Federal Agricultural Mortgage (AGM) 10-Q 9 Nov 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Nov. 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	Sep. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
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		8,952,481

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 313,581	$ 1,210,084
Loans:
Loans held for investment, at amortized cost	3,299,618	3,258,413
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	1,039,770	708,111
Allowance for loan losses	(4,954)	(4,480)
Total loans, net of allowance	4,334,434	3,962,044
Real estate owned, at lower of cost or fair value	1,528	1,369
Financial derivatives, at fair value	4,627	3,816
Interest receivable (includes $7,683 and $7,938, respectively, related to consolidated trusts)	86,699	112,700
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable	39,655	40,189
Deferred tax asset, net	29,187	42,916
Prepaid expenses and other assets	95,066	47,780
Total Assets	16,000,905	15,540,354
Notes payable:
Due within one year	9,295,700	9,111,461
Due after one year	4,820,388	4,967,036
Total notes payable	14,116,088	14,078,497
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	1,044,559	713,536
Financial derivatives, at fair value	123,796	77,199
Accrued interest payable (includes $6,487 and $6,705, respectively, related to consolidated trusts)	40,270	47,621
Guarantee and commitment obligation	37,764	38,609
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	35,575	29,089
Reserve for losses	1,969	2,083
Total Liabilities	15,400,021	14,986,634
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6)
Common stock:
Additional paid-in capital	118,897	117,862
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax	13,564	(11,019)
Retained earnings	252,989	231,228
Total Stockholders' Equity	600,690	553,517
Non-controlling interest	194	203
Total Equity	600,884	553,720
Total Liabilities and Equity	16,000,905	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	8,950	9,156
Investment Securities [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale, at fair value	3,001,185	2,775,025
Trading, at fair value	0	491
Marketable Securities	3,001,185	2,775,516
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
Assets:
Available-for-sale, at fair value	4,937,481	4,152,605
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost	1,153,646	1,274,016
Marketable Securities	6,091,127	5,426,621
USDA Securities [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale, at fair value	1,980,327	1,888,344
Trading, at fair value	23,489	28,975
Marketable Securities	$ 2,003,816	$ 1,917,319

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Interest receivable - Consolidated Trusts amount	$ 86,699	$ 112,700
Accrued interest payable - Consolidated Trusts amount	$ 40,270	$ 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	8,949,511	9,155,661
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Interest receivable - Consolidated Trusts amount	$ 7,683	$ 7,938
Accrued interest payable - Consolidated Trusts amount	$ 6,487	$ 6,705

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Interest income:
Investments and cash equivalents		$ 6,994	$ 3,185	$ 20,235	$ 9,144
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities		38,129	34,002	110,938	101,608
Loans		34,409	29,731	99,486	86,509
Total interest income		79,532	66,918	230,659	197,261
Total interest expense		43,969	34,735	127,098	102,425
Net interest income		35,563	32,183	103,561	94,836
(Provision for)/release of loan losses		(191)	1,164	(604)	978
Net interest income after (provision for)/release of loan losses		35,372	33,347	102,957	95,814
Non-interest income/(loss):
Guarantee and commitment fees		3,798	3,532	11,079	10,297
(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities		(1,601)	(9,568)	(13,079)	939
Gains/(losses) on trading securities		1,182	(8)	1,934	524
Gains/(losses) on sale of available-for-sale investment securities		0	3	(9)	9
Gains/(losses) on sale of real estate owned		15	0	15	(1)
Other income		707	1,060	1,221	1,933
Non-interest income/(loss)		4,101	(4,981)	1,161	13,701
Non-interest expense:
Compensation and employee benefits		5,438	5,236	16,823	16,662
General and administrative		3,474	3,676	10,757	9,873
Regulatory fees		613	600	1,838	1,800
Real estate owned operating costs, net		0	48	39	47
(Release of)/provision for reserve for losses		(222)	861	(114)	1,235
Non-interest expense	[1]	9,303	10,421	29,343	29,617
Income before income taxes		30,170	17,945	74,775	79,898
Income tax expense		10,529	6,327	26,264	24,327
Net income		19,641	11,618	48,511	55,571
Less: Net loss/(income) attributable to non-controlling interest		18	36	62	(5,199)
Net income attributable to Farmer Mac		19,659	11,654	48,573	50,372
Preferred stock dividends		(3,295)	(3,295)	(9,886)	(9,886)
Loss on retirement of preferred stock		0	0	0	(8,147)
Net income attributable to common stockholders		$ 16,364	$ 8,359	$ 38,687	$ 32,339
Earnings per common share and dividends:
Basic earnings per common share		$ 1.56	$ 0.76	$ 3.70	$ 2.94
Diluted earnings per common share		1.54000	0.74000	3.6000	2.85000
Common stock dividends per common share		$ 0.26	$ 0.16	$ 0.78	$ 0.48
[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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 19,641	$ 11,618	$ 48,511	$ 55,571
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before taxes:
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on available-for sale securities	552	(56,949)	46,305	(40,363)
Net changes in held-to-maturity securities	(73)	(2,236)	(2,081)	(8,930)
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	1,336	(3,195)	(6,403)	(2,012)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before tax	1,815	(62,380)	37,821	(51,305)
Income tax (expense)/benefit related to other comprehensive income	(635)	21,833	(13,238)	17,958
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax	1,180	(40,547)	24,583	(33,347)
Comprehensive income/(loss)	20,821	(28,929)	73,094	22,224
Less: comprehensive loss/(income) attributable to non-controlling interest	18	36	62	(5,199)
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Farmer Mac	$ 20,839	$ (28,893)	$ 73,156	$ 17,025

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	50,372		0		0		0		0		50,372		0
Less: Net loss/(income) attributable to non-controlling interest	(5,199)		0		0		0		0		0		(155)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	(33,347)		0		0		0		(33,347)		0		0
Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash	(9,886)		0		0		0		0		(9,886)		0
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	(5,280)		0		0		0		0		(5,280)		0
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues				0		110
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues		$ 120		$ 0		$ 110		$ 10		$ 0		$ 0		$ 0
Repurchase of Class C Common Stock				0		(104)
Repurchase of Class C Common Stock		(2,790)		$ 0		$ (104)		0		0		(2,686)		0
Stock-based compensation cost	2,457		0		0		2,457		0		0		0
Other stock-based award activity	1,051		0		0		1,051		0		0		0
Investment in subsidiary - non-controlling interest	175		0		0		0		0		0		175
Redemption of Farmer Mac II LLC preferred stock	(244,000)		$ 0		$ 0		0		0		(8,147)		(235,853)
Ending Balance (Shares Outstanding) at Sep. 30, 2015			8,400		10,943
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2015	540,546		$ 204,759		$ 10,943		117,077		(17,814)		225,386		195
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	48,573		0		0		0		0		48,573		0
Less: Net loss/(income) attributable to non-controlling interest	62		0		0		0		0		0		(62)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	24,583		0		0		0		24,583		0		0
Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash	(9,886)		0		0		0		0		(9,886)		0
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	(8,145)		0		0		0		0		(8,145)		0
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues				0		101
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues		124		$ 0		$ 101		23		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	2,565		0		0		2,565		0		0		0
Other stock-based award activity	(1,553)		0		0		(1,553)		0		0		0
Investment in subsidiary - non-controlling interest	53		$ 0		$ 0		0		0		0		53
Ending Balance (Shares Outstanding) at Sep. 30, 2016			8,400		10,481
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2016	$ 600,884		$ 204,759		$ 10,481		$ 118,897		$ 13,564		$ 252,989		$ 194

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 48,511	$ 55,571
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	1,343	2,199
Amortization of debt premiums, discounts and issuance costs	24,789	9,601
Net change in fair value of trading securities, hedged assets, and financial derivatives	1,672	(8,705)
Losses/(gains) on sale of available-for-sale investment securities	9	(9)
(Gains)/losses on sale of real estate owned	(15)	1
Total (release of)/provision for losses	490	257
Deferred income taxes	(1,270)	2,182
Stock-based compensation expense	2,565	2,457
Proceeds from repayment of trading investment securities	2,212	544
Proceeds from repayment of loans purchased as held for sale	67,506	82,864
Net change in:
Interest receivable	26,172	32,911
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable	534	(698)
Other assets	(46,832)	(2,369)
Accrued interest payable	(7,351)	(10,525)
Other liabilities	(1,468)	(864)
Net cash provided by operating activities	118,867	165,417
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of loans held for investment	(762,018)	(565,829)
Purchases of defaulted loans	(2,516)	(2,244)
Proceeds from repayment of loans purchased as held for investment	333,920	248,989
Proceeds from sale of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	457,369	231,242
Payments from sale of real estate owned	295	(1)
Net cash used in investing activities	(930,044)	(367,899)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Excess tax benefits related to stock-based awards	408	154
Payments to third parties on debt securities of consolidated trusts	(71,806)	(42,449)
Proceeds from common stock issuance	405	1,685
Investment in subsidiary - non-controlling interest	53	175
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	(18,031)	(15,166)
Net cash (used)/provided by financing activities	(85,326)	355,631
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents	(896,503)	153,149
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,210,084	1,363,387
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	313,581	1,516,536
Medium-term Notes [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of discount notes and medium-term notes	4,763,631	3,406,037
Payments to redeem discount notes and medium-term notes	(3,103,800)	(3,875,715)
Discount Notes [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of discount notes and medium-term notes	77,411,229	68,066,267
Payments to redeem discount notes and medium-term notes	(79,058,129)	(66,933,948)
Investment Securities [Member]
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of available-for-sale investment securities and Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities	(1,365,314)	(1,282,474)
Proceeds from repayment of available-for-sale investment securities, Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities	957,973	1,111,093
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale investment securities	186,769	83,735
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	(2,203,574)	(1,093,737)
Proceeds from repayment of available-for-sale investment securities, Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities	1,467,052	901,327
Common Class C, Non-Voting [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Common stock repurchased	$ (9,286)	$ (1,994)

Accounting Policies

Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 nine months ended September 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 September 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 $ 1,039,770 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 1,039,770 Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties (1) 1,044,559 — — — — 1,044,559 Unconsolidated VIEs: Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Carrying value (2) — 32,824 — 30,666 — 63,490 Maximum exposure to loss (3) — 32,364 — 30,000 — 62,364 Investment securities: Carrying value (4) — — — — 758,066 758,066 Maximum exposure to loss (3) (4) — — — — 756,693 756,693 Off-Balance Sheet: Unconsolidated VIEs: Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Maximum exposure to loss (3) (5) 441,417 61,054 — 970,000 — 1,472,471 (1) Includes borrower remittances of $4.8 million . The borrower remittances have not been passed through to third party investors as of September 30, 2016 . (2) Includes $0.5 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 $0.7 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 1.2 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 (in thousands) Non-cash activity: Loans acquired and securitized as Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities $ 457,369 $ 231,242 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 402,841 231,242 Purchases of securities - traded, not yet settled 25,000 15,000 Issuance costs on the retirement of Farmer Mac II LLC Preferred Stock — 8,147 Unsettled common stock repurchases — 796 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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 1.3 For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 September 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 $ 16,364 10,473 $ 1.56 $ 8,359 11,028 $ 0.76 Effect of dilutive securities (1) Stock options, SARs and restricted stock — 176 (0.02 ) — 243 (0.02 ) Diluted EPS $ 16,364 10,649 $ 1.54 $ 8,359 11,271 $ 0.74 (1) For the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, stock options and SARs of 54,709 and 476,699 , 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 September 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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 September 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 $ 38,687 10,464 $ 3.70 $ 32,339 10,992 $ 2.94 Effect of dilutive securities(1) Stock options, SARs and restricted stock — 291 (0.10 ) — 355 (0.09 ) Diluted EPS $ 38,687 10,755 $ 3.60 $ 32,339 11,347 $ 2.85 (1) For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, stock options and SARs of 115,875 and 302,598 , respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because they were anti-dilutive. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, contingent shares of non-vested restricted stock of 37,284 and 40,194 , 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 1.4 As of September 30, 2016 As of September 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 $ 19,704 $ (1,781 ) $ (5,539 ) $ 12,384 $ 20,498 $ 1,622 $ 613 $ 22,733 Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications 2,746 — 527 3,273 (33,392 ) — (2,347 ) (35,739 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (2,388 ) (47 ) 342 (2,093 ) (3,624 ) (1,454 ) 270 (4,808 ) Net other comprehensive income/(loss) 358 (47 ) 869 1,180 (37,016 ) (1,454 ) (2,077 ) (40,547 ) Ending Balance $ 20,062 $ (1,828 ) $ (4,670 ) $ 13,564 $ (16,518 ) $ 168 $ (1,464 ) $ (17,814 ) For the Nine Months Ended Beginning Balance $ (10,035 ) $ (476 ) $ (508 ) $ (11,019 ) $ 9,716 $ 5,973 $ (156 ) $ 15,533 Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications 37,446 — (5,136 ) 32,310 (15,985 ) — (1,814 ) (17,799 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (7,349 ) (1,352 ) 974 (7,727 ) (10,249 ) (5,805 ) 506 (15,548 ) Net other comprehensive income/(loss) 30,097 (1,352 ) (4,162 ) 24,583 (26,234 ) (5,805 ) (1,308 ) (33,347 ) Ending Balance $ 20,062 $ (1,828 ) $ (4,670 ) $ 13,564 $ (16,518 ) $ 168 $ (1,464 ) $ (17,814 ) 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 1.5 For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 September 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 $ 4,225 $ 1,479 $ 2,746 $ (51,373 ) $ (17,981 ) $ (33,392 ) Less reclassification adjustments included in: (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities (1) (3,652 ) (1,278 ) (2,374 ) (5,038 ) (1,763 ) (3,275 ) Gains/(losses) on sale of available-for-sale investment securities (2) — — — (4 ) (2 ) (2 ) Other income (3) (21 ) (7 ) (14 ) (534 ) (187 ) (347 ) Total $ 552 $ 194 $ 358 $ (56,949 ) $ (19,933 ) $ (37,016 ) Held-to-maturity securities: Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net interest income (4) $ (73 ) $ (26 ) $ (47 ) $ (2,236 ) $ (782 ) $ (1,454 ) Total $ (73 ) $ (26 ) $ (47 ) $ (2,236 ) $ (782 ) $ (1,454 ) Cash flow hedges Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges $ 810 $ 283 $ 527 $ (3,611 ) $ (1,264 ) $ (2,347 ) Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net interest income (5) 526 184 342 416 146 270 Total $ 1,336 $ 467 $ 869 $ (3,195 ) $ (1,118 ) $ (2,077 ) Other comprehensive income/(loss) $ 1,815 $ 635 $ 1,180 $ (62,380 ) $ (21,833 ) $ (40,547 ) (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. For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 September 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 $ 57,610 $ 20,164 $ 37,446 $ (24,594 ) $ (8,609 ) $ (15,985 ) Less reclassification adjustments included in: (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities (1) (11,591 ) (4,056 ) (7,535 ) (14,852 ) (5,198 ) (9,654 ) Gains/(losses) on sale of available-for-sale investment securities (2) 9 3 6 (10 ) (5 ) (5 ) Other income (3) 277 97 180 (907 ) (317 ) (590 ) Total $ 46,305 $ 16,208 $ 30,097 $ (40,363 ) $ (14,129 ) $ (26,234 ) Held-to-maturity securities: Net interest income (4) $ (2,081 ) $ (729 ) $ (1,352 ) $ (8,930 ) $ (3,125 ) $ (5,805 ) Total $ (2,081 ) $ (729 ) $ (1,352 ) $ (8,930 ) $ (3,125 ) $ (5,805 ) Cash flow hedges Unrealized (losses)/gains on cash flow hedges $ (7,901 ) $ (2,765 ) $ (5,136 ) $ (2,791 ) $ (977 ) $ (1,814 ) Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net interest income (5) 1,498 524 974 779 273 506 Total $ (6,403 ) $ (2,241 ) $ (4,162 ) $ (2,012 ) $ (704 ) $ (1,308 ) Other comprehensive income $ 37,821 $ 13,238 $ 24,583 $ (51,305 ) $ (17,958 ) $ (33,347 ) (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 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. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force)," which amends the existing guidance to add or clarify current guidance in GAAP on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified. 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 statement of cash flows. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications of prior period information were made to conform to the current period presentation.

