (4) $ (2,008 ) $ (703 ) $ (1,305 ) $ (6,693 ) $ (2,342 ) $ (4,351 ) Total $ (2,008 ) $ (703 ) $ (1,305 ) $ (6,693 ) $ (2,342 ) $ (4,351 ) Cash flow hedges Unrealized (losses)/gains on cash flow hedges $ (8,710 ) $ (3,048 ) $ (5,662 ) $ 820 $ 287 $ 533 Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net interest income (5) 971 340 631 363 127 236 Total $ (7,739 ) $ (2,708 ) $ (5,031 ) $ 1,183 $ 414 $ 769 Other comprehensive income $ 36,006 $ 12,603 $ 23,403 $ 11,076 $ 3,876 $ 7,200 (1) Relates to the amortization of unrealized gains on hedged items prior to the application of fair value hedge accounting. (2) Represents unrealized gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale investment securities. (3) Represents amortization of deferred gains related to certain available-for-sale USDA Securities and Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities. (4) Relates to the amortization of unrealized gains or losses prior to the reclassification of these securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity. The amortization of unrealized gains or losses reported in AOCI for held-to-maturity securities will be offset by the amortization of the premium or discount created from the transfer into held-to-maturity securities, which occurred at fair value. These unrealized gains or losses will be recorded over the remaining life of the security with no impact on future net income. (5) Relates to the recognition of unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges recorded in AOCI. New Accounting Standards In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-01, "Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities," which amends the guidance in GAAP on the classification and measurement of financial instruments. The ASU significantly revises an entity's accounting related to (1) the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and (2) the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. The ASU also amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Farmer Mac does not expect that adoption of the new guidance will have a material effect on Farmer Mac’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases," which provides new guidance intended to improve financial reporting about leasing transactions. The ASU will require organizations that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. The ASU also will require disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Farmer Mac does not expect that adoption of the new guidance will have a material effect on Farmer Mac’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “ Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which provides new guidance intended to simplify several aspects of accounting for employee share-based payment transactions including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Farmer Mac does not expect that adoption of the new guidance will have a material effect on Farmer Mac’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, " Financial Instruments—Credit Losses," which will require entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Entities will be required to use forward-looking information to better form their credit loss estimates. The ASU will also require enhanced disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an entity’s portfolio. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early application will be permitted for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Farmer Mac is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications of prior period information were made to conform to the current period presentation.

Investment Securities

Investment Securities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: Table 2.1 As of June 30, 2016 Amount Outstanding Unamortized Premium/(Discount) Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Value (in thousands) Available-for-sale: Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans $ 19,700 $ — $ 19,700 $ — $ (1,970 ) $ 17,730 Floating rate asset-backed securities 61,070 (228 ) 60,842 4 (847 ) 59,999 Floating rate corporate debt securities 10,000 — 10,000 2 — 10,002 Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 1,261,876 3,095 1,264,971 2,600 (3,254 ) 1,264,317 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities (1) 613 2,808 3,421 4,344 — 7,765 Floating rate GSE subordinated debt 70,000 — 70,000 — (4,896 ) 65,104 Fixed rate senior agency debt 175,000 (11 ) 174,989 9 — 174,998 Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 860,150 (393 ) 859,757 1,007 — 860,764 Total available-for-sale 2,458,409 5,271 2,463,680 7,966 (10,967 ) 2,460,679 Trading: Floating rate asset-backed securities 1,887 — 1,887 — (1,606 ) 281 Total investment securities $ 2,460,296 $ 5,271 $ 2,465,567 $ 7,966 $ (12,573 ) $ 2,460,960 (1) Fair value includes $7.1 million of an interest-only security with a notional amount of $147.3 million . As of December 31, 2015 Amount Outstanding Unamortized Premium/(Discount) Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Value (in thousands) Available-for-sale: Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans $ 46,500 $ — $ 46,500 $ — $ (1,576 ) $ 44,924 Floating rate asset-backed securities 74,744 (253 ) 74,491 14 (776 ) 73,729 Floating rate corporate debt securities 10,000 — 10,000 — (9 ) 9,991 Fixed rate corporate debt securities 10,000 (1 ) 9,999 — (5 ) 9,994 Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 1,353,495 3,515 1,357,010 2,768 (4,319 ) 1,355,459 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities (1) 692 3,117 3,809 4,095 — 7,904 Floating rate GSE subordinated debt 70,000 — 70,000 — (3,751 ) 66,249 Fixed rate senior agency debt 214,000 (25 ) 213,975 12 — 213,987 Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 993,680 (417 ) 993,263 2 (477 ) 992,788 Total available-for-sale 2,773,111 5,936 2,779,047 6,891 (10,913 ) 2,775,025 Trading: Floating rate asset-backed securities 2,211 — 2,211 — (1,720 ) 491 Total investment securities $ 2,775,322 $ 5,936 $ 2,781,258 $ 6,891 $ (12,633 ) $ 2,775,516 (1) Fair value includes $7.2 million of an interest-only security with a notional amount of $148.5 million . Farmer Mac did not sell any securities from its available-for-sale investment portfolio during the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015. During the six months ended June 30, 2016 , Farmer Mac received proceeds of $186.8 million from the sale of securities from its available-for-sale investment portfolio, resulting in gross realized gains of $0.1 million and gross realized losses of $0.1 million , compared to proceeds of $75.0 million for the same period in 2015, resulting in gross realized gains of 6,000 . As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, unrealized losses on available-for-sale investment securities were as follows: Table 2.2 As of June 30, 2016 Available-for-Sale Securities Unrealized loss position for Unrealized loss position for Fair Value Unrealized Fair Value Unrealized (in thousands) Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans $ — $ — $ 17,730 $ (1,970 ) Floating rate asset-backed securities 40,217 (494 ) 9,061 (353 ) Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 473,462 (2,397 ) 135,301 (857 ) Floating rate GSE subordinated debt — — 65,104 (4,896 ) Total $ 513,679 $ (2,891 ) $ 227,196 $ (8,076 ) As of December 31, 2015 Available-for-Sale Securities Unrealized loss position for Unrealized loss position for Fair Value Unrealized Fair Value Unrealized (in thousands) Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans $ — $ — $ 18,124 $ (1,576 ) Floating rate asset-backed securities 44,552 (464 ) 9,975 (312 ) Floating rate corporate debt securities 4,991 (9 ) — — Fixed rate corporate debt securities 9,994 (5 ) — — Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 794,959 (3,408 ) 100,192 (911 ) Floating rate GSE subordinated debt — — 66,249 (3,751 ) Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 944,842 (477 ) — — Total $ 1,799,338 $ (4,363 ) $ 194,540 $ (6,550 ) The unrealized losses presented above are principally due to a general widening of credit spreads from the dates of acquisition to June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, 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 June 30, 2016 , 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-." As of December 31, 2015 , 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 three that were rated " A- ." The unrealized losses were on 56 and 69 individual investment securities as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. As of June 30, 2016 , 17 of the securities in loss positions had been in loss positions for more than 12 months and had a total unrealized loss of $8.1 million . As of December 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 $6.6 million . Securities in unrealized loss positions for 12 months or longer have a fair value as of June 30, 2016 that is, on average, approximately 97 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 maturity or changes in credit spreads. 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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Farmer Mac did not own any held-to-maturity investment securities as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. As of June 30, 2016 , Farmer Mac owned trading investment securities with an amortized cost of $1.9 million , a fair value of $0.3 million , and a weighted average yield of 4.53 percent . As of December 31, 2015 , Farmer Mac owned trading investment securities with an amortized cost of $2.2 million , a fair value of $0.5 million , and a weighted average yield of 4.41 percent . The amortized cost, fair value, and weighted average yield of available-for-sale investment securities by remaining contractual maturity as of June 30, 2016 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 June 30, 2016 Available-for-Sale Securities Amortized Fair Value Weighted- (dollars in thousands) Due within one year $ 1,039,762 $ 1,040,780 0.57% Due after one year through five years 151,635 151,911 1.19% Due after five years through ten years 512,451 511,166 1.03% Due after ten years 759,832 756,822 1.10% Total $ 2,463,680 $ 2,460,679 0.89%

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securitie

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: Table 3.1 As of June 30, 2016 Unpaid Principal Balance Unamortized Premium/(Discount) Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Value (in thousands) Held-to-maturity: AgVantage $ 1,391,203 $ (2,479 ) $ 1,388,724 $ 15,468 $ (143 ) $ 1,404,049 Available-for-sale: AgVantage $ 4,715,099 $ — $ 4,715,099 $ 54,623 $ (72,138 ) $ 4,697,584 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 32,886 (301 ) 32,585 862 — 33,447 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 4,747,985 (301 ) 4,747,684 55,485 (72,138 ) 4,731,031 USDA Securities 1,873,805 1,867 1,875,672 92,104 (17 ) 1,967,759 Total available-for-sale $ 6,621,790 $ 1,566 $ 6,623,356 $ 147,589 $ (72,155 ) $ 6,698,790 Trading: USDA Securities $ 22,705 $ 1,533 $ 24,238 $ 601 $ (52 ) $ 24,787 As of December 31, 2015 Unpaid Principal Balance Unamortized Premium/(Discount) Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Value (in thousands) Held-to-maturity: AgVantage $ 1,274,431 $ (415 ) $ 1,274,016 $ 7,801 $ — $ 1,281,817 Available-for-sale: AgVantage $ 4,164,952 $ — $ 4,164,952 $ 26,831 $ (70,539 ) $ 4,121,244 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 31,554 (333 ) 31,221 140 — 31,361 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 4,196,506 (333 ) 4,196,173 26,971 (70,539 ) 4,152,605 USDA Securities 1,849,322 1,890 1,851,212 37,160 (28 ) 1,888,344 Total available-for-sale $ 6,045,828 $ 1,557 $ 6,047,385 $ 64,131 $ (70,567 ) $ 6,040,949 Trading: USDA Securities $ 27,129 $ 1,934 $ 29,063 $ 125 $ (213 ) $ 28,975 As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, 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 June 30, 2016 Held-to-Maturity and Available-for-Sale Securities Unrealized loss position for Unrealized loss position for Fair Value Unrealized Fair Value Unrealized (in thousands) Held-to-maturity: AgVantage $ 154,857 $ (143 ) $ — $ — Available-for-sale: AgVantage $ 398,252 $ (1,763 ) $ 1,891,826 $ (70,375 ) USDA Securities — — 103,665 (17 ) Total available-for-sale $ 398,252 $ (1,763 ) $ 1,995,491 $ (70,392 ) As of December 31, 2015 Available-for-Sale Securities Unrealized loss position for Unrealized loss position for Fair Value Unrealized Fair Value Unrealized (in thousands) Available-for-sale: AgVantage $ 1,193,866 $ (41,835 ) $ 1,104,981 $ (28,704 ) USDA Securities — — 103,010 (28 ) Total available-for-sale $ 1,193,866 $ (41,835 ) $ 1,207,991 $ (28,732 ) The unrealized losses presented above are principally due to higher interest rates from the date of acquisition to June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, 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 22 available-for-sale securities as of June 30, 2016 . There were two held-to-maturity AgVantage securities with an unrealized loss as of June 30, 2016 . The unrealized losses from AgVantage securities were on 22 available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2015. There were no unrealized losses from held-to-maturity securities as of December 31, 2015 . As of June 30, 2016 , 16 available-for-sale AgVantage securities had been in a loss position for more than 12 months with a total unrealized loss of $70.4 million . As of December 31, 2015 , 8 available-for-sale AgVantage securities had been in a loss position for more than 12 months with a total unrealized loss of $28.7 million . 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 June 30, 2016 or December 31, 2015. 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 and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , 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 June 30, 2016 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 June 30, 2016 Available-for-Sale Securities Amortized Fair Value Weighted- (dollars in thousands) Due within one year $ 367,261 $ 367,986 1.32 % Due after one year through five years 2,320,284 2,333,066 1.53 % Due after five years through ten years 1,448,102 1,486,022 2.20 % Due after ten years 2,487,709 2,511,716 2.60 % Total $ 6,623,356 $ 6,698,790 2.07 % As of June 30, 2016 Held-to-Maturity Securities Amortized Fair Value Weighted- (dollars in thousands) Due within one year $ 838,099 $ 838,742 2.19 % Due after one year through five years 513,538 525,345 2.78 % Due after five years through ten years 37,087 39,962 3.37 % Total $ 1,388,724 $ 1,404,049 2.45 % As of June 30, 2016 , Farmer Mac owned trading USDA Securities with an amortized cost of $24.2 million , a fair value of $24.8 million , and a weighted average yield of 5.49 percent . As of December 31, 2015 , Farmer Mac owned trading USDA Securities with an amortized cost of $29.1 million , a fair value of $29.0 million , and a weighted average yield of 5.53 percent .

Financial Derivatives

Financial Derivatives	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
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, primarily classified as available-for-sale, to protect against fair value changes in the assets related to a benchmark interest rate (i.e., LIBOR). Other financial derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges to mitigate the volatility of future interest rate payments on floating rate debt. All financial derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value as a freestanding asset or liability. Changes in the fair values of financial derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges are reported in " (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities " in the consolidated statements of operations . For financial derivatives designated in fair value hedging relationships, changes in the fair values of the hedged items, which are primarily fixed rate AgVantage securities, related to the risk being hedged are also reported in " (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities " in the consolidated statements of operations . Interest accruals on derivatives designated in fair value hedging relationships are recorded in " Net interest income " in the consolidated statements of operations. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , the amount of interest expense recognized on those derivatives was $4.1 million and $8.9 million , respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , the amount of interest expense recognized on those derivatives was $5.6 million and $11.1 million , respectively. For financial derivatives designated in cash flow hedging relationships, the effective portion of the derivative gain/loss is recorded in other comprehensive income and any ineffective portion is recognized immediately in" (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities " in the consolidated statements of operations . Because the hedging instrument is an interest rate swap and the hedged forecasted transactions are future interest payments on variable-rate debt, amounts recorded in other comprehensive income are reclassified to " Total interest expense " in conjunction with the recognition of interest expense on the debt. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , $0.5 million and $1.0 million , respectively, was reclassified out of other comprehensive income into interest expense. For for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , $0.2 million and $0.4 million , respectively, was reclassified out of other comprehensive income into interest expense. As of June 30, 2016 , Farmer Mac expects to reclassify $2.1 million pretax, or $1.3 million after-tax, from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, to earnings over the next twelve months. This amount could differ from amounts actually recognized due to changes in interest rates, hedge de-designations, and the addition of other hedges subsequent to June 30, 2016 . During the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , there were no gains or losses from interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings because it became probable the original forecasted transaction would not occur. 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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and the effects of financial derivatives on the consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 4.1 As of June 30, 2016 Fair Value Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Notional Amount Asset (Liability) (dollars in thousands) Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable $ 1,391,816 $ 6 $ (67,960 ) 1.83% 0.64% 5.24 Receive fixed non-callable 30,000 862 — 0.78% 1.75% 3.96 Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable 157,000 — (9,360 ) 2.26% 0.86% 7.21 No hedge designation: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable 442,611 — (61,957 ) 4.08% 0.64% 6.31 Receive fixed non-callable 6,035,677 7,367 (1,007 ) 0.51% 0.60% 0.53 Receive fixed callable 30,000 — (17 ) 0.57% 0.58% 0.83 Basis swaps 400,000 7 (219 ) 0.61% 0.58% 0.95 Agency forwards 17,586 — (94 ) 101.03 Treasury futures 28,100 — (309 ) 131.89 Credit valuation adjustment — 165 Total financial derivatives $ 8,532,790 $ 8,242 $ (140,758 ) Collateral pledged — 95,144 Net amount $ 8,242 $ (45,614 ) As of December 31, 2015 Fair Value Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Notional Amount Asset (Liability) (dollars in thousands) Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable $ 1,276,285 $ 949 $ (26,703 ) 2.35% 0.37% 4.16 Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable 119,000 8 (1,381 ) 2.25% 0.64% 7.03 No hedge designation: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable 454,041 229 (44,528 ) 3.73% 0.33% 6.02 Receive fixed non-callable 5,590,638 2,384 (4,205 ) 0.31% 0.47% 0.57 Receive fixed callable 230,000 — (421 ) 0.41% 0.91% 2.26 Basis swaps 725,000 232 (131 ) 0.22% 0.38% 2.33 Treasury futures 35,000 19 — 125.96 Credit valuation adjustment (5 ) 170 Total financial derivatives $ 8,429,964 $ 3,816 $ (77,199 ) Collateral pledged — 37,986 Net amount $ 3,816 $ (39,213 ) Table 4.2 (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities For the Three Months Ended For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 (in thousands) Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps (1) $ (14,440 ) $ 14,075 $ (41,339 ) $ 8,316 Hedged items 16,541 (11,354 ) 46,329 (2,478 ) Gains on fair value hedges 2,101 2,721 4,990 5,838 Cash flow hedges: Loss recognized (ineffective portion) (105 ) (150 ) (254 ) (366 ) Losses on cash flow hedges (105 ) (150 ) (254 ) (366 ) No hedge designation: Interest rate swaps (6,345 ) 11,948 (14,487 ) 6,207 Agency forwards 10 (356 ) (868 ) (1,142 ) Treasury futures (357 ) 226 (859 ) (30 ) (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives not designated in hedging relationships (6,692 ) 11,818 (16,214 ) 5,035 (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities $ (4,696 ) $ 14,389 $ (11,478 ) $ 10,507 (1) Included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness as of June 30, 2016 , but excluded from the amounts in the table, were losses of $1.8 million and $3.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , 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 and six months ended June 30, 2016 were gains of $0.3 million and $1.7 million , respectively. The comparable amounts as of June 30, 2015 were losses of $ 2.9 million and $5.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , attributable to the fair value of the swaps at the inception of the hedging relationship and, accordingly, losses of $ 0.2 million and gains of $0.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , attributable to hedge ineffectiveness. As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, Farmer Mac's credit exposure to interest rate swap counterparties, excluding netting arrangements and any adjustment for nonperformance risk, but including accrued interest, was $15.6 million and $6.4 million , respectively; however, including netting arrangements and accrued interest, Farmer Mac's credit exposure was zero and $47,000 as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. As of June 30, 2016 , Farmer Mac held no cash as collateral for its derivatives in net asset positions and had no uncollateralized net asset positions. As of December 31, 2015, Farmer Mac held no cash collateral for its derivatives in net asset positions, resulting in uncollateralized net asset positions of $47,000 . As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, 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 $152.3 million and $90.1 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 $135.1 million and $83.2 million as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Farmer Mac posted cash of $95.1 million and no investment securities as of June 30, 2016 and posted cash of $38.0 million and no investment securities as of December 31, 2015. 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. Any 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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements or post additional collateral of $40.0 million and $45.2 million , respectively. As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, 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. For certain derivatives, Farmer Mac clears interest rate swaps through a clearinghouse. Farmer Mac posts initial and variation margin to the clearinghouses through which centrally-cleared derivatives and futures contracts are traded. These collateral postings expose Farmer Mac to institutional credit risk in the event that either the clearinghouse or the futures commission merchant that Farmer Mac uses to post collateral to the clearinghouse fails to meet its obligations. Conversely, the use of centrally-cleared derivatives mitigates Farmer Mac's credit risk to individual counterparties because clearinghouses assume the credit risk among counterparties in centrally-cleared derivatives transactions. Of Farmer Mac's $8.5 billion notional amount of interest rate swaps outstanding as of June 30, 2016 , $7.5 billion were cleared through swap clearinghouses. Of Farmer Mac's $8.4 billion notional amount of interest rate swaps outstanding as of December 31, 2015, $6.2 billion were cleared through swap clearinghouses.

