Federal Agricultural Mortgage (AGM) 10-Q 10 May 18 2018 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	May 01, 2018
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	Mar. 31, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Trading Symbol	AGM
Common Class A, Voting [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,030,780
Common Class B, Voting [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		500,301
Common Class C, Non-Voting [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		9,120,776

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 493,258	$ 302,022
Loans:
Loans held for investment, at amortized cost	3,866,844	3,873,755
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	1,441,718	1,399,827
Allowance for loan losses	(6,365)	(6,796)
Total loans, net of allowance	5,302,197	5,266,786
Real estate owned, at lower of cost or fair value	123	139
Financial derivatives, at fair value	5,142	7,093
Interest receivable (includes $10,179 and $17,373, respectively, related to consolidated trusts)	114,070	155,278
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable	39,997	39,895
Deferred tax asset, net	0	2,048
Prepaid expenses and other assets	43,308	29,023
Total Assets	18,397,236	17,792,274
Notes payable:
Due within one year	7,896,359	8,089,826
Due after one year	8,127,594	7,432,790
Total notes payable	16,023,953	15,522,616
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	1,463,653	1,404,945
Financial derivatives, at fair value	22,570	26,599
Accrued interest payable (includes $8,533 and $14,631, respectively, related to consolidated trusts)	71,348	75,402
Guarantee and commitment obligation	38,487	38,400
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	25,641	14,096
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	4,227	0
Reserve for losses	2,091	2,070
Total Liabilities	17,651,970	17,084,128
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6)
Common stock:
Additional paid-in capital	118,208	118,979
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	72,111	51,085
Retained earnings	339,538	322,704
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	745,266	708,146
Total Liabilities and Equity	18,397,236	17,792,274
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock:
Preferred stock	58,333	58,333
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock:
Preferred stock	73,044	73,044
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock:
Preferred stock	73,382	73,382
Common Class A, Voting [Member]
Common stock:
Common Stock	1,031	1,031
Common Class B, Voting [Member]
Common stock:
Common Stock	500	500
Common Class C, Non-Voting [Member]
Common stock:
Common Stock	9,119	9,088
Investment Securities [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale, at fair value	2,193,352	2,215,405
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost	45,032	45,032
Marketable Securities	2,238,384	2,260,437
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
Assets:
Available-for-sale, at fair value	5,839,387	5,471,914
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost	2,182,043	2,126,274
Marketable Securities	8,021,430	7,598,188
USDA Securities [Member]
Assets:
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost	2,127,769	2,117,850
Trading, at fair value	11,558	13,515
Marketable Securities	$ 2,139,327	$ 2,131,365

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Interest receivable - Consolidated Trusts amount	$ 114,070	$ 155,278
Accrued interest payable - Consolidated Trusts amount	$ 71,348	$ 75,402
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 25	$ 25
Preferred stock, shares authorized	2,400,000	2,400,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	2,400,000	2,400,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	2,400,000	2,400,000
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 25	$ 25
Preferred stock, shares authorized	3,000,000	3,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	3,000,000	3,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	3,000,000	3,000,000
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 25	$ 25
Preferred stock, shares authorized	3,000,000	3,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	3,000,000	3,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	3,000,000	3,000,000
Common Class A, Voting [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,030,780	1,030,780
Common Class B, Voting [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares outstanding	500,301	500,301
Common Class C, Non-Voting [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares outstanding	9,119,416	9,087,670
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Interest receivable - Consolidated Trusts amount	$ 10,179	$ 17,373
Accrued interest payable - Consolidated Trusts amount	$ 8,533	$ 14,631

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Interest income:
Investments and cash equivalents	$ 11,463	$ 7,243
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities	62,430	42,522
Loans	45,653	36,852
Total interest income	119,546	86,617
Total interest expense	76,317	49,546
Net interest income	43,229	37,071
Release of/(provision for) loan losses	431	(637)
Net interest income after release of (provision for) loan losses	43,660	36,434
Non-interest income:
Guarantee and commitment fees	3,499	3,844
(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities	(3,850)	2,486
Gains/(losses) on trading securities	16	(82)
Losses on sale of real estate owned	0	(5)
Other income	574	553
Non-interest income	239	6,796
Non-interest expense:
Compensation and employee benefits	6,654	6,317
General and administrative	4,326	3,800
Regulatory fees	625	625
Real estate owned operating costs, net	16	0
Provision for/(release of) reserve for losses	21	(193)
Non-interest expense	11,642	10,549
Income before income taxes	32,257	32,681
Income tax expense	6,438	10,786
Net income	25,819	21,895
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest	0	15
Net income attributable to Farmer Mac	25,819	21,910
Preferred stock dividends	(3,295)	(3,295)
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 22,524	$ 18,615
Earnings per common share and dividends:
Basic earnings per common share	$ 2.12	$ 1.76
Diluted earnings per common share	2.1000	1.73000
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.58	$ 0.36

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Net income	$ 25,819	$ 21,895
Other comprehensive income before taxes:
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	21,228	14,838
Net changes in held-to-maturity securities	(1,310)	(3,487)
Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	6,663	629
Other comprehensive income before tax	26,581	11,980
Income tax expense related to other comprehensive income	(5,582)	(4,194)
Other comprehensive income net of tax	20,999	7,786
Comprehensive income	46,818	29,681
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest	0	15
Comprehensive income attributable to Farmer Mac	$ 46,818	$ 29,696