Investment Securities

Investment Securities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: Table 2.1 As of September 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 $ — $ (2,118 ) $ 17,582 Floating rate asset-backed securities 52,406 (214 ) 52,192 2 (540 ) 51,654 Floating rate corporate debt securities 15,000 — 15,000 19 — 15,019 Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 1,299,576 2,911 1,302,487 1,798 (3,594 ) 1,300,691 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities (1) 582 2,694 3,276 4,430 — 7,706 Floating rate GSE subordinated debt 70,000 — 70,000 — (3,596 ) 66,404 Fixed rate senior agency debt 362,295 154 362,449 98 (24 ) 362,523 Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 1,178,776 353 1,179,129 524 (47 ) 1,179,606 Total available-for-sale 2,998,335 5,898 3,004,233 6,871 (9,919 ) 3,001,185 Total investment securities $ 2,998,335 $ 5,898 $ 3,004,233 $ 6,871 $ (9,919 ) $ 3,001,185 (1) Fair value includes $7.1 million of an interest-only security with a notional amount of $146.7 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 September 30, 2016 , compared to proceeds of $8.7 million received in the same period in 2015, resulting in gross realized gains of $0.1 million . During the nine months ended September 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 $83.7 million for the same period in 2015, resulting in gross realized gains of $0.1 million . As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, unrealized losses on available-for-sale investment securities were as follows: Table 2.2 As of September 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 $ — $ — $ 17,582 $ (2,118 ) Floating rate asset-backed securities 25,446 (95 ) 19,540 (445 ) Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 610,561 (1,874 ) 239,860 (1,720 ) Floating rate GSE subordinated debt — — 66,404 (3,596 ) Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 368,017 (47 ) — — Fixed rate senior agency debt 49,932 (24 ) — — Total $ 1,053,956 $ (2,040 ) $ 343,386 $ (7,879 ) 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 September 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 September 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 77 and 69 individual investment securities as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. As of September 30, 2016 , 27 of the securities in loss positions had been in loss positions for more than 12 months and had a total unrealized loss of $7.9 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 September 30, 2016 that is, on average, approximately 98 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 September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Farmer Mac did not own any held-to-maturity investment securities as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. As of September 30, 2016 , Farmer Mac did not own any trading investment securities. 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 September 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 September 30, 2016 Available-for-Sale Securities Amortized Fair Value Weighted- (dollars in thousands) Due within one year $ 1,256,154 $ 1,256,654 0.61% Due after one year through five years 529,229 529,322 0.99% Due after five years through ten years 393,580 393,905 1.18% Due after ten years 825,270 821,304 1.11% Total $ 3,004,233 $ 3,001,185 0.89%

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securitie

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: Table 3.1 As of September 30, 2016 Unpaid Principal Balance Unamortized Premium/(Discount) Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Value (in thousands) Held-to-maturity: AgVantage $ 1,156,203 $ (2,557 ) $ 1,153,646 $ 13,203 $ (895 ) $ 1,165,954 Available-for-sale: AgVantage $ 4,913,438 $ (38 ) $ 4,913,400 $ 51,458 $ (60,201 ) $ 4,904,657 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 32,364 (283 ) 32,081 743 — 32,824 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 4,945,802 (321 ) 4,945,481 52,201 (60,201 ) 4,937,481 USDA Securities 1,905,457 1,778 1,907,235 73,114 (22 ) 1,980,327 Total available-for-sale $ 6,851,259 $ 1,457 $ 6,852,716 $ 125,315 $ (60,223 ) $ 6,917,808 Trading: USDA Securities $ 21,958 $ 1,406 $ 23,364 $ 207 $ (82 ) $ 23,489 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 September 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 September 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 $ 404,105 $ (895 ) $ — $ — Available-for-sale: AgVantage $ 847,890 $ (2,110 ) $ 2,101,844 $ (58,091 ) USDA Securities — — 98,460 (22 ) Total available-for-sale $ 847,890 $ (2,110 ) $ 2,200,304 $ (58,113 ) 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 September 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 25 available-for-sale securities as of September 30, 2016 . There were four held-to-maturity AgVantage securities with an unrealized loss as of September 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 September 30, 2016 , 17 available-for-sale AgVantage securities had been in a loss position for more than 12 months with a total unrealized loss of $58.1 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 September 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , Farmer Mac did not sell any 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 September 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 September 30, 2016 Available-for-Sale Securities Amortized Fair Value Weighted- (dollars in thousands) Due within one year $ 313,714 $ 314,376 1.39 % Due after one year through five years 2,726,577 2,756,149 1.79 % Due after five years through ten years 1,299,644 1,321,453 2.05 % Due after ten years 2,512,781 2,525,830 2.63 % Total $ 6,852,716 $ 6,917,808 2.13 % As of September 30, 2016 Held-to-Maturity Securities Amortized Fair Value Weighted- (dollars in thousands) Due within one year $ 407,942 $ 408,699 1.60 % Due after one year through five years 693,616 701,844 1.94 % Due after five years through ten years 52,088 55,411 3.24 % Total $ 1,153,646 $ 1,165,954 1.88 % As of September 30, 2016 , Farmer Mac owned trading USDA Securities with an amortized cost of $23.4 million , a fair value of $23.5 million , and a weighted average yield of 5.48 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the amount of interest expense recognized on those derivatives was $4.0 million and $12.9 million , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the amount of interest expense recognized on those derivatives was $5.7 million and $16.8 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 , $0.5 million and $1.5 million , respectively, was reclassified out of other comprehensive income into interest expense. For for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , $0.4 million and $0.8 million , respectively, was reclassified out of other comprehensive income into interest expense. As of September 30, 2016 , Farmer Mac expects to reclassify $1.9 million pretax, or $1.2 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 September 30, 2016 . During the three and nine months ended September 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 September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and the effects of financial derivatives on the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 4.1 As of September 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 $ 1,642,609 $ 598 $ (56,979 ) 1.73% 0.76% 4.89 Receive fixed non-callable 30,000 565 — 0.97% 1.75% 3.71 Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable 181,000 24 (8,112 ) 2.21% 0.94% 7.23 No hedge designation: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable 439,762 — (56,313 ) 4.07% 0.72% 6.10 Receive fixed non-callable 5,442,968 3,440 (2,028 ) 0.62% 0.66% 0.47 Receive fixed callable 30,000 — (44 ) 0.70% 0.58% 0.58 Basis swaps 475,000 — (439 ) 0.70% 0.61% 0.78 Treasury futures 20,200 — (49 ) 130.88 Credit valuation adjustment — 168 Total financial derivatives $ 8,261,539 $ 4,627 $ (123,796 ) Collateral pledged — 89,732 Net amount $ 4,627 $ (34,064 ) 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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 September 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 (in thousands) Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps (1) $ 11,276 $ (12,646 ) $ (30,062 ) $ (4,330 ) Hedged items (10,550 ) 15,834 35,778 13,356 Gains on fair value hedges 726 3,188 5,716 9,026 Cash flow hedges: Loss recognized (ineffective portion) (68 ) (57 ) (322 ) (424 ) Losses on cash flow hedges (68 ) (57 ) (322 ) (424 ) No hedge designation: Interest rate swaps (2,333 ) (11,421 ) (16,820 ) (5,213 ) Agency forwards 79 (966 ) (789 ) (2,108 ) Treasury futures (5 ) (312 ) (864 ) (342 ) Losses on financial derivatives not designated in hedging relationships (2,259 ) (12,699 ) (18,473 ) (7,663 ) (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities $ (1,601 ) $ (9,568 ) $ (13,079 ) $ 939 (1) Included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness as of September 30, 2016 , but excluded from the amounts in the table, were losses of $1.0 million and $4.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 were losses of $0.2 million and gains of $1.5 million , respectively. The comparable amounts as of September 30, 2015 were losses of $ 2.9 million and $8.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , attributable to the fair value of the swaps at the inception of the hedging relationship and, accordingly, gains of $ 0.3 million and $0.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , attributable to hedge ineffectiveness. As of September 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 $12.1 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 September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. As of September 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 September 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 $132.3 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 $117.6 million and $83.2 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Farmer Mac posted cash of $89.7 million and no investment securities as of September 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 September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements or post additional collateral of $27.9 million and $45.2 million , respectively. As of September 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 $8.2 billion notional amount of interest rate swaps outstanding as of September 30, 2016 , $7.3 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 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 September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Table 5.1 As of September 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Unsecuritized In Consolidated Trusts Total Unsecuritized In Consolidated Trusts Total (in thousands) Farm & Ranch $ 2,298,714 $ 1,039,770 $ 3,338,484 $ 2,249,864 $ 708,111 $ 2,957,975 Rural Utilities 993,139 — 993,139 1,008,126 — 1,008,126 Total unpaid principal balance (1) 3,291,853 1,039,770 4,331,623 3,257,990 708,111 3,966,101 Unamortized premiums, discounts and other cost basis adjustments 7,765 — 7,765 423 — 423 Total loans 3,299,618 1,039,770 4,339,388 3,258,413 708,111 3,966,524 Allowance for loan losses (4,049 ) (905 ) (4,954 ) (3,736 ) (744 ) (4,480 ) Total loans, net of allowance $ 3,295,569 $ 1,038,865 $ 4,334,434 $ 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 (excluding AgVantage securities). As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , Farmer Mac's total allowances for losses were $6.9 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 nine months months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015: Table 5.2 As of September 30, 2016 As of September 30, 2015 Allowance Reserve Total Allowance Reserve Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 4,893 $ 2,191 $ 7,084 $ 5,939 $ 4,637 $ 10,576 Provision for/(release of) losses 191 (222 ) (31 ) (1,164 ) 861 (303 ) Charge-offs (130 ) — (130 ) — — — Ending Balance $ 4,954 $ 1,969 $ 6,923 $ 4,775 $ 5,498 $ 10,273 For the Nine Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 4,480 $ 2,083 $ 6,563 $ 5,864 $ 4,263 $ 10,127 Provision for/(release of) losses 604 (114 ) 490 (978 ) 1,235 257 Charge-offs (130 ) — (130 ) (111 ) — (111 ) Ending Balance $ 4,954 $ 1,969 $ 6,923 $ 4,775 $ 5,498 $ 10,273 During third quarter 2016 , Farmer Mac recorded provisions to its allowance for loan losses of $0.2 million and releases to its reserve for losses of $0.2 million . The provisions to the allowance for loan losses recorded during third quarter 2016 were attributable to an increase in the general allowance due to overall net volume growth in on-balance sheet Farm & Ranch loans and downgrades in risk ratings for a small number of loans. The releases to the reserve for losses recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2016 were attributable to the release of a specific reserve on an impaired livestock loan underlying an LTSPC that was required to be removed from the LTSPC pool by the originator during third quarter 2016. Farmer Mac recorded $0.1 million of charge-offs to its allowance for loan losses during third quarter 2016. During third quarter 2015, Farmer Mac recorded releases to its allowance for loan losses of $1.2 million and provisions to its reserve for losses of $0.9 million . The releases to the allowance for loan losses recorded during third quarter 2015 were primarily attributable to a reduction in the specific allowance for a permanent planting loan based on the updated appraised value of the collateral underlying such loan. The provisions to the reserve for losses recorded during third quarter 2015 were attributable to an increase in the specific allowance on two impaired canola facility loans underlying an LTSPC with one borrower. Farmer Mac recorded no charge-offs to its allowance for loan losses during third quarter 2015. The following tables present the changes in the total allowance for losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 by commodity type: Table 5.3 September 30, 2016 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 3,111 $ 1,144 $ 1,906 $ 447 $ 473 $ 3 $ 7,084 Provision for/(release of) losses 103 198 (354 ) 36 (13 ) (1 ) (31 ) Charge-offs — — — (130 ) — — (130 ) Ending Balance $ 3,214 $ 1,342 $ 1,552 $ 353 $ 460 $ 2 $ 6,923 For the Nine Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 2,791 $ 931 $ 1,781 $ 408 $ 649 $ 3 $ 6,563 Provision for/(release of) losses 423 411 (229 ) 75 (189 ) (1 ) 490 Charge-offs — — — (130 ) — — (130 ) Ending Balance $ 3,214 $ 1,342 $ 1,552 $ 353 $ 460 $ 2 $ 6,923 September 30, 2015 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 2,653 $ 2,221 $ 1,760 $ 433 $ 3,502 $ 7 $ 10,576 Provision for/(release of) losses 110 (1,151 ) 39 (49 ) 748 — (303 ) Charge-offs — — — — — — — Ending Balance $ 2,763 $ 1,070 $ 1,799 $ 384 $ 4,250 $ 7 $ 10,273 For the Nine Months Ended Beginning Balance $ 2,519 $ 2,159 $ 1,423 $ 467 $ 3,552 $ 7 $ 10,127 Provision for/(release of) losses 244 (1,089 ) 376 28 698 — 257 Charge-offs — — — (111 ) — — (111 ) Ending Balance $ 2,763 $ 1,070 $ 1,799 $ 384 $ 4,250 $ 7 $ 10,273 The following tables present the unpaid principal balances of loans held and loans underlying LTSPCs and off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities (excluding AgVantage securities) and the related total allowance for losses by impairment method and commodity type as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Table 5.4 As of September 30, 2016 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Ending Balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 2,051,432 $ 544,237 $ 501,713 $ 162,029 $ 11,731 $ 8,790 $ 3,279,932 Off-balance sheet 1,284,363 453,183 748,908 122,768 32,901 4,813 2,646,936 Total $ 3,335,795 $ 997,420 $ 1,250,621 $ 284,797 $ 44,632 $ 13,603 $ 5,926,868 Individually evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 26,788 $ 17,783 $ 6,976 $ 7,005 $ — $ — $ 58,552 Off-balance sheet 9,999 2,895 5,536 878 — — 19,308 Total $ 36,787 $ 20,678 $ 12,512 $ 7,883 $ — $ — $ 77,860 Total Farm & Ranch loans: On-balance sheet $ 2,078,220 $ 562,020 $ 508,689 $ 169,034 $ 11,731 $ 8,790 $ 3,338,484 Off-balance sheet 1,294,362 456,078 754,444 123,646 32,901 4,813 2,666,244 Total $ 3,372,582 $ 1,018,098 $ 1,263,133 $ 292,680 $ 44,632 $ 13,603 $ 6,004,728 Allowance for Losses: Collectively evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 1,947 $ 579 $ 757 $ 146 $ 34 $ — $ 3,463 Off-balance sheet 498 259 271 52 426 2 1,508 Total $ 2,445 $ 838 $ 1,028 $ 198 $ 460 $ 2 $ 4,971 Individually evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 473 $ 479 $ 410 $ 129 $ — $ — $ 1,491 Off-balance sheet 296 25 114 26 — — 461 Total $ 769 $ 504 $ 524 $ 155 $ — $ — $ 1,952 Total Farm & Ranch loans: On-balance sheet $ 2,420 $ 1,058 $ 1,167 $ 275 $ 34 $ — $ 4,954 Off-balance sheet 794 284 385 78 426 2 1,969 Total $ 3,214 $ 1,342 $ 1,552 $ 353 $ 460 $ 2 $ 6,923 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 September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Table 5.5 As of September 30, 2016 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Impaired Loans: With no specific allowance: Recorded investment $ 6,851 $ 9,217 $ 2,423 $ 1,709 $ — $ — $ 20,200 Unpaid principal balance 6,838 9,204 2,422 1,706 — — 20,170 With a specific allowance: Recorded investment (1) 29,985 11,494 9,993 6,187 — — 57,659 Unpaid principal balance 29,949 11,474 10,090 6,177 — — 57,690 Associated allowance 769 504 524 155 — — 1,952 Total: Recorded investment 36,836 20,711 12,416 7,896 — — 77,859 Unpaid principal balance 36,787 20,678 12,512 7,883 — — 77,860 Associated allowance 769 504 524 155 — — 1,952 Recorded investment of loans on nonaccrual status (2) $ 7,964 $ 9,859 $ 3,292 $ 5,456 $ — $ — $ 26,571 (1) Impairment analysis was performed in the aggregate in consideration of similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics on $55.5 million ( 71 percent ) of impaired loans as of September 30, 2016 , which resulted in a specific allowance of $1.3 million . (2) Includes $10.6 million of loans that are less than 90 days delinquent but which have not met Farmer Mac's performance criteria for returning to accrual status. 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 allowance 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 5.6 September 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 $ 33,032 $ 22,980 $ 12,120 $ 8,172 $ — $ — $ 76,304 Income recognized on impaired loans 46 236 81 74 — — 437 For the Nine Months Ended: Average recorded investment in impaired loans $ 28,293 $ 25,277 $ 13,704 $ 8,654 $ 4,668 $ — $ 80,596 Income recognized on impaired loans 108 789 229 251 — — 1,377 September 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 $ 27,133 $ 37,911 $ 12,534 $ 9,989 $ 13,500 $ — $ 101,067 Income recognized on impaired loans 33 234 76 76 — — 419 For the Nine Months Ended: Average recorded investment in impaired loans $ 23,176 $ 39,337 $ 13,923 $ 11,248 $ 6,750 $ — $ 94,434 Income recognized on impaired loans 373 459 273 226 — — 1,331 For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , there were no troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs"). For the three months ended September 30, 2015, there were no TDRs. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the recorded investment of loans determined to be TDRs was $1.1 million both before and after restructuring. As of September 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 nine months ended September 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 September 30, 2016 , Farmer Mac purchased three defaulted loans having an unpaid principal balance of $1.1 million from pools underlying LTSPCs and Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , Farmer Mac purchased eight defaulted loans having an unpaid principal balance of $2.5 million from pools underlying LTSPCs and Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities. During the three months ended September 30, 2015 , Farmer Mac purchased one defaulted loan having an unpaid principal balance of $0.3 million from a pool underlying a Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Security. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , Farmer Mac purchased three defaulted loans having an unpaid principal balance of $2.2 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and the outstanding balances and carrying amounts of all such loans as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: Table 5.7 For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 September 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 (in thousands) Unpaid principal balance at acquisition date: Loans underlying LTSPCs $ 852 $ — $ 2,118 $ — Loans underlying off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities (excluding AgVantage securities) 250 263 398 2,244 Total unpaid principal balance at acquisition date 1,102 263 2,516 2,244 Contractually required payments receivable 1,109 264 2,544 2,334 Impairment recognized subsequent to acquisition — 1 208 110 Recovery/release of allowance for all outstanding acquired defaulted loans 21 882 31 1,003 As of September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Outstanding balance $ 15,447 $ 36,195 Carrying amount 13,815 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 (excluding AgVantage securities) and LTSPCs are presented in the table below. As of September 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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 September 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 (in thousands) On-balance sheet assets: Farm & Ranch: Loans $ 16,016 $ 26,935 $ 154 $ 160 Total on-balance sheet $ 16,016 $ 26,935 $ 154 $ 160 Off-balance sheet assets: Farm & Ranch: LTSPCs $ 2,361 $ 5,201 $ — $ — Total off-balance sheet $ 2,361 $ 5,201 $ — $ — Total $ 18,377 $ 32,136 $ 154 $ 160 (1) Includes loans and loans underlying off-balance sheet Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities (excluding AgVantage 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 $16.0 million of on-balance sheet loans reported as 90 -day delinquencies as of September 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 (excluding AgVantage securities) as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Table 5.9 As of September 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 $ 2,019,856 $ 532,007 $ 464,122 $ 160,120 $ 11,731 $ 8,790 $ 3,196,626 Special mention (2) 31,576 12,229 37,591 1,909 — — 83,305 Substandard (3) 26,788 17,784 6,976 7,005 — — 58,553 Total on-balance sheet $ 2,078,220 $ 562,020 $ 508,689 $ 169,034 $ 11,731 $ 8,790 $ 3,338,484 Off-Balance Sheet: Acceptable $ 1,203,775 $ 418,765 $ 710,670 $ 117,897 $ 30,854 $ 4,216 $ 2,486,177 Special mention (2) 58,946 17,375 25,260 1,117 2,047 502 105,247 Substandard (3) 31,641 19,938 18,514 4,632 — 95 74,820 Total off-balance sheet $ 1,294,362 $ 456,078 $ 754,444 $ 123,646 $ 32,901 $ 4,813 $ 2,666,244 Total Ending Balance: Acceptable $ 3,223,631 $ 950,772 $ 1,174,792 $ 278,017 $ 42,585 $ 13,006 $ 5,682,803 Special mention (2) 90,522 29,604 62,851 3,026 2,047 502 188,552 Substandard (3) 58,429 37,722 25,490 11,637 — 95 133,373 Total $ 3,372,582 $ 1,018,098 $ 1,263,133 $ 292,680 $ 44,632 $ 13,603 $ 6,004,728 Commodity analysis of past due loans (1) On-balance sheet $ 7,021 $ 5,423 $ 1,382 $ 2,190 $ — $ — $ 16,016 Off-balance sheet 1,577 15 306 463 — — 2,361 90 days or more past due $ 8,598 $ 5,438 $ 1,688 $ 2,653 $ — $ — $ 18,377 (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 (excluding AgVantage securities) and LTSPCs as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Table 5.10 As of September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in thousands) By commodity/collateral type: Crops $ 3,372,582 $ 3,243,651 Permanent plantings 1,018,098 941,411 Livestock 1,263,133 1,236,781 Part-time farm 292,680 211,125 Ag. Storage and Processing 44,632 81,990 Other 13,603 10,341 Total $ 6,004,728 $ 5,725,299 By geographic region (1) : Northwest $ 616,869 $ 582,127 Southwest 1,796,800 1,726,927 Mid-North 2,051,860 2,009,654 Mid-South 824,236 769,831 Northeast 225,068 215,883 Southeast 489,895 420,877 Total $ 6,004,728 $ 5,725,299 By original loan-to-value ratio: 0.00% to 40.00% $ 1,687,390 $ 1,594,818 40.01% to 50.00% 1,379,453 1,279,321 50.01% to 60.00% 1,662,645 1,593,025 60.01% to 70.00% 1,087,226 1,107,710 70.01% to 80.00% 164,868 126,860 80.01% to 90.00% 23,146 23,565 Total $ 6,004,728 $ 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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, Rural Utilities, or Institutional Credit 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 September 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 September 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Farm & Ranch: Guaranteed Securities $ 441,417 $ 514,051 USDA Guarantees: Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 61,054 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 $ 1,787,342 $ 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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 (in thousands) Proceeds from new securitizations $ 457,369 $ 231,242 Guarantee fees received 2,333 2,704 Purchases of assets from the trusts (2,118 ) (2,244 ) 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 $6.3 million as of September 30, 2016 and $8.3 million as of December 31, 2015 . As of September 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 10.8 years and 11.3 years , respectively. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the weighted-average remaining maturity of the off-balance sheet AgVantage securities was 0.9 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 September 30, 2016 and $2.8 billion as of December 31, 2015 . As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the weighted-average remaining maturity of all loans underlying LTSPCs was 15.0 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 $31.5 million as of September 30, 2016 and $30.3 million as of December 31, 2015 .