Loans and Allowance for Losses

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , Farmer Mac had no loans held for sale. The following table displays the composition of the loan balances as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Table 5.1 As of June 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Unsecuritized In Consolidated Trusts Total Unsecuritized In Consolidated Trusts Total (in thousands) Farm & Ranch $ 2,265,932 $ 922,666 $ 3,188,598 $ 2,249,864 $ 708,111 $ 2,957,975 Rural Utilities 1,001,769 — 1,001,769 1,008,126 — 1,008,126 Total unpaid principal balance (1) 3,267,701 922,666 4,190,367 3,257,990 708,111 3,966,101 Unamortized premiums, discounts and other cost basis adjustments 9,821 — 9,821 423 — 423 Total loans 3,277,522 922,666 4,200,188 3,258,413 708,111 3,966,524 Allowance for loan losses (4,038 ) (855 ) (4,893 ) (3,736 ) (744 ) (4,480 ) Total loans, net of allowance $ 3,273,484 $ 921,811 $ 4,195,295 $ 3,254,677 $ 707,367 $ 3,962,044 (1) Unpaid principal balance is the basis of presentation in disclosures of outstanding balances for Farmer Mac's lines of business. Allowance for Losses Farmer Mac maintains an allowance for losses presented in two components on its consolidated balance sheets: (1) an allowance for loan losses to account for estimated probable losses on loans held, and (2) a reserve for losses to account for estimated probable losses on loans underlying LTSPCs and off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities. As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , Farmer Mac's total allowances for losses were $7.1 million and $6.6 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 total allowance for losses for the three and six months months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015: Table 5.2 As of June 30, 2016 As of June 30, 2015 Allowance Reserve Total Allowance Reserve Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 4,529 $ 2,097 $ 6,626 $ 5,940 $ 3,491 $ 9,431 Provision for losses 364 94 458 110 1,146 1,256 Charge-offs — — — (111 ) — (111 ) Ending Balance $ 4,893 $ 2,191 $ 7,084 $ 5,939 $ 4,637 $ 10,576 For the Six Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 4,480 $ 2,083 $ 6,563 $ 5,864 $ 4,263 $ 10,127 Provision for losses 413 108 521 186 374 560 Charge-offs — — — (111 ) — (111 ) Ending Balance $ 4,893 $ 2,191 $ 7,084 $ 5,939 $ 4,637 $ 10,576 During second quarter 2016 , Farmer Mac recorded provisions to its allowance for loan losses of $0.4 million and provisions to its reserve for losses of $0.1 million . The provisions to the allowance for loan losses recorded during second quarter 2016 were attributable to the establishment of a specific reserve for a long-standing impaired permanent planting loan due to collateral shortfalls relative to the unpaid principal balance and an increase in the specific allowance for on-balance sheet impaired loans resulting from a modest increase in the outstanding balance of such loans. The provisions to the reserve for losses recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2016 were attributable to an increase in the general allowance due to downgrades in risk rating on certain unimpaired crop loans and permanent planting loans underlying LTSPCs. The provisions were partially offset by a decrease in the general allowance of Agricultural Storage and Processing loans and Agricultural Storage and Processing loans underlying LTSPCs due to paydowns of these loans. Farmer Mac recorded no charge-offs to its allowance for loan losses during second quarter 2016. During second quarter 2015, Farmer Mac recorded provisions to its allowance for loan losses of $0.1 million and provisions to its reserve for losses of $1.1 million , primarily related to a specific allowance for two Agricultural Storage and Processing loans underlying an LTSPC that financed one canola facility. The establishment of a specific allowance for these loans was due to a downgrade in risk rating resulting from collateral shortfalls relative to the unpaid principal balance for such loans. Farmer Mac recorded $0.1 million of charge-offs to its allowance for loan losses during second quarter 2015. The following tables present the changes in the total allowance for losses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 by commodity type: Table 5.3 June 30, 2016 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 2,892 $ 937 $ 1,763 $ 444 $ 587 $ 3 $ 6,626 Provision for/(release of) losses 219 207 143 3 (114 ) — 458 Ending Balance $ 3,111 $ 1,144 $ 1,906 $ 447 $ 473 $ 3 $ 7,084 For the Six Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 2,791 $ 931 $ 1,781 $ 408 $ 649 $ 3 $ 6,563 Provision for/(release of) losses 320 213 125 39 (176 ) — 521 Ending Balance $ 3,111 $ 1,144 $ 1,906 $ 447 $ 473 $ 3 $ 7,084 June 30, 2015 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 2,640 $ 2,284 $ 1,343 $ 459 $ 2,698 $ 7 $ 9,431 Provision for/(release of) losses 13 (63 ) 417 85 804 — 1,256 Charge-offs — — — (111 ) — — (111 ) Ending Balance $ 2,653 $ 2,221 $ 1,760 $ 433 $ 3,502 $ 7 $ 10,576 For the Six Months Ended Beginning Balance $ 2,519 $ 2,159 $ 1,423 $ 467 $ 3,552 $ 7 $ 10,127 Provision for/(release of) losses 134 62 337 77 (50 ) — 560 Charge-offs — — — (111 ) — — (111 ) Ending Balance $ 2,653 $ 2,221 $ 1,760 $ 433 $ 3,502 $ 7 $ 10,576 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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Table 5.4 As of June 30, 2016 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Ending Balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 2,016,360 $ 474,431 $ 485,740 $ 138,786 $ 11,843 $ 3,155 $ 3,130,315 Off-balance sheet 1,275,541 458,343 727,971 117,304 41,960 4,964 2,626,083 Total $ 3,291,901 $ 932,774 $ 1,213,711 $ 256,090 $ 53,803 $ 8,119 $ 5,756,398 Individually evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 22,481 $ 22,001 $ 6,301 $ 7,500 $ — $ — $ 58,283 Off-balance sheet 6,227 3,123 5,584 918 — — 15,852 Total $ 28,708 $ 25,124 $ 11,885 $ 8,418 $ — $ — $ 74,135 Total Farm & Ranch loans: On-balance sheet $ 2,038,841 $ 496,432 $ 492,041 $ 146,286 $ 11,843 $ 3,155 $ 3,188,598 Off-balance sheet 1,281,768 461,466 733,555 118,222 41,960 4,964 2,641,935 Total $ 3,320,609 $ 957,898 $ 1,225,596 $ 264,508 $ 53,803 $ 8,119 $ 5,830,533 Allowance for Losses: Collectively evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 1,957 $ 380 $ 714 $ 164 $ 59 $ — $ 3,274 Off-balance sheet 433 260 298 57 414 3 1,465 Total $ 2,390 $ 640 $ 1,012 $ 221 $ 473 $ 3 $ 4,739 Individually evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 511 $ 476 $ 434 $ 198 $ — $ — $ 1,619 Off-balance sheet 210 28 460 28 — — 726 Total $ 721 $ 504 $ 894 $ 226 $ — $ — $ 2,345 Total Farm & Ranch loans: On-balance sheet $ 2,468 $ 856 $ 1,148 $ 362 $ 59 $ — $ 4,893 Off-balance sheet 643 288 758 85 414 3 2,191 Total $ 3,111 $ 1,144 $ 1,906 $ 447 $ 473 $ 3 $ 7,084 As of December 31, 2015 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Ending Balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 1,911,039 $ 433,654 $ 444,320 $ 92,712 $ 15,944 $ 3,199 $ 2,900,868 Off-balance sheet 1,313,872 483,473 777,663 110,378 56,208 7,142 2,748,736 Total $ 3,224,911 $ 917,127 $ 1,221,983 $ 203,090 $ 72,152 $ 10,341 $ 5,649,604 Individually evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 12,803 $ 21,247 $ 5,958 $ 7,261 $ 9,838 $ — $ 57,107 Off-balance sheet 5,937 3,037 8,840 774 — — 18,588 Total $ 18,740 $ 24,284 $ 14,798 $ 8,035 $ 9,838 $ — $ 75,695 Total Farm & Ranch loans: On-balance sheet $ 1,923,842 $ 454,901 $ 450,278 $ 99,973 $ 25,782 $ 3,199 $ 2,957,975 Off-balance sheet 1,319,809 486,510 786,503 111,152 56,208 7,142 2,767,324 Total $ 3,243,651 $ 941,411 $ 1,236,781 $ 211,125 $ 81,990 $ 10,341 $ 5,725,299 Allowance for Losses: Collectively evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 1,968 $ 434 $ 702 $ 116 $ 167 $ — $ 3,387 Off-balance sheet 347 137 292 65 482 3 1,326 Total $ 2,315 $ 571 $ 994 $ 181 $ 649 $ 3 $ 4,713 Individually evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 290 $ 218 $ 384 $ 201 $ — $ — $ 1,093 Off-balance sheet 186 142 403 26 — — 757 Total $ 476 $ 360 $ 787 $ 227 $ — $ — $ 1,850 Total Farm & Ranch loans: On-balance sheet $ 2,258 $ 652 $ 1,086 $ 317 $ 167 $ — $ 4,480 Off-balance sheet 533 279 695 91 482 3 2,083 Total $ 2,791 $ 931 $ 1,781 $ 408 $ 649 $ 3 $ 6,563 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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Table 5.5 As of June 30, 2016 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Impaired Loans: With no specific allowance: Recorded investment $ 2,101 $ 13,840 $ 1,832 $ 1,671 $ — $ — $ 19,444 Unpaid principal balance 2,027 13,804 1,832 1,665 — — 19,328 With a specific allowance: Recorded investment (1) 27,126 11,409 9,992 6,776 — — 55,303 Unpaid principal balance 26,681 11,320 10,053 6,753 — — 54,807 Associated allowance 721 504 894 226 — — 2,345 Total: Recorded investment 29,227 25,249 11,824 8,447 — — 74,747 Unpaid principal balance 28,708 25,124 11,885 8,418 — — 74,135 Associated allowance 721 504 894 226 — — 2,345 Recorded investment of loans on nonaccrual status (2) $ 8,629 $ 14,903 $ 3,329 $ 5,691 $ — $ — $ 32,552 (1) Impairment analysis was performed in the aggregate in consideration of similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics on $52.1 million ( 70 percent ) of impaired loans as of June 30, 2016 , which resulted in a specific reserve of $1.3 million . (2) Includes $17.4 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, 2015 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Impaired Loans: With no specific allowance: Recorded investment $ 3,772 $ 12,340 $ 5,644 $ 1,851 $ — $ — $ 23,607 Unpaid principal balance 3,720 12,346 5,645 1,851 — — 23,562 With a specific allowance: Recorded investment (1) 15,103 11,939 9,050 6,185 9,838 — 52,115 Unpaid principal balance 15,020 11,938 9,153 6,184 9,838 — 52,133 Associated allowance 476 360 787 227 — — 1,850 Total: Recorded investment 18,875 24,279 14,694 8,036 9,838 — 75,722 Unpaid principal balance 18,740 24,284 14,798 8,035 9,838 — 75,695 Associated allowance 476 360 787 227 — — 1,850 Recorded investment of loans on nonaccrual status (2) $ 5,105 $ 16,546 $ 4,313 $ 5,870 $ 9,838 $ — $ 41,672 (1) Impairment analysis was performed in the aggregate in consideration of similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics on $46.4 million ( 61 percent ) of impaired loans as of December 31, 2015 , which resulted in a specific reserve of $1.0 million . (2) Includes $14.7 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 and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 5.6 June 30, 2016 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Average recorded investment in impaired loans $ 28,732 $ 24,133 $ 14,883 $ 8,772 $ — $ — $ 76,520 Income recognized on impaired loans 60 509 133 105 — — 807 For the Six Months Ended: Average recorded investment in impaired loans $ 26,121 $ 29,673 $ 13,906 $ 9,111 $ 7,368 $ — $ 86,179 Income recognized on impaired loans 62 553 148 177 — — 940 June 30, 2015 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Average recorded investment in impaired loans $ 24,392 $ 42,347 $ 14,247 $ 10,924 $ 6,750 $ — $ 98,660 Income recognized on impaired loans 58 142 49 92 — — 341 For the Six Months Ended: Average recorded investment in impaired loans $ 21,471 $ 41,407 $ 14,683 $ 11,733 $ 4,500 $ — $ 93,794 Income recognized on impaired loans 340 225 197 150 — — 912 For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , there were no troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs"). For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , the recorded investment of loans determined to be TDRs was $1.1 million both before and after restructuring. As of June 30, 2016 and 2015, 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 and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015. 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 the three months ended June 30, 2016 , Farmer Mac purchased no defaulted loans. During the six months ended June 30, 2016 , Farmer Mac purchased five defaulted loans having an unpaid principal balance of $1.4 million from pools underlying Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities. During the three months ended June 30, 2015 , Farmer Mac purchased one defaulted loan having an unpaid principal balance of $1.3 million from a pool underlying a Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Security. During the six months ended June 30, 2015 , Farmer Mac purchased two defaulted loans having an unpaid principal balance of $2.0 million from pools underlying Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities. The following tables present information related to Farmer Mac's acquisition of defaulted loans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 and the outstanding balances and carrying amounts of all such loans as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: Table 5.7 For the Three Months Ended For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 (in thousands) Unpaid principal balance at acquisition date: Loans underlying LTSPCs $ — $ — $ 1,267 $ — Loans underlying off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities — 1,324 148 1,981 Total unpaid principal balance at acquisition date — 1,324 1,415 1,981 Contractually required payments receivable — — 1,435 — Impairment recognized subsequent to acquisition 208 57 208 109 Recovery/release of allowance for defaulted loans 6 — 10 121 As of June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Outstanding balance $ 16,734 $ 36,195 Carrying amount 14,875 34,015 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 June 30, 2016 , 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 Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 (in thousands) On-balance sheet assets: Farm & Ranch: Loans $ 15,180 $ 26,935 $ 39 $ 112 Total on-balance sheet $ 15,180 $ 26,935 $ 39 $ 112 Off-balance sheet assets: Farm & Ranch: LTSPCs $ 6,913 $ 5,201 $ — $ — Total off-balance sheet $ 6,913 $ 5,201 $ — $ — Total $ 22,093 $ 32,136 $ 39 $ 112 (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 $15.2 million of on-balance sheet loans reported as 90 -day delinquencies as of June 30, 2016 , $0.3 million were loans subject to "removal-of-account" provisions. Of the $26.9 million of on-balance sheet loans reported as 90 -day delinquencies as of December 31, 2015 , none 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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Table 5.9 As of June 30, 2016 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Credit risk profile by internally assigned grade (1) On-balance sheet: Acceptable $ 1,982,541 $ 473,353 $ 453,701 $ 136,174 $ 11,843 $ 3,155 $ 3,060,767 Special mention (2) 33,819 1,078 32,039 2,612 — — 69,548 Substandard (3) 22,481 22,001 6,301 7,500 — — 58,283 Total on-balance sheet $ 2,038,841 $ 496,432 $ 492,041 $ 146,286 $ 11,843 $ 3,155 $ 3,188,598 Off-Balance Sheet: Acceptable $ 1,203,888 $ 422,893 $ 686,744 $ 110,477 $ 39,837 $ 4,324 $ 2,468,163 Special mention (2) 54,224 20,489 29,565 2,786 2,123 544 109,731 Substandard (3) 23,656 18,084 17,246 4,959 — 96 64,041 Total off-balance sheet $ 1,281,768 $ 461,466 $ 733,555 $ 118,222 $ 41,960 $ 4,964 $ 2,641,935 Total Ending Balance: Acceptable $ 3,186,429 $ 896,246 $ 1,140,445 $ 246,651 $ 51,680 $ 7,479 $ 5,528,930 Special mention (2) 88,043 21,567 61,604 5,398 2,123 544 179,279 Substandard (3) 46,137 40,085 23,547 12,459 — 96 122,324 Total $ 3,320,609 $ 957,898 $ 1,225,596 $ 264,508 $ 53,803 $ 8,119 $ 5,830,533 Commodity analysis of past due loans (1) On-balance sheet $ 5,773 $ 6,663 $ 639 $ 2,105 $ — $ — $ 15,180 Off-balance sheet 6,121 15 298 479 — — 6,913 90 days or more past due $ 11,894 $ 6,678 $ 937 $ 2,584 $ — $ — $ 22,093 (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, 2015 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Credit risk profile by internally assigned grade (1) On-balance sheet: Acceptable $ 1,888,762 $ 431,038 $ 409,003 $ 89,541 $ 15,944 $ 3,199 $ 2,837,487 Special mention (2) 22,255 2,616 35,317 2,918 — — 63,106 Substandard (3) 12,825 21,247 5,958 7,514 9,838 — 57,382 Total on-balance sheet $ 1,923,842 $ 454,901 $ 450,278 $ 99,973 $ 25,782 $ 3,199 $ 2,957,975 Off-Balance Sheet Acceptable $ 1,279,454 $ 473,335 $ 753,472 $ 102,990 $ 56,208 $ 6,517 $ 2,671,976 Special mention (2) 24,422 7,226 13,121 2,938 — 523 48,230 Substandard (3) 15,933 5,949 19,910 5,224 — 102 47,118 Total off-balance sheet $ 1,319,809 $ 486,510 $ 786,503 $ 111,152 $ 56,208 $ 7,142 $ 2,767,324 Total Ending Balance: Acceptable $ 3,168,216 $ 904,373 $ 1,162,475 $ 192,531 $ 72,152 $ 9,716 $ 5,509,463 Special mention (2) 46,677 9,842 48,438 5,856 — 523 111,336 Substandard (3) 28,758 27,196 25,868 12,738 9,838 102 104,500 Total $ 3,243,651 $ 941,411 $ 1,236,781 $ 211,125 $ 81,990 $ 10,341 $ 5,725,299 Commodity analysis of past due loans (1) On-balance sheet $ 4,656 $ 7,405 $ 2,517 $ 2,519 $ 9,838 $ — $ 26,935 Off-balance sheet 511 — 4,542 148 — — 5,201 90 days or more past due $ 5,167 $ 7,405 $ 7,059 $ 2,667 $ 9,838 $ — $ 32,136 (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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Table 5.10 As of June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in thousands) By commodity/collateral type: Crops $ 3,320,609 $ 3,243,651 Permanent plantings 957,898 941,411 Livestock 1,225,596 1,236,781 Part-time farm 264,508 211,125 Ag. Storage and Processing 53,803 81,990 Other 8,119 10,341 Total $ 5,830,533 $ 5,725,299 By geographic region (1) : Northwest $ 613,508 $ 582,127 Southwest 1,722,509 1,726,927 Mid-North 2,045,422 2,009,654 Mid-South 794,257 769,831 Northeast 225,405 215,883 Southeast 429,432 420,877 Total $ 5,830,533 $ 5,725,299 By original loan-to-value ratio: 0.00% to 40.00% $ 1,632,950 $ 1,594,818 40.01% to 50.00% 1,339,807 1,279,321 50.01% to 60.00% 1,603,174 1,593,025 60.01% to 70.00% 1,086,716 1,107,710 70.01% to 80.00% 150,822 126,860 80.01% to 90.00% 17,064 23,565 Total $ 5,830,533 $ 5,725,299 (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.

Off-Balance Sheet Guarantees an

Off-Balance Sheet Guarantees and Long Term Standby Purchase Commitments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
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 the Farm & Ranch, USDA Guarantees, or Rural Utilities lines of business, and (2) LTSPCs, which are available through the Farm & Ranch or 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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , 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 June 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Farm & Ranch: Guaranteed Securities $ 466,479 $ 514,051 USDA Guarantees: Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 30,962 10,272 Institutional Credit: AgVantage Securities 984,871 984,871 Revolving floating rate AgVantage facility (1) 300,000 300,000 Total off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities $ 1,782,312 $ 1,809,194 (1) Relates to a revolving floating rate AgVantage facility subject to specified contractual terms. Farmer Mac receives a fixed fee based on the full dollar amount of the facility. 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 Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 (in thousands) Proceeds from new securitizations $ 278,443 $ 112,440 Guarantee fees received 1,823 2,082 Purchases of assets from the trusts (1,267 ) (1,981 ) 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 $7.0 million as of June 30, 2016 and $8.3 million as of December 31, 2015 . As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the weighted-average remaining maturity of all loans underlying off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, excluding AgVantage securities, was 11.0 years and 11.3 years , respectively. As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the weighted-average remaining maturity of the off-balance sheet AgVantage securities was 1.2 years and 1.7 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 $3.1 billion as of June 30, 2016 and $2.8 billion as of December 31, 2015 . As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the weighted-average remaining maturity of all loans underlying LTSPCs was 15.2 years and 14.6 years , respectively. For those LTSPCs issued or modified on or after January 1, 2003, Farmer Mac has recorded a liability for its obligation to stand ready under the commitment in the guarantee and commitment obligation on the consolidated balance sheets. This liability approximated $31.1 million as of June 30, 2016 and $30.3 million as of December 31, 2015 .

Equity

Equity	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
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 recognized an expense of $8.1 million in deferred issuance costs upon the retirement of the Farmer Mac II LLC Preferred Stock. Common Stock On September 8, 2015, Farmer Mac's board of directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing Farmer Mac to repurchase up to $25 million of its outstanding Class C non-voting common stock through September 8, 2017. As of June 30, 2016 , Farmer Mac had repurchased approximately 668,000 shares of Class C non-voting common stock at a cost of approximately $19.6 million pursuant to the share repurchase program. 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) 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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the minimum capital requirement was greater than the risk-based capital requirement. Farmer Mac's ability to declare and pay dividends could be restricted if it fails to comply with applicable capital requirements. As of June 30, 2016 , Farmer Mac's minimum capital requirement was $497.1 million and its core capital level was $572.6 million , which was $75.5 million above the minimum capital requirement as of that date. As of December 31, 2015, Farmer Mac's minimum capital requirement was $462.1 million and its core capital level was $564.5 million , which was $102.4 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 Tier 1-eligible dividends and any discretionary bonus payments in the event that this capital falls below specified thresholds.