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, 2016			8,400		10,539
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ (643,647)		$ (204,759)		$ (10,539)		$ (118,655)		$ (33,758)		$ (275,714)		$ (222)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Attributable to Farmer Mac	21,910		0		0		0		0		21,910		0
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest	15		0		0		0		0		0		(15)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	7,786		0		0		0		7,786		0		0
Preferred stock	(3,295)		0		0		0		0		(3,295)		0
Common stock	(3,799)		0		0		0		0		(3,799)		0
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues				0		57
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues		$ 201		$ 0		$ 57		$ 144		$ 0		$ 0		$ 0
Stock-based compensation cost	981		0		0		981		0		0		0
Other stock-based award activity	(1,394)		$ 0		$ 0		(1,394)		0		0		0
Ending Balance (Shares Outstanding) at Mar. 31, 2017			8,400		10,596
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2017	666,022		$ 204,759		$ 10,596		118,386		41,544		290,530		207
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	498		0		0		0		27		471		0
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Adjusted Balance	708,644		$ 204,759		$ 10,619		118,979		51,112		323,175		0
Beginning Balance (Shares Outstanding) at Dec. 31, 2017			8,400		10,619
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	(708,146)		$ (204,759)		$ (10,619)		(118,979)		(51,085)		(322,704)		0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Attributable to Farmer Mac	25,819		0		0		0		0		25,819		0
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest	0
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	20,999		0		0		0		20,999		0		0
Preferred stock	(3,295)		0		0		0		0		(3,295)		0
Common stock	(6,161)		0		0		0		0		(6,161)		0
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues				0		31
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues		$ 34		$ 0		$ 31		$ 3		$ 0		$ 0		$ 0
Stock-based compensation cost	664		0		0		664		0		0		0
Other stock-based award activity	(1,438)		$ 0		$ 0		(1,438)		0		0		0
Ending Balance (Shares Outstanding) at Mar. 31, 2018			8,400		10,650
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2018	$ 745,266		$ 204,759		$ 10,650		$ 118,208		$ 72,111		$ 339,538		$ 0

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 25,819	$ 21,895
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	309	181
Amortization of debt premiums, discounts and issuance costs	6,008	5,656
Net change in fair value of trading securities, hedged assets, and financial derivatives	19,174	525
(Gains)/losses on sale of real estate owned	0	5
Total provision for losses	(410)	444
Excess Tax Benefits from Share-Based Compensation	440	679
Deferred income taxes	(161)	1,419
Stock-based compensation expense	664	981
Proceeds from repayment of loans purchased as held for sale	34,699	25,928
Net change in:
Interest receivable	41,219	37,292
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable	(15)	(357)
Other assets	(11,973)	2,236
Accrued interest payable	(4,054)	(2,855)
Other liabilities	6,111	8,605
Net cash provided by operating activities	117,830	102,634
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of loans held for investment	(267,756)	(341,702)
Purchases of defaulted loans	(721)	(311)
Proceeds from repayment of loans purchased as held for investment	191,298	182,790
Proceeds from sale of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	131,202	149,607
Proceeds from sale of real estate owned	0	697
Net cash used by investing activities	(383,997)	(245,913)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments to third parties on debt securities of consolidated trusts	(38,197)	(46,926)
Proceeds from common stock issuance	3	148
Tax payments related to share-based awards	(1,407)	(1,341)
Dividends paid on common and preferred stock	(9,457)	(7,094)
Net cash provided/(used) by financing activities	457,403	191,691
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	191,236	48,412
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	302,022	265,229
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	493,258	313,641
Medium-term Notes [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of discount notes and medium-term notes	2,060,844	2,251,535
Payments to redeem discount notes and medium-term notes	(1,200,936)	(856,300)
Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of discount notes and medium-term notes	10,587,657	13,618,574
Payments to redeem discount notes and medium-term notes	(10,941,104)	(14,766,905)
Investment Securities [Member]
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of available-for-sale investment securities and Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities	(242,677)	(66,561)
Proceeds from repayment of available-for-sale investment securities, Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities	263,621	183,749
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	(931,199)	(692,245)
Proceeds from repayment of available-for-sale investment securities, Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities	$ 472,235	$ 338,063