Equity

Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 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 September 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 September 30, 2016 , Farmer Mac's minimum capital requirement was $474.8 million and its core capital level was $587.1 million , which was $112.3 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosure	FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES As of September 30, 2016 , Farmer Mac's assets and liabilities recorded at fair value included financial instruments valued at $7.0 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 44 percent of total assets and 69 percent of financial instruments measured at fair value as of September 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 nine 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 September 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 September 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 $ — $ — $ 17,582 $ 17,582 Floating rate asset-backed securities — 51,654 — 51,654 Floating rate corporate debt securities — 15,019 — 15,019 Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities — 1,300,691 — 1,300,691 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities — 7,706 — 7,706 Floating rate GSE subordinated debt — 66,404 — 66,404 Fixed rate senior agency debt — 362,523 — 362,523 Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 1,179,606 — — 1,179,606 Total Investment Securities 1,179,606 1,803,997 17,582 3,001,185 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage — — 4,904,657 4,904,657 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities — — 32,824 32,824 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities — — 4,937,481 4,937,481 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale — — 1,980,327 1,980,327 Trading — — 23,489 23,489 Total USDA Securities — — 2,003,816 2,003,816 Financial derivatives — 4,627 — 4,627 Total Assets at fair value $ 1,179,606 $ 1,808,624 $ 6,958,879 $ 9,947,109 Liabilities: Financial derivatives $ 49 $ 123,747 $ — $ 123,796 Total Liabilities at fair value $ 49 $ 123,747 $ — $ 123,796 Nonrecurring: Assets: Loans held for investment $ — $ — $ 1,234 $ 1,234 REO — — 349 349 Total Nonrecurring Assets at fair value $ — $ — $ 1,583 $ 1,583 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. Table 8.2 Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Three Months Ended September 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 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ (148 ) $ 17,582 Total available-for-sale 17,730 — — — — (148 ) 17,582 Trading: Floating rate asset-backed securities (1) 281 — — (1,887 ) 1,606 — — Total trading 281 — — (1,887 ) 1,606 — — Total Investment Securities 18,011 — — (1,887 ) 1,606 (148 ) 17,582 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 4,697,584 263,196 — (64,895 ) (10,960 ) 19,732 4,904,657 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 33,447 — — (504 ) — (119 ) 32,824 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 4,731,031 263,196 — (65,399 ) (10,960 ) 19,613 4,937,481 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale 1,967,759 119,201 (31,866 ) (55,772 ) — (18,995 ) 1,980,327 Trading (2) 24,787 — — (874 ) (424 ) — 23,489 Total USDA Securities 1,992,546 119,201 (31,866 ) (56,646 ) (424 ) (18,995 ) 2,003,816 Total Assets at fair value $ 6,741,588 $ 382,397 $ (31,866 ) $ (123,932 ) $ (9,778 ) $ 470 $ 6,958,879 (1) Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of September 30, 2016 and are recorded in " Gains/(losses) on trading securities ." (2) Includes unrealized losses of $0.4 million attributable to assets still held as of September 30, 2016 that are recorded in " Gains/(losses) on trading securities ." Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Three Months Ended September 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 $ 40,182 $ — $ — $ — $ (100 ) $ 4,842 $ 44,924 Total available-for-sale 40,182 — — — (100 ) 4,842 44,924 Trading: Floating rate asset-backed securities (1) 606 — — (106 ) 50 — 550 Total trading 606 — — (106 ) 50 — 550 Total Investment Securities 40,788 — — (106 ) (50 ) 4,842 45,474 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 4,016,200 200,000 — (59,311 ) 15,834 (46,761 ) 4,125,962 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 35,008 — — (2,614 ) — (1,686 ) 30,708 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 4,051,208 200,000 — (61,925 ) 15,834 (48,447 ) 4,156,670 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale 1,825,406 91,374 — (51,282 ) — (11,076 ) 1,854,422 Trading (2) 33,770 — — (1,777 ) (57 ) — 31,936 Total USDA Securities 1,859,176 91,374 — (53,059 ) (57 ) (11,076 ) 1,886,358 Total Assets at fair value $ 5,951,172 $ 291,374 $ — $ (115,090 ) $ 15,727 $ (54,681 ) $ 6,088,502 (1) Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of September 30, 2015 and are recorded in " Gains/(losses) on trading securities ." (2) Includes unrealized gains of $0.1 million attributable to assets still held as of September 30, 2015 that are recorded in " Gains/(losses) on trading securities ." Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Nine Months Ended September 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 $ (542 ) $ 17,582 Total available-for-sale 44,924 — (26,806 ) — 6 (542 ) 17,582 Trading: Floating rate asset-backed securities (1) 491 — — (2,213 ) 1,722 — — Total trading 491 — — (2,213 ) 1,722 — — Total Investment Securities 45,415 — (26,806 ) (2,213 ) 1,728 (542 ) 17,582 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 4,121,244 1,342,572 — (594,124 ) 26,475 8,490 4,904,657 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 31,361 4,100 — (3,240 ) 603 32,824 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 4,152,605 1,346,672 — (597,364 ) 26,475 9,093 4,937,481 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale 1,888,344 351,914 (58,628 ) (237,262 ) — 35,959 1,980,327 Trading (2) 28,975 — — (5,698 ) 212 — 23,489 Total USDA Securities 1,917,319 351,914 (58,628 ) (242,960 ) 212 35,959 2,003,816 Total Assets at fair value $ 6,115,339 $ 1,698,586 $ (85,434 ) $ (842,537 ) $ 28,415 $ 44,510 $ 6,958,879 (1) Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of September 30, 2016 and are recorded in " Gains/(losses) on trading securities ." (2) Includes unrealized gains of $ 0.1 million attributable to assets still held as of September 30, 2016 that are recorded in " Gains/(losses) on trading securities ." Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Nine Months Ended September 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 $ — $ — $ — $ (100 ) $ 4,448 $ 44,924 Total available-for-sale 40,576 — — — (100 ) 4,448 44,924 Trading: Floating rate asset-backed securities (1) 689 — — (543 ) 404 — 550 Total trading 689 — — (543 ) 404 — 550 Total Investment Securities 41,265 — — (543 ) 304 4,448 45,474 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 3,631,662 664,175 — (126,308 ) 13,356 (56,923 ) 4,125,962 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 27,619 12,512 — (9,032 ) — (391 ) 30,708 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 3,659,281 676,687 — (135,340 ) 13,356 (57,314 ) 4,156,670 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale 1,731,222 291,981 — (184,665 ) — 15,884 1,854,422 Trading (2) 40,310 — — (8,494 ) 120 — 31,936 Total USDA Securities 1,771,532 291,981 — (193,159 ) 120 15,884 1,886,358 Total Assets at fair value $ 5,472,078 $ 968,668 $ — $ (329,042 ) $ 13,780 $ (36,982 ) $ 6,088,502 (1) Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of September 30, 2015 and are recorded in " Gains/(losses) on trading securities ." (2) Includes unrealized gains of $ 0.2 million attributable to assets still held as of September 30, 2015 that are recorded in " Gains/(losses) 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 September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 . Table 8.3 As of September 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 $ 17,582 Indicative bids Range of broker quotes 89.3% - 89.3% (89.3%) Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: AgVantage $ 4,904,657 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 1.4% - 2.6% (1.7%) Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities $ 32,824 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 1.3% - 4.3% (1.8%) CPR 9% - 23% (12%) USDA Securities $ 2,003,816 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 1.8% - 5.1% (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 September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Table 8.4 As of September 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Fair Value Carrying Fair Value Carrying (in thousands) Financial assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 313,581 $ 313,581 $ 1,210,084 $ 1,210,084 Investment securities 3,001,185 3,001,185 2,775,516 2,775,516 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 6,103,435 6,091,127 5,434,422 5,426,621 USDA Securities 2,003,816 2,003,816 1,917,319 1,917,319 Loans 4,448,360 4,334,434 4,027,660 3,962,044 Financial derivatives 4,627 4,627 3,816 3,816 Guarantee and commitment fees receivable: LTSPCs 32,054 32,318 31,953 31,240 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 7,004 7,337 8,872 8,949 Financial liabilities: Notes payable: Due within one year 9,300,334 9,295,700 9,108,468 9,111,461 Due after one year 4,957,884 4,820,388 5,009,310 4,967,036 Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties 1,062,667 1,044,559 713,316 713,536 Financial derivatives 123,796 123,796 77,199 77,199 Guarantee and commitment obligations: LTSPCs 31,237 31,501 31,015 30,301 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 5,930 6,263 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment Reporting Disclosure	BUSINESS SEGMENT REPORTING The following tables present core earnings for Farmer Mac's reportable operating segments and a reconciliation to consolidated net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 9.1 Core Earnings by Business Segment For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Utilities Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 12,039 $ 5,753 $ 2,963 $ 12,226 $ 2,582 $ — $ 35,563 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3) (1,336 ) (564 ) (320 ) (799 ) (345 ) 3,364 — Net effective spread 10,703 5,189 2,643 11,427 2,237 3,364 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 3,516 29 529 459 — (735 ) 3,798 Other income/(expense) (3)(4) 276 95 — — (388 ) 320 303 Non-interest income/(loss) 3,792 124 529 459 (388 ) (415 ) 4,101 Provision for loan losses (191 ) — — — — — (191 ) Release of losses 222 — — — — — 222 Other non-interest expense (3,673 ) (933 ) (553 ) (1,253 ) (3,113 ) — (9,525 ) Non-interest expense (5) (3,451 ) (933 ) (553 ) (1,253 ) (3,113 ) — (9,303 ) Core earnings before income taxes 10,853 4,380 2,619 10,633 (1,264 ) 2,949 (6) 30,170 Income tax (expense)/benefit (3,799 ) (1,533 ) (917 ) (3,722 ) 474 (1,032 ) (10,529 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends 7,054 2,847 1,702 6,911 (790 ) 1,917 (6) 19,641 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (3,295 ) — (3,295 ) Non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends — — — — 18 — 18 Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 7,054 $ 2,847 $ 1,702 $ 6,911 $ (4,067 ) $ 1,917 (6) $ 16,364 Total assets at carrying value $ 3,436,641 $ 2,062,195 $ 1,008,903 $ 6,045,227 $ 3,447,939 $ — $ 16,000,905 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 6,004,728 $ 2,020,834 $ 1,867,666 $ 7,354,511 — $ 17,247,739 (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 to the corresponding income measures: core earnings before income taxes reconciled to income before income taxes; core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest reconciled to net income; and segment core earnings reconciled to net income attributable to common stockholders. Core Earnings by Business Segment For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Adjustments Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 10,838 $ 4,515 $ 3,130 $ 11,686 $ 2,014 $ — $ 32,183 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3) (1,210 ) 115 (223 ) (415 ) (63 ) 1,796 — Net effective spread 9,628 4,630 2,907 11,271 1,951 1,796 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 3,785 7 100 436 — (796 ) 3,532 Other income/(expense) (3)(4) 513 13 — — (619 ) (8,420 ) (8,513 ) Non-interest income/(loss) 4,298 20 100 436 (619 ) (9,216 ) (4,981 ) Release of allowance for loan losses 1,164 — — — — — 1,164 Provision for losses (861 ) — — — — — (861 ) Other non-interest expense (4,228 ) (986 ) (838 ) (522 ) (2,986 ) — (9,560 ) Non-interest expense (5) (5,089 ) (986 ) (838 ) (522 ) (2,986 ) — (10,421 ) Core earnings before income taxes 10,001 3,664 2,169 11,185 (1,654 ) (7,420 ) (6) 17,945 Income tax (expense)/benefit (3,500 ) (1,282 ) (760 ) (3,915 ) 533 2,597 (6,327 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends 6,501 2,382 1,409 7,270 (1,121 ) (4,823 ) (6) 11,618 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (3,295 ) — (3,295 ) Non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends — — — — 36 — 36 Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 6,501 $ 2,382 $ 1,409 $ 7,270 $ (4,380 ) $ (4,823 ) (6) $ 8,359 Total assets at carrying value $ 2,856,097 $ 1,941,166 $ 987,115 $ 5,405,360 $ 3,664,107 $ — $ 14,853,845 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 5,504,030 $ 1,898,625 $ 1,500,307 $ 6,725,017 — $ 15,627,979 (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 to the corresponding income measures: core earnings before income taxes reconciled to income before income taxes; core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest reconciled to net income; and segment core earnings reconciled to net income attributable to common stockholders. Core Earnings by Business Segment For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 34,772 $ 15,743 $ 8,682 $ 36,084 $ 8,280 $ — $ 103,561 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3) (4,733 ) (1,658 ) (939 ) (2,160 ) (897 ) 10,387 — Net effective spread 30,039 14,085 7,743 33,924 7,383 10,387 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 11,390 50 1,197 1,375 — (2,933 ) 11,079 Other income/(expense) (3)(4) 451 178 — — (1,288 ) (9,259 ) (9,918 ) Non-interest income/(loss) 11,841 228 1,197 1,375 (1,288 ) (12,192 ) 1,161 Provision for loan losses (604 ) — — — — — (604 ) Release of losses 114 — — — — — 114 Other non-interest expense (11,946 ) (3,118 ) (2,214 ) (2,330 ) (9,849 ) — (29,457 ) Non-interest expense (5) (11,832 ) (3,118 ) (2,214 ) (2,330 ) (9,849 ) — (29,343 ) Core earnings before income taxes 29,444 11,195 6,726 32,969 (3,754 ) (1,805 ) (6) 74,775 Income tax (expense)/benefit (10,307 ) (3,918 ) (2,355 ) (11,538 ) 1,221 633 (26,264 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends 19,137 7,277 4,371 21,431 (2,533 ) (1,172 ) (6) 48,511 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (9,886 ) — (9,886 ) Non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends — — — — 62 — 62 Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 19,137 $ 7,277 $ 4,371 $ 21,431 $ (12,357 ) $ (1,172 ) (6) $ 38,687 Total assets at carrying value $ 3,436,641 $ 2,062,195 $ 1,008,903 $ 6,045,227 $ 3,447,939 $ — $ 16,000,905 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 6,004,728 $ 2,020,834 $ 1,867,666 $ 7,354,511 — $ 17,247,739 (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 to the corresponding income measures: core earnings before income taxes reconciled to income before income taxes; core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest reconciled to net income; and segment core earnings reconciled to net income attributable to common stockholders. Core Earnings by Business Segment For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 32,825 $ 13,503 $ 8,741 $ 33,990 $ 5,777 $ — $ 94,836 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3) (3,402 ) (182 ) (192 ) (1,434 ) (195 ) 5,405 — Net effective spread 29,423 13,321 8,549 32,556 5,582 5,405 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 11,111 9 100 1,205 — (2,128 ) 10,297 Other income/(expense) (3)(4) 760 100 — — (1,383 ) 3,927 3,404 Non-interest income/(loss) 11,871 109 100 1,205 (1,383 ) 1,799 13,701 Release of allowance for loan losses 978 — — — — — 978 Provision for losses (1,235 ) — — — — — (1,235 ) Other non-interest expense (12,858 ) (2,396 ) (2,564 ) (1,589 ) (8,975 ) — (28,382 ) Non-interest expense (5) (14,093 ) (2,396 ) (2,564 ) (1,589 ) (8,975 ) — (29,617 ) Core earnings before income taxes 28,179 11,034 6,085 32,172 (4,776 ) 7,204 (6) 79,898 Income tax (expense)/benefit (9,862 ) (3,861 ) (2,129 ) (11,260 ) 3,405 (620 ) (24,327 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends 18,317 7,173 3,956 20,912 (1,371 ) 6,584 (6) 55,571 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (9,886 ) — (9,886 ) Non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends — — — — (5,199 ) — (5,199 ) Loss on retirement of preferred stock — — — — — (8,147 ) (8,147 ) Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 18,317 $ 7,173 $ 3,956 $ 20,912 $ (16,456 ) $ (1,563 ) (6) $ 32,339 Total assets at carrying value $ 2,856,097 $ 1,941,166 $ 987,115 $ 5,405,360 $ 3,664,107 $ — $ 14,853,845 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 5,504,030 $ 1,898,625 $ 1,500,307 $ 6,725,017 — $ 15,627,979 (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 to the corresponding income measures: core earnings before income taxes reconciled to income before income taxes; core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest reconciled to net income; and segment core earnings reconciled to net income attributable to common stockholders.