Fair Value Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosure	FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES As of June 30, 2016 , Farmer Mac's assets and liabilities recorded at fair value included financial instruments valued at $6.7 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 40 percent of total assets and 72 percent of financial instruments measured at fair value as of June 30, 2016 . As of December 31, 2015 , Farmer Mac's assets and liabilities recorded at fair value included financial instruments valued at $6.1 billion whose fair values were estimated by management in the absence of readily determinable fair values. These financial instruments measured as level 3 represented 39 percent of total assets and 69 percent of financial instruments measured at fair value as of December 31, 2015 . 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 six months of 2016 and 2015. The following tables present information about Farmer Mac's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , 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 June 30, 2016 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 $ — $ — $ 17,730 $ 17,730 Floating rate asset-backed securities — 59,999 — 59,999 Floating rate corporate debt securities — 10,002 — 10,002 Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities — 1,264,317 — 1,264,317 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities — 7,765 — 7,765 Floating rate GSE subordinated debt — 65,104 — 65,104 Fixed rate senior agency debt — 174,998 — 174,998 Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 860,764 — — 860,764 Total available-for-sale 860,764 1,582,185 17,730 2,460,679 Trading: Floating rate asset-backed securities — — 281 281 Total trading — — 281 281 Total Investment Securities 860,764 1,582,185 18,011 2,460,960 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage — — 4,697,584 4,697,584 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities — — 33,447 33,447 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities — — 4,731,031 4,731,031 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale — — 1,967,759 1,967,759 Trading — — 24,787 24,787 Total USDA Securities — — 1,992,546 1,992,546 Financial derivatives — 8,242 — 8,242 Total Assets at fair value $ 860,764 $ 1,590,427 $ 6,741,588 $ 9,192,779 Liabilities: Financial derivatives $ 309 $ 140,449 $ — $ 140,758 Total Liabilities at fair value $ 309 $ 140,449 $ — $ 140,758 Nonrecurring: Assets: Loans held for investment $ — $ — $ 2,227 $ 2,227 REO — — 630 630 Total Nonrecurring Assets at fair value $ — $ — $ 2,857 $ 2,857 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value as of December 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 $ — $ — $ 44,924 $ 44,924 Floating rate asset-backed securities — 73,729 — 73,729 Floating rate corporate debt securities — 9,991 — 9,991 Fixed rate corporate debt — 9,994 — 9,994 Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities — 1,355,459 — 1,355,459 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities — 7,904 — 7,904 Floating rate GSE subordinated debt — 66,249 — 66,249 Fixed rate senior agency debt — 213,987 — 213,987 Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 992,788 — — 992,788 Total available-for-sale 992,788 1,737,313 44,924 2,775,025 Trading: Floating rate asset-backed securities — — 491 491 Total trading — — 491 491 Total Investment Securities 992,788 1,737,313 45,415 2,775,516 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage — — 4,121,244 4,121,244 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities — — 31,361 31,361 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities — — 4,152,605 4,152,605 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale — — 1,888,344 1,888,344 Trading — — 28,975 28,975 Total USDA Guaranteed Securities — — 1,917,319 1,917,319 Financial derivatives 19 3,797 — 3,816 Total Assets at fair value $ 992,807 $ 1,741,110 $ 6,115,339 $ 8,849,256 Liabilities: Financial derivatives $ — $ 77,199 $ — $ 77,199 Total Liabilities at fair value $ — $ 77,199 $ — $ 77,199 Nonrecurring: Assets: Loans held for investment $ — $ — $ 11,443 $ 11,443 REO $ — $ — $ 388 $ 388 Total Nonrecurring Assets at fair value $ — $ — $ 11,831 $ 11,831 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 and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015. Table 8.2 Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 Beginning Purchases Sales Settlements Realized and Unrealized Ending (in thousands) Recurring: Assets: Investment Securities: Available-for-sale: Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans $ 17,730 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 17,730 Total available-for-sale 17,730 — — — — — 17,730 Trading: Floating rate asset-backed securities (1) 383 — — (120 ) 18 — 281 Total trading 383 — — (120 ) 18 — 281 Total Investment Securities 18,113 — — (120 ) 18 — 18,011 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 4,534,810 163,845 — (16,699 ) 13,137 2,491 4,697,584 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 30,694 4,100 — (2,238 ) — 891 33,447 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 4,565,504 167,945 — (18,937 ) 13,137 3,382 4,731,031 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale 1,908,014 129,645 (19,014 ) (97,303 ) — 46,417 1,967,759 Trading (2) 26,869 — — (2,459 ) 377 — 24,787 Total USDA Securities 1,934,883 129,645 (19,014 ) (99,762 ) 377 46,417 1,992,546 Total Assets at fair value $ 6,518,500 $ 297,590 $ (19,014 ) $ (118,819 ) $ 13,532 $ 49,799 $ 6,741,588 (1) Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of June 30, 2016 and are recorded in " Gains on trading securities ." (2) Includes unrealized gains of $0.3 million attributable to assets still held as of June 30, 2016 that are recorded in " Gains on trading securities ." Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Beginning Purchases Sales Settlements Realized and Unrealized Ending (in thousands) Recurring: Assets: Investment Securities: Available-for-sale: Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans $ 40,379 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ (197 ) $ 40,182 Total available-for-sale 40,379 — — — — (197 ) 40,182 Trading: Floating rate asset-backed securities (1) 638 — — (190 ) 158 — 606 Total trading 638 — — (190 ) 158 — 606 Total Investment Securities 41,017 — — (190 ) 158 (197 ) 40,788 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 3,818,704 249,260 — (9,245 ) (11,354 ) (31,165 ) 4,016,200 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 23,505 12,512 — (1,766 ) — 757 35,008 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 3,842,209 261,772 — (11,011 ) (11,354 ) (30,408 ) 4,051,208 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale 1,794,844 111,421 — (69,192 ) — (11,667 ) 1,825,406 Trading (2) 37,593 — — (3,834 ) 11 — 33,770 Total USDA Securities 1,832,437 111,421 — (73,026 ) 11 (11,667 ) 1,859,176 Total Assets at fair value $ 5,715,663 $ 373,193 $ — $ (84,227 ) $ (11,185 ) $ (42,272 ) $ 5,951,172 (1) Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of June 30, 2015 and are recorded in " Gains on trading securities ." (2) Includes unrealized gains of $0.1 million attributable to assets still held as of June 30, 2015 that are recorded in " Gains on trading securities ." Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 Beginning Purchases Sales Settlements Realized and Unrealized Ending (in thousands) Recurring: Assets: Investment Securities: Available-for-sale: Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans $ 44,924 $ — $ (26,806 ) $ — $ 6 $ (394 ) $ 17,730 Total available-for-sale 44,924 — (26,806 ) — 6 (394 ) 17,730 Trading: Floating rate asset-backed securities (1) 491 — — (326 ) 116 — 281 Total trading 491 — — (326 ) 116 — 281 Total Investment Securities 45,415 — (26,806 ) (326 ) 122 (394 ) 18,011 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 4,121,244 1,079,376 — (529,229 ) 37,435 (11,242 ) 4,697,584 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 31,361 4,100 — (2,736 ) 722 33,447 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 4,152,605 1,083,476 — (531,965 ) 37,435 (10,520 ) 4,731,031 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale 1,888,344 228,613 (22,662 ) (181,490 ) — 54,954 1,967,759 Trading (2) 28,975 — — (4,824 ) 636 — 24,787 Total USDA Securities 1,917,319 228,613 (22,662 ) (186,314 ) 636 54,954 1,992,546 Total Assets at fair value $ 6,115,339 $ 1,312,089 $ (49,468 ) $ (718,605 ) $ 38,193 $ 44,040 $ 6,741,588 (1) Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of June 30, 2016 and are recorded in " Gains on trading securities ." (2) Includes unrealized gains of $ 0.6 million attributable to assets still held as of June 30, 2016 that are recorded in " Gains on trading securities ." Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Beginning Purchases Sales Settlements Realized and Unrealized Ending (in thousands) Recurring: Assets: Investment Securities: Available-for-sale: Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans $ 40,576 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ (394 ) $ 40,182 Total available-for-sale 40,576 — — — — (394 ) 40,182 Trading: Floating rate asset-backed securities (1) 689 — — (437 ) 354 — 606 Total trading 689 — — (437 ) 354 — 606 Total Investment Securities 41,265 — — (437 ) 354 (394 ) 40,788 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 3,631,662 464,175 — (66,997 ) (2,478 ) (10,162 ) 4,016,200 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 27,619 12,512 — (6,418 ) — 1,295 35,008 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 3,659,281 476,687 — (73,415 ) (2,478 ) (8,867 ) 4,051,208 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale 1,731,222 200,607 — (133,383 ) — 26,960 1,825,406 Trading (2) 40,310 — — (6,717 ) 177 — 33,770 Total USDA Securities 1,771,532 200,607 — (140,100 ) 177 26,960 1,859,176 Total Assets at fair value $ 5,472,078 $ 677,294 $ — $ (213,952 ) $ (1,947 ) $ 17,699 $ 5,951,172 (1) Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of June 30, 2015 and are recorded in " Gains on trading securities ." (2) Includes unrealized gains of $ 0.2 million attributable to assets still held as of June 30, 2015 that are recorded in " Gains on trading securities ." 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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 . Table 8.3 As of June 30, 2016 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 $ 17,730 Indicative bids Range of broker quotes 90.0% - 90.0% (90.0%) Floating rate asset-backed securities $ 281 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 29.7% - 32.0% (31.2%) CPR 10.0% Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: AgVantage $ 4,697,584 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 1.2% - 2.5% (1.7%) Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities $ 33,447 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 1.2% - 4.1% (1.7%) CPR 9% - 23% (12%) USDA Securities $ 1,992,546 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 1.8% - 5.0% (3.0%) CPR 0% - 22% (10%) As of December 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 $ 44,924 Indicative bids Range of broker quotes 92.0% - 99.6% (96.6%) Floating rate asset-backed securities $ 491 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 18.3% - 23.9% (21.5%) CPR 10.0% Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: AgVantage $ 4,121,244 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 1.1% - 3.3% (1.8%) Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities $ 31,361 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 1.0% - 3.9% (1.8%) CPR 9% - 20% (10.0%) USDA Securities $ 1,917,319 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 1.3% - 5.1% (3.1%) CPR 0% - 19% (7.0%) 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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Table 8.4 As of June 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Fair Value Carrying Fair Value Carrying (in thousands) Financial assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,764,626 $ 1,764,626 $ 1,210,084 $ 1,210,084 Investment securities 2,460,960 2,460,960 2,775,516 2,775,516 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 6,135,080 6,119,755 5,434,422 5,426,621 USDA Securities 1,992,546 1,992,546 1,917,319 1,917,319 Loans 4,343,577 4,195,295 4,027,660 3,962,044 Financial derivatives 8,242 8,242 3,816 3,816 Guarantee and commitment fees receivable: LTSPCs 29,518 31,968 31,953 31,240 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 7,248 7,685 8,872 8,949 Financial liabilities: Notes payable: Due within one year 10,128,930 10,125,269 9,108,468 9,111,461 Due after one year 4,875,304 4,722,814 5,009,310 4,967,036 Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties 953,120 928,050 713,316 713,536 Financial derivatives 140,758 140,758 77,199 77,199 Guarantee and commitment obligations: LTSPCs 28,680 31,130 31,015 30,301 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 6,548 6,985 8,230 8,308 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment Reporting Disclosure	The following tables present core earnings for Farmer Mac's reportable operating segments and a reconciliation to consolidated net income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 9.1 Core Earnings by Business Segment For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Utilities Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 11,606 $ 4,938 $ 2,855 $ 12,109 $ 2,850 $ — $ 34,358 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3) (1,731 ) (350 ) (293 ) (702 ) (256 ) 3,332 — Net effective spread 9,875 4,588 2,562 11,407 2,594 3,332 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 3,965 14 373 458 — (1,155 ) 3,655 Other income/(expense) (3)(4) 78 25 — — (228 ) (3,764 ) (3,889 ) Non-interest income/(loss) 4,043 39 373 458 (228 ) (4,919 ) (234 ) Provision for loan losses (364 ) — — — — — (364 ) Provision for losses (94 ) — — — — — (94 ) Other non-interest expense (4,112 ) (1,092 ) (830 ) (538 ) (3,408 ) — (9,980 ) Non-interest expense (5) (4,206 ) (1,092 ) (830 ) (538 ) (3,408 ) — (10,074 ) Core earnings before income taxes 9,348 3,535 2,105 11,327 (1,042 ) (1,587 ) (6) 23,686 Income tax (expense)/benefit (3,272 ) (1,237 ) (737 ) (3,964 ) 254 556 (8,400 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends 6,076 2,298 1,368 7,363 (788 ) (1,031 ) (6) 15,286 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (3,296 ) — (3,296 ) Non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends — — — — 16 — 16 Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 6,076 $ 2,298 $ 1,368 $ 7,363 $ (4,068 ) $ (1,031 ) (6) $ 12,006 Total assets at carrying value $ 3,311,270 $ 2,046,516 $ 1,023,630 $ 6,071,924 $ 4,369,850 $ — $ 16,823,190 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 5,830,533 $ 1,960,358 $ 1,934,473 $ 7,391,172 — $ 17,116,536 (1) Excludes the amortization of premiums and discounts on assets consolidated at fair value, originally included in interest income, to reflect core earnings amounts. (2) Includes the reclassification of interest income and interest expense from consolidated trusts owned by third parties to guarantee and commitment fees, to reflect management's view that the net interest income Farmer Mac earns is effectively a guarantee fee. (3) Includes the reclassification of interest expense related to interest rate swaps not designated as hedges, which are included in " (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities " on the consolidated financial statements, to determine the effective funding cost for each operating segment. (4) Includes reconciling adjustments for 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. (5) Includes directly attributable costs and an allocation of indirectly attributable costs based on headcount. (6) Net adjustments to reconcile core earnings before income taxes; core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest; 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 June 30, 2015 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Adjustments Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 10,757 $ 4,643 $ 3,153 $ 11,312 $ 1,999 $ — $ 31,864 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3) (1,076 ) (177 ) (315 ) (452 ) (57 ) 2,077 — Net effective spread 9,681 4,466 2,838 10,860 1,942 2,077 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 3,693 8 — 384 — (697 ) 3,388 Other income/(expense) (3)(4) 160 28 — — (212 ) 14,843 14,819 Non-interest income/(loss) 3,853 36 — 384 (212 ) 14,146 18,207 Provision for loan losses (110 ) — — — — — (110 ) Provision for losses (1,146 ) — — — — — (1,146 ) Other non-interest expense (4,304 ) (1,025 ) (860 ) (532 ) (2,986 ) — (9,707 ) Non-interest expense (5) (5,450 ) (1,025 ) (860 ) (532 ) (2,986 ) — (10,853 ) Core earnings before income taxes 7,974 3,477 1,978 10,712 (1,256 ) 16,223 (6) 39,108 Income tax (expense)/benefit (2,791 ) (1,216 ) (691 ) (3,749 ) 356 (5,678 ) (13,769 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends 5,183 2,261 1,287 6,963 (900 ) 10,545 (6) 25,339 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (3,296 ) — (3,296 ) Non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends — — — — 119 — 119 Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 5,183 $ 2,261 $ 1,287 $ 6,963 $ (4,077 ) $ 10,545 (6) $ 22,162 Total assets at carrying value $ 2,780,018 $ 1,913,390 $ 962,702 $ 5,874,088 $ 3,614,399 $ — $ 15,144,597 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 5,485,570 $ 1,862,430 $ 954,188 $ 6,827,939 — $ 15,130,127 (1) Excludes the amortization of premiums and discounts on assets consolidated at fair value, originally included in interest income, to reflect core earnings amounts. (2) Includes the reclassification of interest income and interest expense from consolidated trusts owned by third parties to guarantee and commitment fees, to reflect management's view that the net interest income Farmer Mac earns is effectively a guarantee fee. (3) Includes the reclassification of interest expense related to interest rate swaps not designated as hedges, which are included in " (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities " on the consolidated financial statements, to determine the effective funding cost for each operating segment. (4) Includes reconciling adjustments for 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. (5) Includes directly attributable costs and an allocation of indirectly attributable costs based on headcount. (6) Net adjustments to reconcile core earnings before income taxes; core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest; 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 Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 22,733 $ 9,990 $ 5,719 $ 23,858 $ 5,698 $ — $ 67,998 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3) (3,397 ) (1,094 ) (619 ) (1,361 ) (552 ) 7,023 — Net effective spread 19,336 8,896 5,100 22,497 5,146 7,023 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 7,874 21 668 916 — (2,198 ) 7,281 Other income/(expense) (3)(4) 175 83 — — (900 ) (9,579 ) (10,221 ) Non-interest income/(loss) 8,049 104 668 916 (900 ) (11,777 ) (2,940 ) Provision for loan losses (413 ) — — — — — (413 ) Provision for losses (108 ) — — — — — (108 ) Other non-interest expense (8,273 ) (2,185 ) (1,661 ) (1,077 ) (6,736 ) — (19,932 ) Non-interest expense (5) (8,381 ) (2,185 ) (1,661 ) (1,077 ) (6,736 ) — (20,040 ) Core earnings before income taxes 18,591 6,815 4,107 22,336 (2,490 ) (4,754 ) (6) 44,605 Income tax (expense)/benefit (6,508 ) (2,385 ) (1,438 ) (7,816 ) 747 1,665 (15,735 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends 12,083 4,430 2,669 14,520 (1,743 ) (3,089 ) (6) 28,870 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (6,591 ) — (6,591 ) Non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends — — — — 44 — 44 Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 12,083 $ 4,430 $ 2,669 $ 14,520 $ (8,290 ) $ (3,089 ) (6) $ 22,323 Total assets at carrying value $ 3,311,270 $ 2,046,516 $ 1,023,630 $ 6,071,924 $ 4,369,850 $ — $ 16,823,190 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 5,830,533 $ 1,960,358 $ 1,934,473 $ 7,391,172 — $ 17,116,536 (1) Excludes the amortization of premiums and discounts on assets consolidated at fair value, originally included in interest income, to reflect core earnings amounts. (2) Includes the reclassification of interest income and interest expense from consolidated trusts owned by third parties to guarantee and commitment fees, to reflect management's view that the net interest income Farmer Mac earns is effectively a guarantee fee. (3) Includes the reclassification of interest expense related to interest rate swaps not designated as hedges, which are included in " (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities " on the consolidated financial statements, to determine the effective funding cost for each operating segment. (4) Includes reconciling adjustments for 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. (5) Includes directly attributable costs and an allocation of indirectly attributable costs based on headcount. (6) Net adjustments to reconcile core earnings before income taxes; core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest; 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 Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 21,988 $ 8,987 $ 5,611 $ 22,304 $ 3,763 $ — $ 62,653 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3) (2,193 ) (296 ) 31 (1,019 ) (132 ) 3,609 — Net effective spread 19,795 8,691 5,642 21,285 3,631 3,609 Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 7,326 2 — 769 — (1,332 ) 6,765 Other income/(expense) (3)(4) 247 87 — — (764 ) 12,347 11,917 Non-interest income/(loss) 7,573 89 — 769 (764 ) 11,015 18,682 Provision for loan losses (186 ) — — — — — (186 ) Provision for losses (374 ) — — — — — (374 ) Other non-interest expense (8,630 ) (1,410 ) (1,726 ) (1,067 ) (5,989 ) — (18,822 ) Non-interest expense (5) (9,004 ) (1,410 ) (1,726 ) (1,067 ) (5,989 ) — (19,196 ) Core earnings before income taxes 18,178 7,370 3,916 20,987 (3,122 ) 14,624 (6) 61,953 Income tax (expense)/benefit (6,362 ) (2,579 ) (1,369 ) (7,345 ) 2,872 (3,217 ) (18,000 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends 11,816 4,791 2,547 13,642 (250 ) 11,407 (6) 43,953 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (6,591 ) — (6,591 ) Non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends — — — — (5,235 ) — (5,235 ) Loss on retirement of preferred stock — — — — — (8,147 ) (8,147 ) Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 11,816 $ 4,791 $ 2,547 $ 13,642 $ (12,076 ) $ 3,260 (6) $ 23,980 Total assets at carrying value $ 2,780,018 $ 1,913,390 $ 962,702 $ 5,874,088 $ 3,614,399 $ — $ 15,144,597 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 5,485,570 $ 1,862,430 $ 954,188 $ 6,827,939 — $ 15,130,127 (1) Excludes the amortization of premiums and discounts on assets consolidated at fair value, originally included in interest income, to reflect core earnings amounts. (2) Includes the reclassification of interest income and interest expense from consolidated trusts owned by third parties to guarantee and commitment fees, to reflect the net interest income Farmer Mac earns is effectively a guarantee fee. (3) Includes the reclassification of interest expense related to interest rate swaps not designated as hedges, which are included in " (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities " on the consolidated financial statements, to determine the effective funding cost for each operating segment. (4) Includes reconciling adjustments for 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. (5) Includes directly attributable costs and an allocation of indirectly attributable costs based on headcount. (6) Net adjustments to reconcile core earnings before income taxes; core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest; and segment core earnings to corresponding income measures: income before income taxes, net income, and net income attributable to common stockholders, respectively.

Accounting Policies - Accounti

Accounting Policies - Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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 (which began doing business as AgVisory during first quarter 2016), whose principal activity is to appraise agricultural real estate. The consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of VIEs in which Farmer Mac determined itself to be the primary beneficiary.
Summary of Significant Account 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, 2015 consolidated balance sheet presented in this report has been derived from Farmer Mac's audited 2015 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 2015 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, 2015 filed with the SEC on March 10, 2016. 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 and six months ended June 30, 2016 .
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Statements of Cash Flows	Statements of Cash Flows
Earnings Per 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.
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income represents all changes in stockholders' equity except those resulting from investments by or distributions to stockholders, and is comprised of net income and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, certain held-to-maturity securities transferred from the available-for-sale classification, and cash flow hedges, net of related taxes.
New Accounting Standards	New Accounting Standards In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-01, "Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities," which amends the guidance in GAAP on the classification and measurement of financial instruments. The ASU significantly revises an entity's accounting related to (1) the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and (2) the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. The ASU also amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Farmer Mac does not expect that adoption of the new guidance will have a material effect on Farmer Mac’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases," which provides new guidance intended to improve financial reporting about leasing transactions. The ASU will require organizations that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. The ASU also will require disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Farmer Mac does not expect that adoption of the new guidance will have a material effect on Farmer Mac’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “ Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which provides new guidance intended to simplify several aspects of accounting for employee share-based payment transactions including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Farmer Mac does not expect that adoption of the new guidance will have a material effect on Farmer Mac’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, " Financial Instruments—Credit Losses," which will require entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Entities will be required to use forward-looking information to better form their credit loss estimates. The ASU will also require enhanced disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an entity’s portfolio. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early application will be permitted for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Farmer Mac is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain reclassifications of prior period information were made to conform to the current period presentation.

Accounting Policies - Accoun18

Accounting Policies - Accounting Policies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]	The following tables present, by line of business, details about the consolidation of VIEs: Table 1.1 Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities As of June 30, 2016 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 $ 922,666 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 922,666 Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties (1) 928,050 — — — — 928,050 Unconsolidated VIEs: Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Carrying value (2) — 33,447 — 30,962 — 64,409 Maximum exposure to loss (3) — 32,886 — 30,000 — 62,886 Investment securities: Carrying value (4) — — — — 812,501 812,501 Maximum exposure to loss (3) (4) — — — — 813,063 813,063 Off-Balance Sheet: Unconsolidated VIEs: Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Maximum exposure to loss (3) (5) 466,479 30,962 — 970,000 — 1,467,441 (1) Includes borrower remittances of $5.4 million . The borrower remittances have not been passed through to third party investors as of June 30, 2016 . (2) Includes $0.6 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 $1.0 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, 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 $ 708,111 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 708,111 Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties (1) 713,536 — — — — 713,536 Unconsolidated VIEs: Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Carrying value (2) — 31,360 — 31,400 — 62,760 Maximum exposure to loss (3) — 31,553 — 30,000 — 61,553 Investment securities: Carrying value (4) — — — — 917,292 917,292 Maximum exposure to loss (3) (4) — — — — 918,121 918,121 Off-Balance Sheet: Unconsolidated VIEs: Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Maximum exposure to loss (3) (5) 514,051 10,272 — 970,000 — 1,494,323 (1) Includes borrower remittances of $5.4 million , which have not been passed through to third party investors as of December 31, 2015. (2) 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 $1.4 million . (3) Farmer Mac uses unpaid principal balance and the outstanding face amount of investment securities to represent maximum exposure to loss. (4) Includes auction-rate certificates, asset-backed securities, and 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.
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures	The following table sets forth information regarding certain non-cash transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 1.2 For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 (in thousands) Non-cash activity: Loans acquired and securitized as Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities $ 278,443 $ 112,440 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 255,781 112,440 Purchases of securities - traded, not yet settled 224,990 236,600 Issuance costs on the retirement of Farmer Mac II LLC Preferred Stock — 8,147
Earnings Per Common Share	The following schedule reconciles basic and diluted EPS for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 1.3 For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 Net Weighted-Average Shares $ per Net Weighted-Average Shares $ per (in thousands, except per share amounts) Basic EPS Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 12,006 10,456 $ 1.15 $ 22,162 11,010 $ 2.01 Effect of dilutive securities (1) Stock options, SARs and restricted stock — 158 (0.02 ) — 428 (0.07 ) Diluted EPS $ 12,006 10,614 $ 1.13 $ 22,162 11,438 $ 1.94 (1) For the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, stock options and SARs of 82,052 and 229,693 , 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 June 30, 2016 and 2015, contingent shares of non-vested restricted stock of 37,284 and 45,034 , respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because performance conditions had not yet been met. For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 Net Weighted-Average Shares $ per Net Weighted-Average Shares $ per (in thousands, except per share amounts) Basic EPS Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 22,323 10,460 $ 2.13 $ 23,980 10,974 $ 2.19 Effect of dilutive securities(1) Stock options, SARs and restricted stock — 348 (0.06 ) — 411 (0.08 ) Diluted EPS $ 22,323 10,808 $ 2.07 $ 23,980 11,385 $ 2.11 (1) For the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, stock options and SARs of 146,459 and 215,547 , respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because they were anti-dilutive. For the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, contingent shares of non-vested restricted stock of 37,284 and 37,774 , respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because performance conditions had not yet been met.
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"), net of tax, by component for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 1.4 As of June 30, 2016 As of June 30, 2015 Available-for-Sale Securities Held-to-Maturity Securities Cash Flow Hedges Total Available-for-Sale Securities Held-to-Maturity Securities Cash Flow Hedges Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ (14,180 ) $ (1,133 ) $ (3,604 ) $ (18,917 ) $ 47,700 $ 3,800 $ (316 ) $ 51,184 Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications 36,469 — (2,267 ) 34,202 (23,936 ) — 772 (23,164 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (2,585 ) (648 ) 332 (2,901 ) (3,266 ) (2,178 ) 157 (5,287 ) Net other comprehensive income/(loss) 33,884 (648 ) (1,935 ) 31,301 (27,202 ) (2,178 ) 929 (28,451 ) Ending Balance $ 19,704 $ (1,781 ) $ (5,539 ) $ 12,384 $ 20,498 $ 1,622 $ 613 $ 22,733 For the Six Months Ended Beginning Balance $ (10,035 ) $ (476 ) $ (508 ) $ (11,019 ) $ 9,716 $ 5,973 $ (156 ) $ 15,533 Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications 34,700 — (5,662 ) 29,038 17,407 — 533 17,940 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (4,961 ) (1,305 ) 631 (5,635 ) (6,625 ) (4,351 ) 236 (10,740 ) Net other comprehensive income/(loss) 29,739 (1,305 ) (5,031 ) 23,403 10,782 (4,351 ) 769 7,200 Ending Balance $ 19,704 $ (1,781 ) $ (5,539 ) $ 12,384 $ 20,498 $ 1,622 $ 613 $ 22,733
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	The following table presents other comprehensive income activity, the impact on net income of amounts reclassified from each component of AOCI, and the related tax impact for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 1.5 For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 Before Tax Provision (Benefit) After Tax Before Tax Provision (Benefit) After Tax (in thousands) Other comprehensive income/(loss): Available-for-sale-securities: Unrealized holding gains/(losses) on available-for-sale-securities $ 56,107 $ 19,638 $ 36,469 $ (36,826 ) $ (12,890 ) $ (23,936 ) Less reclassification adjustments included in: (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities (1) (4,016 ) (1,405 ) (2,611 ) (4,952 ) (1,733 ) (3,219 ) Other income (2) 39 13 26 (73 ) (26 ) (47 ) Total $ 52,130 $ 18,246 $ 33,884 $ (41,851 ) $ (14,649 ) $ (27,202 ) Held-to-maturity securities: Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net interest income (3) $ (997 ) $ (349 ) $ (648 ) $ (3,350 ) $ (1,172 ) $ (2,178 ) Total $ (997 ) $ (349 ) $ (648 ) $ (3,350 ) $ (1,172 ) $ (2,178 ) Cash flow hedges Unrealized (losses)/gains on cash flow hedges $ (3,488 ) $ (1,221 ) $ (2,267 ) $ 1,186 $ 414 $ 772 Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net interest income (4) 512 180 332 244 87 157 Total $ (2,976 ) $ (1,041 ) $ (1,935 ) $ 1,430 $ 501 $ 929 Other comprehensive income/(loss) $ 48,157 $ 16,856 $ 31,301 $ (43,771 ) $ (15,320 ) $ (28,451 ) (1) Relates to the amortization of unrealized gains on hedged items prior to the application of fair value hedge accounting. (2) Represents amortization of deferred gains related to certain available-for-sale USDA Securities and Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities. (3) Relates to the amortization of unrealized gains or losses prior to the reclassification of these securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity. The amortization of unrealized gains or losses reported in AOCI for held-to-maturity securities will be offset by the amortization of the premium or discount created from the transfer into held-to-maturity securities, which occurred at fair value. These unrealized gains or losses will be recorded over the remaining life of the security with no impact on future net income. (4) Relates to the recognition of unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges recorded in AOCI. For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 Before Tax Provision (Benefit) After Tax Before Tax Provision (Benefit) After Tax (in thousands) Other comprehensive income: Available-for-sale-securities: Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale-securities $ 53,385 $ 18,685 $ 34,700 $ 26,778 $ 9,371 $ 17,407 Less reclassification adjustments included in: (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities (1) (7,939 ) (2,778 ) (5,161 ) (9,813 ) (3,434 ) (6,379 ) (Losses)/gains on sale of available-for-sale investment securities (2) 9 3 6 (6 ) (2 ) (4 ) Other income (3) 298 104 194 (373 ) (131 ) (242 ) Total $ 45,753 $ 16,014 $ 29,739 $ 16,586 $ 5,804 $ 10,782 Held-to-maturity securities: Net interest income (4) $ (2,008 ) $ (703 ) $ (1,305 ) $ (6,693 ) $ (2,342 ) $ (4,351 ) Total $ (2,008 ) $ (703 ) $ (1,305 ) $ (6,693 ) $ (2,342 ) $ (4,351 ) Cash flow hedges Unrealized (losses)/gains on cash flow hedges $ (8,710 ) $ (3,048 ) $ (5,662 ) $ 820 $ 287 $ 533 Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net interest income (5) 971 340 631 363 127 236 Total $ (7,739 ) $ (2,708 ) $ (5,031 ) $ 1,183 $ 414 $ 769 Other comprehensive income $ 36,006 $ 12,603 $ 23,403 $ 11,076 $ 3,876 $ 7,200 (1) Relates to the amortization of unrealized gains on hedged items prior to the application of fair value hedge accounting. (2) Represents unrealized gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale investment securities. (3) Represents amortization of deferred gains related to certain available-for-sale USDA Securities and Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities. (4) Relates to the amortization of unrealized gains or losses prior to the reclassification of these securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity. The amortization of unrealized gains or losses reported in AOCI for held-to-maturity securities will be offset by the amortization of the premium or discount created from the transfer into held-to-maturity securities, which occurred at fair value. These unrealized gains or losses will be recorded over the remaining life of the security with no impact on future net income. (5) Relates to the recognition of unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges recorded in AOCI.