Accounting Policies

Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	1. 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, 2017 consolidated balance sheet presented in this report has been derived from Farmer Mac's audited 2017 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 2017 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, 2017 filed with the SEC on March 8, 2018. Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of those that may be expected for the fiscal year. Presented below are Farmer Mac's significant accounting policies that contain updated information for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Farmer Mac and its two subsidiaries during the year: (1) Farmer Mac Mortgage Securities Corporation ("FMMSC"), whose principal activities are to facilitate the purchase and issuance of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities; and (2) Farmer Mac II LLC, whose principal activity is the operation of substantially all of the business related to the USDA Guarantees line of business – primarily the acquisition of USDA Securities. The consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of VIEs in which Farmer Mac determined itself to be the primary beneficiary. The accounts of Contour Valuation Services, LLC (which began doing business as AgVisory during first quarter 2016) ("AgVisory"), Farmer Mac's former majority-owned subsidiary, are also included through March 31, 2017. Farmer Mac redeemed its ownership interest in AgVisory on May 1, 2017. The following tables present, by line of business, details about the consolidation of VIEs: Table 1.1 Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities As of March 31, 2018 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 $ 1,441,718 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 1,441,718 Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties (1) 1,463,653 — — — — 1,463,653 Unconsolidated VIEs: Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Carrying value (2) — 29,900 — — — 29,900 Maximum exposure to loss (3) — 29,596 — — — 29,596 Investment securities: Carrying value (4) — — — — 837,840 837,840 Maximum exposure to loss (3) (4) — — — — 835,202 835,202 Off-Balance Sheet: Unconsolidated VIEs: Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Maximum exposure to loss (3) (5) 314,497 284,435 — — — 598,932 (1) Includes borrower remittances of $21.9 million . The borrower remittances had not been passed through to third party investors as of March 31, 2018 . (2) Includes $0.3 million of unamortized premiums and discounts and fair value adjustments related to the USDA Guarantees line of business. (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, 2017 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 $ 1,399,827 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 1,399,827 Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties (1) 1,404,945 — — — — 1,404,945 Unconsolidated VIEs: Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Carrying value (2) — 30,300 — — — 30,300 Maximum exposure to loss (3) — 29,980 — — — 29,980 Investment securities: Carrying value (4) — — — — 783,964 783,964 Maximum exposure to loss (3) (4) — — — — 783,916 783,916 Off-Balance Sheet: Unconsolidated VIEs: Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Maximum exposure to loss (3) (5) 333,511 254,217 — — — 587,728 (1) Includes borrower remittances of $5.1 million , which have not been passed through to third party investors as of December 31, 2017. (2) Includes $0.3 million of unamortized premiums and discounts and fair value adjustments related to the USDA Guarantees line of business. (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. (a) Statements of Cash Flows The following table sets forth information regarding certain cash and non-cash transactions for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017: Table 1.2 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 March 31, 2017 (in thousands) Non-cash activity: Real estate owned acquired through loan liquidation — 4,630 Loans acquired and securitized as Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 131,202 149,607 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 96,909 117,018 Purchases of securities - traded not yet settled 5,640 — Earnings Per Common Share Basic earnings per common share ("EPS") is based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share is based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding adjusted to include all potentially dilutive common stock options, stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), and non-vested restricted stock awards. The following schedule reconciles basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017: Table 1.3 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 March 31, 2017 Net Weighted-Average Shares $ per Net Weighted-Average Shares $ per (in thousands, except per share amounts) Basic EPS Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 22,524 10,622 $ 2.12 $ 18,615 10,551 $ 1.76 Effect of dilutive securities (1) Stock options, SARs and restricted stock — 119 (0.02 ) — 231 (0.03 ) Diluted EPS $ 22,524 10,741 $ 2.10 $ 18,615 10,782 $ 1.73 (1) For the three months ended March 31, 2018, 25,062 SARs were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because they were anti-dilutive, compared to 50,757 stock options and SARs for the three months ended March 31, 2017. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, contingent shares of non-vested restricted stock of 13,138 and 32,892 , 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 months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017: Table 1.4 As of March 31, 2018 As of March 31, 2017 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: Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ (1,676 ) $ 48,236 $ 4,525 $ 51,085 $ (14,387 ) $ 45,752 $ 2,393 $ 33,758 Cumulative effect from change in hedge accounting — — 27 27 — — — — Balance as of January 1, 2018 (1,676 ) 48,236 4,552 51,112 (14,387 ) 45,752 2,393 33,758 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 18,187 — 5,053 23,240 12,223 — 76 12,299 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (1,417 ) (1,035 ) 211 (2,241 ) (2,578 ) (2,267 ) 332 (4,513 ) Net comprehensive income/(loss) 16,770 (1,035 ) 5,264 20,999 9,645 (2,267 ) 408 7,786 Ending Balance $ 15,094 $ 47,201 $ 9,816 $ 72,111 $ (4,742 ) $ 43,485 $ 2,801 $ 41,544 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 months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017: Table 1.5 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 March 31, 2017 Before Tax Provision (Benefit) After Tax Before Tax Provision (Benefit) After Tax (in thousands) Other comprehensive income: Available-for-sale-securities: Unrealized holding gains/(losses) on available-for-sale-securities $ 23,022 $ 4,835 $ 18,187 $ 18,804 $ 6,581 $ 12,223 Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net Interest Income (1) (1,787 ) (375 ) (1,412 ) — — — Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives and hedging activities (1) — — — (3,959 ) (1,386 ) (2,573 ) Other income (2) (7 ) (2 ) (5 ) (7 ) (2 ) (5 ) Total $ 21,228 $ 4,458 $ 16,770 $ 14,838 $ 5,193 $ 9,645 Held-to-maturity securities: Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net interest income (3) (1,310 ) (275 ) (1,035 ) (3,487 ) (1,220 ) (2,267 ) Total $ (1,310 ) $ (275 ) $ (1,035 ) $ (3,487 ) $ (1,220 ) $ (2,267 ) Cash flow hedges Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges $ 6,396 $ 1,343 $ 5,053 $ 117 $ 41 $ 76 Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net interest income (4) 267 56 211 512 180 332 Total $ 6,663 $ 1,399 $ 5,264 $ 629 $ 221 $ 408 Other comprehensive income/(loss) $ 26,581 $ 5,582 $ 20,999 $ 11,980 $ 4,194 $ 7,786 (1) Relates to the amortization of unrealized gains on hedged items prior to the application of fair value hedge accounting. (2) Represents amortization of deferred gains related to certain available-for-sale USDA Securities and Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities. (3) Relates to the amortization of unrealized gains or losses prior to the reclassification of these securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity. The amortization of unrealized gains or losses reported in AOCI for held-to-maturity securities will be offset by the amortization of the premium or discount created from the transfer into held-to-maturity securities, which occurred at fair value. These unrealized gains or losses will be recorded over the remaining life of the security with no impact on future net income. (4) Relates to the recognition of unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges recorded in AOCI. New Accounting Standards In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("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 developing its accounting policy, planning for changes to its loss estimation methodologies and evaluating the impact that the new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. That impact will primarily be from the new requirement to recognize all expected losses rather than just incurred losses as of the reporting date. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, " Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities, " which shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium by requiring the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The ASU does not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. 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 first quarter 2018 Farmer Mac adopted ASU 2017-12, " Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities," which amends hedge accounting recognition and presentation requirements to better align a reporting entity's risk management activities and hedge accounting. The new guidance reduces the complexity and simplifies the application of hedge accounting by eliminating the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and by requiring the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item. The cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018 reflected application of the new guidance and did not have a material effect on Farmer Mac's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications of prior period information were made to conform to the current period presentation.