Accounting Policies - Accounti

Accounting Policies - Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 nine months ended September 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 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. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force)," which amends the existing guidance to add or clarify current guidance in GAAP on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified. 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 statement of cash flows.
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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 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 $ 1,039,770 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 1,039,770 Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties (1) 1,044,559 — — — — 1,044,559 Unconsolidated VIEs: Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Carrying value (2) — 32,824 — 30,666 — 63,490 Maximum exposure to loss (3) — 32,364 — 30,000 — 62,364 Investment securities: Carrying value (4) — — — — 758,066 758,066 Maximum exposure to loss (3) (4) — — — — 756,693 756,693 Off-Balance Sheet: Unconsolidated VIEs: Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Maximum exposure to loss (3) (5) 441,417 61,054 — 970,000 — 1,472,471 (1) Includes borrower remittances of $4.8 million . The borrower remittances have not been passed through to third party investors as of September 30, 2016 . (2) Includes $0.5 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 $0.7 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 1.2 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 (in thousands) Non-cash activity: Loans acquired and securitized as Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities $ 457,369 $ 231,242 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 402,841 231,242 Purchases of securities - traded, not yet settled 25,000 15,000 Issuance costs on the retirement of Farmer Mac II LLC Preferred Stock — 8,147 Unsettled common stock repurchases — 796
Earnings Per Common Share	The following schedule reconciles basic and diluted EPS for three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 1.3 For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 September 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 $ 16,364 10,473 $ 1.56 $ 8,359 11,028 $ 0.76 Effect of dilutive securities (1) Stock options, SARs and restricted stock — 176 (0.02 ) — 243 (0.02 ) Diluted EPS $ 16,364 10,649 $ 1.54 $ 8,359 11,271 $ 0.74 (1) For the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, stock options and SARs of 54,709 and 476,699 , 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 September 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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 September 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 $ 38,687 10,464 $ 3.70 $ 32,339 10,992 $ 2.94 Effect of dilutive securities(1) Stock options, SARs and restricted stock — 291 (0.10 ) — 355 (0.09 ) Diluted EPS $ 38,687 10,755 $ 3.60 $ 32,339 11,347 $ 2.85 (1) For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, stock options and SARs of 115,875 and 302,598 , respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because they were anti-dilutive. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, contingent shares of non-vested restricted stock of 37,284 and 40,194 , 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 1.4 As of September 30, 2016 As of September 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 $ 19,704 $ (1,781 ) $ (5,539 ) $ 12,384 $ 20,498 $ 1,622 $ 613 $ 22,733 Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications 2,746 — 527 3,273 (33,392 ) — (2,347 ) (35,739 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (2,388 ) (47 ) 342 (2,093 ) (3,624 ) (1,454 ) 270 (4,808 ) Net other comprehensive income/(loss) 358 (47 ) 869 1,180 (37,016 ) (1,454 ) (2,077 ) (40,547 ) Ending Balance $ 20,062 $ (1,828 ) $ (4,670 ) $ 13,564 $ (16,518 ) $ 168 $ (1,464 ) $ (17,814 ) For the Nine Months Ended Beginning Balance $ (10,035 ) $ (476 ) $ (508 ) $ (11,019 ) $ 9,716 $ 5,973 $ (156 ) $ 15,533 Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications 37,446 — (5,136 ) 32,310 (15,985 ) — (1,814 ) (17,799 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (7,349 ) (1,352 ) 974 (7,727 ) (10,249 ) (5,805 ) 506 (15,548 ) Net other comprehensive income/(loss) 30,097 (1,352 ) (4,162 ) 24,583 (26,234 ) (5,805 ) (1,308 ) (33,347 ) Ending Balance $ 20,062 $ (1,828 ) $ (4,670 ) $ 13,564 $ (16,518 ) $ 168 $ (1,464 ) $ (17,814 )
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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 1.5 For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 September 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 $ 4,225 $ 1,479 $ 2,746 $ (51,373 ) $ (17,981 ) $ (33,392 ) Less reclassification adjustments included in: (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities (1) (3,652 ) (1,278 ) (2,374 ) (5,038 ) (1,763 ) (3,275 ) Gains/(losses) on sale of available-for-sale investment securities (2) — — — (4 ) (2 ) (2 ) Other income (3) (21 ) (7 ) (14 ) (534 ) (187 ) (347 ) Total $ 552 $ 194 $ 358 $ (56,949 ) $ (19,933 ) $ (37,016 ) Held-to-maturity securities: Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net interest income (4) $ (73 ) $ (26 ) $ (47 ) $ (2,236 ) $ (782 ) $ (1,454 ) Total $ (73 ) $ (26 ) $ (47 ) $ (2,236 ) $ (782 ) $ (1,454 ) Cash flow hedges Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges $ 810 $ 283 $ 527 $ (3,611 ) $ (1,264 ) $ (2,347 ) Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net interest income (5) 526 184 342 416 146 270 Total $ 1,336 $ 467 $ 869 $ (3,195 ) $ (1,118 ) $ (2,077 ) Other comprehensive income/(loss) $ 1,815 $ 635 $ 1,180 $ (62,380 ) $ (21,833 ) $ (40,547 ) (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. For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 September 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 $ 57,610 $ 20,164 $ 37,446 $ (24,594 ) $ (8,609 ) $ (15,985 ) Less reclassification adjustments included in: (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities (1) (11,591 ) (4,056 ) (7,535 ) (14,852 ) (5,198 ) (9,654 ) Gains/(losses) on sale of available-for-sale investment securities (2) 9 3 6 (10 ) (5 ) (5 ) Other income (3) 277 97 180 (907 ) (317 ) (590 ) Total $ 46,305 $ 16,208 $ 30,097 $ (40,363 ) $ (14,129 ) $ (26,234 ) Held-to-maturity securities: Net interest income (4) $ (2,081 ) $ (729 ) $ (1,352 ) $ (8,930 ) $ (3,125 ) $ (5,805 ) Total $ (2,081 ) $ (729 ) $ (1,352 ) $ (8,930 ) $ (3,125 ) $ (5,805 ) Cash flow hedges Unrealized (losses)/gains on cash flow hedges $ (7,901 ) $ (2,765 ) $ (5,136 ) $ (2,791 ) $ (977 ) $ (1,814 ) Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net interest income (5) 1,498 524 974 779 273 506 Total $ (6,403 ) $ (2,241 ) $ (4,162 ) $ (2,012 ) $ (704 ) $ (1,308 ) Other comprehensive income $ 37,821 $ 13,238 $ 24,583 $ (51,305 ) $ (17,958 ) $ (33,347 ) (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]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: Table 2.1 As of September 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 $ — $ (2,118 ) $ 17,582 Floating rate asset-backed securities 52,406 (214 ) 52,192 2 (540 ) 51,654 Floating rate corporate debt securities 15,000 — 15,000 19 — 15,019 Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 1,299,576 2,911 1,302,487 1,798 (3,594 ) 1,300,691 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities (1) 582 2,694 3,276 4,430 — 7,706 Floating rate GSE subordinated debt 70,000 — 70,000 — (3,596 ) 66,404 Fixed rate senior agency debt 362,295 154 362,449 98 (24 ) 362,523 Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 1,178,776 353 1,179,129 524 (47 ) 1,179,606 Total available-for-sale 2,998,335 5,898 3,004,233 6,871 (9,919 ) 3,001,185 Total investment securities $ 2,998,335 $ 5,898 $ 3,004,233 $ 6,871 $ (9,919 ) $ 3,001,185 (1) Fair value includes $7.1 million of an interest-only security with a notional amount of $146.7 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 September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, unrealized losses on available-for-sale investment securities were as follows: Table 2.2 As of September 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 $ — $ — $ 17,582 $ (2,118 ) Floating rate asset-backed securities 25,446 (95 ) 19,540 (445 ) Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 610,561 (1,874 ) 239,860 (1,720 ) Floating rate GSE subordinated debt — — 66,404 (3,596 ) Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 368,017 (47 ) — — Fixed rate senior agency debt 49,932 (24 ) — — Total $ 1,053,956 $ (2,040 ) $ 343,386 $ (7,879 ) 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 September 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 September 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 77 and 69 individual investment securities as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. As of September 30, 2016 , 27 of the securities in loss positions had been in loss positions for more than 12 months and had a total unrealized loss of $7.9 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 September 30, 2016 that is, on average, approximately 98 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 September 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 September 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 September 30, 2016 Available-for-Sale Securities Amortized Fair Value Weighted- (dollars in thousands) Due within one year $ 1,256,154 $ 1,256,654 0.61% Due after one year through five years 529,229 529,322 0.99% Due after five years through ten years 393,580 393,905 1.18% Due after ten years 825,270 821,304 1.11% Total $ 3,004,233 $ 3,001,185 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]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: Table 3.1 As of September 30, 2016 Unpaid Principal Balance Unamortized Premium/(Discount) Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Value (in thousands) Held-to-maturity: AgVantage $ 1,156,203 $ (2,557 ) $ 1,153,646 $ 13,203 $ (895 ) $ 1,165,954 Available-for-sale: AgVantage $ 4,913,438 $ (38 ) $ 4,913,400 $ 51,458 $ (60,201 ) $ 4,904,657 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 32,364 (283 ) 32,081 743 — 32,824 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 4,945,802 (321 ) 4,945,481 52,201 (60,201 ) 4,937,481 USDA Securities 1,905,457 1,778 1,907,235 73,114 (22 ) 1,980,327 Total available-for-sale $ 6,851,259 $ 1,457 $ 6,852,716 $ 125,315 $ (60,223 ) $ 6,917,808 Trading: USDA Securities $ 21,958 $ 1,406 $ 23,364 $ 207 $ (82 ) $ 23,489 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 September 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 September 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 $ 404,105 $ (895 ) $ — $ — Available-for-sale: AgVantage $ 847,890 $ (2,110 ) $ 2,101,844 $ (58,091 ) USDA Securities — — 98,460 (22 ) Total available-for-sale $ 847,890 $ (2,110 ) $ 2,200,304 $ (58,113 ) 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 September 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 25 available-for-sale securities as of September 30, 2016 . There were four held-to-maturity AgVantage securities with an unrealized loss as of September 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 September 30, 2016 , 17 available-for-sale AgVantage securities had been in a loss position for more than 12 months with a total unrealized loss of $58.1 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 September 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 September 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 September 30, 2016 Available-for-Sale Securities Amortized Fair Value Weighted- (dollars in thousands) Due within one year $ 313,714 $ 314,376 1.39 % Due after one year through five years 2,726,577 2,756,149 1.79 % Due after five years through ten years 1,299,644 1,321,453 2.05 % Due after ten years 2,512,781 2,525,830 2.63 % Total $ 6,852,716 $ 6,917,808 2.13 % As of September 30, 2016 Held-to-Maturity Securities Amortized Fair Value Weighted- (dollars in thousands) Due within one year $ 407,942 $ 408,699 1.60 % Due after one year through five years 693,616 701,844 1.94 % Due after five years through ten years 52,088 55,411 3.24 % Total $ 1,153,646 $ 1,165,954 1.88 %

Financial Derivatives - Financ

Financial Derivatives - Financial Derivatives (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and the effects of financial derivatives on the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 4.1 As of September 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 $ 1,642,609 $ 598 $ (56,979 ) 1.73% 0.76% 4.89 Receive fixed non-callable 30,000 565 — 0.97% 1.75% 3.71 Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable 181,000 24 (8,112 ) 2.21% 0.94% 7.23 No hedge designation: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable 439,762 — (56,313 ) 4.07% 0.72% 6.10 Receive fixed non-callable 5,442,968 3,440 (2,028 ) 0.62% 0.66% 0.47 Receive fixed callable 30,000 — (44 ) 0.70% 0.58% 0.58 Basis swaps 475,000 — (439 ) 0.70% 0.61% 0.78 Treasury futures 20,200 — (49 ) 130.88 Credit valuation adjustment — 168 Total financial derivatives $ 8,261,539 $ 4,627 $ (123,796 ) Collateral pledged — 89,732 Net amount $ 4,627 $ (34,064 ) 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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 September 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 (in thousands) Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps (1) $ 11,276 $ (12,646 ) $ (30,062 ) $ (4,330 ) Hedged items (10,550 ) 15,834 35,778 13,356 Gains on fair value hedges 726 3,188 5,716 9,026 Cash flow hedges: Loss recognized (ineffective portion) (68 ) (57 ) (322 ) (424 ) Losses on cash flow hedges (68 ) (57 ) (322 ) (424 ) No hedge designation: Interest rate swaps (2,333 ) (11,421 ) (16,820 ) (5,213 ) Agency forwards 79 (966 ) (789 ) (2,108 ) Treasury futures (5 ) (312 ) (864 ) (342 ) Losses on financial derivatives not designated in hedging relationships (2,259 ) (12,699 ) (18,473 ) (7,663 ) (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities $ (1,601 ) $ (9,568 ) $ (13,079 ) $ 939 (1) Included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness as of September 30, 2016 , but excluded from the amounts in the table, were losses of $1.0 million and $4.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 were losses of $0.2 million and gains of $1.5 million , respectively. The comparable amounts as of September 30, 2015 were losses of $ 2.9 million and $8.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , attributable to the fair value of the swaps at the inception of the hedging relationship and, accordingly, gains of $ 0.3 million and $0.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 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 September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Table 5.1 As of September 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Unsecuritized In Consolidated Trusts Total Unsecuritized In Consolidated Trusts Total (in thousands) Farm & Ranch $ 2,298,714 $ 1,039,770 $ 3,338,484 $ 2,249,864 $ 708,111 $ 2,957,975 Rural Utilities 993,139 — 993,139 1,008,126 — 1,008,126 Total unpaid principal balance (1) 3,291,853 1,039,770 4,331,623 3,257,990 708,111 3,966,101 Unamortized premiums, discounts and other cost basis adjustments 7,765 — 7,765 423 — 423 Total loans 3,299,618 1,039,770 4,339,388 3,258,413 708,111 3,966,524 Allowance for loan losses (4,049 ) (905 ) (4,954 ) (3,736 ) (744 ) (4,480 ) Total loans, net of allowance $ 3,295,569 $ 1,038,865 $ 4,334,434 $ 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 (excluding AgVantage securities). As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , Farmer Mac's total allowances for losses were $6.9 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 nine months months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015: Table 5.2 As of September 30, 2016 As of September 30, 2015 Allowance Reserve Total Allowance Reserve Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 4,893 $ 2,191 $ 7,084 $ 5,939 $ 4,637 $ 10,576 Provision for/(release of) losses 191 (222 ) (31 ) (1,164 ) 861 (303 ) Charge-offs (130 ) — (130 ) — — — Ending Balance $ 4,954 $ 1,969 $ 6,923 $ 4,775 $ 5,498 $ 10,273 For the Nine Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 4,480 $ 2,083 $ 6,563 $ 5,864 $ 4,263 $ 10,127 Provision for/(release of) losses 604 (114 ) 490 (978 ) 1,235 257 Charge-offs (130 ) — (130 ) (111 ) — (111 ) Ending Balance $ 4,954 $ 1,969 $ 6,923 $ 4,775 $ 5,498 $ 10,273 During third quarter 2016 , Farmer Mac recorded provisions to its allowance for loan losses of $0.2 million and releases to its reserve for losses of $0.2 million . The provisions to the allowance for loan losses recorded during third quarter 2016 were attributable to an increase in the general allowance due to overall net volume growth in on-balance sheet Farm & Ranch loans and downgrades in risk ratings for a small number of loans. The releases to the reserve for losses recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2016 were attributable to the release of a specific reserve on an impaired livestock loan underlying an LTSPC that was required to be removed from the LTSPC pool by the originator during third quarter 2016. Farmer Mac recorded $0.1 million of charge-offs to its allowance for loan losses during third quarter 2016. During third quarter 2015, Farmer Mac recorded releases to its allowance for loan losses of $1.2 million and provisions to its reserve for losses of $0.9 million . The releases to the allowance for loan losses recorded during third quarter 2015 were primarily attributable to a reduction in the specific allowance for a permanent planting loan based on the updated appraised value of the collateral underlying such loan. The provisions to the reserve for losses recorded during third quarter 2015 were attributable to an increase in the specific allowance on two impaired canola facility loans underlying an LTSPC with one borrower. Farmer Mac recorded no charge-offs to its allowance for loan losses during third quarter 2015. The following tables present the changes in the total allowance for losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 by commodity type: Table 5.3 September 30, 2016 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 3,111 $ 1,144 $ 1,906 $ 447 $ 473 $ 3 $ 7,084 Provision for/(release of) losses 103 198 (354 ) 36 (13 ) (1 ) (31 ) Charge-offs — — — (130 ) — — (130 ) Ending Balance $ 3,214 $ 1,342 $ 1,552 $ 353 $ 460 $ 2 $ 6,923 For the Nine Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 2,791 $ 931 $ 1,781 $ 408 $ 649 $ 3 $ 6,563 Provision for/(release of) losses 423 411 (229 ) 75 (189 ) (1 ) 490 Charge-offs — — — (130 ) — — (130 ) Ending Balance $ 3,214 $ 1,342 $ 1,552 $ 353 $ 460 $ 2 $ 6,923 September 30, 2015 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 2,653 $ 2,221 $ 1,760 $ 433 $ 3,502 $ 7 $ 10,576 Provision for/(release of) losses 110 (1,151 ) 39 (49 ) 748 — (303 ) Charge-offs — — — — — — — Ending Balance $ 2,763 $ 1,070 $ 1,799 $ 384 $ 4,250 $ 7 $ 10,273 For the Nine Months Ended Beginning Balance $ 2,519 $ 2,159 $ 1,423 $ 467 $ 3,552 $ 7 $ 10,127 Provision for/(release of) losses 244 (1,089 ) 376 28 698 — 257 Charge-offs — — — (111 ) — — (111 ) Ending Balance $ 2,763 $ 1,070 $ 1,799 $ 384 $ 4,250 $ 7 $ 10,273
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 (excluding AgVantage securities) and the related total allowance for losses by impairment method and commodity type as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Table 5.4 As of September 30, 2016 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Ending Balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 2,051,432 $ 544,237 $ 501,713 $ 162,029 $ 11,731 $ 8,790 $ 3,279,932 Off-balance sheet 1,284,363 453,183 748,908 122,768 32,901 4,813 2,646,936 Total $ 3,335,795 $ 997,420 $ 1,250,621 $ 284,797 $ 44,632 $ 13,603 $ 5,926,868 Individually evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 26,788 $ 17,783 $ 6,976 $ 7,005 $ — $ — $ 58,552 Off-balance sheet 9,999 2,895 5,536 878 — — 19,308 Total $ 36,787 $ 20,678 $ 12,512 $ 7,883 $ — $ — $ 77,860 Total Farm & Ranch loans: On-balance sheet $ 2,078,220 $ 562,020 $ 508,689 $ 169,034 $ 11,731 $ 8,790 $ 3,338,484 Off-balance sheet 1,294,362 456,078 754,444 123,646 32,901 4,813 2,666,244 Total $ 3,372,582 $ 1,018,098 $ 1,263,133 $ 292,680 $ 44,632 $ 13,603 $ 6,004,728 Allowance for Losses: Collectively evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 1,947 $ 579 $ 757 $ 146 $ 34 $ — $ 3,463 Off-balance sheet 498 259 271 52 426 2 1,508 Total $ 2,445 $ 838 $ 1,028 $ 198 $ 460 $ 2 $ 4,971 Individually evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 473 $ 479 $ 410 $ 129 $ — $ — $ 1,491 Off-balance sheet 296 25 114 26 — — 461 Total $ 769 $ 504 $ 524 $ 155 $ — $ — $ 1,952 Total Farm & Ranch loans: On-balance sheet $ 2,420 $ 1,058 $ 1,167 $ 275 $ 34 $ — $ 4,954 Off-balance sheet 794 284 385 78 426 2 1,969 Total $ 3,214 $ 1,342 $ 1,552 $ 353 $ 460 $ 2 $ 6,923 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 September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Table 5.5 As of September 30, 2016 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Impaired Loans: With no specific allowance: Recorded investment $ 6,851 $ 9,217 $ 2,423 $ 1,709 $ — $ — $ 20,200 Unpaid principal balance 6,838 9,204 2,422 1,706 — — 20,170 With a specific allowance: Recorded investment (1) 29,985 11,494 9,993 6,187 — — 57,659 Unpaid principal balance 29,949 11,474 10,090 6,177 — — 57,690 Associated allowance 769 504 524 155 — — 1,952 Total: Recorded investment 36,836 20,711 12,416 7,896 — — 77,859 Unpaid principal balance 36,787 20,678 12,512 7,883 — — 77,860 Associated allowance 769 504 524 155 — — 1,952 Recorded investment of loans on nonaccrual status (2) $ 7,964 $ 9,859 $ 3,292 $ 5,456 $ — $ — $ 26,571 (1) Impairment analysis was performed in the aggregate in consideration of similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics on $55.5 million ( 71 percent ) of impaired loans as of September 30, 2016 , which resulted in a specific allowance of $1.3 million . (2) Includes $10.6 million of loans that are less than 90 days delinquent but which have not met Farmer Mac's performance criteria for returning to accrual status. 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 allowance 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 5.6 September 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 $ 33,032 $ 22,980 $ 12,120 $ 8,172 $ — $ — $ 76,304 Income recognized on impaired loans 46 236 81 74 — — 437 For the Nine Months Ended: Average recorded investment in impaired loans $ 28,293 $ 25,277 $ 13,704 $ 8,654 $ 4,668 $ — $ 80,596 Income recognized on impaired loans 108 789 229 251 — — 1,377 September 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 $ 27,133 $ 37,911 $ 12,534 $ 9,989 $ 13,500 $ — $ 101,067 Income recognized on impaired loans 33 234 76 76 — — 419 For the Nine Months Ended: Average recorded investment in impaired loans $ 23,176 $ 39,337 $ 13,923 $ 11,248 $ 6,750 $ — $ 94,434 Income recognized on impaired loans 373 459 273 226 — — 1,331
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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and the outstanding balances and carrying amounts of all such loans as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: Table 5.7 For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 September 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 (in thousands) Unpaid principal balance at acquisition date: Loans underlying LTSPCs $ 852 $ — $ 2,118 $ — Loans underlying off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities (excluding AgVantage securities) 250 263 398 2,244 Total unpaid principal balance at acquisition date 1,102 263 2,516 2,244 Contractually required payments receivable 1,109 264 2,544 2,334 Impairment recognized subsequent to acquisition — 1 208 110 Recovery/release of allowance for all outstanding acquired defaulted loans 21 882 31 1,003 As of September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Outstanding balance $ 15,447 $ 36,195 Carrying amount 13,815 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 (excluding AgVantage securities) and LTSPCs are presented in the table below. As of September 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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 September 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 (in thousands) On-balance sheet assets: Farm & Ranch: Loans $ 16,016 $ 26,935 $ 154 $ 160 Total on-balance sheet $ 16,016 $ 26,935 $ 154 $ 160 Off-balance sheet assets: Farm & Ranch: LTSPCs $ 2,361 $ 5,201 $ — $ — Total off-balance sheet $ 2,361 $ 5,201 $ — $ — Total $ 18,377 $ 32,136 $ 154 $ 160 (1) Includes loans and loans underlying off-balance sheet Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities (excluding AgVantage 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 $16.0 million of on-balance sheet loans reported as 90 -day delinquencies as of September 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 (excluding AgVantage securities) as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Table 5.9 As of September 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 $ 2,019,856 $ 532,007 $ 464,122 $ 160,120 $ 11,731 $ 8,790 $ 3,196,626 Special mention (2) 31,576 12,229 37,591 1,909 — — 83,305 Substandard (3) 26,788 17,784 6,976 7,005 — — 58,553 Total on-balance sheet $ 2,078,220 $ 562,020 $ 508,689 $ 169,034 $ 11,731 $ 8,790 $ 3,338,484 Off-Balance Sheet: Acceptable $ 1,203,775 $ 418,765 $ 710,670 $ 117,897 $ 30,854 $ 4,216 $ 2,486,177 Special mention (2) 58,946 17,375 25,260 1,117 2,047 502 105,247 Substandard (3) 31,641 19,938 18,514 4,632 — 95 74,820 Total off-balance sheet $ 1,294,362 $ 456,078 $ 754,444 $ 123,646 $ 32,901 $ 4,813 $ 2,666,244 Total Ending Balance: Acceptable $ 3,223,631 $ 950,772 $ 1,174,792 $ 278,017 $ 42,585 $ 13,006 $ 5,682,803 Special mention (2) 90,522 29,604 62,851 3,026 2,047 502 188,552 Substandard (3) 58,429 37,722 25,490 11,637 — 95 133,373 Total $ 3,372,582 $ 1,018,098 $ 1,263,133 $ 292,680 $ 44,632 $ 13,603 $ 6,004,728 Commodity analysis of past due loans (1) On-balance sheet $ 7,021 $ 5,423 $ 1,382 $ 2,190 $ — $ — $ 16,016 Off-balance sheet 1,577 15 306 463 — — 2,361 90 days or more past due $ 8,598 $ 5,438 $ 1,688 $ 2,653 $ — $ — $ 18,377 (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 (excluding AgVantage securities) and LTSPCs as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Table 5.10 As of September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in thousands) By commodity/collateral type: Crops $ 3,372,582 $ 3,243,651 Permanent plantings 1,018,098 941,411 Livestock 1,263,133 1,236,781 Part-time farm 292,680 211,125 Ag. Storage and Processing 44,632 81,990 Other 13,603 10,341 Total $ 6,004,728 $ 5,725,299 By geographic region (1) : Northwest $ 616,869 $ 582,127 Southwest 1,796,800 1,726,927 Mid-North 2,051,860 2,009,654 Mid-South 824,236 769,831 Northeast 225,068 215,883 Southeast 489,895 420,877 Total $ 6,004,728 $ 5,725,299 By original loan-to-value ratio: 0.00% to 40.00% $ 1,687,390 $ 1,594,818 40.01% to 50.00% 1,379,453 1,279,321 50.01% to 60.00% 1,662,645 1,593,025 60.01% to 70.00% 1,087,226 1,107,710 70.01% to 80.00% 164,868 126,860 80.01% to 90.00% 23,146 23,565 Total $ 6,004,728 $ 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 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 September 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Farm & Ranch: Guaranteed Securities $ 441,417 $ 514,051 USDA Guarantees: Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 61,054 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 $ 1,787,342 $ 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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 (in thousands) Proceeds from new securitizations $ 457,369 $ 231,242 Guarantee fees received 2,333 2,704 Purchases of assets from the trusts (2,118 ) (2,244 ) 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 $6.3 million as of September 30, 2016 and $8.3 million as of December 31, 2015 . As of September 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 10.8 years and 11.3 years , respectively. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the weighted-average remaining maturity of the off-balance sheet AgVantage securities was 0.9 years and 1.7 years , respectively.