Investment Securities - Invest

Investment Securities - Investment Securities (Tables) - Investment Securities [Member]	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: Table 2.1 As of June 30, 2016 Amount Outstanding Unamortized Premium/(Discount) Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Value (in thousands) Available-for-sale: Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans $ 19,700 $ — $ 19,700 $ — $ (1,970 ) $ 17,730 Floating rate asset-backed securities 61,070 (228 ) 60,842 4 (847 ) 59,999 Floating rate corporate debt securities 10,000 — 10,000 2 — 10,002 Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 1,261,876 3,095 1,264,971 2,600 (3,254 ) 1,264,317 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities (1) 613 2,808 3,421 4,344 — 7,765 Floating rate GSE subordinated debt 70,000 — 70,000 — (4,896 ) 65,104 Fixed rate senior agency debt 175,000 (11 ) 174,989 9 — 174,998 Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 860,150 (393 ) 859,757 1,007 — 860,764 Total available-for-sale 2,458,409 5,271 2,463,680 7,966 (10,967 ) 2,460,679 Trading: Floating rate asset-backed securities 1,887 — 1,887 — (1,606 ) 281 Total investment securities $ 2,460,296 $ 5,271 $ 2,465,567 $ 7,966 $ (12,573 ) $ 2,460,960 (1) Fair value includes $7.1 million of an interest-only security with a notional amount of $147.3 million . As of December 31, 2015 Amount Outstanding Unamortized Premium/(Discount) Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Value (in thousands) Available-for-sale: Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans $ 46,500 $ — $ 46,500 $ — $ (1,576 ) $ 44,924 Floating rate asset-backed securities 74,744 (253 ) 74,491 14 (776 ) 73,729 Floating rate corporate debt securities 10,000 — 10,000 — (9 ) 9,991 Fixed rate corporate debt securities 10,000 (1 ) 9,999 — (5 ) 9,994 Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 1,353,495 3,515 1,357,010 2,768 (4,319 ) 1,355,459 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities (1) 692 3,117 3,809 4,095 — 7,904 Floating rate GSE subordinated debt 70,000 — 70,000 — (3,751 ) 66,249 Fixed rate senior agency debt 214,000 (25 ) 213,975 12 — 213,987 Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 993,680 (417 ) 993,263 2 (477 ) 992,788 Total available-for-sale 2,773,111 5,936 2,779,047 6,891 (10,913 ) 2,775,025 Trading: Floating rate asset-backed securities 2,211 — 2,211 — (1,720 ) 491 Total investment securities $ 2,775,322 $ 5,936 $ 2,781,258 $ 6,891 $ (12,633 ) $ 2,775,516 (1) Fair value includes $7.2 million of an interest-only security with a notional amount of $148.5 million .
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, unrealized losses on available-for-sale investment securities were as follows: Table 2.2 As of June 30, 2016 Available-for-Sale Securities Unrealized loss position for Unrealized loss position for Fair Value Unrealized Fair Value Unrealized (in thousands) Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans $ — $ — $ 17,730 $ (1,970 ) Floating rate asset-backed securities 40,217 (494 ) 9,061 (353 ) Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 473,462 (2,397 ) 135,301 (857 ) Floating rate GSE subordinated debt — — 65,104 (4,896 ) Total $ 513,679 $ (2,891 ) $ 227,196 $ (8,076 ) As of December 31, 2015 Available-for-Sale Securities Unrealized loss position for Unrealized loss position for Fair Value Unrealized Fair Value Unrealized (in thousands) Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans $ — $ — $ 18,124 $ (1,576 ) Floating rate asset-backed securities 44,552 (464 ) 9,975 (312 ) Floating rate corporate debt securities 4,991 (9 ) — — Fixed rate corporate debt securities 9,994 (5 ) — — Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 794,959 (3,408 ) 100,192 (911 ) Floating rate GSE subordinated debt — — 66,249 (3,751 ) Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 944,842 (477 ) — — Total $ 1,799,338 $ (4,363 ) $ 194,540 $ (6,550 ) The unrealized losses presented above are principally due to a general widening of credit spreads from the dates of acquisition to June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, 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 June 30, 2016 , 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-." As of December 31, 2015 , 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 three that were rated " A- ." The unrealized losses were on 56 and 69 individual investment securities as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. As of June 30, 2016 , 17 of the securities in loss positions had been in loss positions for more than 12 months and had a total unrealized loss of $8.1 million . As of December 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 $6.6 million . Securities in unrealized loss positions for 12 months or longer have a fair value as of June 30, 2016 that is, on average, approximately 97 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 maturity or changes in credit spreads. 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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
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 June 30, 2016 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 June 30, 2016 Available-for-Sale Securities Amortized Fair Value Weighted- (dollars in thousands) Due within one year $ 1,039,762 $ 1,040,780 0.57% Due after one year through five years 151,635 151,911 1.19% Due after five years through ten years 512,451 511,166 1.03% Due after ten years 759,832 756,822 1.10% Total $ 2,463,680 $ 2,460,679 0.89%

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securit20

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities (Tables) - Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member]	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: Table 3.1 As of June 30, 2016 Unpaid Principal Balance Unamortized Premium/(Discount) Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Value (in thousands) Held-to-maturity: AgVantage $ 1,391,203 $ (2,479 ) $ 1,388,724 $ 15,468 $ (143 ) $ 1,404,049 Available-for-sale: AgVantage $ 4,715,099 $ — $ 4,715,099 $ 54,623 $ (72,138 ) $ 4,697,584 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 32,886 (301 ) 32,585 862 — 33,447 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 4,747,985 (301 ) 4,747,684 55,485 (72,138 ) 4,731,031 USDA Securities 1,873,805 1,867 1,875,672 92,104 (17 ) 1,967,759 Total available-for-sale $ 6,621,790 $ 1,566 $ 6,623,356 $ 147,589 $ (72,155 ) $ 6,698,790 Trading: USDA Securities $ 22,705 $ 1,533 $ 24,238 $ 601 $ (52 ) $ 24,787 As of December 31, 2015 Unpaid Principal Balance Unamortized Premium/(Discount) Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Value (in thousands) Held-to-maturity: AgVantage $ 1,274,431 $ (415 ) $ 1,274,016 $ 7,801 $ — $ 1,281,817 Available-for-sale: AgVantage $ 4,164,952 $ — $ 4,164,952 $ 26,831 $ (70,539 ) $ 4,121,244 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 31,554 (333 ) 31,221 140 — 31,361 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 4,196,506 (333 ) 4,196,173 26,971 (70,539 ) 4,152,605 USDA Securities 1,849,322 1,890 1,851,212 37,160 (28 ) 1,888,344 Total available-for-sale $ 6,045,828 $ 1,557 $ 6,047,385 $ 64,131 $ (70,567 ) $ 6,040,949 Trading: USDA Securities $ 27,129 $ 1,934 $ 29,063 $ 125 $ (213 ) $ 28,975
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, 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 June 30, 2016 Held-to-Maturity and Available-for-Sale Securities Unrealized loss position for Unrealized loss position for Fair Value Unrealized Fair Value Unrealized (in thousands) Held-to-maturity: AgVantage $ 154,857 $ (143 ) $ — $ — Available-for-sale: AgVantage $ 398,252 $ (1,763 ) $ 1,891,826 $ (70,375 ) USDA Securities — — 103,665 (17 ) Total available-for-sale $ 398,252 $ (1,763 ) $ 1,995,491 $ (70,392 ) As of December 31, 2015 Available-for-Sale Securities Unrealized loss position for Unrealized loss position for Fair Value Unrealized Fair Value Unrealized (in thousands) Available-for-sale: AgVantage $ 1,193,866 $ (41,835 ) $ 1,104,981 $ (28,704 ) USDA Securities — — 103,010 (28 ) Total available-for-sale $ 1,193,866 $ (41,835 ) $ 1,207,991 $ (28,732 ) The unrealized losses presented above are principally due to higher interest rates from the date of acquisition to June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, 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 22 available-for-sale securities as of June 30, 2016 . There were two held-to-maturity AgVantage securities with an unrealized loss as of June 30, 2016 . The unrealized losses from AgVantage securities were on 22 available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2015. There were no unrealized losses from held-to-maturity securities as of December 31, 2015 . As of June 30, 2016 , 16 available-for-sale AgVantage securities had been in a loss position for more than 12 months with a total unrealized loss of $70.4 million . As of December 31, 2015 , 8 available-for-sale AgVantage securities had been in a loss position for more than 12 months with a total unrealized loss of $28.7 million . 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 June 30, 2016 or December 31, 2015. 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 June 30, 2016 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 June 30, 2016 Available-for-Sale Securities Amortized Fair Value Weighted- (dollars in thousands) Due within one year $ 367,261 $ 367,986 1.32 % Due after one year through five years 2,320,284 2,333,066 1.53 % Due after five years through ten years 1,448,102 1,486,022 2.20 % Due after ten years 2,487,709 2,511,716 2.60 % Total $ 6,623,356 $ 6,698,790 2.07 % As of June 30, 2016 Held-to-Maturity Securities Amortized Fair Value Weighted- (dollars in thousands) Due within one year $ 838,099 $ 838,742 2.19 % Due after one year through five years 513,538 525,345 2.78 % Due after five years through ten years 37,087 39,962 3.37 % Total $ 1,388,724 $ 1,404,049 2.45 %

Financial Derivatives - Financ

Financial Derivatives - Financial Derivatives (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and the effects of financial derivatives on the consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 4.1 As of June 30, 2016 Fair Value Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Notional Amount Asset (Liability) (dollars in thousands) Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable $ 1,391,816 $ 6 $ (67,960 ) 1.83% 0.64% 5.24 Receive fixed non-callable 30,000 862 — 0.78% 1.75% 3.96 Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable 157,000 — (9,360 ) 2.26% 0.86% 7.21 No hedge designation: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable 442,611 — (61,957 ) 4.08% 0.64% 6.31 Receive fixed non-callable 6,035,677 7,367 (1,007 ) 0.51% 0.60% 0.53 Receive fixed callable 30,000 — (17 ) 0.57% 0.58% 0.83 Basis swaps 400,000 7 (219 ) 0.61% 0.58% 0.95 Agency forwards 17,586 — (94 ) 101.03 Treasury futures 28,100 — (309 ) 131.89 Credit valuation adjustment — 165 Total financial derivatives $ 8,532,790 $ 8,242 $ (140,758 ) Collateral pledged — 95,144 Net amount $ 8,242 $ (45,614 ) As of December 31, 2015 Fair Value Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Notional Amount Asset (Liability) (dollars in thousands) Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable $ 1,276,285 $ 949 $ (26,703 ) 2.35% 0.37% 4.16 Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable 119,000 8 (1,381 ) 2.25% 0.64% 7.03 No hedge designation: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable 454,041 229 (44,528 ) 3.73% 0.33% 6.02 Receive fixed non-callable 5,590,638 2,384 (4,205 ) 0.31% 0.47% 0.57 Receive fixed callable 230,000 — (421 ) 0.41% 0.91% 2.26 Basis swaps 725,000 232 (131 ) 0.22% 0.38% 2.33 Treasury futures 35,000 19 — 125.96 Credit valuation adjustment (5 ) 170 Total financial derivatives $ 8,429,964 $ 3,816 $ (77,199 ) Collateral pledged — 37,986 Net amount $ 3,816 $ (39,213 )
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Table 4.2 (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities For the Three Months Ended For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 (in thousands) Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps (1) $ (14,440 ) $ 14,075 $ (41,339 ) $ 8,316 Hedged items 16,541 (11,354 ) 46,329 (2,478 ) Gains on fair value hedges 2,101 2,721 4,990 5,838 Cash flow hedges: Loss recognized (ineffective portion) (105 ) (150 ) (254 ) (366 ) Losses on cash flow hedges (105 ) (150 ) (254 ) (366 ) No hedge designation: Interest rate swaps (6,345 ) 11,948 (14,487 ) 6,207 Agency forwards 10 (356 ) (868 ) (1,142 ) Treasury futures (357 ) 226 (859 ) (30 ) (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives not designated in hedging relationships (6,692 ) 11,818 (16,214 ) 5,035 (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities $ (4,696 ) $ 14,389 $ (11,478 ) $ 10,507 (1) Included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness as of June 30, 2016 , but excluded from the amounts in the table, were losses of $1.8 million and $3.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , 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 and six months ended June 30, 2016 were gains of $0.3 million and $1.7 million , respectively. The comparable amounts as of June 30, 2015 were losses of $ 2.9 million and $5.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , attributable to the fair value of the swaps at the inception of the hedging relationship and, accordingly, losses of $ 0.2 million and gains of $0.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , attributable to hedge ineffectiveness.