Investment Securities

Investment Securities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Investment Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]	INVESTMENT SECURITIES The following tables set forth information about Farmer Mac's investment securities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017: Table 2.1 As of March 31, 2018 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 $ — $ (690 ) $ 19,010 Floating rate asset-backed securities 33,060 (143 ) 32,917 24 (128 ) 32,813 Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 1,305,939 2,053 1,307,992 1,567 (1,883 ) 1,307,676 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities (1) 435 2,029 2,464 2,121 — 4,585 Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 833,912 (2,564 ) 831,348 — (2,080 ) 829,268 Total available-for-sale 2,193,046 1,375 2,194,421 3,712 (4,781 ) 2,193,352 Held-to-maturity: Fixed rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 45,032 — 45,032 1,331 — 46,363 Total investment securities $ 2,238,078 $ 1,375 $ 2,239,453 $ 5,043 $ (4,781 ) $ 2,239,715 (1) Fair value includes $4.1 million of an interest-only security with a notional amount of $143.1 million . As of December 31, 2017 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 $ — $ (886 ) $ 18,814 Floating rate asset-backed securities 34,462 (154 ) 34,308 22 (120 ) 34,210 Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 1,289,123 2,217 1,291,340 2,215 (3,368 ) 1,290,187 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities (1) 451 2,138 2,589 2,230 — 4,819 Fixed rate senior agency debt 100,000 — 100,000 — (49 ) 99,951 Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 770,852 (1,836 ) 769,016 — (1,592 ) 767,424 Total available-for-sale 2,214,588 2,365 2,216,953 4,467 (6,015 ) 2,215,405 Held-to-maturity: Fixed rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 45,032 — 45,032 532 — 45,564 Total investment securities $ 2,259,620 $ 2,365 $ 2,261,985 $ 4,999 $ (6,015 ) $ 2,260,969 (1) Fair value includes $4.3 million of an interest-only security with a notional amount of $143.7 million . Farmer Mac did not sell any securities from its available-for-sale investment portfolio during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, unrealized losses on available-for-sale investment securities were as follows: Table 2.2 As of March 31, 2018 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 $ — $ — $ 19,010 $ (690 ) Floating rate asset-backed securities — — 22,114 (128 ) Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 383,636 (703 ) 188,940 (1,180 ) Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 819,271 (2,077 ) 9,996 (3 ) Fixed rate senior agency debt — — — — Total $ 1,202,907 $ (2,780 ) $ 240,060 $ (2,001 ) As of December 31, 2017 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 $ — $ — $ 18,814 $ (886 ) Floating rate asset-backed securities — — 23,145 (120 ) Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 292,522 (2,337 ) 221,641 (1,031 ) Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 742,442 (1,572 ) 24,983 (20 ) Fixed rate senior agency debt — — 99,951 (49 ) Total $ 1,034,964 $ (3,909 ) $ 388,534 $ (2,106 ) The unrealized losses presented above are principally due to a general widening of market spreads and an increase in the levels of interest rates from the dates of acquisition to March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, as applicable. The resulting decrease in fair values reflects an increase in the perceived risk by the financial markets related to those securities. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , 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+." The unrealized losses were on 104 and 91 individual investment securities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. As of March 31, 2018 , 45 of the securities in loss positions had been in loss positions for more than 12 months and had a total unrealized loss of $2.0 million . As of December 31, 2017 , 51 of the securities in loss positions had been in loss positions for more than 12 months and had a total unrealized loss of $2.1 million . Securities in unrealized loss positions for 12 months or longer have a fair value as of March 31, 2018 that is, on average, approximately 99.2 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 are other-than-temporary impairment as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. As of March 31, 2018 , Farmer Mac owned $45.0 million of held-to-maturity investment securities at amortized cost with a fair value of $46.4 million and a weighted average yield of 2.8 percent . As of December 31, 2017, Farmer Mac owned $45.0 million of held-to-maturity investment securities at amortized cost with a fair value of $45.6 million and a weighted average yield of 2.5 percent . Farmer Mac did not own any trading investment securities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The amortized cost, fair value, and weighted-average yield of available-for-sale investment securities by remaining contractual maturity as of March 31, 2018 are set forth below. Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities are included based on their final maturities, although the actual maturities may differ due to prepayments of the underlying assets. Table 2.3 As of March 31, 2018 Available-for-Sale Securities Amortized Fair Value Weighted- (dollars in thousands) Due within one year $ 716,640 $ 715,000 1.09% Due after one year through five years 358,743 358,688 1.83% Due after five years through ten years 402,603 405,264 2.06% Due after ten years 716,435 714,400 2.19% Total $ 2,194,421 $ 2,193,352 1.75%