Fair Value Disclosures - Fair

Fair Value Disclosures - Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 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 September 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 $ — $ — $ 17,582 $ 17,582 Floating rate asset-backed securities — 51,654 — 51,654 Floating rate corporate debt securities — 15,019 — 15,019 Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities — 1,300,691 — 1,300,691 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities — 7,706 — 7,706 Floating rate GSE subordinated debt — 66,404 — 66,404 Fixed rate senior agency debt — 362,523 — 362,523 Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 1,179,606 — — 1,179,606 Total Investment Securities 1,179,606 1,803,997 17,582 3,001,185 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage — — 4,904,657 4,904,657 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities — — 32,824 32,824 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities — — 4,937,481 4,937,481 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale — — 1,980,327 1,980,327 Trading — — 23,489 23,489 Total USDA Securities — — 2,003,816 2,003,816 Financial derivatives — 4,627 — 4,627 Total Assets at fair value $ 1,179,606 $ 1,808,624 $ 6,958,879 $ 9,947,109 Liabilities: Financial derivatives $ 49 $ 123,747 $ — $ 123,796 Total Liabilities at fair value $ 49 $ 123,747 $ — $ 123,796 Nonrecurring: Assets: Loans held for investment $ — $ — $ 1,234 $ 1,234 REO — — 349 349 Total Nonrecurring Assets at fair value $ — $ — $ 1,583 $ 1,583 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. Table 8.2 Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Three Months Ended September 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 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ (148 ) $ 17,582 Total available-for-sale 17,730 — — — — (148 ) 17,582 Trading: Floating rate asset-backed securities (1) 281 — — (1,887 ) 1,606 — — Total trading 281 — — (1,887 ) 1,606 — — Total Investment Securities 18,011 — — (1,887 ) 1,606 (148 ) 17,582 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 4,697,584 263,196 — (64,895 ) (10,960 ) 19,732 4,904,657 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 33,447 — — (504 ) — (119 ) 32,824 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 4,731,031 263,196 — (65,399 ) (10,960 ) 19,613 4,937,481 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale 1,967,759 119,201 (31,866 ) (55,772 ) — (18,995 ) 1,980,327 Trading (2) 24,787 — — (874 ) (424 ) — 23,489 Total USDA Securities 1,992,546 119,201 (31,866 ) (56,646 ) (424 ) (18,995 ) 2,003,816 Total Assets at fair value $ 6,741,588 $ 382,397 $ (31,866 ) $ (123,932 ) $ (9,778 ) $ 470 $ 6,958,879 (1) Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of September 30, 2016 and are recorded in " Gains/(losses) on trading securities ." (2) Includes unrealized losses of $0.4 million attributable to assets still held as of September 30, 2016 that are recorded in " Gains/(losses) on trading securities ." Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Three Months Ended September 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 $ 40,182 $ — $ — $ — $ (100 ) $ 4,842 $ 44,924 Total available-for-sale 40,182 — — — (100 ) 4,842 44,924 Trading: Floating rate asset-backed securities (1) 606 — — (106 ) 50 — 550 Total trading 606 — — (106 ) 50 — 550 Total Investment Securities 40,788 — — (106 ) (50 ) 4,842 45,474 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 4,016,200 200,000 — (59,311 ) 15,834 (46,761 ) 4,125,962 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 35,008 — — (2,614 ) — (1,686 ) 30,708 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 4,051,208 200,000 — (61,925 ) 15,834 (48,447 ) 4,156,670 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale 1,825,406 91,374 — (51,282 ) — (11,076 ) 1,854,422 Trading (2) 33,770 — — (1,777 ) (57 ) — 31,936 Total USDA Securities 1,859,176 91,374 — (53,059 ) (57 ) (11,076 ) 1,886,358 Total Assets at fair value $ 5,951,172 $ 291,374 $ — $ (115,090 ) $ 15,727 $ (54,681 ) $ 6,088,502 (1) Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of September 30, 2015 and are recorded in " Gains/(losses) on trading securities ." (2) Includes unrealized gains of $0.1 million attributable to assets still held as of September 30, 2015 that are recorded in " Gains/(losses) on trading securities ." Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Nine Months Ended September 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 $ (542 ) $ 17,582 Total available-for-sale 44,924 — (26,806 ) — 6 (542 ) 17,582 Trading: Floating rate asset-backed securities (1) 491 — — (2,213 ) 1,722 — — Total trading 491 — — (2,213 ) 1,722 — — Total Investment Securities 45,415 — (26,806 ) (2,213 ) 1,728 (542 ) 17,582 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 4,121,244 1,342,572 — (594,124 ) 26,475 8,490 4,904,657 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 31,361 4,100 — (3,240 ) 603 32,824 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 4,152,605 1,346,672 — (597,364 ) 26,475 9,093 4,937,481 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale 1,888,344 351,914 (58,628 ) (237,262 ) — 35,959 1,980,327 Trading (2) 28,975 — — (5,698 ) 212 — 23,489 Total USDA Securities 1,917,319 351,914 (58,628 ) (242,960 ) 212 35,959 2,003,816 Total Assets at fair value $ 6,115,339 $ 1,698,586 $ (85,434 ) $ (842,537 ) $ 28,415 $ 44,510 $ 6,958,879 (1) Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of September 30, 2016 and are recorded in " Gains/(losses) on trading securities ." (2) Includes unrealized gains of $ 0.1 million attributable to assets still held as of September 30, 2016 that are recorded in " Gains/(losses) on trading securities ." Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Nine Months Ended September 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 $ — $ — $ — $ (100 ) $ 4,448 $ 44,924 Total available-for-sale 40,576 — — — (100 ) 4,448 44,924 Trading: Floating rate asset-backed securities (1) 689 — — (543 ) 404 — 550 Total trading 689 — — (543 ) 404 — 550 Total Investment Securities 41,265 — — (543 ) 304 4,448 45,474 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 3,631,662 664,175 — (126,308 ) 13,356 (56,923 ) 4,125,962 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 27,619 12,512 — (9,032 ) — (391 ) 30,708 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 3,659,281 676,687 — (135,340 ) 13,356 (57,314 ) 4,156,670 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale 1,731,222 291,981 — (184,665 ) — 15,884 1,854,422 Trading (2) 40,310 — — (8,494 ) 120 — 31,936 Total USDA Securities 1,771,532 291,981 — (193,159 ) 120 15,884 1,886,358 Total Assets at fair value $ 5,472,078 $ 968,668 $ — $ (329,042 ) $ 13,780 $ (36,982 ) $ 6,088,502 (1) Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of September 30, 2015 and are recorded in " Gains/(losses) on trading securities ." (2) Includes unrealized gains of $ 0.2 million attributable to assets still held as of September 30, 2015 that are recorded in " Gains/(losses) 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 September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 . Table 8.3 As of September 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 $ 17,582 Indicative bids Range of broker quotes 89.3% - 89.3% (89.3%) Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: AgVantage $ 4,904,657 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 1.4% - 2.6% (1.7%) Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities $ 32,824 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 1.3% - 4.3% (1.8%) CPR 9% - 23% (12%) USDA Securities $ 2,003,816 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 1.8% - 5.1% (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 September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : Table 8.4 As of September 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Fair Value Carrying Fair Value Carrying (in thousands) Financial assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 313,581 $ 313,581 $ 1,210,084 $ 1,210,084 Investment securities 3,001,185 3,001,185 2,775,516 2,775,516 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 6,103,435 6,091,127 5,434,422 5,426,621 USDA Securities 2,003,816 2,003,816 1,917,319 1,917,319 Loans 4,448,360 4,334,434 4,027,660 3,962,044 Financial derivatives 4,627 4,627 3,816 3,816 Guarantee and commitment fees receivable: LTSPCs 32,054 32,318 31,953 31,240 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 7,004 7,337 8,872 8,949 Financial liabilities: Notes payable: Due within one year 9,300,334 9,295,700 9,108,468 9,111,461 Due after one year 4,957,884 4,820,388 5,009,310 4,967,036 Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties 1,062,667 1,044,559 713,316 713,536 Financial derivatives 123,796 123,796 77,199 77,199 Guarantee and commitment obligations: LTSPCs 31,237 31,501 31,015 30,301 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 5,930 6,263 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 : Table 9.1 Core Earnings by Business Segment For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Utilities Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 12,039 $ 5,753 $ 2,963 $ 12,226 $ 2,582 $ — $ 35,563 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3) (1,336 ) (564 ) (320 ) (799 ) (345 ) 3,364 — Net effective spread 10,703 5,189 2,643 11,427 2,237 3,364 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 3,516 29 529 459 — (735 ) 3,798 Other income/(expense) (3)(4) 276 95 — — (388 ) 320 303 Non-interest income/(loss) 3,792 124 529 459 (388 ) (415 ) 4,101 Provision for loan losses (191 ) — — — — — (191 ) Release of losses 222 — — — — — 222 Other non-interest expense (3,673 ) (933 ) (553 ) (1,253 ) (3,113 ) — (9,525 ) Non-interest expense (5) (3,451 ) (933 ) (553 ) (1,253 ) (3,113 ) — (9,303 ) Core earnings before income taxes 10,853 4,380 2,619 10,633 (1,264 ) 2,949 (6) 30,170 Income tax (expense)/benefit (3,799 ) (1,533 ) (917 ) (3,722 ) 474 (1,032 ) (10,529 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends 7,054 2,847 1,702 6,911 (790 ) 1,917 (6) 19,641 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (3,295 ) — (3,295 ) Non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends — — — — 18 — 18 Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 7,054 $ 2,847 $ 1,702 $ 6,911 $ (4,067 ) $ 1,917 (6) $ 16,364 Total assets at carrying value $ 3,436,641 $ 2,062,195 $ 1,008,903 $ 6,045,227 $ 3,447,939 $ — $ 16,000,905 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 6,004,728 $ 2,020,834 $ 1,867,666 $ 7,354,511 — $ 17,247,739 (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 to the corresponding income measures: core earnings before income taxes reconciled to income before income taxes; core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest reconciled to net income; and segment core earnings reconciled to net income attributable to common stockholders. Core Earnings by Business Segment For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Adjustments Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 10,838 $ 4,515 $ 3,130 $ 11,686 $ 2,014 $ — $ 32,183 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3) (1,210 ) 115 (223 ) (415 ) (63 ) 1,796 — Net effective spread 9,628 4,630 2,907 11,271 1,951 1,796 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 3,785 7 100 436 — (796 ) 3,532 Other income/(expense) (3)(4) 513 13 — — (619 ) (8,420 ) (8,513 ) Non-interest income/(loss) 4,298 20 100 436 (619 ) (9,216 ) (4,981 ) Release of allowance for loan losses 1,164 — — — — — 1,164 Provision for losses (861 ) — — — — — (861 ) Other non-interest expense (4,228 ) (986 ) (838 ) (522 ) (2,986 ) — (9,560 ) Non-interest expense (5) (5,089 ) (986 ) (838 ) (522 ) (2,986 ) — (10,421 ) Core earnings before income taxes 10,001 3,664 2,169 11,185 (1,654 ) (7,420 ) (6) 17,945 Income tax (expense)/benefit (3,500 ) (1,282 ) (760 ) (3,915 ) 533 2,597 (6,327 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends 6,501 2,382 1,409 7,270 (1,121 ) (4,823 ) (6) 11,618 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (3,295 ) — (3,295 ) Non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends — — — — 36 — 36 Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 6,501 $ 2,382 $ 1,409 $ 7,270 $ (4,380 ) $ (4,823 ) (6) $ 8,359 Total assets at carrying value $ 2,856,097 $ 1,941,166 $ 987,115 $ 5,405,360 $ 3,664,107 $ — $ 14,853,845 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 5,504,030 $ 1,898,625 $ 1,500,307 $ 6,725,017 — $ 15,627,979 (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 to the corresponding income measures: core earnings before income taxes reconciled to income before income taxes; core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest reconciled to net income; and segment core earnings reconciled to net income attributable to common stockholders. Core Earnings by Business Segment For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 34,772 $ 15,743 $ 8,682 $ 36,084 $ 8,280 $ — $ 103,561 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3) (4,733 ) (1,658 ) (939 ) (2,160 ) (897 ) 10,387 — Net effective spread 30,039 14,085 7,743 33,924 7,383 10,387 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 11,390 50 1,197 1,375 — (2,933 ) 11,079 Other income/(expense) (3)(4) 451 178 — — (1,288 ) (9,259 ) (9,918 ) Non-interest income/(loss) 11,841 228 1,197 1,375 (1,288 ) (12,192 ) 1,161 Provision for loan losses (604 ) — — — — — (604 ) Release of losses 114 — — — — — 114 Other non-interest expense (11,946 ) (3,118 ) (2,214 ) (2,330 ) (9,849 ) — (29,457 ) Non-interest expense (5) (11,832 ) (3,118 ) (2,214 ) (2,330 ) (9,849 ) — (29,343 ) Core earnings before income taxes 29,444 11,195 6,726 32,969 (3,754 ) (1,805 ) (6) 74,775 Income tax (expense)/benefit (10,307 ) (3,918 ) (2,355 ) (11,538 ) 1,221 633 (26,264 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends 19,137 7,277 4,371 21,431 (2,533 ) (1,172 ) (6) 48,511 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (9,886 ) — (9,886 ) Non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends — — — — 62 — 62 Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 19,137 $ 7,277 $ 4,371 $ 21,431 $ (12,357 ) $ (1,172 ) (6) $ 38,687 Total assets at carrying value $ 3,436,641 $ 2,062,195 $ 1,008,903 $ 6,045,227 $ 3,447,939 $ — $ 16,000,905 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 6,004,728 $ 2,020,834 $ 1,867,666 $ 7,354,511 — $ 17,247,739 (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 to the corresponding income measures: core earnings before income taxes reconciled to income before income taxes; core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest reconciled to net income; and segment core earnings reconciled to net income attributable to common stockholders. Core Earnings by Business Segment For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 32,825 $ 13,503 $ 8,741 $ 33,990 $ 5,777 $ — $ 94,836 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3) (3,402 ) (182 ) (192 ) (1,434 ) (195 ) 5,405 — Net effective spread 29,423 13,321 8,549 32,556 5,582 5,405 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 11,111 9 100 1,205 — (2,128 ) 10,297 Other income/(expense) (3)(4) 760 100 — — (1,383 ) 3,927 3,404 Non-interest income/(loss) 11,871 109 100 1,205 (1,383 ) 1,799 13,701 Release of allowance for loan losses 978 — — — — — 978 Provision for losses (1,235 ) — — — — — (1,235 ) Other non-interest expense (12,858 ) (2,396 ) (2,564 ) (1,589 ) (8,975 ) — (28,382 ) Non-interest expense (5) (14,093 ) (2,396 ) (2,564 ) (1,589 ) (8,975 ) — (29,617 ) Core earnings before income taxes 28,179 11,034 6,085 32,172 (4,776 ) 7,204 (6) 79,898 Income tax (expense)/benefit (9,862 ) (3,861 ) (2,129 ) (11,260 ) 3,405 (620 ) (24,327 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends 18,317 7,173 3,956 20,912 (1,371 ) 6,584 (6) 55,571 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (9,886 ) — (9,886 ) Non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends — — — — (5,199 ) — (5,199 ) Loss on retirement of preferred stock — — — — — (8,147 ) (8,147 ) Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 18,317 $ 7,173 $ 3,956 $ 20,912 $ (16,456 ) $ (1,563 ) (6) $ 32,339 Total assets at carrying value $ 2,856,097 $ 1,941,166 $ 987,115 $ 5,405,360 $ 3,664,107 $ — $ 14,853,845 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 5,504,030 $ 1,898,625 $ 1,500,307 $ 6,725,017 — $ 15,627,979 (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 to the corresponding income measures: core earnings before income taxes reconciled to income before income taxes; core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest reconciled to net income; and segment core earnings reconciled to net income attributable to common stockholders.