Loans and Allowance for Losse22

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , Farmer Mac had no loans held for sale. The following table displays the composition of the loan balances as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Table 5.1 As of June 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Unsecuritized In Consolidated Trusts Total Unsecuritized In Consolidated Trusts Total (in thousands) Farm & Ranch $ 2,265,932 $ 922,666 $ 3,188,598 $ 2,249,864 $ 708,111 $ 2,957,975 Rural Utilities 1,001,769 — 1,001,769 1,008,126 — 1,008,126 Total unpaid principal balance (1) 3,267,701 922,666 4,190,367 3,257,990 708,111 3,966,101 Unamortized premiums, discounts and other cost basis adjustments 9,821 — 9,821 423 — 423 Total loans 3,277,522 922,666 4,200,188 3,258,413 708,111 3,966,524 Allowance for loan losses (4,038 ) (855 ) (4,893 ) (3,736 ) (744 ) (4,480 ) Total loans, net of allowance $ 3,273,484 $ 921,811 $ 4,195,295 $ 3,254,677 $ 707,367 $ 3,962,044 (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]	Allowance for Losses Farmer Mac maintains an allowance for losses presented in two components on its consolidated balance sheets: (1) an allowance for loan losses to account for estimated probable losses on loans held, and (2) a reserve for losses to account for estimated probable losses on loans underlying LTSPCs and off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities. As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , Farmer Mac's total allowances for losses were $7.1 million and $6.6 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 total allowance for losses for the three and six months months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015: Table 5.2 As of June 30, 2016 As of June 30, 2015 Allowance Reserve Total Allowance Reserve Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 4,529 $ 2,097 $ 6,626 $ 5,940 $ 3,491 $ 9,431 Provision for losses 364 94 458 110 1,146 1,256 Charge-offs — — — (111 ) — (111 ) Ending Balance $ 4,893 $ 2,191 $ 7,084 $ 5,939 $ 4,637 $ 10,576 For the Six Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 4,480 $ 2,083 $ 6,563 $ 5,864 $ 4,263 $ 10,127 Provision for losses 413 108 521 186 374 560 Charge-offs — — — (111 ) — (111 ) Ending Balance $ 4,893 $ 2,191 $ 7,084 $ 5,939 $ 4,637 $ 10,576 During second quarter 2016 , Farmer Mac recorded provisions to its allowance for loan losses of $0.4 million and provisions to its reserve for losses of $0.1 million . The provisions to the allowance for loan losses recorded during second quarter 2016 were attributable to the establishment of a specific reserve for a long-standing impaired permanent planting loan due to collateral shortfalls relative to the unpaid principal balance and an increase in the specific allowance for on-balance sheet impaired loans resulting from a modest increase in the outstanding balance of such loans. The provisions to the reserve for losses recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2016 were attributable to an increase in the general allowance due to downgrades in risk rating on certain unimpaired crop loans and permanent planting loans underlying LTSPCs. The provisions were partially offset by a decrease in the general allowance of Agricultural Storage and Processing loans and Agricultural Storage and Processing loans underlying LTSPCs due to paydowns of these loans. Farmer Mac recorded no charge-offs to its allowance for loan losses during second quarter 2016. During second quarter 2015, Farmer Mac recorded provisions to its allowance for loan losses of $0.1 million and provisions to its reserve for losses of $1.1 million , primarily related to a specific allowance for two Agricultural Storage and Processing loans underlying an LTSPC that financed one canola facility. The establishment of a specific allowance for these loans was due to a downgrade in risk rating resulting from collateral shortfalls relative to the unpaid principal balance for such loans. Farmer Mac recorded $0.1 million of charge-offs to its allowance for loan losses during second quarter 2015. The following tables present the changes in the total allowance for losses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 by commodity type: Table 5.3 June 30, 2016 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 2,892 $ 937 $ 1,763 $ 444 $ 587 $ 3 $ 6,626 Provision for/(release of) losses 219 207 143 3 (114 ) — 458 Ending Balance $ 3,111 $ 1,144 $ 1,906 $ 447 $ 473 $ 3 $ 7,084 For the Six Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 2,791 $ 931 $ 1,781 $ 408 $ 649 $ 3 $ 6,563 Provision for/(release of) losses 320 213 125 39 (176 ) — 521 Ending Balance $ 3,111 $ 1,144 $ 1,906 $ 447 $ 473 $ 3 $ 7,084 June 30, 2015 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 2,640 $ 2,284 $ 1,343 $ 459 $ 2,698 $ 7 $ 9,431 Provision for/(release of) losses 13 (63 ) 417 85 804 — 1,256 Charge-offs — — — (111 ) — — (111 ) Ending Balance $ 2,653 $ 2,221 $ 1,760 $ 433 $ 3,502 $ 7 $ 10,576 For the Six Months Ended Beginning Balance $ 2,519 $ 2,159 $ 1,423 $ 467 $ 3,552 $ 7 $ 10,127 Provision for/(release of) losses 134 62 337 77 (50 ) — 560 Charge-offs — — — (111 ) — — (111 ) Ending Balance $ 2,653 $ 2,221 $ 1,760 $ 433 $ 3,502 $ 7 $ 10,576
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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Table 5.4 As of June 30, 2016 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Ending Balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 2,016,360 $ 474,431 $ 485,740 $ 138,786 $ 11,843 $ 3,155 $ 3,130,315 Off-balance sheet 1,275,541 458,343 727,971 117,304 41,960 4,964 2,626,083 Total $ 3,291,901 $ 932,774 $ 1,213,711 $ 256,090 $ 53,803 $ 8,119 $ 5,756,398 Individually evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 22,481 $ 22,001 $ 6,301 $ 7,500 $ — $ — $ 58,283 Off-balance sheet 6,227 3,123 5,584 918 — — 15,852 Total $ 28,708 $ 25,124 $ 11,885 $ 8,418 $ — $ — $ 74,135 Total Farm & Ranch loans: On-balance sheet $ 2,038,841 $ 496,432 $ 492,041 $ 146,286 $ 11,843 $ 3,155 $ 3,188,598 Off-balance sheet 1,281,768 461,466 733,555 118,222 41,960 4,964 2,641,935 Total $ 3,320,609 $ 957,898 $ 1,225,596 $ 264,508 $ 53,803 $ 8,119 $ 5,830,533 Allowance for Losses: Collectively evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 1,957 $ 380 $ 714 $ 164 $ 59 $ — $ 3,274 Off-balance sheet 433 260 298 57 414 3 1,465 Total $ 2,390 $ 640 $ 1,012 $ 221 $ 473 $ 3 $ 4,739 Individually evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 511 $ 476 $ 434 $ 198 $ — $ — $ 1,619 Off-balance sheet 210 28 460 28 — — 726 Total $ 721 $ 504 $ 894 $ 226 $ — $ — $ 2,345 Total Farm & Ranch loans: On-balance sheet $ 2,468 $ 856 $ 1,148 $ 362 $ 59 $ — $ 4,893 Off-balance sheet 643 288 758 85 414 3 2,191 Total $ 3,111 $ 1,144 $ 1,906 $ 447 $ 473 $ 3 $ 7,084 As of December 31, 2015 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Ending Balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 1,911,039 $ 433,654 $ 444,320 $ 92,712 $ 15,944 $ 3,199 $ 2,900,868 Off-balance sheet 1,313,872 483,473 777,663 110,378 56,208 7,142 2,748,736 Total $ 3,224,911 $ 917,127 $ 1,221,983 $ 203,090 $ 72,152 $ 10,341 $ 5,649,604 Individually evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 12,803 $ 21,247 $ 5,958 $ 7,261 $ 9,838 $ — $ 57,107 Off-balance sheet 5,937 3,037 8,840 774 — — 18,588 Total $ 18,740 $ 24,284 $ 14,798 $ 8,035 $ 9,838 $ — $ 75,695 Total Farm & Ranch loans: On-balance sheet $ 1,923,842 $ 454,901 $ 450,278 $ 99,973 $ 25,782 $ 3,199 $ 2,957,975 Off-balance sheet 1,319,809 486,510 786,503 111,152 56,208 7,142 2,767,324 Total $ 3,243,651 $ 941,411 $ 1,236,781 $ 211,125 $ 81,990 $ 10,341 $ 5,725,299 Allowance for Losses: Collectively evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 1,968 $ 434 $ 702 $ 116 $ 167 $ — $ 3,387 Off-balance sheet 347 137 292 65 482 3 1,326 Total $ 2,315 $ 571 $ 994 $ 181 $ 649 $ 3 $ 4,713 Individually evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 290 $ 218 $ 384 $ 201 $ — $ — $ 1,093 Off-balance sheet 186 142 403 26 — — 757 Total $ 476 $ 360 $ 787 $ 227 $ — $ — $ 1,850 Total Farm & Ranch loans: On-balance sheet $ 2,258 $ 652 $ 1,086 $ 317 $ 167 $ — $ 4,480 Off-balance sheet 533 279 695 91 482 3 2,083 Total $ 2,791 $ 931 $ 1,781 $ 408 $ 649 $ 3 $ 6,563
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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Table 5.5 As of June 30, 2016 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Impaired Loans: With no specific allowance: Recorded investment $ 2,101 $ 13,840 $ 1,832 $ 1,671 $ — $ — $ 19,444 Unpaid principal balance 2,027 13,804 1,832 1,665 — — 19,328 With a specific allowance: Recorded investment (1) 27,126 11,409 9,992 6,776 — — 55,303 Unpaid principal balance 26,681 11,320 10,053 6,753 — — 54,807 Associated allowance 721 504 894 226 — — 2,345 Total: Recorded investment 29,227 25,249 11,824 8,447 — — 74,747 Unpaid principal balance 28,708 25,124 11,885 8,418 — — 74,135 Associated allowance 721 504 894 226 — — 2,345 Recorded investment of loans on nonaccrual status (2) $ 8,629 $ 14,903 $ 3,329 $ 5,691 $ — $ — $ 32,552 (1) Impairment analysis was performed in the aggregate in consideration of similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics on $52.1 million ( 70 percent ) of impaired loans as of June 30, 2016 , which resulted in a specific reserve of $1.3 million . (2) Includes $17.4 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, 2015 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Impaired Loans: With no specific allowance: Recorded investment $ 3,772 $ 12,340 $ 5,644 $ 1,851 $ — $ — $ 23,607 Unpaid principal balance 3,720 12,346 5,645 1,851 — — 23,562 With a specific allowance: Recorded investment (1) 15,103 11,939 9,050 6,185 9,838 — 52,115 Unpaid principal balance 15,020 11,938 9,153 6,184 9,838 — 52,133 Associated allowance 476 360 787 227 — — 1,850 Total: Recorded investment 18,875 24,279 14,694 8,036 9,838 — 75,722 Unpaid principal balance 18,740 24,284 14,798 8,035 9,838 — 75,695 Associated allowance 476 360 787 227 — — 1,850 Recorded investment of loans on nonaccrual status (2) $ 5,105 $ 16,546 $ 4,313 $ 5,870 $ 9,838 $ — $ 41,672 (1) Impairment analysis was performed in the aggregate in consideration of similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics on $46.4 million ( 61 percent ) of impaired loans as of December 31, 2015 , which resulted in a specific reserve of $1.0 million . (2) Includes $14.7 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 and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 5.6 June 30, 2016 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Average recorded investment in impaired loans $ 28,732 $ 24,133 $ 14,883 $ 8,772 $ — $ — $ 76,520 Income recognized on impaired loans 60 509 133 105 — — 807 For the Six Months Ended: Average recorded investment in impaired loans $ 26,121 $ 29,673 $ 13,906 $ 9,111 $ 7,368 $ — $ 86,179 Income recognized on impaired loans 62 553 148 177 — — 940 June 30, 2015 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Average recorded investment in impaired loans $ 24,392 $ 42,347 $ 14,247 $ 10,924 $ 6,750 $ — $ 98,660 Income recognized on impaired loans 58 142 49 92 — — 341 For the Six Months Ended: Average recorded investment in impaired loans $ 21,471 $ 41,407 $ 14,683 $ 11,733 $ 4,500 $ — $ 93,794 Income recognized on impaired loans 340 225 197 150 — — 912
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 and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 and the outstanding balances and carrying amounts of all such loans as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: Table 5.7 For the Three Months Ended For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 (in thousands) Unpaid principal balance at acquisition date: Loans underlying LTSPCs $ — $ — $ 1,267 $ — Loans underlying off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities — 1,324 148 1,981 Total unpaid principal balance at acquisition date — 1,324 1,415 1,981 Contractually required payments receivable — — 1,435 — Impairment recognized subsequent to acquisition 208 57 208 109 Recovery/release of allowance for defaulted loans 6 — 10 121 As of June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Outstanding balance $ 16,734 $ 36,195 Carrying amount 14,875 34,015
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 June 30, 2016 , 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 Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 (in thousands) On-balance sheet assets: Farm & Ranch: Loans $ 15,180 $ 26,935 $ 39 $ 112 Total on-balance sheet $ 15,180 $ 26,935 $ 39 $ 112 Off-balance sheet assets: Farm & Ranch: LTSPCs $ 6,913 $ 5,201 $ — $ — Total off-balance sheet $ 6,913 $ 5,201 $ — $ — Total $ 22,093 $ 32,136 $ 39 $ 112 (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 $15.2 million of on-balance sheet loans reported as 90 -day delinquencies as of June 30, 2016 , $0.3 million were loans subject to "removal-of-account" provisions.
Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block]	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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Table 5.9 As of June 30, 2016 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Credit risk profile by internally assigned grade (1) On-balance sheet: Acceptable $ 1,982,541 $ 473,353 $ 453,701 $ 136,174 $ 11,843 $ 3,155 $ 3,060,767 Special mention (2) 33,819 1,078 32,039 2,612 — — 69,548 Substandard (3) 22,481 22,001 6,301 7,500 — — 58,283 Total on-balance sheet $ 2,038,841 $ 496,432 $ 492,041 $ 146,286 $ 11,843 $ 3,155 $ 3,188,598 Off-Balance Sheet: Acceptable $ 1,203,888 $ 422,893 $ 686,744 $ 110,477 $ 39,837 $ 4,324 $ 2,468,163 Special mention (2) 54,224 20,489 29,565 2,786 2,123 544 109,731 Substandard (3) 23,656 18,084 17,246 4,959 — 96 64,041 Total off-balance sheet $ 1,281,768 $ 461,466 $ 733,555 $ 118,222 $ 41,960 $ 4,964 $ 2,641,935 Total Ending Balance: Acceptable $ 3,186,429 $ 896,246 $ 1,140,445 $ 246,651 $ 51,680 $ 7,479 $ 5,528,930 Special mention (2) 88,043 21,567 61,604 5,398 2,123 544 179,279 Substandard (3) 46,137 40,085 23,547 12,459 — 96 122,324 Total $ 3,320,609 $ 957,898 $ 1,225,596 $ 264,508 $ 53,803 $ 8,119 $ 5,830,533 Commodity analysis of past due loans (1) On-balance sheet $ 5,773 $ 6,663 $ 639 $ 2,105 $ — $ — $ 15,180 Off-balance sheet 6,121 15 298 479 — — 6,913 90 days or more past due $ 11,894 $ 6,678 $ 937 $ 2,584 $ — $ — $ 22,093 (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, 2015 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Credit risk profile by internally assigned grade (1) On-balance sheet: Acceptable $ 1,888,762 $ 431,038 $ 409,003 $ 89,541 $ 15,944 $ 3,199 $ 2,837,487 Special mention (2) 22,255 2,616 35,317 2,918 — — 63,106 Substandard (3) 12,825 21,247 5,958 7,514 9,838 — 57,382 Total on-balance sheet $ 1,923,842 $ 454,901 $ 450,278 $ 99,973 $ 25,782 $ 3,199 $ 2,957,975 Off-Balance Sheet Acceptable $ 1,279,454 $ 473,335 $ 753,472 $ 102,990 $ 56,208 $ 6,517 $ 2,671,976 Special mention (2) 24,422 7,226 13,121 2,938 — 523 48,230 Substandard (3) 15,933 5,949 19,910 5,224 — 102 47,118 Total off-balance sheet $ 1,319,809 $ 486,510 $ 786,503 $ 111,152 $ 56,208 $ 7,142 $ 2,767,324 Total Ending Balance: Acceptable $ 3,168,216 $ 904,373 $ 1,162,475 $ 192,531 $ 72,152 $ 9,716 $ 5,509,463 Special mention (2) 46,677 9,842 48,438 5,856 — 523 111,336 Substandard (3) 28,758 27,196 25,868 12,738 9,838 102 104,500 Total $ 3,243,651 $ 941,411 $ 1,236,781 $ 211,125 $ 81,990 $ 10,341 $ 5,725,299 Commodity analysis of past due loans (1) On-balance sheet $ 4,656 $ 7,405 $ 2,517 $ 2,519 $ 9,838 $ — $ 26,935 Off-balance sheet 511 — 4,542 148 — — 5,201 90 days or more past due $ 5,167 $ 7,405 $ 7,059 $ 2,667 $ 9,838 $ — $ 32,136 (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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Table 5.10 As of June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in thousands) By commodity/collateral type: Crops $ 3,320,609 $ 3,243,651 Permanent plantings 957,898 941,411 Livestock 1,225,596 1,236,781 Part-time farm 264,508 211,125 Ag. Storage and Processing 53,803 81,990 Other 8,119 10,341 Total $ 5,830,533 $ 5,725,299 By geographic region (1) : Northwest $ 613,508 $ 582,127 Southwest 1,722,509 1,726,927 Mid-North 2,045,422 2,009,654 Mid-South 794,257 769,831 Northeast 225,405 215,883 Southeast 429,432 420,877 Total $ 5,830,533 $ 5,725,299 By original loan-to-value ratio: 0.00% to 40.00% $ 1,632,950 $ 1,594,818 40.01% to 50.00% 1,339,807 1,279,321 50.01% to 60.00% 1,603,174 1,593,025 60.01% to 70.00% 1,086,716 1,107,710 70.01% to 80.00% 150,822 126,860 80.01% to 90.00% 17,064 23,565 Total $ 5,830,533 $ 5,725,299 (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.

Off-Balance Sheet Guarantees 23

Off-Balance Sheet Guarantees and Long Term Standby Purchase Commitments - Off-Balance Sheet Guarantees and Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , 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 June 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Farm & Ranch: Guaranteed Securities $ 466,479 $ 514,051 USDA Guarantees: Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 30,962 10,272 Institutional Credit: AgVantage Securities 984,871 984,871 Revolving floating rate AgVantage facility (1) 300,000 300,000 Total off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities $ 1,782,312 $ 1,809,194
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 Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 June 30, 2015 (in thousands) Proceeds from new securitizations $ 278,443 $ 112,440 Guarantee fees received 1,823 2,082 Purchases of assets from the trusts (1,267 ) (1,981 ) 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 $7.0 million as of June 30, 2016 and $8.3 million as of December 31, 2015 . As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the weighted-average remaining maturity of all loans underlying off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, excluding AgVantage securities, was 11.0 years and 11.3 years , respectively. As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the weighted-average remaining maturity of the off-balance sheet AgVantage securities was 1.2 years and 1.7 years , respectively.

Fair Value Disclosures - Fair

Fair Value Disclosures - Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , 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 June 30, 2016 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 $ — $ — $ 17,730 $ 17,730 Floating rate asset-backed securities — 59,999 — 59,999 Floating rate corporate debt securities — 10,002 — 10,002 Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities — 1,264,317 — 1,264,317 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities — 7,765 — 7,765 Floating rate GSE subordinated debt — 65,104 — 65,104 Fixed rate senior agency debt — 174,998 — 174,998 Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 860,764 — — 860,764 Total available-for-sale 860,764 1,582,185 17,730 2,460,679 Trading: Floating rate asset-backed securities — — 281 281 Total trading — — 281 281 Total Investment Securities 860,764 1,582,185 18,011 2,460,960 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage — — 4,697,584 4,697,584 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities — — 33,447 33,447 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities — — 4,731,031 4,731,031 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale — — 1,967,759 1,967,759 Trading — — 24,787 24,787 Total USDA Securities — — 1,992,546 1,992,546 Financial derivatives — 8,242 — 8,242 Total Assets at fair value $ 860,764 $ 1,590,427 $ 6,741,588 $ 9,192,779 Liabilities: Financial derivatives $ 309 $ 140,449 $ — $ 140,758 Total Liabilities at fair value $ 309 $ 140,449 $ — $ 140,758 Nonrecurring: Assets: Loans held for investment $ — $ — $ 2,227 $ 2,227 REO — — 630 630 Total Nonrecurring Assets at fair value $ — $ — $ 2,857 $ 2,857 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value as of December 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 $ — $ — $ 44,924 $ 44,924 Floating rate asset-backed securities — 73,729 — 73,729 Floating rate corporate debt securities — 9,991 — 9,991 Fixed rate corporate debt — 9,994 — 9,994 Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities — 1,355,459 — 1,355,459 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities — 7,904 — 7,904 Floating rate GSE subordinated debt — 66,249 — 66,249 Fixed rate senior agency debt — 213,987 — 213,987 Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 992,788 — — 992,788 Total available-for-sale 992,788 1,737,313 44,924 2,775,025 Trading: Floating rate asset-backed securities — — 491 491 Total trading — — 491 491 Total Investment Securities 992,788 1,737,313 45,415 2,775,516 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage — — 4,121,244 4,121,244 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities — — 31,361 31,361 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities — — 4,152,605 4,152,605 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale — — 1,888,344 1,888,344 Trading — — 28,975 28,975 Total USDA Guaranteed Securities — — 1,917,319 1,917,319 Financial derivatives 19 3,797 — 3,816 Total Assets at fair value $ 992,807 $ 1,741,110 $ 6,115,339 $ 8,849,256 Liabilities: Financial derivatives $ — $ 77,199 $ — $ 77,199 Total Liabilities at fair value $ — $ 77,199 $ — $ 77,199 Nonrecurring: Assets: Loans held for investment $ — $ — $ 11,443 $ 11,443 REO $ — $ — $ 388 $ 388 Total Nonrecurring Assets at fair value $ — $ — $ 11,831 $ 11,831
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 and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015. Table 8.2 Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 Beginning Purchases Sales Settlements Realized and Unrealized Ending (in thousands) Recurring: Assets: Investment Securities: Available-for-sale: Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans $ 17,730 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 17,730 Total available-for-sale 17,730 — — — — — 17,730 Trading: Floating rate asset-backed securities (1) 383 — — (120 ) 18 — 281 Total trading 383 — — (120 ) 18 — 281 Total Investment Securities 18,113 — — (120 ) 18 — 18,011 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 4,534,810 163,845 — (16,699 ) 13,137 2,491 4,697,584 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 30,694 4,100 — (2,238 ) — 891 33,447 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 4,565,504 167,945 — (18,937 ) 13,137 3,382 4,731,031 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale 1,908,014 129,645 (19,014 ) (97,303 ) — 46,417 1,967,759 Trading (2) 26,869 — — (2,459 ) 377 — 24,787 Total USDA Securities 1,934,883 129,645 (19,014 ) (99,762 ) 377 46,417 1,992,546 Total Assets at fair value $ 6,518,500 $ 297,590 $ (19,014 ) $ (118,819 ) $ 13,532 $ 49,799 $ 6,741,588 (1) Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of June 30, 2016 and are recorded in " Gains on trading securities ." (2) Includes unrealized gains of $0.3 million attributable to assets still held as of June 30, 2016 that are recorded in " Gains on trading securities ." Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Beginning Purchases Sales Settlements Realized and Unrealized Ending (in thousands) Recurring: Assets: Investment Securities: Available-for-sale: Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans $ 40,379 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ (197 ) $ 40,182 Total available-for-sale 40,379 — — — — (197 ) 40,182 Trading: Floating rate asset-backed securities (1) 638 — — (190 ) 158 — 606 Total trading 638 — — (190 ) 158 — 606 Total Investment Securities 41,017 — — (190 ) 158 (197 ) 40,788 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 3,818,704 249,260 — (9,245 ) (11,354 ) (31,165 ) 4,016,200 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 23,505 12,512 — (1,766 ) — 757 35,008 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 3,842,209 261,772 — (11,011 ) (11,354 ) (30,408 ) 4,051,208 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale 1,794,844 111,421 — (69,192 ) — (11,667 ) 1,825,406 Trading (2) 37,593 — — (3,834 ) 11 — 33,770 Total USDA Securities 1,832,437 111,421 — (73,026 ) 11 (11,667 ) 1,859,176 Total Assets at fair value $ 5,715,663 $ 373,193 $ — $ (84,227 ) $ (11,185 ) $ (42,272 ) $ 5,951,172 (1) Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of June 30, 2015 and are recorded in " Gains on trading securities ." (2) Includes unrealized gains of $0.1 million attributable to assets still held as of June 30, 2015 that are recorded in " Gains on trading securities ." Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 Beginning Purchases Sales Settlements Realized and Unrealized Ending (in thousands) Recurring: Assets: Investment Securities: Available-for-sale: Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans $ 44,924 $ — $ (26,806 ) $ — $ 6 $ (394 ) $ 17,730 Total available-for-sale 44,924 — (26,806 ) — 6 (394 ) 17,730 Trading: Floating rate asset-backed securities (1) 491 — — (326 ) 116 — 281 Total trading 491 — — (326 ) 116 — 281 Total Investment Securities 45,415 — (26,806 ) (326 ) 122 (394 ) 18,011 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 4,121,244 1,079,376 — (529,229 ) 37,435 (11,242 ) 4,697,584 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 31,361 4,100 — (2,736 ) 722 33,447 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 4,152,605 1,083,476 — (531,965 ) 37,435 (10,520 ) 4,731,031 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale 1,888,344 228,613 (22,662 ) (181,490 ) — 54,954 1,967,759 Trading (2) 28,975 — — (4,824 ) 636 — 24,787 Total USDA Securities 1,917,319 228,613 (22,662 ) (186,314 ) 636 54,954 1,992,546 Total Assets at fair value $ 6,115,339 $ 1,312,089 $ (49,468 ) $ (718,605 ) $ 38,193 $ 44,040 $ 6,741,588 (1) Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of June 30, 2016 and are recorded in " Gains on trading securities ." (2) Includes unrealized gains of $ 0.6 million attributable to assets still held as of June 30, 2016 that are recorded in " Gains on trading securities ." Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Beginning Purchases Sales Settlements Realized and Unrealized Ending (in thousands) Recurring: Assets: Investment Securities: Available-for-sale: Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans $ 40,576 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ (394 ) $ 40,182 Total available-for-sale 40,576 — — — — (394 ) 40,182 Trading: Floating rate asset-backed securities (1) 689 — — (437 ) 354 — 606 Total trading 689 — — (437 ) 354 — 606 Total Investment Securities 41,265 — — (437 ) 354 (394 ) 40,788 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 3,631,662 464,175 — (66,997 ) (2,478 ) (10,162 ) 4,016,200 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 27,619 12,512 — (6,418 ) — 1,295 35,008 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 3,659,281 476,687 — (73,415 ) (2,478 ) (8,867 ) 4,051,208 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale 1,731,222 200,607 — (133,383 ) — 26,960 1,825,406 Trading (2) 40,310 — — (6,717 ) 177 — 33,770 Total USDA Securities 1,771,532 200,607 — (140,100 ) 177 26,960 1,859,176 Total Assets at fair value $ 5,472,078 $ 677,294 $ — $ (213,952 ) $ (1,947 ) $ 17,699 $ 5,951,172 (1) Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of June 30, 2015 and are recorded in " Gains on trading securities ." (2) Includes unrealized gains of $ 0.2 million attributable to assets still held as of June 30, 2015 that are recorded in " Gains on trading securities ."
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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 . Table 8.3 As of June 30, 2016 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 $ 17,730 Indicative bids Range of broker quotes 90.0% - 90.0% (90.0%) Floating rate asset-backed securities $ 281 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 29.7% - 32.0% (31.2%) CPR 10.0% Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: AgVantage $ 4,697,584 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 1.2% - 2.5% (1.7%) Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities $ 33,447 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 1.2% - 4.1% (1.7%) CPR 9% - 23% (12%) USDA Securities $ 1,992,546 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 1.8% - 5.0% (3.0%) CPR 0% - 22% (10%) As of December 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 $ 44,924 Indicative bids Range of broker quotes 92.0% - 99.6% (96.6%) Floating rate asset-backed securities $ 491 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 18.3% - 23.9% (21.5%) CPR 10.0% Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: AgVantage $ 4,121,244 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 1.1% - 3.3% (1.8%) Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities $ 31,361 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 1.0% - 3.9% (1.8%) CPR 9% - 20% (10.0%) USDA Securities $ 1,917,319 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 1.3% - 5.1% (3.1%) CPR 0% - 19% (7.0%)
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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Table 8.4 As of June 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Fair Value Carrying Fair Value Carrying (in thousands) Financial assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,764,626 $ 1,764,626 $ 1,210,084 $ 1,210,084 Investment securities 2,460,960 2,460,960 2,775,516 2,775,516 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 6,135,080 6,119,755 5,434,422 5,426,621 USDA Securities 1,992,546 1,992,546 1,917,319 1,917,319 Loans 4,343,577 4,195,295 4,027,660 3,962,044 Financial derivatives 8,242 8,242 3,816 3,816 Guarantee and commitment fees receivable: LTSPCs 29,518 31,968 31,953 31,240 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 7,248 7,685 8,872 8,949 Financial liabilities: Notes payable: Due within one year 10,128,930 10,125,269 9,108,468 9,111,461 Due after one year 4,875,304 4,722,814 5,009,310 4,967,036 Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties 953,120 928,050 713,316 713,536 Financial derivatives 140,758 140,758 77,199 77,199 Guarantee and commitment obligations: LTSPCs 28,680 31,130 31,015 30,301 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 6,548 6,985 8,230 8,308 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 - B