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securitie

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]	FARMER MAC GUARANTEED SECURITIES AND USDA SECURITIES The following tables set forth information about on-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017: Table 3.1 As of March 31, 2018 Unpaid Principal Balance Unamortized Premium/(Discount) Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Value (in thousands) Held-to-maturity: AgVantage $ 2,152,618 $ (475 ) $ 2,152,143 $ 534 $ (16,265 ) $ 2,136,412 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 29,596 304 29,900 422 (6 ) 30,316 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 2,182,214 (171 ) 2,182,043 956 (16,271 ) 2,166,728 USDA Securities 2,066,645 61,124 2,127,769 740 (52,293 ) 2,076,216 Total held-to-maturity $ 4,248,859 $ 60,953 $ 4,309,812 $ 1,696 $ (68,564 ) $ 4,242,944 Available-for-sale: AgVantage $ 5,861,731 $ (165 ) $ 5,861,566 $ 22,731 $ (44,910 ) $ 5,839,387 Trading: USDA Securities $ 11,063 $ 852 $ 11,915 $ 38 $ (395 ) $ 11,558 As of December 31, 2017 Unpaid Principal Balance Unamortized Premium/(Discount) Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Value (in thousands) Held-to-maturity: AgVantage $ 2,096,754 $ (779 ) $ 2,095,975 $ 2,011 $ (11,429 ) $ 2,086,557 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 29,980 319 30,299 108 (73 ) 30,334 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 2,126,734 (460 ) 2,126,274 2,119 (11,502 ) 2,116,891 USDA Securities 2,055,050 62,800 2,117,850 — (54,969 ) 2,062,881 Total held-to-maturity $ 4,181,784 $ 62,340 $ 4,244,124 $ 2,119 $ (66,471 ) $ 4,179,772 Available-for-sale: AgVantage $ 5,496,569 $ (182 ) $ 5,496,387 $ 21,838 $ (46,311 ) $ 5,471,914 Trading: USDA Securities $ 12,966 $ 922 $ 13,888 $ 28 $ (401 ) $ 13,515 As of March 31, 2018 and December 31,2017, unrealized losses on held-to-maturity and available-for-sale on-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities were as follows: Table 3.2 As of March 31, 2018 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 $ 1,548,488 $ (12,933 ) $ 351,667 $ (3,332 ) Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities — — — (6 ) USDA Securities — — 2,010,713 (52,293 ) Total held-to-maturity $ 1,548,488 $ (12,933 ) $ 2,362,380 $ (55,631 ) Available-for-sale: AgVantage $ 1,031,980 $ (12,371 ) $ 1,722,350 $ (32,539 ) As of December 31, 2017 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 $ 1,304,160 $ (8,094 ) $ 351,664 $ (3,335 ) Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 24,721 (73 ) — — USDA Securities 451 (2 ) 2,062,429 (54,967 ) Total held-to-maturity $ 1,329,332 $ (8,169 ) $ 2,414,093 $ (58,302 ) Available-for-sale: AgVantage $ 1,273,965 $ (8,819 ) $ 1,759,377 $ (37,492 ) The unrealized losses presented above are principally due to higher interest rates from the date of acquisition to March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, as applicable. In addition, the unrealized losses on the held-to-maturity USDA Securities as of both March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 reflect their increased cost basis resulting from their transfer to held-to-maturity as of October 1, 2016. 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 43 available-for-sale securities as of March 31, 2018 . There were 43 held-to-maturity AgVantage securities with an unrealized loss as of March 31, 2018 . The unrealized losses from AgVantage securities were on 36 available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2017. There were unrealized losses from 23 held-to-maturity securities as of December 31, 2017 . As of March 31, 2018 , 14 available-for-sale AgVantage securities had been in a loss position for more than 12 months with a total unrealized loss of $32.5 million . As of December 31, 2017 , 16 available-for-sale AgVantage securities had been in a loss position for more than 12 months with a total unrealized loss of $37.5 million . Farmer Mac has concluded that none of the unrealized losses on its held-to-maturity Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities and available-for-sale Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities are other-than-temporary impaired as of either March 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017. Farmer Mac does not intend to sell these securities, and it is not more likely than not that Farmer Mac will be required to sell the securities before recovery of the amortized cost basis. During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, Farmer Mac realized no gains or losses from the sale of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities. The amortized cost, fair value, and weighted-average yield of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities by remaining contractual maturity as of March 31, 2018 are set forth below. The balances presented are based on their final maturities, although the actual maturities may differ due to prepayments of the underlying assets. Table 3.3 As of March 31, 2018 Available-for-Sale Securities Amortized Fair Value Weighted- (dollars in thousands) Due within one year $ 1,285,582 $ 1,285,526 2.45 % Due after one year through five years 2,421,507 2,419,021 2.56 % Due after five years through ten years 815,799 800,742 3.03 % Due after ten years 1,338,678 1,334,098 2.84 % Total $ 5,861,566 $ 5,839,387 2.66 % As of March 31, 2018 Held-to-Maturity Securities Amortized Fair Value Weighted- (dollars in thousands) Due within one year $ 866,596 $ 865,637 1.79 % Due after one year through five years 1,352,733 1,336,793 2.40 % Due after five years through ten years 209,070 204,168 3.16 % Due after ten years 1,881,413 1,836,346 3.43 % Total $ 4,309,812 $ 4,242,944 2.75 % As of March 31, 2018 , Farmer Mac owned trading USDA Securities with an amortized cost of $11.9 million , a fair value of $11.6 million , and a weighted-average yield of 5.31 percent . As of December 31, 2017 , Farmer Mac owned trading USDA Securities with an amortized cost of $13.9 million , a fair value of $13.5 million , and a weighted-average yield of 5.33 percent .