Accounting Policies - Principl

Accounting Policies - Principles of Consolidation (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016subsidiary
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of Subsidiaries	3

Accounting Policies - Consolid

Accounting Policies - Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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	$ 1,039,770		$ 708,111
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	1,044,559		713,536
Farm & Ranch [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Other Liabilities	4,800		5,400
USDA Guarantees [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	500		(200)
Institutional Credit [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Fair Value Adjustment	700		1,400
On-balance sheet [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	1,039,770		708,111
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	1,044,559	[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	1,039,770		708,111
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	1,044,559	[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	1,472,471	[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	441,417	[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	61,054	[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	63,490	[7]	62,760	[8]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	62,364	[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	32,824	[7]	31,360	[8]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	32,364	[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	30,666	[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)	5,898		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	758,066	[9]	917,292	[10]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	756,693	[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	758,066	[9]	917,292	[10]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	$ 756,693	[3],[9]	$ 918,121	[5],[10]
[1]	Includes borrower remittances of $4.8 million. The borrower remittances have not been passed through to third party investors as of September 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 $0.5 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 $0.7 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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Non-cash activity:
Proceeds from sale of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities			$ 457,369	$ 231,242
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			402,841	231,242
Purchases of securities - traded, not yet settled			25,000	15,000
Issuance Costs on the retirement of Farmer Mac II LLC Preferred Stock	$ 0	$ 0	0	8,147
Unsettled Class C Common Stock Repurchases			$ 0	$ 796

Accounting Policies - Earnings

Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Net income attributable to common stockholders (Dilutive)	$ 16,364	$ 8,359	$ 38,687	$ 32,339
Stock options, SARs and restricted stock	176	243	291	355
Earnings Per Share, On Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements	$ (0.02)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.10)	$ (0.09)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	10,649	11,271	10,755	11,347
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 1.54000	$ 0.74000	$ 3.6000	$ 2.85000
Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	$ 16,364	$ 8,359	$ 38,687	$ 32,339
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	10,473	11,028	10,464	10,992
Basic earnings per common share	$ 1.56	$ 0.76	$ 3.70	$ 2.94

Accounting Policies - Earnin30

Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share Anti-Dilutive (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	$ 16,364	$ 8,359	$ 38,687	$ 32,339
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted	$ 16,364	$ 8,359	$ 38,687	$ 32,339
Stock options, SARs and restricted stock	176,000	243,000	291,000	355,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	10,473,000	11,028,000	10,464,000	10,992,000
Basic earnings per common share	$ 1.56	$ 0.76	$ 3.70	$ 2.94
Earnings Per Share, On Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements	$ (0.02)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.10)	$ (0.09)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	10,649,000	11,271,000	10,755,000	11,347,000
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 1.54000	$ 0.74000	$ 3.6000	$ 2.85000
Stock Options and SARs [Members]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from earnings per share (shares)	54,709	476,699	115,875	302,598
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	40,194

Accounting Policies - Changes

Accounting Policies - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016		Sep. 30, 2015		Sep. 30, 2016		Sep. 30, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, before Tax		$ 4,225		$ (51,373)		$ 57,610		$ (24,594)
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
AOCI Beginning Balance		12,384		22,733		(11,019)		15,533
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications		3,273		(35,739)		32,310		(17,799)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		(2,093)		(4,808)		(7,727)		(15,548)
Net other comprehensive income/(loss)		1,180		(40,547)		24,583		(33,347)
AOCI Ending Balance		13,564		(17,814)		13,564		(17,814)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax		1,479		(17,981)		20,164		(8,609)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax		2,746		(33,392)		37,446		(15,985)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax		500		400		1,500		800
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax		1,815		(62,380)		37,821		(51,305)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax		635		(21,833)		13,238		(17,958)
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		19,704		20,498		(10,035)		9,716
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications		2,746		(33,392)		37,446		(15,985)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		(2,388)		(3,624)		(7,349)		(10,249)
Net other comprehensive income/(loss)		358		(37,016)		30,097		(26,234)
AOCI Ending Balance		20,062		(16,518)		20,062		(16,518)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax		552		(56,949)		46,305		(40,363)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax		194		(19,933)		16,208		(14,129)
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		(1,781)		1,622		(476)		5,973
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications		0		0		0		0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		(47)		(1,454)		(1,352)		(5,805)
Net other comprehensive income/(loss)		(47)		(1,454)		(1,352)		(5,805)
AOCI Ending Balance		(1,828)		168		(1,828)		168
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax		(73)		(2,236)		(2,081)		(8,930)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax		(26)		(782)		(729)		(3,125)
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		(5,539)		613		(508)		(156)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications		527		(2,347)		(5,136)		(1,814)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		342		270		974		506
Net other comprehensive income/(loss)		869		(2,077)		(4,162)		(1,308)
AOCI Ending Balance		(4,670)		(1,464)		(4,670)		(1,464)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax		1,336		(3,195)		(6,403)		(2,012)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax		467		(1,118)		(2,241)		(704)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax		810		(3,611)		(7,901)		(2,791)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax		283		(1,264)		(2,765)		(977)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | 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]
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	[1]	0		(2)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	[1]	0		4
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax	[1]	0		2
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | 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]
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		(2,374)	[2]	(3,275)	[2]	(7,535)	[3]	(9,654)	[3]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax		3,652	[2]	5,038	[2]	11,591	[3]	14,852	[3]
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax		1,278	[2]	1,763	[2]	4,056	[3]	5,198	[3]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Other Income [Member] | 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]
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		(14)	[4]	(347)	[4]	180	[5]	(590)	[5]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax		21	[4]	534	[4]	(277)	[5]	907	[5]
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax		7	[4]	187	[4]	(97)	[5]	317	[5]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Interest Income [Member] | 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]
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		(47)	[6]	(1,454)	[6]	(1,352)	[7]	(5,805)	[7]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax		73	[6]	2,236	[6]	2,081	[7]	8,930	[7]
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax		26	[6]	782	[6]	729	[7]	3,125	[7]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Interest Expense [Member] | 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]
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		342	[8]	270	[8]	974	[9]	506	[9]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax		(526)	[8]	(416)	[8]	(1,498)	[9]	(779)	[9]
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax		$ (184)	[8]	$ (146)	[8]	$ (524)	[9]	$ (273)	[9]
[1]	Represents unrealized gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale investment securities.
[2]	Relates to the amortization of unrealized gains on hedged items prior to the application of fair value hedge accounting.
[3]	(1) Relates to the amortization of unrealized gains on hedged items prior to the application of fair value hedge accounting.
[4]	Represents amortization of deferred gains related to certain available-for-sale USDA Securities and Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities.
[5]	Represents amortization of deferred gains related to certain available-for-sale USDA Securities and Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities.
[6]	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.
[7]	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.
[8]	Relates to the recognition of unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges recorded in AOCI.
[9]	(5) Relates to the recognition of unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges recorded in AOCI.

Accounting Policies - Componen

Accounting Policies - Components of Other Comprehensive Income Loss and Related Tax Impact (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016		Sep. 30, 2015		Sep. 30, 2016		Sep. 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		$ 4,225		$ (51,373)		$ 57,610		$ (24,594)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax		1,479		(17,981)		20,164		(8,609)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax		2,746		(33,392)		37,446		(15,985)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax		3,273		(35,739)		32,310		(17,799)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax		(500)		(400)		(1,500)		(800)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		(2,093)		(4,808)		(7,727)		(15,548)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax		1,815		(62,380)		37,821		(51,305)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax		635		(21,833)		13,238		(17,958)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		1,180		(40,547)		24,583		(33,347)
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		810		(3,611)		(7,901)		(2,791)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax		283		(1,264)		(2,765)		(977)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax		527		(2,347)		(5,136)		(1,814)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		342		270		974		506
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax		1,336		(3,195)		(6,403)		(2,012)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax		467		(1,118)		(2,241)		(704)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		869		(2,077)		(4,162)		(1,308)
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		2,746		(33,392)		37,446		(15,985)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		(2,388)		(3,624)		(7,349)		(10,249)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax		552		(56,949)		46,305		(40,363)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax		194		(19,933)		16,208		(14,129)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		358		(37,016)		30,097		(26,234)
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		(47)		(1,454)		(1,352)		(5,805)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax		(73)		(2,236)		(2,081)		(8,930)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax		(26)		(782)		(729)		(3,125)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		(47)		(1,454)		(1,352)		(5,805)
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	[1]	0		(4)
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax	[1]	0		(2)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	[1]	0		(2)
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		(3,652)	[2]	(5,038)	[2]	(11,591)	[3]	(14,852)	[3]
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax		(1,278)	[2]	(1,763)	[2]	(4,056)	[3]	(5,198)	[3]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		(2,374)	[2]	(3,275)	[2]	(7,535)	[3]	(9,654)	[3]
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	[4]					9		(10)
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax	[4]					3		(5)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	[4]					6		(5)
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		(21)	[5]	(534)	[5]	277	[6]	(907)	[6]
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax		(7)	[5]	(187)	[5]	97	[6]	(317)	[6]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		(14)	[5]	(347)	[5]	180	[6]	(590)	[6]
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		(73)	[7]	(2,236)	[7]	(2,081)	[8]	(8,930)	[8]
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax		(26)	[7]	(782)	[7]	(729)	[8]	(3,125)	[8]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		(47)	[7]	(1,454)	[7]	(1,352)	[8]	(5,805)	[8]
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		526	[9]	416	[9]	1,498	[10]	779	[10]
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax		184	[9]	146	[9]	524	[10]	273	[10]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		$ 342	[9]	$ 270	[9]	$ 974	[10]	$ 506	[10]
[1]	Represents unrealized gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale investment securities.
[2]	Relates to the amortization of unrealized gains on hedged items prior to the application of fair value hedge accounting.
[3]	(1) Relates to the amortization of unrealized gains on hedged items prior to the application of fair value hedge accounting.
[4]	(2) Represents unrealized gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale investment securities.
[5]	Represents amortization of deferred gains related to certain available-for-sale USDA Securities and Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities.
[6]	Represents amortization of deferred gains related to certain available-for-sale USDA Securities and Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities.
[7]	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.
[8]	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.
[9]	Relates to the recognition of unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges recorded in AOCI.
[10]	(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	Dec. 31, 2015		Sep. 30, 2016
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 8,429,964		$ 8,261,539
Investment Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	2,773,111		2,998,335
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	5,936		5,898
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	2,779,047		3,004,233
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	6,891		6,871
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	(10,913)		(9,919)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	2,775,025		3,001,185
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Trading, at fair value	491		0
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	2,775,322		2,998,335
Marketable Securities, Amortized Cost	2,781,258		3,004,233
Marketable Securities, Unrealized Gains	6,891		6,871
Marketable Securities, Unrealized Losses	(12,633)		(9,919)
Marketable Securities	2,775,516		3,001,185
USDA Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,888,344		1,980,327
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Trading, at fair value	28,975		23,489
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities	1,917,319		2,003,816
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Investment Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	5,936		5,898
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	46,500		19,700
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	46,500		19,700
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	0		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	(1,576)		(2,118)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	44,924		17,582
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	74,744		52,406
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	74,491		52,192
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	14		2
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	(776)		(540)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	73,729		51,654
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Trading Securities - Amount Outstanding	2,211
Trading Securities, Debt, Amortized Cost	2,211		0
Trading Securities, Unrealized Gains	0
Trading Securities, Unrealized Losses	(1,720)
Trading, at fair value	491		0
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	10,000		15,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	10,000		15,000
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	0		19
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	(9)		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	9,991		15,019
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	1,353,495		1,299,576
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,357,010		1,302,487
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	2,768		1,798
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	(4,319)		(3,594)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,355,459		1,300,691
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | GSE Subordinated Debt [Member}
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	70,000		70,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	70,000		70,000
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	0		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	(3,751)		(3,596)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	66,249		66,404
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)	(253)		(214)
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)	3,515		2,911
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
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	692	[1]	582
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	3,809	[1]	3,276
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	4,095	[1]	4,430
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	0	[1]	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	7,904	[1]	7,706	[2]
Derivative, Notional Amount	148,500		146,700
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	214,000		362,295
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	213,975		362,449
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	12		98
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	0		(24)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	213,987		362,523
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	993,680		1,178,776
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	993,263		1,179,129
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	2		524
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	(477)		(47)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	992,788		1,179,606
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)	3,117	[1]	2,694
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	(25)		154
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	(417)		353
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Interest-Only-Strip [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	$ 7,200		$ 7,100
[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 $146.7 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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale investment securities	$ 0	$ 8,700	$ 186,769	$ 83,735
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	0	$ 100	100	$ 100
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	$ 0		$ 100

Investment Securities - Unreal

Investment Securities - Unrealized Loss Position (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 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	$ 1,053,956	$ 1,799,338
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	343,386	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	(2,040)	(4,363)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	$ (7,879)	$ (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	77	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	98.00%
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Greater than or Equal to One Year | position	27	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	17,582	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	(2,118)	(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	25,446	44,552
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	19,540	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	(95)	(464)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(445)	(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	610,561	794,959
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	239,860	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	(1,874)	(3,408)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(1,720)	(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	66,404	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	(3,596)	(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	368,017	944,842
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(47)	(477)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	0	$ 0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	49,932
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	(24)
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	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Debt, Amortized Cost	$ 0	$ 2,211
Trading, at fair value	$ 0	$ 491
Trading Securities, Weighted-Average Yield	0.00%	4.41%

Investment Securities - Debt M

Investment Securities - Debt Maturities (Details) - Investment Securities [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 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	$ 1,256,154
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	529,229
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	393,580
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	825,270
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	3,004,233	$ 2,779,047
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Fair Value	1,256,654
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Fair Value	529,322
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value	393,905
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Fair Value	821,304
Available-for-sale securities	$ 3,001,185	$ 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	0.61%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Weighted-Average Yield	0.99%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Weighted-Average Yield	1.18%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Weighted-Average Yield	1.11%
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	Sep. 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	$ 6,851,259	$ 6,045,828
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	6,852,716	6,047,385
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	125,315	64,131
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	60,223	70,567
Available-for-sale, at fair value	6,917,808	6,040,949
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Held-to-Maturity Securities [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	1,153,646
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	1,165,954
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	4,945,802	4,196,506
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	4,945,481	4,196,173
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	52,201	26,971
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	60,201	70,539
Available-for-sale, at fair value	4,937,481	4,152,605
USDA Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale, at fair value	1,980,327	1,888,344
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Trading, at fair value	23,489	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)	1,457	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)	(321)	(333)
Institutional Credit [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Held-to-Maturity Securities [Abstract]
Held-to-Maturity Unpaid Principal Balance	1,156,203	1,274,431
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	1,153,646	1,274,016
Held to Maturity; Unrealized Holding Gains	13,203	7,801
Held to Maturity - Unrealized Holding Loss	(895)	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	1,165,954	1,281,817
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	4,913,438	4,164,952
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	4,913,400	4,164,952
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	51,458	26,831
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	60,201	70,539
Available-for-sale, at fair value	4,904,657	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)	(2,557)	(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)	(38)	0
USDA Guarantees [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	500	(200)
USDA Guarantees [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	32,364	31,554
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	32,081	31,221
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	743	140
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	0	0
Available-for-sale, at fair value	32,824	31,361
USDA Guarantees [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	1,905,457	1,849,322
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,907,235	1,851,212
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	73,114	37,160
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	22	28
Available-for-sale, at fair value	1,980,327	1,888,344
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Trading Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	21,958	27,129
Trading Securities, Debt, Amortized Cost	23,364	29,063
Trading Securities, Unrealized Gains	207	125
Trading Securities, Unrealized Holding Loss	82	213
Trading, at fair value	23,489	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)	(283)	(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)	1,778	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)	$ 1,406	$ 1,934