Business Segment Reporting - Business Segment Reporting (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
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 three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 9.1 Core Earnings by Business Segment For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Utilities Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 11,606 $ 4,938 $ 2,855 $ 12,109 $ 2,850 $ — $ 34,358 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3) (1,731 ) (350 ) (293 ) (702 ) (256 ) 3,332 — Net effective spread 9,875 4,588 2,562 11,407 2,594 3,332 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 3,965 14 373 458 — (1,155 ) 3,655 Other income/(expense) (3)(4) 78 25 — — (228 ) (3,764 ) (3,889 ) Non-interest income/(loss) 4,043 39 373 458 (228 ) (4,919 ) (234 ) Provision for loan losses (364 ) — — — — — (364 ) Provision for losses (94 ) — — — — — (94 ) Other non-interest expense (4,112 ) (1,092 ) (830 ) (538 ) (3,408 ) — (9,980 ) Non-interest expense (5) (4,206 ) (1,092 ) (830 ) (538 ) (3,408 ) — (10,074 ) Core earnings before income taxes 9,348 3,535 2,105 11,327 (1,042 ) (1,587 ) (6) 23,686 Income tax (expense)/benefit (3,272 ) (1,237 ) (737 ) (3,964 ) 254 556 (8,400 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends 6,076 2,298 1,368 7,363 (788 ) (1,031 ) (6) 15,286 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (3,296 ) — (3,296 ) Non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends — — — — 16 — 16 Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 6,076 $ 2,298 $ 1,368 $ 7,363 $ (4,068 ) $ (1,031 ) (6) $ 12,006 Total assets at carrying value $ 3,311,270 $ 2,046,516 $ 1,023,630 $ 6,071,924 $ 4,369,850 $ — $ 16,823,190 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 5,830,533 $ 1,960,358 $ 1,934,473 $ 7,391,172 — $ 17,116,536 (1) Excludes the amortization of premiums and discounts on assets consolidated at fair value, originally included in interest income, to reflect core earnings amounts. (2) Includes the reclassification of interest income and interest expense from consolidated trusts owned by third parties to guarantee and commitment fees, to reflect management's view that the net interest income Farmer Mac earns is effectively a guarantee fee. (3) Includes the reclassification of interest expense related to interest rate swaps not designated as hedges, which are included in " (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities " on the consolidated financial statements, to determine the effective funding cost for each operating segment. (4) Includes reconciling adjustments for 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. (5) Includes directly attributable costs and an allocation of indirectly attributable costs based on headcount. (6) Net adjustments to reconcile core earnings before income taxes; core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest; 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 June 30, 2015 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Adjustments Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 10,757 $ 4,643 $ 3,153 $ 11,312 $ 1,999 $ — $ 31,864 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3) (1,076 ) (177 ) (315 ) (452 ) (57 ) 2,077 — Net effective spread 9,681 4,466 2,838 10,860 1,942 2,077 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 3,693 8 — 384 — (697 ) 3,388 Other income/(expense) (3)(4) 160 28 — — (212 ) 14,843 14,819 Non-interest income/(loss) 3,853 36 — 384 (212 ) 14,146 18,207 Provision for loan losses (110 ) — — — — — (110 ) Provision for losses (1,146 ) — — — — — (1,146 ) Other non-interest expense (4,304 ) (1,025 ) (860 ) (532 ) (2,986 ) — (9,707 ) Non-interest expense (5) (5,450 ) (1,025 ) (860 ) (532 ) (2,986 ) — (10,853 ) Core earnings before income taxes 7,974 3,477 1,978 10,712 (1,256 ) 16,223 (6) 39,108 Income tax (expense)/benefit (2,791 ) (1,216 ) (691 ) (3,749 ) 356 (5,678 ) (13,769 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends 5,183 2,261 1,287 6,963 (900 ) 10,545 (6) 25,339 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (3,296 ) — (3,296 ) Non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends — — — — 119 — 119 Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 5,183 $ 2,261 $ 1,287 $ 6,963 $ (4,077 ) $ 10,545 (6) $ 22,162 Total assets at carrying value $ 2,780,018 $ 1,913,390 $ 962,702 $ 5,874,088 $ 3,614,399 $ — $ 15,144,597 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 5,485,570 $ 1,862,430 $ 954,188 $ 6,827,939 — $ 15,130,127 (1) Excludes the amortization of premiums and discounts on assets consolidated at fair value, originally included in interest income, to reflect core earnings amounts. (2) Includes the reclassification of interest income and interest expense from consolidated trusts owned by third parties to guarantee and commitment fees, to reflect management's view that the net interest income Farmer Mac earns is effectively a guarantee fee. (3) Includes the reclassification of interest expense related to interest rate swaps not designated as hedges, which are included in " (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities " on the consolidated financial statements, to determine the effective funding cost for each operating segment. (4) Includes reconciling adjustments for 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. (5) Includes directly attributable costs and an allocation of indirectly attributable costs based on headcount. (6) Net adjustments to reconcile core earnings before income taxes; core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest; 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 Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 22,733 $ 9,990 $ 5,719 $ 23,858 $ 5,698 $ — $ 67,998 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3) (3,397 ) (1,094 ) (619 ) (1,361 ) (552 ) 7,023 — Net effective spread 19,336 8,896 5,100 22,497 5,146 7,023 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 7,874 21 668 916 — (2,198 ) 7,281 Other income/(expense) (3)(4) 175 83 — — (900 ) (9,579 ) (10,221 ) Non-interest income/(loss) 8,049 104 668 916 (900 ) (11,777 ) (2,940 ) Provision for loan losses (413 ) — — — — — (413 ) Provision for losses (108 ) — — — — — (108 ) Other non-interest expense (8,273 ) (2,185 ) (1,661 ) (1,077 ) (6,736 ) — (19,932 ) Non-interest expense (5) (8,381 ) (2,185 ) (1,661 ) (1,077 ) (6,736 ) — (20,040 ) Core earnings before income taxes 18,591 6,815 4,107 22,336 (2,490 ) (4,754 ) (6) 44,605 Income tax (expense)/benefit (6,508 ) (2,385 ) (1,438 ) (7,816 ) 747 1,665 (15,735 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends 12,083 4,430 2,669 14,520 (1,743 ) (3,089 ) (6) 28,870 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (6,591 ) — (6,591 ) Non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends — — — — 44 — 44 Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 12,083 $ 4,430 $ 2,669 $ 14,520 $ (8,290 ) $ (3,089 ) (6) $ 22,323 Total assets at carrying value $ 3,311,270 $ 2,046,516 $ 1,023,630 $ 6,071,924 $ 4,369,850 $ — $ 16,823,190 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 5,830,533 $ 1,960,358 $ 1,934,473 $ 7,391,172 — $ 17,116,536 (1) Excludes the amortization of premiums and discounts on assets consolidated at fair value, originally included in interest income, to reflect core earnings amounts. (2) Includes the reclassification of interest income and interest expense from consolidated trusts owned by third parties to guarantee and commitment fees, to reflect management's view that the net interest income Farmer Mac earns is effectively a guarantee fee. (3) Includes the reclassification of interest expense related to interest rate swaps not designated as hedges, which are included in " (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities " on the consolidated financial statements, to determine the effective funding cost for each operating segment. (4) Includes reconciling adjustments for 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. (5) Includes directly attributable costs and an allocation of indirectly attributable costs based on headcount. (6) Net adjustments to reconcile core earnings before income taxes; core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest; 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 Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 21,988 $ 8,987 $ 5,611 $ 22,304 $ 3,763 $ — $ 62,653 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3) (2,193 ) (296 ) 31 (1,019 ) (132 ) 3,609 — Net effective spread 19,795 8,691 5,642 21,285 3,631 3,609 Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 7,326 2 — 769 — (1,332 ) 6,765 Other income/(expense) (3)(4) 247 87 — — (764 ) 12,347 11,917 Non-interest income/(loss) 7,573 89 — 769 (764 ) 11,015 18,682 Provision for loan losses (186 ) — — — — — (186 ) Provision for losses (374 ) — — — — — (374 ) Other non-interest expense (8,630 ) (1,410 ) (1,726 ) (1,067 ) (5,989 ) — (18,822 ) Non-interest expense (5) (9,004 ) (1,410 ) (1,726 ) (1,067 ) (5,989 ) — (19,196 ) Core earnings before income taxes 18,178 7,370 3,916 20,987 (3,122 ) 14,624 (6) 61,953 Income tax (expense)/benefit (6,362 ) (2,579 ) (1,369 ) (7,345 ) 2,872 (3,217 ) (18,000 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends 11,816 4,791 2,547 13,642 (250 ) 11,407 (6) 43,953 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (6,591 ) — (6,591 ) Non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends — — — — (5,235 ) — (5,235 ) Loss on retirement of preferred stock — — — — — (8,147 ) (8,147 ) Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 11,816 $ 4,791 $ 2,547 $ 13,642 $ (12,076 ) $ 3,260 (6) $ 23,980 Total assets at carrying value $ 2,780,018 $ 1,913,390 $ 962,702 $ 5,874,088 $ 3,614,399 $ — $ 15,144,597 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 5,485,570 $ 1,862,430 $ 954,188 $ 6,827,939 — $ 15,130,127 (1) Excludes the amortization of premiums and discounts on assets consolidated at fair value, originally included in interest income, to reflect core earnings amounts. (2) Includes the reclassification of interest income and interest expense from consolidated trusts owned by third parties to guarantee and commitment fees, to reflect the net interest income Farmer Mac earns is effectively a guarantee fee. (3) Includes the reclassification of interest expense related to interest rate swaps not designated as hedges, which are included in " (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities " on the consolidated financial statements, to determine the effective funding cost for each operating segment. (4) Includes reconciling adjustments for 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. (5) Includes directly attributable costs and an allocation of indirectly attributable costs based on headcount. (6) Net adjustments to reconcile core earnings before income taxes; core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest; and segment core earnings to corresponding income measures: income before income taxes, net income, and net income attributable to common stockholders, respectively.

Accounting Policies - Principl

Accounting Policies - Principles of Consolidation (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016subsidiary
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of Subsidiaries	3

Accounting Policies - Consolid

Accounting Policies - Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)subsidiary		Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Number of Subsidiaries | subsidiary	3
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	$ 922,666		$ 708,111
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	928,050		713,536
Farm & Ranch [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Other Liabilities	5,400		5,400
USDA Guarantees [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	600		(200)
Institutional Credit [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Fair Value Adjustment	1,000		1,400
On-balance sheet [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	922,666		708,111
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	928,050	[1]	713,536	[2]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Farm & Ranch [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	922,666		708,111
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	928,050	[1]	713,536	[2]
On-balance sheet [Member] | USDA Guarantees [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	0		0
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	0	[1]	0	[2]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Rural Utilities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	0		0
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	0	[1]	0	[2]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	0		0
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	0	[1]	0	[2]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Corporate Segment [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	0		0
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	0	[1]	0	[2]
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	1,467,441	[3],[4]	1,494,323	[5],[6]
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	466,479	[3],[4]	514,051	[5],[6]
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	30,962	[3],[4]	10,272	[5],[6]
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	[3],[4]	0	[5],[6]
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	[3],[4]	970,000	[5],[6]
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Corporate Segment [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	[3],[4]	0	[5],[6]
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	64,409	[7]	62,760	[8]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	62,886	[3]	61,553	[5]
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	[7]	0	[8]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	[3]	0	[5]
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	33,447	[7]	31,360	[8]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	32,886	[3]	31,553	[5]
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	[7]	0	[8]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	[3]	0	[5]
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	30,962	[7]	31,400	[8]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	30,000	[3]	30,000	[5]
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: | On-balance sheet [Member] | Corporate Segment [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	0	[7]	0	[8]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	[3]	0	[5]
Investment Securities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	5,271		5,936
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	812,501	[9]	917,292	[10]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	813,063	[3],[9]	918,121	[5],[10]
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	[9]	0	[10]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	[3],[9]	0	[5],[10]
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	[9]	0	[10]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	[3],[9]	0	[5],[10]
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	[9]	0	[10]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	[3],[9]	0	[5],[10]
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	[9]	0	[10]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	[3],[9]	0	[5],[10]
Investment Securities [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Corporate Segment [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	812,501	[9]	917,292	[10]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	$ 813,063	[3],[9]	$ 918,121	[5],[10]
[1]	Includes borrower remittances of $5.4 million. The borrower remittances have not been passed through to third party investors as of June 30, 2016.
[2]	Includes borrower remittances of $5.4 million, which have not been passed through to third party investors as of December 31, 2015.
[3]	Farmer Mac uses unpaid principal balance and outstanding face amount of investment securities to represent maximum exposure to loss.
[4]	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.
[5]	Farmer Mac uses unpaid principal balance and the outstanding face amount of investment securities to represent maximum exposure to loss.
[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]	Includes $0.6 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 $1.0 million.
[8]	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 $1.4 million.
[9]	Includes auction-rate certificates, asset-backed securities, and government-sponsored enterprise ("GSE")-guaranteed mortgage-backed securities.
[10]	Includes auction-rate certificates, asset-backed securities, and GSE-guaranteed mortgage-backed securities.

Accounting Policies - Cash and

Accounting Policies - Cash and Cash Equivalents and Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Non-cash activity:
Proceeds from sale of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities			$ 278,443	$ 112,440
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			255,781	112,440
Purchases of securities - traded, not yet settled			224,990	236,600
Issuance Costs on the retirement of Farmer Mac II LLC Preferred Stock	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 8,147

Accounting Policies - Earnings

Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Net income attributable to common stockholders (Dilutive)	$ 12,006	$ 22,162	$ 22,323	$ 23,980
Stock options, SARs and restricted stock	158	428	348	411
Earnings Per Share, On Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements	$ (0.02)	$ (0.07)	$ (0.06)	$ (0.08)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	10,614	11,438	10,808	11,385
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 1.13000	$ 1.94000	$ 2.07000	$ 2.11000
Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	$ 12,006	$ 22,162	$ 22,323	$ 23,980
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	10,456	11,010	10,460	10,974
Basic earnings per common share	$ 1.15	$ 2.01	$ 2.13	$ 2.19

Accounting Policies - Earnin30

Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share Anti-Dilutive (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	$ 12,006	$ 22,162	$ 22,323	$ 23,980
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted	$ 12,006	$ 22,162	$ 22,323	$ 23,980
Stock options, SARs and restricted stock	158,000	428,000	348,000	411,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	10,456,000	11,010,000	10,460,000	10,974,000
Basic earnings per common share	$ 1.15	$ 2.01	$ 2.13	$ 2.19
Earnings Per Share, On Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements	$ (0.02)	$ (0.07)	$ (0.06)	$ (0.08)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	10,614,000	11,438,000	10,808,000	11,385,000
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 1.13000	$ 1.94000	$ 2.07000	$ 2.11000
Stock Options and SARs [Members]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from earnings per share (shares)	82,052	229,693	146,458.50	215,547
Performance Shares [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from earnings per share (shares)	37,284	45,034	37,284	37,774

Accounting Policies - Changes

Accounting Policies - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
AOCI Beginning Balance	$ (18,917)	$ 51,184	$ (11,019)	$ 15,533
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	34,202	(23,164)	29,038	17,940
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(2,901)	(5,287)	(5,635)	(10,740)
Net other comprehensive income/(loss)	31,301	(28,451)	23,403	7,200
AOCI Ending Balance	12,384	22,733	12,384	22,733
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
AOCI Beginning Balance	(14,180)	47,700	(10,035)	9,716
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	36,469	(23,936)	34,700	17,407
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(2,585)	(3,266)	(4,961)	(6,625)
Net other comprehensive income/(loss)	33,884	(27,202)	29,739	10,782
AOCI Ending Balance	19,704	20,498	19,704	20,498
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] | Held-to-maturity Securities [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
AOCI Beginning Balance	(1,133)	3,800	(476)	5,973
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	0	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(648)	(2,178)	(1,305)	(4,351)
Net other comprehensive income/(loss)	(648)	(2,178)	(1,305)	(4,351)
AOCI Ending Balance	(1,781)	1,622	(1,781)	1,622
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
AOCI Beginning Balance	(3,604)	(316)	(508)	(156)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	(2,267)	772	(5,662)	533
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	332	157	631	236
Net other comprehensive income/(loss)	(1,935)	929	(5,031)	769
AOCI Ending Balance	$ (5,539)	$ 613	$ (5,539)	$ 613

Accounting Policies - Componen

Accounting Policies - Components of Other Comprehensive Income Loss and Related Tax Impact (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, before Tax		$ 56,107	$ (36,826)	$ 53,385	$ 26,778
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax		19,638	(12,890)	18,685	9,371
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax		36,469	(23,936)	34,700	17,407
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax		34,202	(23,164)	29,038	17,940
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax		(500)	(200)	(1,000)	(400)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		(2,901)	(5,287)	(5,635)	(10,740)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax		48,157	(43,771)	36,006	11,076
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax		16,856	(15,320)	12,603	3,876
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax		31,301	(28,451)	23,403	7,200
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax		(3,488)	1,186	(8,710)	820
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax		(1,221)	414	(3,048)	287
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax		(2,267)	772	(5,662)	533
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		332	157	631	236
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax		(2,976)	1,430	(7,739)	1,183
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax		(1,041)	501	(2,708)	414
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax		(1,935)	929	(5,031)	769
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax		36,469	(23,936)	34,700	17,407
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		(2,585)	(3,266)	(4,961)	(6,625)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax		52,130	(41,851)	45,753	16,586
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax		18,246	(14,649)	16,014	5,804
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax		33,884	(27,202)	29,739	10,782
Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] | Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax		0	0	0	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		(648)	(2,178)	(1,305)	(4,351)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax		(997)	(3,350)	(2,008)	(6,693)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax		(349)	(1,172)	(703)	(2,342)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax		(648)	(2,178)	(1,305)	(4,351)
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax		(4,016)	(4,952)	(7,939)	(9,813)
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax		(1,405)	(1,733)	(2,778)	(3,434)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		(2,611)	(3,219)	(5,161)	(6,379)
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax				9	(6)
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax				3	(2)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax				6	(4)
Other Income [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax		39	(73)	298	(373)
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax		13	(26)	104	(131)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		26	(47)	194	(242)
Interest Income [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] | Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	[1]	(997)	(3,350)	(2,008)	(6,693)
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax	[1]	(349)	(1,172)	(703)	(2,342)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	[1]	(648)	(2,178)	(1,305)	(4,351)
Interest Expense [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	[2]	512	244	971	363
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax	[2]	180	87	340	127
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	[2]	$ 332	$ 157	$ 631	$ 236
[1]	Relates to the amortization of unrealized gains or losses prior to the reclassification of these securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity. The amortization of unrealized gains or losses reported in AOCI for held-to-maturity securities will be offset by the amortization of the premium or discount created from the transfer into held-to-maturity securities, which occurred at fair value. These unrealized gains or losses will be recorded over the remaining life of the security with no impact on future net income.
[2]	(5) Relates to the recognition of unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges recorded in AOCI.

Investment Securities - Schedu

Investment Securities - Schedule of Investment Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 8,532,790		$ 8,429,964
Investment Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	2,458,409		2,773,111
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	5,271		5,936
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	2,463,680		2,779,047
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	7,966		6,891
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	(10,967)		(10,913)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	2,460,679		2,775,025
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Trading, at fair value	281		491
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	2,460,296		2,775,322
Marketable Securities, Amortized Cost	2,465,567		2,781,258
Marketable Securities, Unrealized Gains	7,966		6,891
Marketable Securities, Unrealized Losses	(12,573)		(12,633)
Marketable Securities	2,460,960		2,775,516
Senior Agency Debt [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,967,759		1,888,344
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Trading, at fair value	24,787		28,975
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities	1,992,546		1,917,319
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Investment Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	5,271		5,936
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	19,700		46,500
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	19,700		46,500
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	0		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	(1,970)		(1,576)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	17,730		44,924
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	61,070		74,744
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	60,842		74,491
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	4		14
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	(847)		(776)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	59,999		73,729
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Trading Securities - Amount Outstanding	1,887		2,211
Trading Securities, Debt, Amortized Cost	1,887		2,211
Trading Securities, Unrealized Gains	0		0
Trading Securities, Unrealized Losses	(1,606)		(1,720)
Trading, at fair value	281		491
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	2		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	0		(9)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	10,002		9,991
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	1,261,876		1,353,495
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,264,971		1,357,010
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	2,600		2,768
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	(3,254)		(4,319)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,264,317		1,355,459
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	(4,896)		(3,751)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	65,104		66,249
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)	(228)		(253)
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)	3,095		3,515
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] | Trading Securities [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	0		0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance			10,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis			9,999
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax			0
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses			(5)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure			9,994
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	613		692	[1]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	3,421		3,809	[1]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	4,344		4,095	[1]
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	0		0	[1]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	7,765	[2]	7,904	[1]
Derivative, Notional Amount	147,300		148,500
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Senior Agency Debt [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	175,000		214,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	174,989		213,975
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	9		12
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	0		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	174,998		213,987
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	860,150		993,680
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	859,757		993,263
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	1,007		2
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	0		(477)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	860,764		992,788
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)			(1)
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	2,808		3,117	[1]
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Senior Agency Debt [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	(11)		(25)
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	(393)		(417)
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Interest-Only-Strip [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	$ 7,100		$ 7,200
[1]	Fair value includes $7.2 million of an interest-only security with a notional amount of $148.5 million.
[2]	Fair value includes $7.1 million of an interest-only security with a notional amount of $147.3 million. As of December 31, 2015 Amount Outstanding Unamortized Premium/(Discount) AmortizedCost UnrealizedGains UnrealizedLosses Fair Value (in thousands)Available-for-sale: Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans$46,500 $— $46,500 $— $(1,576) $44,924Floating rate asset-backed securities74,744 (253) 74,491 14 (776) 73,729Floating rate corporate debt securities10,000 — 10,000 — (9) 9,991Fixed rate corporate debt securities10,000 (1) 9,999 — (5) 9,994Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities1,353,495 3,515 1,357,010 2,768 (4,319) 1,355,459Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities(1)692 3,117 3,809 4,095 — 7,904Floating rate GSE subordinated debt70,000 — 70,000 — (3,751) 66,249Fixed rate senior agency debt214,000 (25) 213,975 12 — 213,987Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries993,680 (417) 993,263 2 (477) 992,788Total available-for-sale2,773,111 5,936 2,779,047 6,891 (10,913) 2,775,025Trading: Floating rate asset-backed securities2,211 — 2,211 — (1,720) 491Total investment securities$2,775,322 $5,936 $2,781,258 $6,891 $(12,633) $2,775,516

Investment Securities - Narrat

Investment Securities - Narrative (Details) - Investment Securities [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale investment securities	$ 0	$ 0	$ 186,769	$ 74,998
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	0	0	100	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	$ 0	$ 0	$ 100	$ 0

Investment Securities - Unreal

Investment Securities - Unrealized Loss Position (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)position	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)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	$ 513,679	$ 1,799,338
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	227,196	194,540
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(2,891)	(4,363)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	$ (8,076)	$ (6,550)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract]
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions | position	56	69
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	97.00%
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Greater than or Equal to One Year | position	17	17
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 | position	1	3
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	17,730	18,124
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	(1,970)	(1,576)
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	40,217	44,552
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	9,061	9,975
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(494)	(464)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(353)	(312)
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt 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		4,991
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		(9)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses		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	473,462	794,959
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	135,301	100,192
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(2,397)	(3,408)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(857)	(911)
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	65,104	66,249
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	$ (4,896)	(3,751)
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt 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		9,994
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		(5)
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		944,842
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		(477)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses		$ 0

Investment Securities - Tradin

Investment Securities - Trading Securities (Details) - Floating Interest Rate [Member] - Asset-backed Securities [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Debt, Amortized Cost	$ 1,887	$ 2,211
Trading, at fair value	$ 281	$ 491
Trading Securities, Weighted-Average Yield	4.53%	4.41%

Investment Securities - Debt M

Investment Securities - Debt Maturities (Details) - Investment Securities [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Amortized Cost	$ 1,039,762
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	151,635
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	512,451
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	759,832
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	2,463,680	$ 2,779,047
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Fair Value	1,040,780
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Fair Value	151,911
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value	511,166
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Fair Value	756,822
Available-for-sale securities	$ 2,460,679	$ 2,775,025
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted Average Yield, Single Maturity Date [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Weighted-Average Yield	0.57%
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	1.03%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Weighted-Average Yield	1.10%
Available-for-sale Securities, Total Weighted-Average Yield	0.89%