Financial Derivatives

Financial Derivatives	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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 (e.g.., LIBOR). Other financial derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges to mitigate the volatility of future interest rate payments on floating rate debt. Farmer Mac manages the interest rate risk related to loans it has committed to acquire, but has not yet permanently funded, through the use of forward sale contracts on the debt of other GSEs and futures contracts involving U.S. Treasury securities. Farmer Mac uses forward sale contracts on GSE securities to reduce its interest rate exposure to changes in both U.S. Treasury rates and spreads on Farmer Mac debt. The notional amounts of these contracts are determined based on a duration-matched hedge ratio between the hedged item and the hedge instrument. Gains or losses generated by these hedge transactions are expected to offset changes in funding costs. All financial derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value as a freestanding asset or liability. Effective first quarter 2018, Farmer Mac adopted ASU 2017-12, " Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities." This ASU reduces the complexity of hedge accounting by eliminating the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and by requiring the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the income or expense effect from the hedged item. Upon the adoption of the ASU, Farmer Mac elected to retrospectively designate the hedged risk of its fair value hedges as the risk of changes in fair value resulting from changes in the benchmark interest rate component of the contractual coupon cash flows. Farmer Mac made this election for its fair value hedges designated upon the inception of the hedging instruments. For fair value hedges designated subsequent to the inception of the hedging instruments, Farmer Mac continues to designate the hedged risk as the risk of changes in fair value based on total contractual coupon cash flows. The adoption of the new guidance did not have a material effect on Farmer Mac's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. The following tables summarize information related to Farmer Mac's financial derivatives on a gross basis without giving consideration to master netting arrangements as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : Table 4.1 As of March 31, 2018 Fair Value Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Notional Amount Asset (Liability) (dollars in thousands) Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable $ 2,323,209 $ 804 $ (5,763 ) 2.09% 1.82% 9.01 Receive fixed non-callable 2,121,700 444 (3,956 ) 1.77% 1.58% 1.76 Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable 380,500 2,878 (261 ) 2.20% 2.09% 5.82 No hedge designation: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable 330,709 1,062 (11,725 ) 3.72% 1.81% 6.76 Receive fixed non-callable 3,256,427 — — 1.73% 1.60% 0.86 Basis swaps 1,278,500 4 (517 ) 1.75% 1.74% 1.21 Treasury futures 43,200 — (366 ) 120.29 Credit valuation adjustment (50 ) 18 Total financial derivatives $ 9,734,245 $ 5,142 $ (22,570 ) Collateral pledged — 25,253 Net amount $ 5,142 $ 2,683 As of December 31, 2017 Fair Value Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Notional Amount Asset (Liability) (dollars in thousands) Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable $ 2,086,347 $ 5,240 $ (5,990 ) 1.88% 1.40% 5.46 Receive fixed non-callable 1,559,700 110 (4,033 ) 1.38% 1.45% 1.68 Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable 365,500 1,402 (138 ) 2.16% 1.74% 5.84 No hedge designation: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable 345,333 339 (16,352 ) 3.79% 1.40% 6.68 Receive fixed non-callable 3,409,916 — — 1.25% 1.24% 0.92 Basis swaps 1,053,500 18 (106 ) 1.33% 1.42% 0.91 Treasury futures 40,000 — (36 ) 123.96 Credit valuation adjustment (16 ) 56 Total financial derivatives $ 8,860,296 $ 7,093 $ (26,599 ) Collateral pledged — 24,926 Net amount $ 7,093 $ (1,673 ) Changes in the fair values of financial derivatives not designated as cash flow or fair value 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 hedge relationships, changes in the fair values of the hedged items, which are primarily fixed rate AgVantage securities and fixed rate medium-term notes, related to the risk being hedged are reported in " Net interest income " in the consolidated statements of operations . Interest accruals on derivatives designated in fair value hedge relationships are also recorded in " Net interest income " in the consolidated statements of operations. For financial derivatives designated in cash flow hedge relationships, the unrealized gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in other comprehensive income. 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 accumulated other comprehensive income are reclassified to " Total interest expense " in conjunction with the recognition of interest expense on the debt. As of March 31, 2018 , Farmer Mac expects to reclassify $0.9 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 March 31, 2018 . During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , there were no gains or losses from interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings because it became probable that the original forecasted transaction would not occur. The following table summarizes the net income/(expense) recognized in the consolidated statements of operations related to derivatives for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 : Table 4.2 March 31, 2018 Net Income/(Expense) Recognized in Consolidated Statement of Operations on Derivatives Net Interest Income Non-Interest Income Total Interest Income Interest Income Loans Total Interest Expense (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Total amounts presented in the consolidated statement of operations: $ 62,430 $ 45,653 $ (76,317 ) $ (3,850 ) $ 27,916 Income/(expense) related to interest settlements on fair value hedging relationships: Recognized on derivatives (1,488 ) (297 ) 294 — (1,491 ) Recognized on hedged items 13,597 1,414 (7,915 ) — 7,096 Discount amortization recognized on hedged items — — (155 ) — (155 ) Income/(expense) related to interest settlements on fair value hedging relationships $ 12,109 $ 1,117 $ (7,776 ) $ — $ 5,450 Gains/(losses) on fair value hedging relationships: Recognized on derivatives 20,449 6,419 (9,647 ) — 17,221 Recognized on hedged items (18,948 ) (6,572 ) 11,137 — (14,383 ) Gains/(losses) on fair value hedging relationships $ 1,501 $ (153 ) $ 1,490 $ — $ 2,838 Expense related to interest settlements on cash flow hedging relationships: Interest settlements reclassified from AOCI into net income on derivatives — — (267 ) — (267 ) Recognized on hedged items — — (1,780 ) — (1,780 ) Discount amortization recognized on hedged items — — (2 ) — (2 ) Expense recognized on cash flow hedges $ — $ — $ (2,049 ) $ — $ (2,049 ) (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives not designated in hedge relationships: Interest rate swaps — — — (4,075 ) (4,075 ) Agency forwards — — — — — Treasury futures — — — 225 225 (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives not designated in hedge relationships $ — $ — $ — $ (3,850 ) $ (3,850 ) March 31, 2017 Net Income/(Expense) Recognized in Consolidated Statement of Operations on Derivatives Net Interest Income Non-Interest Income Total Interest Income Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities Interest Income Loans Total Interest Expense (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Total amounts presented in the consolidated statement of operations $ 42,522 $ 36,852 $ (49,546 ) $ 2,486 $ 32,314 Income/(expense) related to interest settlements on fair value hedging relationships: Recognized on derivatives (3,158 ) (217 ) 183 — (3,192 ) Recognized on hedged items 10,275 516 (2,277 ) — 8,514 Discount amortization recognized on hedged items — — (58 ) — (58 ) Income/(expense) related to interest settlements on fair value hedging relationships $ 7,117 $ 299 $ (2,152 ) $ — $ 5,264 Gains/(losses) on fair value hedging relationships: Recognized on derivatives (1) 1,526 1,526 Recognized on hedged items (5,404 ) (5,404 ) Gains/(losses) on fair value hedging relationships $ — $ — $ — $ (3,878 ) $ (3,878 ) Expense related to interest settlements on cash flow hedging relationships: Interest settlements reclassified from AOCI into net income on derivatives $ — $ — $ (512 ) $ — $ (512 ) Recognized on hedged items — — (652 ) — (652 ) Discount amortization recognized on hedged items — — — — — Losses recognized in income for hedge ineffectiveness — — — (29 ) (29 ) Expense recognized on cash flow hedges $ — $ — $ (1,164 ) $ (29 ) $ (1,193 ) Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives not designated in hedging relationships: Interest rate swaps $ — $ — $ — $ 6,684 $ 6,684 Agency forwards — — — (399 ) (399 ) Treasury futures — — — 108 108 Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives not designated in hedge relationships $ — $ — $ — $ 6,393 $ 6,393 (1) Included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness as of March 31, 2017 , but excluded from the amounts in the table, were gains of $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , attributable to the fair value of the swaps at the inception of the hedging relationship. Accordingly, the amounts recognized as hedge ineffectiveness for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were losses of $0.3 million . The following table shows the carrying amount and associated cumulative basis adjustment related to the application of hedge accounting that is included in the carrying amount of hedged assets and liabilities in fair value hedging relationships as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017: Table 4.3 Hedged Items in Fair Value Relationship Carrying Amount of Hedged Assets/(Liabilities) Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustments included in the Carrying Amount of the Hedged Assets/(Liabilities) March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, Available-for-Sale, at fair value $ 2,135,593 $ 1,928,220 $ (22,367 ) $ (22,853 ) Loans held for investment, at amortized cost 161,656 149,304 (44 ) (189 ) Notes Payable, due after one year (1)(2) (2,114,705 ) (1,552,935 ) 5,805 5,836 (1) Carrying amount represents amortized cost. (2) Includes $0.4 million of hedging adjustments on a discontinued hedging relationship. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, Farmer Mac's credit exposure to interest rate swap counterparties, excluding netting arrangements and any adjustment for nonperformance risk, but including accrued interest, was $59.5 million and $28.5 million , respectively; however, including netting arrangements and accrued interest, Farmer Mac's credit exposure was $1.6 million and $0.5 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. As of March 31, 2018 , Farmer Mac held no cash as collateral for its derivatives in net asset positions resulting in uncollateralized net asset positions of $1.6 million . As of December 31, 2017, Farmer Mac held no cash collateral for its derivatives in net asset positions, resulting in uncollateralized net asset positions of $0.5 million . As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, 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 $62.2 million and $58.2 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 $4.8 million and $28.0 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Farmer Mac posted cash of $0.4 million and $24.9 million of investment securities as of March 31, 2018 and posted cash of $0.1 million and $24.8 million investment securities as of December 31, 2017. 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 March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements or post additional collateral of none and $3.1 million , respectively. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, 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, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange ("CME"). Farmer Mac posts initial and variation margin to this clearinghouse 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 $9.7 billion notional amount of interest rate swaps outstanding as of March 31, 2018 , $8.6 billion were cleared through swap clearinghouses. Of Farmer Mac's $8.8 billion notional amount of interest rate swaps outstanding as of December 31, 2017, $7.9 billion were cleared through swap clearinghouses.