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securit39

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Unrealized Loss Position (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 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	$ 1,053,956	$ 1,799,338
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	343,386	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	2,040	4,363
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	$ 7,879	$ 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	77	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	$ 847,890	$ 1,193,866
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	2,200,304	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	2,110	41,835
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	58,113	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	404,105
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	(895)
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	847,890	1,193,866
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	2,101,844	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	2,110	41,835
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	$ 58,091	$ 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	25	22
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Greater than or Equal to One Year | position	17	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	4	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	98,460	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	$ 22	$ 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	Sep. 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	$ 313,714
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	2,726,577
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	1,299,644
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	2,512,781
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	6,852,716	$ 6,047,385
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Fair Value	314,376
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Fair Value	2,756,149
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value	1,321,453
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Fair Value	2,525,830
Available-for-sale, at fair value	$ 6,917,808	$ 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	1.39%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Weighted-Average Yield	1.79%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Weighted-Average Yield	2.05%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Weighted-Average Yield	2.63%
Available-for-sale Securities, Total Weighted-Average Yield	2.13%

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securit41

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 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	3.24%
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	$ 407,942
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Net Carrying Amount	693,616
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	52,088
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	1,153,646
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Fair Value [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value	408,699
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value	701,844
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value	55,411
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	$ 1,165,954
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	1.60%
Held-to-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Weighted-Average Yield	1.94%
Held-to-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted-Average Yield	1.88%

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securit42

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Trading Securities (Details) - USDA Securities [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Trading, at fair value	$ 23,489	$ 28,975
USDA Guarantees [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Debt, Amortized Cost	23,364	29,063
Trading, at fair value	$ 23,489	$ 28,975
Trading Securities, Weighted-Average Yield	5.48%	5.53%

Financial Derivatives - Hedgin

Financial Derivatives - Hedging Description (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	$ (4,000)	$ (5,700)	$ (12,900)	$ (16,800)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	500	400	1,500	800
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net	1,900		1,900
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net of Tax	1,200		1,200
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	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 8,261,539	$ 8,429,964
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	4,627	3,816
Financial derivatives, at fair value	(123,796)	(77,199)
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Collateral Pledged	89,732	37,986
Derivative Asset	4,627	3,816
Derivative Liability	34,064	39,213
Cash [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Obligation to Return Securities Received as Collateral	0	0
Collateral Pledged	89,700	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	1,642,609	1,276,285
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	598	949
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ (56,979)	$ (26,703)
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	1.73%	2.35%
Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate	0.76%	0.37%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	4 years 10 months 20 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	565
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ 0
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	0.97%
Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate	1.75%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	3 years 8 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	$ 181,000	$ 119,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	24	8
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ (8,112)	$ (1,381)
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	2.21%	2.25%
Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate	0.94%	0.64%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	7 years 2 months 23 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	168	170
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap, Pay Fixed Non-Callable [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	439,762	454,041
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	0	229
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ (56,313)	$ (44,528)
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	4.07%	3.73%
Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate	0.72%	0.33%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	6 years 1 month 6 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	$ 5,442,968	$ 5,590,638
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	3,440	2,384
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ (2,028)	$ (4,205)
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	0.66%	0.47%
Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate	0.62%	0.31%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	5 months 19 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	$ (44)	$ (421)
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	0.58%	0.91%
Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate	0.70%	0.41%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	6 months 29 days	2 years 3 months 4 days
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Basis Swap [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 475,000	$ 725,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	0	232
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ (439)	$ (131)
Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate	0.70%	0.22%
Derivative, Variable Interest Rate	0.61%	0.38%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	9 months 11 days	2 years 3 months 29 days
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Future [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 20,200	$ 35,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	0	19
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ (49)	$ 0
Derivative, Weighted-Average Forward Price	$ 130.88	$ 125.96

Financial Derivatives - Sche45

Financial Derivatives - Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Impact on Results of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings		$ (4,000)	$ (5,700)	$ (12,900)	$ (16,800)
(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities		(1,601)	(9,568)	(13,079)	939
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		(10,550)	15,834	35,778	13,356
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings		726	3,188	5,716	9,026
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities		(2,259)	(12,699)	(18,473)	(7,663)
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		1,000	2,900	4,200	8,600
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net		200	(300)	(1,500)	(400)
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]	11,276	(12,646)	(30,062)	(4,330)
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		(68)	(57)	(322)	(424)
Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net		(68)	(57)	(322)	(424)
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities		(2,333)	(11,421)	(16,820)	(5,213)
Forward Contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities		79	(966)	(789)	(2,108)
Future [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities		$ (5)	$ (312)	$ (864)	$ (342)
[1]	Included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness as of September 30, 2016, but excluded from the amounts in the table, were losses of $1.0 million and $4.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 were losses of $0.2 million and gains of $1.5 million, respectively. The comparable amounts as of September 30, 2015 were losses of $2.9 million and $8.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, attributable to the fair value of the swaps at the inception of the hedging relationship and, accordingly, gains of $0.3 million and $0.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, attributable to hedge ineffectiveness.

Financial Derivatives - Narrat

Financial Derivatives - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 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	123,796		123,796		77,199
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Collateral Pledged	89,732		89,732		37,986
Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value	27,900		27,900		45,200
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	8,261,539		8,261,539		8,429,964
Excluding netting [Member] | Including accrued interest [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Credit exposure to interest rate swap counterparties	12,100		12,100		6,400
Financial derivatives, at fair value	132,300		132,300		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	117,600		117,600		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	89,700		89,700		38,000
Securities Pledged as Collateral [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Collateral Pledged	0		0		0
Exchange Cleared [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	7,300,000		7,300,000		6,200,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 8,200,000		$ 8,200,000		$ 8,400,000

Loans and Allowance for Losse47

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Loan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross		$ 3,299,618	$ 3,258,413
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate		4,954	4,480
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount		4,334,434	3,962,044
Real Estate Loan [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	[1]	4,331,623	3,966,101
Unamortized Loan Commitment and Origination Fees and Unamortized Discounts or Premiums		7,765	423
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross		4,339,388	3,966,524
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate		4,954	4,480
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount		4,334,434	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		3,338,484	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		993,139	1,008,126
Unsecuritized [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	[1]	3,291,853	3,257,990
Unamortized Loan Commitment and Origination Fees and Unamortized Discounts or Premiums		7,765	423
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross		3,299,618	3,258,413
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate		4,049	3,736
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount		3,295,569	3,254,677
Unsecuritized [Member] | Farm & Ranch [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance		2,298,714	2,249,864
Unsecuritized [Member] | Rural Utilities [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance		993,139	1,008,126
In Consolidated Trusts [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	[1]	1,039,770	708,111
Unamortized Loan Commitment and Origination Fees and Unamortized Discounts or Premiums		0	0
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross		1,039,770	708,111
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate		905	744
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount		1,038,865	707,367
In Consolidated Trusts [Member] | Farm & Ranch [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance		1,039,770	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		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 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		7,084	$ 10,576	6,563	$ 10,127
(Provision for)/release of loan losses		(191)	1,164	(604)	978
(Release of)/provision for reserve for losses		(222)	861	(114)	1,235
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		(130)	0	(130)	(111)
Total (release of)/provision for losses		(31)	(303)	490	257
Ending Balance - Allowance for Loan Losses		4,954		4,954
Ending Balance - Reserve for Losses		1,969		1,969
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses		6,923	10,273	6,923	10,273
Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses		3,111	2,653	2,791	2,519
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		0	0	0	0
Total (release of)/provision for losses		103	110	423	244
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses		3,214	2,763	3,214	2,763
Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses		1,144	2,221	931	2,159
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		0	0	0	0
Total (release of)/provision for losses		198	(1,151)	411	(1,089)
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses		1,342	1,070	1,342	1,070
Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses		1,906	1,760	1,781	1,423
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		0	0	0	0
Total (release of)/provision for losses		(354)	39	(229)	376
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses		1,552	1,799	1,552	1,799
Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses		447	433	408	467
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		(130)	0	(130)	(111)
Total (release of)/provision for losses		36	(49)	75	28
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses		353	384	353	384
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses		473	3,502	649	3,552
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		0	0	0	0
Total (release of)/provision for losses		(13)	748	(189)	698
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses		460	4,250	460	4,250
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	0	0
Total (release of)/provision for losses		(1)	0	(1)	0
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses		2	7	2	7
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Allowance for Loan Losses		4,893	5,939	4,480	5,864
(Provision for)/release of loan losses		(191)	1,164	(604)	978
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		(130)	0	(130)	(111)
Ending Balance - Allowance for Loan Losses		4,954	4,775	4,954	4,775
Reserve for Off-balance Sheet Activities [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Reserve for Losses		2,191	4,637	2,083	4,263
(Release of)/provision for reserve for losses		(222)	861	(114)	1,235
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		0	0	0	0
Ending Balance - Reserve for Losses		$ 1,969	$ 5,498	$ 1,969	$ 5,498
[1]	Includes loans and loans underlying off-balance sheet Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities (excluding AgVantage 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		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		$ 5,926,868		$ 5,926,868			$ 5,649,604
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		77,860		77,860			75,695
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[2]	6,004,728		6,004,728			5,725,299
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		4,971		4,971			4,713
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		1,952		1,952			1,850
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		6,923	$ 10,273	6,923	$ 10,273	$ 7,084	6,563	$ 10,576	$ 10,127
Total (release of)/provision for losses		(31)	(303)	490	257
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		(130)	0	(130)	(111)
Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		3,335,795		3,335,795			3,224,911
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		36,787		36,787			18,740
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	3,372,582		3,372,582			3,243,651
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		2,445		2,445			2,315
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		769		769			476
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		3,214	2,763	3,214	2,763	3,111	2,791	2,653	2,519
Total (release of)/provision for losses		103	110	423	244
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		0	0	0	0
Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		997,420		997,420			917,127
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		20,678		20,678			24,284
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	1,018,098		1,018,098			941,411
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		838		838			571
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		504		504			360
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		1,342	1,070	1,342	1,070	1,144	931	2,221	2,159
Total (release of)/provision for losses		198	(1,151)	411	(1,089)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		0	0	0	0
Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		1,250,621		1,250,621			1,221,983
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		12,512		12,512			14,798
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	1,263,133		1,263,133			1,236,781
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		1,028		1,028			994
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		524		524			787
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		1,552	1,799	1,552	1,799	1,906	1,781	1,760	1,423
Total (release of)/provision for losses		(354)	39	(229)	376
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		0	0	0	0
Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		284,797		284,797			203,090
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		7,883		7,883			8,035
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	292,680		292,680			211,125
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		198		198			181
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		155		155			227
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		353	384	353	384	447	408	433	467
Total (release of)/provision for losses		36	(49)	75	28
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		(130)	0	(130)	(111)
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		44,632		44,632			72,152
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		0		0			9,838
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	44,632		44,632			81,990
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		460		460			649
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		0		0			0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		460	4,250	460	4,250	473	649	3,502	3,552
Total (release of)/provision for losses		(13)	748	(189)	698
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		0	0	0	0
Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		13,603		13,603			10,341
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		0		0			0
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	13,603		13,603			10,341
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		2		2			3
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		0		0			0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		2	7	2	7	$ 3	3	$ 7	$ 7
Total (release of)/provision for losses		(1)	0	(1)	0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		0	0	0	0
On-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		3,279,932		3,279,932			2,900,868
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		58,552		58,552			57,107
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	3,338,484		3,338,484			2,957,975
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		3,463		3,463			3,387
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		1,491		1,491			1,093
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		4,954		4,954			4,480
On-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		2,051,432		2,051,432			1,911,039
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		26,788		26,788			12,803
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	2,078,220		2,078,220			1,923,842
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		1,947		1,947			1,968
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		473		473			290
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		2,420		2,420			2,258
On-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		544,237		544,237			433,654
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		17,783		17,783			21,247
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	562,020		562,020			454,901
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		579		579			434
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		479		479			218
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		1,058		1,058			652
On-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		501,713		501,713			444,320
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		6,976		6,976			5,958
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	508,689		508,689			450,278
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		757		757			702
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		410		410			384
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		1,167		1,167			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		162,029		162,029			92,712
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		7,005		7,005			7,261
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	169,034		169,034			99,973
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		146		146			116
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		129		129			201
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		275		275			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		11,731		11,731			15,944
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		0		0			9,838
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	11,731		11,731			25,782
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		34		34			167
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		0		0			0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		34		34			167
On-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		8,790		8,790			3,199
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		0		0			0
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	8,790		8,790			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		2,646,936		2,646,936			2,748,736
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		19,308		19,308			18,588
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	2,666,244		2,666,244			2,767,324
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		1,508		1,508			1,326
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		461		461			757
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		1,969		1,969			2,083
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		1,284,363		1,284,363			1,313,872
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		9,999		9,999			5,937
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	1,294,362		1,294,362			1,319,809
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		498		498			347
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		296		296			186
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		794		794			533
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		453,183		453,183			483,473
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		2,895		2,895			3,037
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	456,078		456,078			486,510
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		259		259			137
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		25		25			142
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		284		284			279
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		748,908		748,908			777,663
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		5,536		5,536			8,840
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	754,444		754,444			786,503
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		271		271			292
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		114		114			403
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		385		385			695
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		122,768		122,768			110,378
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		878		878			774
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	123,646		123,646			111,152
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		52		52			65
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		26		26			26
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		78		78			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		32,901		32,901			56,208
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		0		0			0
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	32,901		32,901			56,208
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		426		426			482
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		0		0			0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		426		426			482
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		4,813		4,813			7,142
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		0		0			0
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	4,813		4,813			7,142
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		2		2			3
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment		0		0			0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses		2		2			$ 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		$ (130)	$ 0	$ (130)	$ (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			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016		Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	$ 20,200			$ 20,200			$ 23,607
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	20,170			20,170			23,562
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	57,659	[1]		57,659	[1]		52,115	[2]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	57,690			57,690			52,133
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	77,859			77,859			75,722
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	77,860			77,860			75,695
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	1,952			1,952			1,850
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	26,571	[3]		26,571	[3]		41,672	[4]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	76,304		$ 101,067	80,596		$ 94,434
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	437		419	1,377		1,331
Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	6,851			6,851			3,772
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	6,838			6,838			3,720
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	29,985	[1]		29,985	[1]		15,103	[2]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	29,949			29,949			15,020
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	36,836			36,836			18,875
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	36,787			36,787			18,740
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	769			769			476
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	7,964	[3]		7,964	[3]		5,105	[4]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	33,032		27,133	28,293		23,176
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	46		33	108		373
Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	9,217			9,217			12,340
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	9,204			9,204			12,346
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	11,494	[1]		11,494	[1]		11,939	[2]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	11,474			11,474			11,938
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	20,711			20,711			24,279
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	20,678			20,678			24,284
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	504			504			360
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	9,859	[3]		9,859	[3]		16,546	[4]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	22,980		37,911	25,277		39,337
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	236		234	789		459
Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	2,423			2,423			5,644
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	2,422			2,422			5,645
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	9,993	[1]		9,993	[1]		9,050	[2]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	10,090			10,090			9,153
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	12,416			12,416			14,694
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	12,512			12,512			14,798
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	524			524			787
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	3,292	[3]		3,292	[3]		4,313	[4]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	12,120		12,534	13,704		13,923
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	81		76	229		273
Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	1,709			1,709			1,851
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	1,706			1,706			1,851
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	6,187	[1]		6,187	[1]		6,185	[2]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	6,177			6,177			6,184
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	7,896			7,896			8,036
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	7,883			7,883			8,035
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	155			155			227
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	5,456	[3]		5,456	[3]		5,870	[4]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	8,172		9,989	8,654		11,248
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	74		76	251		226
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		13,500	4,668		6,750
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	55,500			55,500			46,400
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	$ 1,300			$ 1,300			$ 1,000
Impaired Financing Receivable, Impairment analysis performed percent	71.00%			71.00%			61.00%
Less than 90 days past due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	$ 10,600	[3]		$ 10,600	[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 $55.5 million (71 percent) of impaired loans as of September 30, 2016, which resulted in a specific allowance 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 allowance of $1.0 million.
[3]	Includes $10.6 million of loans that are less than 90 days delinquent but which have not met Farmer Mac's performance criteria for returning to accrual status.
[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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)defaulted_loan	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)defaulted_loan	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)defaulted_loan	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)defaulted_loan
Receivables [Abstract]
Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities, Number Defaulted | defaulted_loan	3	1	8	3
Payments to Acquire Other Loans and Leases Held-for-investment	$ 1,102,000	$ 263,000	$ 2,516,000	$ 2,244,000
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Pre-Modification Recorded Investment	0	0	0	1,100,000
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Post-Modification Recorded Investment	$ 0	$ 0	$ 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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)defaulted_loan	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)defaulted_loan	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)defaulted_loan	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)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	3	1	8	3
Payments to Acquire Other Loans and Leases Held-for-investment	$ 1,102	$ 263	$ 2,516	$ 2,244
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Acquired During Period, Contractually Required Payments Receivable at Acquisition, During the Period	1,109	264	2,544	2,334
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Provision for Loan Losses	0	1	208	110
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Allowance for Loan Losses, Decreases	21	882	31	1,003
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Outstanding Balance	15,447		15,447		$ 36,195
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Carrying Amount, Net	13,815		13,815		$ 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	852	0	2,118	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	$ 250	$ 263	$ 398	$ 2,244