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securit38

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	$ 6,621,790	$ 6,045,828
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	6,623,356	6,047,385
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	147,589	64,131
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	72,155	70,567
Available-for-sale, at fair value	6,698,790	6,040,949
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Held-to-Maturity Securities [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	1,388,724
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	1,404,049
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	4,747,985	4,196,506
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	4,747,684	4,196,173
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	55,485	26,971
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	72,138	70,539
Available-for-sale, at fair value	4,731,031	4,152,605
USDA Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale, at fair value	1,967,759	1,888,344
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Trading, at fair value	24,787	28,975
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)	1,566	1,557
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)	(301)	(333)
Institutional Credit [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Held-to-Maturity Securities [Abstract]
Held-to-Maturity Unpaid Principal Balance	1,391,203	1,274,431
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	1,388,724	1,274,016
Held to Maturity; Unrealized Holding Gains	15,468	7,801
Held to Maturity - Unrealized Holding Loss	(143)	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	1,404,049	1,281,817
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	4,715,099	4,164,952
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	4,715,099	4,164,952
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	54,623	26,831
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	72,138	70,539
Available-for-sale, at fair value	4,697,584	4,121,244
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)	(2,479)	(415)
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)	600	(200)
USDA Guarantees [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	32,886	31,554
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	32,585	31,221
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	862	140
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	0	0
Available-for-sale, at fair value	33,447	31,361
USDA Guarantees [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	1,873,805	1,849,322
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,875,672	1,851,212
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	92,104	37,160
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	17	28
Available-for-sale, at fair value	1,967,759	1,888,344
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Trading Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	22,705	27,129
Trading Securities, Debt, Amortized Cost	24,238	29,063
Trading Securities, Unrealized Gains	601	125
Trading Securities, Unrealized Holding Loss	52	213
Trading, at fair value	24,787	28,975
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)	(301)	(333)
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)	1,867	1,890
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)	$ 1,533	$ 1,934

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securit39

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Unrealized Loss Position (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)position	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)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	$ 513,679	$ 1,799,338
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	227,196	194,540
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	2,891	4,363
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	$ 8,076	$ 6,550
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 | position	56	69
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	$ 398,252	$ 1,193,866
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	1,995,491	1,207,991
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	1,763	41,835
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	70,392	28,732
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	154,857
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0
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	(143)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	0
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	398,252	1,193,866
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	1,891,826	1,104,981
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	1,763	41,835
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	$ 70,375	$ 28,704
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 | position	22	22
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Greater than or Equal to One Year | position	16	8
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions | position	2	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	$ 0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	103,665	103,010
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	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	$ 17	$ 28

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securit40

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities (Details) - Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Amortized Cost	$ 367,261
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	2,320,284
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	1,448,102
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	2,487,709
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	6,623,356	$ 6,047,385
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Fair Value	367,986
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Fair Value	2,333,066
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value	1,486,022
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Fair Value	2,511,716
Available-for-sale, at fair value	$ 6,698,790	$ 6,040,949
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted Average Yield, Single Maturity Date [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Weighted-Average Yield	1.32%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Weighted-Average Yield	1.53%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Weighted-Average Yield	2.20%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Weighted-Average Yield	2.60%
Available-for-sale Securities, Total Weighted-Average Yield	2.07%

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securit41

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member]
Held-to-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted Average Yield, Single Maturity Date [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Weighted Average Yield	3.37%
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	$ 838,099
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Net Carrying Amount	513,538
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	37,087
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	1,388,724
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Fair Value [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value	838,742
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value	525,345
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value	39,962
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	$ 1,404,049
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	2.19%
Held-to-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Weighted-Average Yield	2.78%
Held-to-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted-Average Yield	2.45%

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securit42

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Trading Securities (Details) - USDA Securities [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Trading, at fair value	$ 24,787	$ 28,975
USDA Guarantees [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Debt, Amortized Cost	24,238	29,063
Trading, at fair value	$ 24,787	$ 28,975
Trading Securities, Weighted-Average Yield	5.49%	5.53%

Financial Derivatives - Hedgin

Financial Derivatives - Hedging Description (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	$ (4,100)	$ (5,600)	$ (8,900)	$ (11,100)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	500	200	1,000	400
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net	2,100		2,100
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net of Tax	1,300		1,300
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Financial Derivatives - Schedu

Financial Derivatives - Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 8,532,790	$ 8,429,964
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	8,242	3,816
Financial derivatives, at fair value	(140,758)	(77,199)
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Collateral Pledged	95,144	37,986
Derivative Asset	8,242	3,816
Derivative Liability	45,614	39,213
Cash [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Obligation to Return Securities Received as Collateral	0	0
Collateral Pledged	95,100	38,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap, Pay Fixed Non-Callable [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	1,391,816	1,276,285
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	6	949
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ (67,960)	$ (26,703)
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	1.83%	2.35%
Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate	0.64%	0.37%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	5 years 2 months 26 days	4 years 1 month 28 days
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap, Receive Fixed Non-Callable [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 30,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	862
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ 0
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	0.78%
Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate	1.75%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	3 years 11 months 16 days
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap, Pay Fixed Non-Callable [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 157,000	$ 119,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	0	8
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ (9,360)	$ (1,381)
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	2.26%	2.25%
Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate	0.86%	0.64%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	7 years 2 months 16 days	7 years 11 days
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Credit Risk Valuation Adjustment, Derivative Assets	$ 0	$ 5
Derivative Credit Risk Valuation Adjustment, Derivative Liabilities	165	170
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap, Pay Fixed Non-Callable [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	442,611	454,041
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	0	229
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ (61,957)	$ (44,528)
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	4.08%	3.73%
Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate	0.64%	0.33%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	6 years 3 months 22 days	6 years 7 days
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap, Receive Fixed Non-Callable [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 6,035,677	$ 5,590,638
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	7,367	2,384
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ (1,007)	$ (4,205)
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	0.60%	0.47%
Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate	0.51%	0.31%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	6 months 11 days	6 months 25 days
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap, Receive Fixed Callable [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 30,000	$ 230,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	0	0
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ (17)	$ (421)
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	0.58%	0.91%
Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate	0.57%	0.41%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	9 months 29 days	2 years 3 months 4 days
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Basis Swap [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 400,000	$ 725,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	7	232
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ (219)	$ (131)
Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate	0.61%	0.22%
Derivative, Variable Interest Rate	0.58%	0.38%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	11 months 12 days	2 years 3 months 29 days
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 17,586
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	0
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ (94)
Derivative, Weighted-Average Forward Price	$ 101.03
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Future [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 28,100	$ 35,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	0	19
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ (309)	$ 0
Derivative, Weighted-Average Forward Price	$ 131.89	$ 125.96

Financial Derivatives - Sche45

Financial Derivatives - Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Impact on Results of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings		$ (4,100)	$ (5,600)	$ (8,900)	$ (11,100)
(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities		(4,696)	14,389	(11,478)	10,507
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		16,541	(11,354)	46,329	(2,478)
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings		2,101	2,721	4,990	5,838
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities		(6,692)	11,818	(16,214)	5,035
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		1,800	2,900	3,300	5,800
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net		(300)	200	(1,700)	(100)
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	[1]	(14,440)	14,075	(41,339)	8,316
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness		(105)	(150)	(254)	(366)
Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net		(105)	(150)	(254)	(366)
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities		(6,345)	11,948	(14,487)	6,207
Forward Contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities		10	(356)	(868)	(1,142)
Future [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities		$ (357)	$ 226	$ (859)	$ (30)
[1]	Included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness as of June 30, 2016, but excluded from the amounts in the table, were losses of $1.8 million and $3.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, 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 and six months ended June 30, 2016 were gains of $0.3 million and $1.7 million, respectively. The comparable amounts as of June 30, 2015 were losses of $2.9 million and $5.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, attributable to the fair value of the swaps at the inception of the hedging relationship and, accordingly, losses of $0.2 million and gains of $0.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, attributable to hedge ineffectiveness.

Financial Derivatives - Narrat

Financial Derivatives - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell	0		0		$ 0
Financial derivatives, at fair value	140,758		140,758		77,199
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Collateral Pledged	95,144		95,144		37,986
Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value	40,000		40,000		45,200
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	8,532,790		8,532,790		8,429,964
Excluding netting [Member] | Including accrued interest [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Credit exposure to interest rate swap counterparties	15,600		15,600		6,400
Financial derivatives, at fair value	152,300		152,300		90,100
Netting [Member] | Including accrued interest [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Credit exposure to interest rate swap counterparties	0		0		0
Financial derivatives, at fair value	135,100		135,100		83,200
Uncollateralized [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Credit exposure to interest rate swap counterparties	0		0		0
Cash [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Collateral Received	0		0		0
Collateral Pledged	95,100		95,100		38,000
Securities Pledged as Collateral [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Collateral Pledged	0		0		0
Exchange Cleared [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	7,500,000		7,500,000		6,200,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 8,500,000		$ 8,500,000		$ 8,400,000

Loans and Allowance for Losse47

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Loan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross		$ 3,277,522	$ 3,258,413
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate		4,893	4,480
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount		4,195,295	3,962,044
Real Estate Loan [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	[1]	4,190,367	3,966,101
Unamortized Loan Commitment and Origination Fees and Unamortized Discounts or Premiums		9,821	423
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross		4,200,188	3,966,524
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate		4,893	4,480
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount		4,195,295	3,962,044
Real Estate Loan [Member] | Farm & Ranch [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance		3,188,598	2,957,975
Real Estate Loan [Member] | Rural Utilities [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance		1,001,769	1,008,126
Unsecuritized [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	[1]	3,267,701	3,257,990
Unamortized Loan Commitment and Origination Fees and Unamortized Discounts or Premiums		9,821	423
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross		3,277,522	3,258,413
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate		4,038	3,736
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount		3,273,484	3,254,677
Unsecuritized [Member] | Farm & Ranch [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance		2,265,932	2,249,864
Unsecuritized [Member] | Rural Utilities [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance		1,001,769	1,008,126
In Consolidated Trusts [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	[1]	922,666	708,111
Unamortized Loan Commitment and Origination Fees and Unamortized Discounts or Premiums		0	0
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross		922,666	708,111
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate		855	744
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount		921,811	707,367
In Consolidated Trusts [Member] | Farm & Ranch [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance		922,666	708,111
In Consolidated Trusts [Member] | Rural Utilities [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance		$ 0	$ 0
[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 Losse48

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Allowance for Credit Losses Roll Forward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities, Subject To Be Purchased	[1]	$ 300		$ 300		$ 0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Allowance for Loan Losses				4,480
Beginning Balance - Reserve for Losses				2,083
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses		6,626	$ 9,431	6,563	$ 10,127
Provision for loan losses		(364)	(110)	(413)	(186)
Provision for reserve for losses		94	1,146	108	374
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		0	(111)	0	(111)
Total (release of)/provision for losses		458	1,256	521	560
Ending Balance - Allowance for Loan Losses		4,893		4,893
Ending Balance - Reserve for Losses		2,191		2,191
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses		7,084	10,576	7,084	10,576
Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses		2,892	2,640	2,791	2,519
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs			0		0
Total (release of)/provision for losses		219	13	320	134
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses		3,111	2,653	3,111	2,653
Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses		937	2,284	931	2,159
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs			0		0
Total (release of)/provision for losses		207	(63)	213	62
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses		1,144	2,221	1,144	2,221
Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses		1,763	1,343	1,781	1,423
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs			0		0
Total (release of)/provision for losses		143	417	125	337
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses		1,906	1,760	1,906	1,760
Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses		444	459	408	467
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs			(111)		(111)
Total (release of)/provision for losses		3	85	39	77
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses		447	433	447	433
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses		587	2,698	649	3,552
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs			0		0
Total (release of)/provision for losses		(114)	804	(176)	(50)
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses		473	3,502	473	3,502
Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses		3	7	3	7
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs			0		0
Total (release of)/provision for losses		0	0	0	0
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses		3	7	3	7
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Allowance for Loan Losses		4,529	5,940	4,480	5,864
Provision for loan losses		(364)	(110)	(413)	(186)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		0	(111)	0	(111)
Ending Balance - Allowance for Loan Losses		4,893	5,939	4,893	5,939
Reserve for Off-balance Sheet Activities [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Reserve for Losses		2,097	3,491	2,083	4,263
Provision for reserve for losses		94	1,146	108	374
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		0	0	0	0
Ending Balance - Reserve for Losses		$ 2,191	$ 4,637	$ 2,191	$ 4,637
[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.

Loans and Allowance for Losse49

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Allowance for Losses by Impairment Method and Commodity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		$ 5,756,398		$ 5,756,398			$ 5,649,604
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		74,135		74,135			75,695
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[2]	5,830,533		5,830,533			5,725,299
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		4,739		4,739			4,713
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		2,345		2,345			1,850
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		7,084	$ 10,576	7,084	$ 10,576	$ 6,626	6,563	$ 9,431	$ 10,127
Total (release of)/provision for losses		458	1,256	521	560
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		0	(111)	0	(111)
Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		3,291,901		3,291,901			3,224,911
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		28,708		28,708			18,740
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	3,320,609		3,320,609			3,243,651
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		2,390		2,390			2,315
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		721		721			476
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		3,111	2,653	3,111	2,653	2,892	2,791	2,640	2,519
Total (release of)/provision for losses		219	13	320	134
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs			0		0
Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		932,774		932,774			917,127
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		25,124		25,124			24,284
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	957,898		957,898			941,411
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		640		640			571
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		504		504			360
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		1,144	2,221	1,144	2,221	937	931	2,284	2,159
Total (release of)/provision for losses		207	(63)	213	62
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs			0		0
Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		1,213,711		1,213,711			1,221,983
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		11,885		11,885			14,798
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	1,225,596		1,225,596			1,236,781
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		1,012		1,012			994
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		894		894			787
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		1,906	1,760	1,906	1,760	1,763	1,781	1,343	1,423
Total (release of)/provision for losses		143	417	125	337
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs			0		0
Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		256,090		256,090			203,090
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		8,418		8,418			8,035
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	264,508		264,508			211,125
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		221		221			181
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		226		226			227
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		447	433	447	433	444	408	459	467
Total (release of)/provision for losses		3	85	39	77
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs			(111)		(111)
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		53,803		53,803			72,152
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		0		0			9,838
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	53,803		53,803			81,990
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		473		473			649
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		0		0			0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		473	3,502	473	3,502	587	649	2,698	3,552
Total (release of)/provision for losses		(114)	804	(176)	(50)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs			0		0
Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		8,119		8,119			10,341
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		0		0			0
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	8,119		8,119			10,341
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		3		3			3
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		0		0			0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		3	7	3	7	$ 3	3	$ 7	$ 7
Total (release of)/provision for losses		0	0	0	0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs			0		0
On-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		3,130,315		3,130,315			2,900,868
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		58,283		58,283			57,107
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	3,188,598		3,188,598			2,957,975
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		3,274		3,274			3,387
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		1,619		1,619			1,093
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		4,893		4,893			4,480
On-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		2,016,360		2,016,360			1,911,039
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		22,481		22,481			12,803
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	2,038,841		2,038,841			1,923,842
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		1,957		1,957			1,968
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		511		511			290
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		2,468		2,468			2,258
On-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		474,431		474,431			433,654
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		22,001		22,001			21,247
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	496,432		496,432			454,901
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		380		380			434
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		476		476			218
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		856		856			652
On-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		485,740		485,740			444,320
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		6,301		6,301			5,958
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	492,041		492,041			450,278
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		714		714			702
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		434		434			384
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		1,148		1,148			1,086
On-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		138,786		138,786			92,712
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		7,500		7,500			7,261
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	146,286		146,286			99,973
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		164		164			116
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		198		198			201
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		362		362			317
On-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		11,843		11,843			15,944
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		0		0			9,838
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	11,843		11,843			25,782
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		59		59			167
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		0		0			0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		59		59			167
On-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		3,155		3,155			3,199
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		0		0			0
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	3,155		3,155			3,199
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		0		0			0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		0		0			0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		0		0			0
Off-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		2,626,083		2,626,083			2,748,736
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		15,852		15,852			18,588
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	2,641,935		2,641,935			2,767,324
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		1,465		1,465			1,326
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		726		726			757
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		2,191		2,191			2,083
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		1,275,541		1,275,541			1,313,872
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		6,227		6,227			5,937
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	1,281,768		1,281,768			1,319,809
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		433		433			347
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		210		210			186
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		643		643			533
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		458,343		458,343			483,473
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		3,123		3,123			3,037
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	461,466		461,466			486,510
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		260		260			137
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		28		28			142
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		288		288			279
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		727,971		727,971			777,663
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		5,584		5,584			8,840
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	733,555		733,555			786,503
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		298		298			292
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		460		460			403
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		758		758			695
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		117,304		117,304			110,378
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		918		918			774
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	118,222		118,222			111,152
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		57		57			65
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		28		28			26
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		85		85			91
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		41,960		41,960			56,208
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		0		0			0
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	41,960		41,960			56,208
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		414		414			482
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		0		0			0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		414		414			482
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		4,964		4,964			7,142
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		0		0			0
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	4,964		4,964			7,142
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		3		3			3
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		0		0			0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		3		3			$ 3
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		$ 0	$ (111)	$ 0	$ (111)
[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 Losse50

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Impaired Financing Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016		Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016		Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	$ 19,444			$ 19,444			$ 23,607
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	19,328			19,328			23,562
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	55,303	[1]		55,303	[1]		52,115	[2]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	54,807			54,807			52,133
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	74,747			74,747			75,722
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	74,135			74,135			75,695
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	2,345			2,345			1,850
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	32,552	[3]		32,552	[3]		41,672	[4]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	76,520		$ 98,660	86,179		$ 93,794
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	807		341	940		912
Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	2,101			2,101			3,772
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	2,027			2,027			3,720
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	27,126	[1]		27,126	[1]		15,103	[2]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	26,681			26,681			15,020
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	29,227			29,227			18,875
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	28,708			28,708			18,740
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	721			721			476
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	8,629	[3]		8,629	[3]		5,105	[4]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	28,732		24,392	26,121		21,471
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	60		58	62		340
Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	13,840			13,840			12,340
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	13,804			13,804			12,346
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	11,409	[1]		11,409	[1]		11,939	[2]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	11,320			11,320			11,938
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	25,249			25,249			24,279
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	25,124			25,124			24,284
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	504			504			360
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	14,903	[3]		14,903	[3]		16,546	[4]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	24,133		42,347	29,673		41,407
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	509		142	553		225
Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	1,832			1,832			5,644
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	1,832			1,832			5,645
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	9,992	[1]		9,992	[1]		9,050	[2]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	10,053			10,053			9,153
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	11,824			11,824			14,694
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	11,885			11,885			14,798
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	894			894			787
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	3,329	[3]		3,329	[3]		4,313	[4]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	14,883		14,247	13,906		14,683
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	133		49	148		197
Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	1,671			1,671			1,851
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	1,665			1,665			1,851
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	6,776	[1]		6,776	[1]		6,185	[2]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	6,753			6,753			6,184
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	8,447			8,447			8,036
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	8,418			8,418			8,035
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	226			226			227
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	5,691	[3]		5,691	[3]		5,870	[4]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	8,772		10,924	9,111		11,733
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	105		92	177		150
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	0			0			0
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	0			0			0
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	0	[1]		0	[1]		9,838	[2]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	0			0			9,838
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0			0			9,838
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	0			0			9,838
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	0			0			0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	0	[3]		0	[3]		9,838	[4]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	0		6,750	7,368		4,500
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	0		0	0		0
Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	0			0			0
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	0			0			0
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	0	[1]		0	[1]		0	[2]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	0			0			0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0			0			0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	0			0			0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	0			0			0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	0	[3]		0	[3]		0	[4]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	0		0	0		0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	0		$ 0	0		$ 0
Collateral Dependent Not Individually Analyzed [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	52,100			52,100			46,400
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	$ 1,300			$ 1,300			$ 1,000
Impaired Financing Receivable, Impairment analysis performed percent	70.00%			70.00%			61.00%
Less than 90 days past due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	$ 17,400	[3]		$ 17,400	[3]		$ 14,700	[4]
[1]	Impairment analysis was performed in the aggregate in consideration of similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics on $52.1 million (70 percent) of impaired loans as of June 30, 2016, which resulted in a specific reserve of $1.3 million.
[2]	Impairment analysis was performed in the aggregate in consideration of similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics on $46.4 million (61 percent) of impaired loans as of December 31, 2015, which resulted in a specific reserve of $1.0 million.
[3]	Includes $17.4 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 $14.7 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 Losse51

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Troubled Debt Restructurings (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)defaulted_loan	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)defaulted_loan	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)defaulted_loan	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)defaulted_loan
Receivables [Abstract]
Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities, Number Defaulted | defaulted_loan	0	1	5	2
Payments to Acquire Other Loans and Leases Held-for-investment	$ 0	$ 1,324,000	$ 1,415,000	$ 1,981,000
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Pre-Modification Recorded Investment	0	1,100,000		$ 1,100,000
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Post-Modification Recorded Investment	$ 0	$ 1,100,000
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Number of Contracts	0	0
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Recorded Investment	$ 0	$ 0
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Determination of Allowance for Credit Losses	0	0

Loans and Allowance for Losse52

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)defaulted_loan	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)defaulted_loan	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)defaulted_loan	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)defaulted_loan	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
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 | defaulted_loan	0	1	5	2
Payments to Acquire Other Loans and Leases Held-for-investment	$ 0	$ 1,324	$ 1,415	$ 1,981
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Acquired During Period, Contractually Required Payments Receivable at Acquisition, During the Period	0	0	1,435	0
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Provision for Loan Losses	208	57	208	109
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Allowance for Loan Losses, Decreases	6	0	10	121
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Outstanding Balance	16,734		16,734		$ 36,195
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Carrying Amount, Net	14,875		14,875		$ 34,015
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, UPB at acquisition	0	0	1,267	0
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, UPB at acquisition	$ 0	$ 1,324	$ 148	$ 1,981

Loans and Allowance for Losse53

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Certain Loans Acquired Delinquencies and Net Credit Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016		Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	[2]	$ 22,093	[1]		$ 32,136	[3]
Net credit losses (recoveries)		39		$ 112
Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities, Subject To Be Purchased	[2]	300			0
On-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	[2]	15,180	[1]		26,935	[3]
Net credit losses (recoveries)		39		112
Off-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	[2]	6,913	[1]		$ 5,201	[3]
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]	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.
[3]	Amounts represent unpaid principal balance of risk-rated loans, which is the basis Farmer Mac uses to analyze its portfolio, and recorded investment of past due loans.

Loans and Allowance for Losse54

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Financing Receivables Credit Quality Indicators (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jun. 30, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[2]	$ 5,830,533		$ 5,725,299
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	[3]	22,093	[1]	32,136	[4]
Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	5,528,930		5,509,463
Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	179,279		111,336
Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	122,324		104,500
Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	3,320,609		3,243,651
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		11,894	[1]	5,167	[4]
Crops [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	3,186,429		3,168,216
Crops [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	88,043		46,677
Crops [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	46,137		28,758
Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	957,898		941,411
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		6,678	[1]	7,405	[4]
Permanent Plantings [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	896,246		904,373
Permanent Plantings [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	21,567		9,842
Permanent Plantings [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	40,085		27,196
Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	1,225,596		1,236,781
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		937	[1]	7,059	[4]
Livestock [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	1,140,445		1,162,475
Livestock [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	61,604		48,438
Livestock [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	23,547		25,868
Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	264,508		211,125
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		2,584	[1]	2,667	[4]
Part-Time Farm [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	246,651		192,531
Part-Time Farm [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	5,398		5,856
Part-Time Farm [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	12,459		12,738
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	53,803		81,990
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		0	[1]	9,838	[4]
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	51,680		72,152
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	2,123		0
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	0		9,838
Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	8,119		10,341
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		0	[1]	0	[4]
Other Commodity [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	7,479		9,716
Other Commodity [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	544		523
Other Commodity [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	96		102
On-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	3,188,598		2,957,975
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	[3]	15,180	[1]	26,935	[4]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	3,060,767		2,837,487
On-balance sheet [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	69,548		63,106
On-balance sheet [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	58,283		57,382
On-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	2,038,841		1,923,842
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		5,773	[1]	4,656	[4]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	1,982,541		1,888,762
On-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	33,819		22,255
On-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	22,481		12,825
On-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	496,432		454,901
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		6,663	[1]	7,405	[4]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	473,353		431,038
On-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	1,078		2,616
On-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	22,001		21,247
On-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	492,041		450,278
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		639	[1]	2,517	[4]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	453,701		409,003
On-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	32,039		35,317
On-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	6,301		5,958
On-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	146,286		99,973
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		2,105	[1]	2,519	[4]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	136,174		89,541
On-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	2,612		2,918
On-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	7,500		7,514
On-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	11,843		25,782
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		0	[1]	9,838	[4]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	11,843		15,944
On-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	0		0
On-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	0		9,838
On-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	3,155		3,199
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		0	[1]	0	[4]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	3,155		3,199
On-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	0		0
On-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	0		0
Off-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	2,641,935		2,767,324
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	[3]	6,913	[1]	5,201	[4]
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	2,468,163		2,671,976
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	109,731		48,230
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	64,041		47,118
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	1,281,768		1,319,809
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		6,121	[1]	511	[4]
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	1,203,888		1,279,454
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	54,224		24,422
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	23,656		15,933
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	461,466		486,510
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		15	[1]	0	[4]
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	422,893		473,335
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	20,489		7,226
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	18,084		5,949
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	733,555		786,503
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		298	[1]	4,542	[4]
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	686,744		753,472
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	29,565		13,121
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	17,246		19,910
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	118,222		111,152
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		479	[1]	148	[4]
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	110,477		102,990
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	2,786		2,938
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	4,959		5,224
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	41,960		56,208
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		0	[1]	0	[4]
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	39,837		56,208
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	2,123		0
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	0		0
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	4,964		7,142
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		0	[1]	0	[4]
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	4,324		6,517
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	544		523
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	$ 96		$ 102
[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]	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.
[4]	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.
[5]	Assets in the "Special mention" category generally have potential weaknesses due to performance issues but are currently considered to be adequately secured.
[6]	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.