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		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016		Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	[2]	$ 18,377	[1]		$ 32,136	[3]
Net credit losses (recoveries)		154		$ 160
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]	16,016	[1]		26,935	[3]
Net credit losses (recoveries)		154		160
Off-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	[2]	2,361	[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 (excluding AgVantage 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		Sep. 30, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[2]	$ 6,004,728		$ 5,725,299
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	[3]	18,377	[1]	32,136	[4]
Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	5,682,803		5,509,463
Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	188,552		111,336
Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	133,373		104,500
Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	3,372,582		3,243,651
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		8,598	[1]	5,167	[4]
Crops [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	3,223,631		3,168,216
Crops [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	90,522		46,677
Crops [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	58,429		28,758
Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	1,018,098		941,411
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		5,438	[1]	7,405	[4]
Permanent Plantings [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	950,772		904,373
Permanent Plantings [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	29,604		9,842
Permanent Plantings [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	37,722		27,196
Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	1,263,133		1,236,781
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		1,688	[1]	7,059	[4]
Livestock [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	1,174,792		1,162,475
Livestock [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	62,851		48,438
Livestock [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	25,490		25,868
Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	292,680		211,125
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		2,653	[1]	2,667	[4]
Part-Time Farm [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	278,017		192,531
Part-Time Farm [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	3,026		5,856
Part-Time Farm [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	11,637		12,738
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	44,632		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]	42,585		72,152
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	2,047		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]	13,603		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]	13,006		9,716
Other Commodity [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	502		523
Other Commodity [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	95		102
On-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	3,338,484		2,957,975
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	[3]	16,016	[1]	26,935	[4]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	3,196,626		2,837,487
On-balance sheet [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	83,305		63,106
On-balance sheet [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	58,553		57,382
On-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	2,078,220		1,923,842
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		7,021	[1]	4,656	[4]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	2,019,856		1,888,762
On-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	31,576		22,255
On-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	26,788		12,825
On-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	562,020		454,901
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		5,423	[1]	7,405	[4]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	532,007		431,038
On-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	12,229		2,616
On-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	17,784		21,247
On-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	508,689		450,278
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		1,382	[1]	2,517	[4]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	464,122		409,003
On-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	37,591		35,317
On-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	6,976		5,958
On-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	169,034		99,973
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		2,190	[1]	2,519	[4]
On-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	160,120		89,541
On-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	1,909		2,918
On-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	7,005		7,514
On-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	11,731		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]	11,731		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]	8,790		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]	8,790		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]	2,666,244		2,767,324
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	[3]	2,361	[1]	5,201	[4]
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	2,486,177		2,671,976
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	105,247		48,230
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	74,820		47,118
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	1,294,362		1,319,809
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		1,577	[1]	511	[4]
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	1,203,775		1,279,454
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	58,946		24,422
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	31,641		15,933
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	456,078		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]	418,765		473,335
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	17,375		7,226
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	19,938		5,949
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	754,444		786,503
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		306	[1]	4,542	[4]
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	710,670		753,472
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	25,260		13,121
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	18,514		19,910
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	123,646		111,152
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due		463	[1]	148	[4]
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	117,897		102,990
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	1,117		2,938
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	4,632		5,224
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	32,901		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]	30,854		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]	2,047		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]	4,813		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]	4,216		6,517
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[5]	502		523
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[6]	$ 95		$ 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 (excluding AgVantage 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
		Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1],[2]	$ 6,004,728	$ 5,725,299
Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range One [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross		$ 1,687,390	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		$ 1,379,453	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		$ 1,662,645	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		$ 1,087,226	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		$ 164,868	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		$ 23,146	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]	$ 616,869	582,127
Southwest [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[2]	1,796,800	1,726,927
Mid-North [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[2]	2,051,860	2,009,654
Mid-South [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[2]	824,236	769,831
Northeast [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[2]	225,068	215,883
Southeast [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[2]	489,895	420,877
Crops [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	3,372,582	3,243,651
Permanent Plantings [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	1,018,098	941,411
Livestock [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	1,263,133	1,236,781
Part-Time Farm [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	292,680	211,125
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	44,632	81,990
Other Commodity [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	[1]	$ 13,603	$ 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		Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	[1]	$ 1,787,342	$ 1,809,194
Farm & Ranch [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted		441,417	514,051
USDA Guarantees [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted		61,054	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	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	$ 457,369	$ 231,242
Proceeds from Fees Received	2,333	2,704
Payments to Acquire Loans and Leases Held-for-investment	$ (2,118)	$ (2,244)
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining maturity, Loans underlying guarantees not held by transferor	10 years 9 months 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	$ 6,300		$ 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	11 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	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 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	$ 31.5	$ 30.3

Equity - Non-Controlling Inter

Equity - Non-Controlling Interest (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jan. 25, 2010	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 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
	Sep. 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	Sep. 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	$ 474.8	$ 462.1
Capital	587.1	564.5
Excess Capital	$ 112.3	$ 102.4

Fair Value Disclosures - Narra

Fair Value Disclosures - Narrative (Details) - Level 3 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Billions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets and Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 7	$ 6.1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Fair Value as Percent of Total Assets	44.00%	39.00%
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities, Fair Value as Percent of Total Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value	69.00%	69.00%

Fair Value Disclosures - Fai63

Fair Value Disclosures - Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	$ 4,627	$ 3,816
Derivative Liability	34,064	39,213
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	4,334,434	3,962,044
Real estate owned, at lower of cost or fair value	1,528	1,369
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	4,627	3,816
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	9,947,109	8,849,256
Derivative Liability	123,796	77,199
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	123,796	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	1,179,606	992,807
Derivative Liability	49	0
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	49	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	4,627	3,797
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,808,624	1,741,110
Derivative Liability	123,747	77,199
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	123,747	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	6,958,879	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	1,583	11,831
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	1,234	11,443
Real estate owned, at lower of cost or fair value	349	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	1,583	11,831
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	1,234	11,443
Real estate owned, at lower of cost or fair value	349	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	4,904,657	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	4,904,657	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	32,824	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	32,824	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	4,937,481	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	4,937,481	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		2,775,516
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		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		1,737,313
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		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	3,001,185	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	1,179,606	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	1,803,997	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	17,582	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		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
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
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		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	2,003,816	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	2,003,816	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	1,980,327	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	1,980,327	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	23,489	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	23,489	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	17,582	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	17,582	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	51,654	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	51,654	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		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
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
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		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	15,019	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	15,019	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	1,300,691	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	1,300,691	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	66,404	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	66,404	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	362,523	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	362,523	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	7,706	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	7,706	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	1,179,606	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	1,179,606	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				9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016		Sep. 30, 2015		Sep. 30, 2016		Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		$ 6,741,588		$ 5,951,172		$ 6,115,339		$ 5,472,078
Purchases		382,397		291,374		1,698,586		968,668
Sales		(31,866)		0		(85,434)		0
Settlements		(123,932)		(115,090)		(842,537)		(329,042)
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income		(9,778)		15,727		28,415		13,780
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income		470		(54,681)		44,510		(36,982)
Ending Balance		6,958,879		6,088,502		6,958,879		6,088,502
Investment Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		18,011		40,788		45,415		41,265
Purchases		0		0		0		0
Sales		0		0		(26,806)		0
Settlements		(1,887)		(106)		(2,213)		(543)
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income		1,606		(50)		1,728		304
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income		(148)		4,842		(542)		4,448
Ending Balance		17,582		45,474		17,582		45,474
USDA Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Unrealized Gains		400		100		100		200
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		1,992,546		1,859,176		1,917,319		1,771,532
Purchases		119,201		91,374		351,914		291,981
Sales		(31,866)		0		(58,628)		0
Settlements		(56,646)		(53,059)		(242,960)		(193,159)
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income		(424)		(57)		212		120
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income		(18,995)		(11,076)		35,959		15,884
Ending Balance		2,003,816		1,886,358		2,003,816		1,886,358
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		40,182		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		(100)		6		(100)
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income		(148)		4,842		(542)		4,448
Ending Balance		17,582		44,924		17,582		44,924
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		4,731,031		4,051,208		4,152,605		3,659,281
Purchases		263,196		200,000		1,346,672		676,687
Sales		0		0		0		0
Settlements		(65,399)		(61,925)		(597,364)		(135,340)
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income		(10,960)		15,834		26,475		13,356
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income		19,613		(48,447)		9,093		(57,314)
Ending Balance		4,937,481		4,156,670		4,937,481		4,156,670
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		1,967,759		1,825,406		1,888,344		1,731,222
Purchases		119,201		91,374		351,914		291,981
Sales		(31,866)		0		(58,628)		0
Settlements		(55,772)		(51,282)		(237,262)		(184,665)
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income		0		0		0		0
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income		(18,995)		(11,076)		35,959		15,884
Ending Balance		1,980,327		1,854,422		1,980,327		1,854,422
Trading Securities [Member] | Investment Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		281		606		491		689
Purchases		0		0		0		0
Sales		0		0		0		0
Settlements		(1,887)		(106)		(2,213)		(543)
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income		1,606		50		1,722		404
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income		0		0		0		0
Ending Balance		0		550		0		550
Trading Securities [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		24,787		33,770		28,975		40,310
Purchases		0		0		0		0
Sales		0		0		0		0
Settlements		(874)		(1,777)		(5,698)		(8,494)
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income		(424)		(57)		212		120
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income		0		0		0		0
Ending Balance		23,489	[1]	31,936	[2]	23,489	[1]	31,936	[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		4,697,584		4,016,200		4,121,244		3,631,662
Purchases		263,196		200,000		1,342,572		664,175
Sales		0		0		0		0
Settlements		(64,895)		(59,311)		(594,124)		(126,308)
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income		(10,960)		15,834		26,475		13,356
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income		19,732		(46,761)		8,490		(56,923)
Ending Balance		4,904,657	[1]	4,125,962		4,904,657	[1]	4,125,962
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		33,447		35,008		31,361		27,619
Purchases		0		0		4,100		12,512
Sales		0		0		0		0
Settlements		(504)		(2,614)		(3,240)		(9,032)
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income		0		0				0
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income		(119)		(1,686)		603		(391)
Ending Balance		32,824		30,708		32,824		30,708
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		40,182		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		(100)		6		(100)
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income		(148)		4,842		(542)		4,448
Ending Balance		17,582		44,924		17,582		44,924
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		281		606	[3]	491		689	[3]
Purchases		0		0	[3]	0		0	[3]
Sales		0		0	[3]	0		0	[3]
Settlements		(1,887)		(106)	[3]	(2,213)		(543)	[3]
Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income		1,606		50	[3]	1,722		404	[3]
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income		0		0	[3]	0		0	[3]
Ending Balance	[3]	$ 0		$ 550		$ 0		$ 550
[1]	Includes unrealized losses of $0.4 million attributable to assets still held as of September 30, 2016 that are recorded in "Gains/(losses) on trading securities."
[2]	Includes unrealized gains of $0.1 million attributable to assets still held as of September 30, 2015 that are recorded in "Gains/(losses) on trading securities."
[3]	Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of September 30, 2016 and are recorded in "Gains/(losses) 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
	Sep. 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	$ 4,904,657	$ 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	32,824	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	2,003,816	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	$ 17,582	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		$ 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	0.00%	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	89.30%	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	0.00%	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	1.40%	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	1.30%	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	89.30%	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	0.00%	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	2.60%	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	4.30%	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	5.10%	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	89.90%	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	0.00%	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	1.80%	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	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Financial derivatives	$ 4,627	$ 3,816
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable:	39,655	40,189
Derivative Liability	34,064	39,213
Guarantee and commitment obligation	37,764	38,609
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	313,581	1,210,084
Loans	4,334,434	3,962,044
Financial derivatives	4,627	3,816
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	1,044,559	713,536
Derivative Liability	123,796	77,199
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Investment Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	3,001,185	2,775,516
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	6,091,127	5,426,621
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	2,003,816	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:	32,318	31,240
Guarantee and commitment obligation	31,501	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:	7,337	8,949
Guarantee and commitment obligation	6,263	8,308
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Due within one year [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes payable:	9,295,700	9,111,461
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes payable:	4,820,388	4,967,036
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	313,581	1,210,084
Loans	4,448,360	4,027,660
Financial derivatives	4,627	3,816
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	1,062,667	713,316
Derivative Liability	123,796	77,199
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Investment Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	3,001,185	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	6,103,435	5,434,422
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	2,003,816	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:	32,054	31,953
Guarantee and commitment obligation	31,237	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:	7,004	8,872
Guarantee and commitment obligation	5,930	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:	9,300,334	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:	$ 4,957,884	$ 5,009,310

Business Segment Reporting - C

Business Segment Reporting - Core Earnings - Business Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income		$ 35,563	$ 32,183	$ 103,561	$ 94,836
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)		0	0	0	0
Net Effective Spread		0	0	0
Guarantee and commitment fees		3,798	3,532	11,079	10,297
Other income/(expense)(3)(4)	[1]	303	(8,513)	(9,918)	3,404
Non-interest income/(loss)		4,101	(4,981)	1,161	13,701
(Provision for)/release of loan losses		(191)	1,164	(604)	978
Provision for losses		222	(861)	114	(1,235)
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses		(9,525)	(9,560)	(29,457)	(28,382)
Non-interest expense	[2]	(9,303)	(10,421)	(29,343)	(29,617)
Income before income taxes		30,170	17,945	74,775	79,898
Income tax expense		(10,529)	(6,327)	(26,264)	(24,327)
Net income		19,641	11,618	48,511	55,571
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact		(3,295)	(3,295)	(9,886)	(9,886)
Less: Net loss/(income) attributable to non-controlling interest		18	36	62	(5,199)
Loss on retirement of preferred stock		0	0	0	(8,147)
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic		16,364	8,359	38,687	32,339
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Assets		16,000,905	14,853,845	16,000,905	14,853,845	$ 15,540,354
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance		17,247,739	15,627,979	17,247,739	15,627,979
Farm & Ranch [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income		12,039	10,838	34,772	32,825
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)		(1,336)	(1,210)	(4,733)	(3,402)
Net Effective Spread		10,703	9,628	30,039	29,423
Guarantee and commitment fees		3,516	3,785	11,390	11,111
Other income/(expense)(3)(4)	[1]	276	513	451	760
Non-interest income/(loss)		3,792	4,298	11,841	11,871
(Provision for)/release of loan losses		(191)	1,164	(604)	978
Provision for losses		222	(861)	114	(1,235)
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses		(3,673)	(4,228)	(11,946)	(12,858)
Non-interest expense	[2]	(3,451)	(5,089)	(11,832)	(14,093)
Segment core earnings before income taxes		10,853	10,001	29,444	28,179
Income tax expense		(3,799)	(3,500)	(10,307)	(9,862)
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends		7,054	6,501	19,137	18,317
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		7,054	6,501	19,137	18,317
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Assets		3,436,641	2,856,097	3,436,641	2,856,097
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance		6,004,728	5,504,030	6,004,728	5,504,030
USDA Guarantees [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income		5,753	4,515	15,743	13,503
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)		(564)	115	(1,658)	(182)
Net Effective Spread		5,189	4,630	14,085	13,321
Guarantee and commitment fees		29	7	50	9
Other income/(expense)(3)(4)	[1]	95	13	178	100
Non-interest income/(loss)		124	20	228	109
(Provision for)/release of loan losses		0	0	0	0
Provision for losses		0	0	0	0
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses		(933)	(986)	(3,118)	(2,396)
Non-interest expense	[2]	(933)	(986)	(3,118)	(2,396)
Segment core earnings before income taxes		4,380	3,664	11,195	11,034
Income tax expense		(1,533)	(1,282)	(3,918)	(3,861)
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends		2,847	2,382	7,277	7,173
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		2,847	2,382	7,277	7,173
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Assets		2,062,195	1,941,166	2,062,195	1,941,166
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance		2,020,834	1,898,625	2,020,834	1,898,625
Rural Utilities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income		2,963	3,130	8,682	8,741
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)		(320)	(223)	(939)	(192)
Net Effective Spread		2,643	2,907	7,743	8,549
Guarantee and commitment fees		529	100	1,197	100
Other income/(expense)(3)(4)	[1]	0	0	0	0
Non-interest income/(loss)		529	100	1,197	100
(Provision for)/release of loan losses		0	0	0	0
Provision for losses		0	0	0	0
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses		(553)	(838)	(2,214)	(2,564)
Non-interest expense	[2]	(553)	(838)	(2,214)	(2,564)
Segment core earnings before income taxes		2,619	2,169	6,726	6,085
Income tax expense		(917)	(760)	(2,355)	(2,129)
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends		1,702	1,409	4,371	3,956
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		1,702	1,409	4,371	3,956
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Assets		1,008,903	987,115	1,008,903	987,115
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance		1,867,666	1,500,307	1,867,666	1,500,307
Institutional Credit [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income		12,226	11,686	36,084	33,990
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)		(799)	(415)	(2,160)	(1,434)
Net Effective Spread		11,427	11,271	33,924	32,556
Guarantee and commitment fees		459	436	1,375	1,205
Other income/(expense)(3)(4)	[1]	0	0	0	0
Non-interest income/(loss)		459	436	1,375	1,205
(Provision for)/release of loan losses		0	0	0	0
Provision for losses		0	0	0	0
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses		(1,253)	(522)	(2,330)	(1,589)
Non-interest expense	[2]	(1,253)	(522)	(2,330)	(1,589)
Segment core earnings before income taxes		10,633	11,185	32,969	32,172
Income tax expense		(3,722)	(3,915)	(11,538)	(11,260)
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends		6,911	7,270	21,431	20,912
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		6,911	7,270	21,431	20,912
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Assets		6,045,227	5,405,360	6,045,227	5,405,360
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance		7,354,511	6,725,017	7,354,511	6,725,017
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income		2,582	2,014	8,280	5,777
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)		(345)	(63)	(897)	(195)
Net Effective Spread		2,237	1,951	7,383	5,582
Guarantee and commitment fees		0	0	0	0
Other income/(expense)(3)(4)	[1]	(388)	(619)	(1,288)	(1,383)
Non-interest income/(loss)		(388)	(619)	(1,288)	(1,383)
(Provision for)/release of loan losses		0	0	0	0
Provision for losses		0	0	0	0
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses		(3,113)	(2,986)	(9,849)	(8,975)
Non-interest expense	[2]	(3,113)	(2,986)	(9,849)	(8,975)
Segment core earnings before income taxes		(1,264)	(1,654)	(3,754)	(4,776)
Income tax expense		474	533	1,221	3,405
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends		(790)	(1,121)	(2,533)	(1,371)
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact		(3,295)	(3,295)	(9,886)	(9,886)
Less: Net loss/(income) attributable to non-controlling interest		18	36	62	(5,199)
Loss on retirement of preferred stock					0
Segment core earnings		(4,067)	(4,380)	(12,357)	(16,456)
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Assets		3,447,939	3,664,107	3,447,939	3,664,107
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income		0	0	0	0
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)		3,364	1,796	10,387	5,405
Net Effective Spread		3,364	1,796	10,387	5,405
Guarantee and commitment fees		(735)	(796)	(2,933)	(2,128)
Other income/(expense)(3)(4)	[1]	320	(8,420)	(9,259)	3,927
Non-interest income/(loss)		(415)	(9,216)	(12,192)	1,799
(Provision for)/release of 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]	2,949	(7,420)	(1,805)	7,204
Income tax expense		(1,032)	2,597	633	(620)
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	[3]	1,917	(4,823)	(1,172)	6,584
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]	1,917	(4,823)	(1,172)	(1,563)
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.