Loans and Allowance for Losse55

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Concentrations of Credit Risk (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[2]	$ 5,830,533	$ 5,725,299
Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range One [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross		$ 1,632,950	1,594,818
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		$ 1,339,807	1,279,321
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		$ 1,603,174	1,593,025
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		$ 1,086,716	1,107,710
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		$ 150,822	126,860
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		$ 17,064	23,565
Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Lower Range Limit		80.01%
Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Upper Range Limit		90.00%
Northwest [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[2]	$ 613,508	582,127
Southwest [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[2]	1,722,509	1,726,927
Mid-North [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[2]	2,045,422	2,009,654
Mid-South [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[2]	794,257	769,831
Northeast [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[2]	225,405	215,883
Southeast [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[2]	429,432	420,877
Crops [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	3,320,609	3,243,651
Permanent Plantings [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	957,898	941,411
Livestock [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	1,225,596	1,236,781
Part-Time Farm [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	264,508	211,125
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	53,803	81,990
Other Commodity [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	$ 8,119	$ 10,341
[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).

Off-Balance Sheet Guarantees 56

Off-Balance Sheet Guarantees and Long Term Standby Purchase Commitments - Off-Balance Sheet Guaranteed Securities (Details) - Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	[1]	$ 1,782,312	$ 1,809,194
Farm & Ranch [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted		466,479	514,051
USDA Guarantees [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted		30,962	10,272
Institutional Credit [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted		984,871	984,871
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	[1]	$ 300,000	$ 300,000
[1]	(1) Relates to a revolving floating rate AgVantage facility subject to specified contractual terms. Farmer Mac receives a fixed fee based on the full dollar amount of the facility.

Off-Balance Sheet Guarantees 57

Off-Balance Sheet Guarantees and Long Term Standby Purchase Commitments - Cash Flows from Off-balance sheet Guaranteed Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	$ 278,443	$ 112,440
Proceeds from Fees Received	1,823	2,082
Payments to Acquire Loans and Leases Held-for-investment	$ (1,267)	$ (1,981)
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining maturity, Loans underlying guarantees not held by transferor	11 years 18 days		11 years 3 months 18 days
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	$ 7,000		$ 8,300
Institutional Credit [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining maturity, Loans underlying guarantees not held by transferor	1 year 2 months 8 days		1 year 8 months 8 days

Off-Balance Sheet Guarantees 58

Off-Balance Sheet Guarantees and Long Term Standby Purchase Commitments - Long Term Standby Purchase Commitments (Details) - Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$ 3,100	$ 2,800
Weighted average remaining maturity, Loans underlying guarantees not held by transferor	15 years 2 months 10 days	14 years 7 months 10 days
Guarantee obligations issued after January 1, 2003 [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	$ 31.1	$ 30.3

Equity - Non-Controlling Inter

Equity - Non-Controlling Interest (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jan. 25, 2010	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Redemption of Farmer Mac II LLC preferred stock					$ (244,000)	$ (6,000)
Issuance Costs on the retirement of Farmer Mac II LLC Preferred Stock		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 8,147
Farmer Mac II LLC [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Sale of Stock, Consideration Received on Transaction	$ 250,000
Farmer Mac II LLC [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share		$ 1,000		$ 1,000
Private Placement [Member] | Farmer Mac II LLC [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction	250,000

Equity - Common Stock Narrativ

Equity - Common Stock Narrative (Details) - Common Class C, Non-Voting [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 08, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount		$ 25
Repurchase of Class C Common Stock	668,000
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	$ 19.6

Equity - Capital Requirements (

Equity - Capital Requirements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [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	$ 497.1	$ 462.1
Capital	572.6	564.5
Excess Capital	$ 75.5	$ 102.4

Fair Value Disclosures - Narra

Fair Value Disclosures - Narrative (Details) - Level 3 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Billions	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets and Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 6.7	$ 6.1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Fair Value as Percent of Total Assets	40.00%	39.00%
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities, Fair Value as Percent of Total Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value	72.00%	69.00%

Fair Value Disclosures - Fai63

Fair Value Disclosures - Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	$ 8,242	$ 3,816
Derivative Liability	45,614	39,213
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	4,195,295	3,962,044
Real estate owned, at lower of cost or fair value	1,330	1,369
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	8,242	3,816
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	9,192,779	8,849,256
Derivative Liability	140,758	77,199
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	140,758	77,199
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	19
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	860,764	992,807
Derivative Liability	309	0
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	309	0
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	8,242	3,797
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,590,427	1,741,110
Derivative Liability	140,449	77,199
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	140,449	77,199
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	6,741,588	6,115,339
Derivative Liability	0	0
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	2,857	11,831
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	2,227	11,443
Real estate owned, at lower of cost or fair value	630	388
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
Real estate owned, at lower of cost or fair value	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
Real estate owned, at lower of cost or fair value	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	2,857	11,831
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	2,227	11,443
Real estate owned, at lower of cost or fair value	630	388
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	4,697,584	4,121,244
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	4,697,584	4,121,244
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	33,447	31,361
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	33,447	31,361
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	4,731,031	4,152,605
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	4,731,031	4,152,605
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	2,460,960	2,775,516
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	860,764	992,788
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	1,582,185	1,737,313
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	18,011	45,415
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	2,460,679	2,775,025
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	860,764	992,788
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	1,582,185	1,737,313
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	17,730	44,924
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	281	491
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	281	491
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	1,992,546	1,917,319
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	1,992,546	1,917,319
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	1,967,759	1,888,344
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	1,967,759	1,888,344
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	24,787	28,975
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	24,787	28,975
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	17,730	44,924
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	17,730	44,924
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	59,999	73,729
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	59,999	73,729
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	281	491
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	281	491
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	10,002	9,991
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	10,002	9,991
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	1,264,317	1,355,459
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	1,264,317	1,355,459
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	65,104	66,249
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	65,104	66,249
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	174,998	213,987
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	174,998	213,987
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
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		9,994
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
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		9,994
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
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	7,765	7,904
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	7,765	7,904
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	860,764	992,788
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	860,764	992,788
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 - Unobs

Fair Value Disclosures - Unobservable Input Reconciliation (Details) - Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016		Jun. 30, 2015		Jun. 30, 2016		Jun. 30, 2015
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		$ 6,518,500		$ 5,715,663		$ 6,115,339		$ 5,472,078
Purchases		297,590		373,193		1,312,089		677,294
Sales		(19,014)		0		(49,468)		0
Settlements		(118,819)		(84,227)		(718,605)		(213,952)
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income		13,532		(11,185)		38,193		(1,947)
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income		49,799		(42,272)		44,040		17,699
Ending Balance		6,741,588		5,951,172		6,741,588		5,951,172
Investment Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		18,113		41,017		45,415		41,265
Purchases		0		0		0		0
Sales		0		0		(26,806)		0
Settlements		(120)		(190)		(326)		(437)
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income		18		158		122		354
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income		0		(197)		(394)		(394)
Ending Balance		18,011		40,788		18,011		40,788
USDA Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Unrealized Gains		300		100		600		200
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		1,934,883		1,832,437		1,917,319		1,771,532
Purchases		129,645		111,421		228,613		200,607
Sales		(19,014)		0		(22,662)		0
Settlements		(99,762)		(73,026)		(186,314)		(140,100)
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income		377		11		636		177
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income		46,417		(11,667)		54,954		26,960
Ending Balance		1,992,546		1,859,176		1,992,546		1,859,176
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Investment Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		17,730		40,379		44,924		40,576
Purchases		0		0		0		0
Sales		0		0		(26,806)		0
Settlements		0		0		0		0
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income		0		0		6		0
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income		0		(197)		(394)		(394)
Ending Balance		17,730		40,182		17,730		40,182
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		4,565,504		3,842,209		4,152,605		3,659,281
Purchases		167,945		261,772		1,083,476		476,687
Sales		0		0		0		0
Settlements		(18,937)		(11,011)		(531,965)		(73,415)
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income		13,137		(11,354)		37,435		(2,478)
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income		3,382		(30,408)		(10,520)		(8,867)
Ending Balance		4,731,031		4,051,208		4,731,031		4,051,208
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		1,908,014		1,794,844		1,888,344		1,731,222
Purchases		129,645		111,421		228,613		200,607
Sales		(19,014)		0		(22,662)		0
Settlements		(97,303)		(69,192)		(181,490)		(133,383)
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income		0		0		0		0
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income		46,417		(11,667)		54,954		26,960
Ending Balance		1,967,759		1,825,406		1,967,759		1,825,406
Trading Securities [Member] | Investment Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		383		638		491		689
Purchases		0		0		0		0
Sales		0		0		0		0
Settlements		(120)		(190)		(326)		(437)
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income		18		158		116		354
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income		0		0		0		0
Ending Balance		281		606		281		606
Trading Securities [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		26,869		37,593		28,975		40,310
Purchases		0		0		0		0
Sales		0		0		0		0
Settlements		(2,459)		(3,834)		(4,824)		(6,717)
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income		377		11		636		177
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income		0		0		0		0
Ending Balance		24,787	[1]	33,770	[2]	24,787	[1]	33,770	[2]
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		4,534,810		3,818,704		4,121,244		3,631,662
Purchases		163,845		249,260		1,079,376		464,175
Sales		0		0		0		0
Settlements		(16,699)		(9,245)		(529,229)		(66,997)
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income		13,137		(11,354)		37,435		(2,478)
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income		2,491		(31,165)		(11,242)		(10,162)
Ending Balance		4,697,584	[1]	4,016,200		4,697,584	[1]	4,016,200
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		30,694		23,505		31,361		27,619
Purchases		4,100		12,512		4,100		12,512
Sales		0		0		0		0
Settlements		(2,238)		(1,766)		(2,736)		(6,418)
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income		0		0				0
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income		891		757		722		1,295
Ending Balance		33,447		35,008		33,447		35,008
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		17,730		40,379		44,924		40,576
Purchases		0		0		0		0
Sales		0		0		(26,806)		0
Settlements		0		0		0		0
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income		0		0		6		0
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income		0		(197)		(394)		(394)
Ending Balance		17,730		40,182		17,730		40,182
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		383		638	[3]	491		689	[3]
Purchases		0		0	[3]	0		0	[3]
Sales		0		0	[3]	0		0	[3]
Settlements		(120)		(190)	[3]	(326)		(437)	[3]
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income		18		158	[3]	116		354	[3]
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income		0		0	[3]	0		0	[3]
Ending Balance	[3]	$ 281		$ 606		$ 281		$ 606
[1]	Includes unrealized gains of $0.3 million attributable to assets still held as of June 30, 2016 that are recorded in "Gains on trading securities."
[2]	Includes unrealized gains of $0.1 million attributable to assets still held as of June 30, 2015 that are recorded in "Gains on trading securities."
[3]	Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of June 30, 2016 and are recorded in "Gains on trading securities."

Fair Value Disclosures - Quant

Fair Value Disclosures - Quantitative Information (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Institutional Credit [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, at fair value	$ 4,697,584	$ 4,121,244
USDA Guarantees [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, at fair value	33,447	31,361
USDA Guarantees [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	1,992,546	1,917,319
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, at fair value	17,730	44,924
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Trading, at fair value	$ 281	$ 491
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [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, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Range of Offered Quotes	90.00%	92.00%
Minimum [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	29.70%	18.30%
Minimum [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	1.20%	1.10%
Minimum [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | USDA Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	1.20%	1.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	9.00%	9.00%
Minimum [Member] | USDA Guarantees [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | USDA Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	1.80%	1.30%
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, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Range of Offered Quotes	90.00%	99.60%
Maximum [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	32.00%	23.90%
Maximum [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	2.50%	3.30%
Maximum [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | USDA Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	4.10%	3.90%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	23.00%	20.00%
Maximum [Member] | USDA Guarantees [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | USDA Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	5.00%	5.10%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	22.00%	19.00%
Weighted Average [Member] | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Range of Offered Quotes	90.00%	96.60%
Weighted Average [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	31.20%	21.50%
Weighted Average [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	1.70%	1.80%
Weighted Average [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | USDA Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	1.70%	1.80%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	12.00%	10.00%
Weighted Average [Member] | USDA Guarantees [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | USDA Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.00%	3.10%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	10.00%	7.00%

Fair Value Disclosures - Summa

Fair Value Disclosures - Summary of Carrying Value and Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Financial derivatives	$ 8,242	$ 3,816
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable:	39,653	40,189
Derivative Liability	45,614	39,213
Guarantee and commitment obligation	38,115	38,609
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	1,764,626	1,210,084
Loans	4,195,295	3,962,044
Financial derivatives	8,242	3,816
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	928,050	713,536
Derivative Liability	140,758	77,199
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Investment Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	2,460,960	2,775,516
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	6,119,755	5,426,621
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	1,992,546	1,917,319
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:	31,968	31,240
Guarantee and commitment obligation	31,130	30,301
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable:	7,685	8,949
Guarantee and commitment obligation	6,985	8,308
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Due within one year [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes payable:	10,125,269	9,111,461
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes payable:	4,722,814	4,967,036
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	1,764,626	1,210,084
Loans	4,343,577	4,027,660
Financial derivatives	8,242	3,816
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	953,120	713,316
Derivative Liability	140,758	77,199
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Investment Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	2,460,960	2,775,516
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	6,135,080	5,434,422
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	1,992,546	1,917,319
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:	29,518	31,953
Guarantee and commitment obligation	28,680	31,015
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:	7,248	8,872
Guarantee and commitment obligation	6,548	8,230
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Due within one year [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes payable:	10,128,930	9,108,468
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes payable:	$ 4,875,304	$ 5,009,310

Business Segment Reporting - C

Business Segment Reporting - Core Earnings - Business Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income		$ 34,358	$ 31,864	$ 67,998	$ 62,653
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)		0	0	0	0
Net Effective Spread		0	0	0
Guarantee and commitment fees		3,655	3,388	7,281	6,765
Other income/(expense)(3)(4)	[1]	(3,889)	14,819	(10,221)	11,917
Non-interest (loss)/income		(234)	18,207	(2,940)	18,682
Provision for loan losses		(364)	(110)	(413)	(186)
Provision for losses		(94)	(1,146)	(108)	(374)
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses		(9,980)	(9,707)	(19,932)	(18,822)
Non-interest expense	[2]	(10,074)	(10,853)	(20,040)	(19,196)
Income before income taxes		23,686	39,108	44,605	61,953
Income tax expense		(8,400)	(13,769)	(15,735)	(18,000)
Net income		15,286	25,339	28,870	43,953
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact		(3,296)	(3,296)	(6,591)	(6,591)
Less: Net loss/(income) attributable to non-controlling interest		16	119	44	(5,235)
Loss on retirement of preferred stock		0	0	0	(8,147)
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic		12,006	22,162	22,323	23,980
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Assets		16,823,190	15,144,597	16,823,190	15,144,597	$ 15,540,354
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance		17,116,536	15,130,127	17,116,536	15,130,127
Farm & Ranch [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income		11,606	10,757	22,733	21,988
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)		(1,731)	(1,076)	(3,397)	(2,193)
Net Effective Spread		9,875	9,681	19,336	19,795
Guarantee and commitment fees		3,965	3,693	7,874	7,326
Other income/(expense)(3)(4)	[1]	78	160	175	247
Non-interest (loss)/income		4,043	3,853	8,049	7,573
Provision for loan losses		(364)	(110)	(413)	(186)
Provision for losses		(94)	(1,146)	(108)	(374)
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses		(4,112)	(4,304)	(8,273)	(8,630)
Non-interest expense	[2]	(4,206)	(5,450)	(8,381)	(9,004)
Segment core earnings before income taxes		9,348	7,974	18,591	18,178
Income tax expense		(3,272)	(2,791)	(6,508)	(6,362)
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends		6,076	5,183	12,083	11,816
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact		0	0	0	0
Less: Net loss/(income) attributable to non-controlling interest		0	0	0	0
Loss on retirement of preferred stock					0
Segment core earnings		6,076	5,183	12,083	11,816
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Assets		3,311,270	2,780,018	3,311,270	2,780,018
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance		5,830,533	5,485,570	5,830,533	5,485,570
USDA Guarantees [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income		4,938	4,643	9,990	8,987
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)		(350)	(177)	(1,094)	(296)
Net Effective Spread		4,588	4,466	8,896	8,691
Guarantee and commitment fees		14	8	21	2
Other income/(expense)(3)(4)	[1]	25	28	83	87
Non-interest (loss)/income		39	36	104	89
Provision for loan losses		0	0	0	0
Provision for losses		0	0	0	0
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses		(1,092)	(1,025)	(2,185)	(1,410)
Non-interest expense	[2]	(1,092)	(1,025)	(2,185)	(1,410)
Segment core earnings before income taxes		3,535	3,477	6,815	7,370
Income tax expense		(1,237)	(1,216)	(2,385)	(2,579)
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends		2,298	2,261	4,430	4,791
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact		0	0	0	0
Less: Net loss/(income) attributable to non-controlling interest		0	0	0	0
Loss on retirement of preferred stock					0
Segment core earnings		2,298	2,261	4,430	4,791
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Assets		2,046,516	1,913,390	2,046,516	1,913,390
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance		1,960,358	1,862,430	1,960,358	1,862,430
Rural Utilities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income		2,855	3,153	5,719	5,611
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)		(293)	(315)	(619)	31
Net Effective Spread		2,562	2,838	5,100	5,642
Guarantee and commitment fees		373	0	668	0
Other income/(expense)(3)(4)	[1]	0	0	0	0
Non-interest (loss)/income		373	0	668	0
Provision for loan losses		0	0	0	0
Provision for losses		0	0	0	0
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses		(830)	(860)	(1,661)	(1,726)
Non-interest expense	[2]	(830)	(860)	(1,661)	(1,726)
Segment core earnings before income taxes		2,105	1,978	4,107	3,916
Income tax expense		(737)	(691)	(1,438)	(1,369)
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends		1,368	1,287	2,669	2,547
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact		0	0	0	0
Less: Net loss/(income) attributable to non-controlling interest		0	0	0	0
Loss on retirement of preferred stock					0
Segment core earnings		1,368	1,287	2,669	2,547
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Assets		1,023,630	962,702	1,023,630	962,702
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance		1,934,473	954,188	1,934,473	954,188
Institutional Credit [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income		12,109	11,312	23,858	22,304
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)		(702)	(452)	(1,361)	(1,019)
Net Effective Spread		11,407	10,860	22,497	21,285
Guarantee and commitment fees		458	384	916	769
Other income/(expense)(3)(4)	[1]	0	0	0	0
Non-interest (loss)/income		458	384	916	769
Provision for loan losses		0	0	0	0
Provision for losses		0	0	0	0
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses		(538)	(532)	(1,077)	(1,067)
Non-interest expense	[2]	(538)	(532)	(1,077)	(1,067)
Segment core earnings before income taxes		11,327	10,712	22,336	20,987
Income tax expense		(3,964)	(3,749)	(7,816)	(7,345)
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends		7,363	6,963	14,520	13,642
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact		0	0	0	0
Less: Net loss/(income) attributable to non-controlling interest		0	0	0	0
Loss on retirement of preferred stock					0
Segment core earnings		7,363	6,963	14,520	13,642
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Assets		6,071,924	5,874,088	6,071,924	5,874,088
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance		7,391,172	6,827,939	7,391,172	6,827,939
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income		2,850	1,999	5,698	3,763
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)		(256)	(57)	(552)	(132)
Net Effective Spread		2,594	1,942	5,146	3,631
Guarantee and commitment fees		0	0	0	0
Other income/(expense)(3)(4)	[1]	(228)	(212)	(900)	(764)
Non-interest (loss)/income		(228)	(212)	(900)	(764)
Provision for loan losses		0	0	0	0
Provision for losses		0	0	0	0
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses		(3,408)	(2,986)	(6,736)	(5,989)
Non-interest expense	[2]	(3,408)	(2,986)	(6,736)	(5,989)
Segment core earnings before income taxes		(1,042)	(1,256)	(2,490)	(3,122)
Income tax expense		254	356	747	2,872
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends		(788)	(900)	(1,743)	(250)
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact		(3,296)	(3,296)	(6,591)	(6,591)
Less: Net loss/(income) attributable to non-controlling interest		16	119	44	(5,235)
Loss on retirement of preferred stock					0
Segment core earnings		(4,068)	(4,077)	(8,290)	(12,076)
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Assets		4,369,850	3,614,399	4,369,850	3,614,399
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income		0	0	0	0
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)		3,332	2,077	7,023	3,609
Net Effective Spread		3,332	2,077	7,023	3,609
Guarantee and commitment fees		(1,155)	(697)	(2,198)	(1,332)
Other income/(expense)(3)(4)	[1]	(3,764)	14,843	(9,579)	12,347
Non-interest (loss)/income		(4,919)	14,146	(11,777)	11,015
Provision for loan losses		0	0	0	0
Provision for losses		0	0	0	0
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses		0	0	0	0
Non-interest expense	[2]	0	0	0	0
Segment core earnings before income taxes	[3]	(1,587)	16,223	(4,754)	14,624
Income tax expense		556	(5,678)	1,665	(3,217)
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	[3]	(1,031)	10,545	(3,089)	11,407
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact		0	0	0	0
Less: Net loss/(income) attributable to non-controlling interest		0	0	0	0
Loss on retirement of preferred stock					(8,147)
Segment core earnings	[3]	(1,031)	10,545	(3,089)	3,260
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Assets		0	0	0	0
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
[1]	(3) Includes the reclassification of interest expense related to interest rate swaps not designated as hedges, which are included in "(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities" on the consolidated financial statements, to determine the effective funding cost for each operating segment.
[2]	(4) Includes reconciling adjustments for fair value adjustments on financial derivatives and trading assets. Also includes a reconciling adjustment related to the recognition of deferred gains over the estimated lives of certain Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities.
[3]	(5) Includes directly attributable costs and an allocation of indirectly attributable costs based on headcount.