Loans and Allowance for Losses

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses and Concentration Risk Disclosure	LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOSSES Loans Farmer Mac classifies loans as either held for investment or held for sale. Loans held for investment are recorded at the unpaid principal balance, net of unamortized premium or discount and other cost adjustments. Loans held for sale are reported at the lower of cost or fair value determined on a pooled basis. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , Farmer Mac had no loans held for sale. The following table displays the composition of the loan balances as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : Table 5.1 As of March 31, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 Unsecuritized In Consolidated Trusts Total Unsecuritized In Consolidated Trusts Total (in thousands) Farm & Ranch $ 2,832,641 $ 1,441,718 $ 4,274,359 $ 2,798,906 $ 1,399,827 $ 4,198,733 Rural Utilities 1,043,477 — 1,043,477 1,076,291 — 1,076,291 Total unpaid principal balance (1) 3,876,118 1,441,718 5,317,836 3,875,197 1,399,827 5,275,024 Unamortized premiums, discounts and other cost basis adjustments (9,274 ) — (9,274 ) (1,442 ) — (1,442 ) Total loans 3,866,844 1,441,718 5,308,562 3,873,755 1,399,827 5,273,582 Allowance for loan losses (5,051 ) (1,314 ) (6,365 ) (5,493 ) (1,303 ) (6,796 ) Total loans, net of allowance $ 3,861,793 $ 1,440,404 $ 5,302,197 $ 3,868,262 $ 1,398,524 $ 5,266,786 (1) Unpaid principal balance is the basis of presentation in disclosures of outstanding balances for Farmer Mac's lines of business. Allowance for Losses Farm & Ranch 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). Farmer Mac's total allowance for losses was $8.5 million as of March 31, 2018 and $8.9 million as of December 31, 2017 . 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 months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017: Table 5.2 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 March 31, 2017 Allowance Reserve Total Allowance Reserve Total (in thousands) Beginning Balance $ 6,796 $ 2,070 $ 8,866 $ 5,415 $ 2,020 $ 7,435 (Release of)/provision for losses (431 ) 21 (410 ) 637 (193 ) 444 Charge-offs — — — (241 ) — (241 ) Ending Balance $ 6,365 $ 2,091 $ 8,456 $ 5,811 $ 1,827 $ 7,638 During first quarter 2018 , Farmer Mac recorded releases of its allowance for loan losses and provisions to its reserve for losses of $0.4 million and $21,000 , respectively. The net releases to the allowance for loan losses recorded during first quarter 2018 were primarily attributable to (1) paydowns or payoffs of loans with an existing allowance in amounts that exceeded the increase in the allowance associated with net volume growth in Farm & Ranch loans recorded in first quarter 2018, and (2) paydowns on existing substandard loans or an improvement in the risk ratings of certain substandard loans, which resulted in the reduction of the amount of substandard assets rated in the lowest credit quality tier. Farmer Mac recorded no charge-offs to its allowance for loan losses during first quarter 2018. During first quarter 2017, Farmer Mac recorded provisions to its allowance for loan losses of $0.6 million and releases to its reserve for losses of $0.2 million . The provisions to the allowance for loan losses recorded during first quarter 2017 were primarily attributable to an increase in the specific allowance for certain impaired on-balance sheet crop and permanent planting loans resulting from both an increase in the volume of such loans and downgrades in risk ratings on certain loans. The releases to the reserve for losses recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2017 were primarily attributable to (1) a decrease in the general reserve due to improvement in credit quality of certain Agricultural Storage and Processing loans and (2) a net decrease in the balance of loans underlying off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities. Farmer Mac recorded $0.2 million of charge-offs to its allowance for loan losses during first quarter 2017. The charge-offs recorded during the first quarter 2017 were primarily related to two impaired crop loans, with one borrower, that were foreclosed and transitioned to REO during first quarter 2017. Farmer Mac had previously recorded a specific allowance of $0.2 million on these impaired crop loans as of December 31, 2016. Subsequent to March 31, 2017, Farmer Mac sold the related properties for $5.7 million and recognized $0.5 million gain on sale of REO. The following tables present the changes in the total allowance for losses for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 by commodity type: Table 5.3 March 31, 2018 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 4,081 $ 2,469 $ 1,211 $ 481 $ 606 $ 18 $ 8,866 Provision for/(release of) losses (288 ) 10 25 (68 ) (84 ) (5 ) (410 ) Charge-offs — — — — — — — Ending Balance $ 3,793 $ 2,479 $ 1,236 $ 413 $ 522 $ 13 $ 8,456 March 31, 2017 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 3,365 $ 1,723 $ 1,375 $ 405 $ 533 $ 34 $ 7,435 Provision for/(release of) losses 425 147 17 (81 ) (61 ) (3 ) 444 Charge-offs (228 ) — (13 ) — — — (241 ) Ending Balance $ 3,562 $ 1,870 $ 1,379 $ 324 $ 472 $ 31 $ 7,638 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 March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : Table 5.4 As of March 31, 2018 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Ending Balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 2,366,184 $ 797,591 $ 659,997 $ 298,438 $ 10,926 $ 9,005 $ 4,142,141 Off-balance sheet 1,246,446 509,396 663,355 161,563 57,983 3,886 2,642,629 Total $ 3,612,630 $ 1,306,987 $ 1,323,352 $ 460,001 $ 68,909 $ 12,891 $ 6,784,770 Individually evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 58,314 $ 43,960 $ 21,206 $ 8,103 $ — $ 635 $ 132,218 Off-balance sheet 8,878 2,391 2,752 919 — 74 15,014 Total $ 67,192 $ 46,351 $ 23,958 $ 9,022 $ — $ 709 $ 147,232 Total Farm & Ranch loans: On-balance sheet $ 2,424,498 $ 841,551 $ 681,203 $ 306,541 $ 10,926 $ 9,640 $ 4,274,359 Off-balance sheet 1,255,324 511,787 666,107 162,482 57,983 3,960 2,657,643 Total $ 3,679,822 $ 1,353,338 $ 1,347,310 $ 469,023 $ 68,909 $ 13,600 $ 6,932,002 Allowance for Losses: Collectively evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 2,158 $ 980 $ 642 $ 245 $ 10 $ 6 $ 4,041 Off-balance sheet 614 272 258 46 512 5 1,707 Total $ 2,772 $ 1,252 $ 900 $ 291 $ 522 $ 11 $ 5,748 Individually evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 787 $ 1,169 $ 268 $ 100 $ — $ — $ 2,324 Off-balance sheet 234 58 68 22 — 2 384 Total $ 1,021 $ 1,227 $ 336 $ 122 $ — $ 2 $ 2,708 Total Farm & Ranch loans: On-balance sheet $ 2,945 $ 2,149 $ 910 $ 345 $ 10 $ 6 $ 6,365 Off-balance sheet 848 330 326 68 512 7 2,091 Total $ 3,793 $ 2,479 $ 1,236 $ 413 $ 522 $ 13 $ 8,456 As of December 31, 2017 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Ending Balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 2,344,821 $ 794,478 $ 635,768 $ 269,337 $ 13,023 $ 9,030 $ 4,066,457 Off-balance sheet 1,236,392 532,666 678,642 155,627 45,738 4,981 2,654,046 Total $ 3,581,213 $ 1,327,144 $ 1,314,410 $ 424,964 $ 58,761 $ 14,011 $ 6,720,503 Individually evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 67,828 $ 38,180 $ 17,766 $ 7,858 $ — $ 644 $ 132,276 Off-balance sheet 8,904 2,239 2,782 806 — 76 14,807 Total $ 76,732 $ 40,419 $ 20,548 $ 8,664 $ — $ 720 $ 147,083 Total Farm & Ranch loans: On-balance sheet $ 2,412,649 $ 832,658 $ 653,534 $ 277,195 $ 13,023 $ 9,674 $ 4,198,733 Off-balance sheet 1,245,296 534,905 681,424 156,433 45,738 5,057 2,668,853 Total $ 3,657,945 $ 1,367,563 $ 1,334,958 $ 433,628 $ 58,761 $ 14,731 $ 6,867,586 Allowance for Losses: Collectively evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 2,104 $ 1,101 $ 738 $ 287 $ 44 $ 11 $ 4,285 Off-balance sheet 546 305 231 48 562 5 1,697 Total $ 2,650 $ 1,406 $ 969 $ 335 $ 606 $ 16 $ 5,982 Individually evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 1,207 $ 1,006 $ 172 $ 126 $ — $ — $ 2,511 Off-balance sheet 224 57 70 20 — 2 373 Total $ 1,431 $ 1,063 $ 242 $ 146 $ — $ 2 $ 2,884 Total Farm & Ranch loans: On-balance sheet $ 3,311 $ 2,107 $ 910 $ 413 $ 44 $ 11 $ 6,796 Off-balance sheet 770 362 301 68 562 7 2,070 Total $ 4,081 $ 2,469 $ 1,211 $ 481 $ 606 $ 18 $ 8,866 The following tables present by commodity type the unpaid principal balances, recorded investment, and specific allowance for losses related to impaired loans and the recorded investment in loans on nonaccrual status as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : Table 5.5 As of March 31, 2018 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Impaired Loans: With no specific allowance: Recorded investment $ 18,940 $ 4,629 $ 8,090 $ 2,909 $ — $ 637 $ 35,205 Unpaid principal balance 18,902 4,620 8,074 2,904 — 635 35,135 With a specific allowance: Recorded investment (1) 48,367 41,809 15,910 6,128 — 74 112,288 Unpaid principal balance 48,290 41,731 15,884 6,118 — 74 112,097 Associated allowance 1,021 1,227 336 122 — 2 2,708 Total: Recorded investment 67,307 46,438 24,000 9,037 — 711 147,493 Unpaid principal balance 67,192 46,351 23,958 9,022 — 709 147,232 Associated allowance 1,021 1,227 336 122 — 2 2,708 Recorded investment of loans on nonaccrual status (2) $ 28,211 $ 24,870 $ 5,840 $ 5,391 $ — $ — $ 64,312 (1) Impairment analysis was performed in the aggregate in consideration of similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics on $109.9 million ( 75 percent ) of impaired loans as of March 31, 2018 , which resulted in a specific allowance of $2.3 million . (2) Includes $20.7 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. As of December 31, 2017 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Impaired Loans: With no specific allowance: Recorded investment $ 14,417 $ 3,272 $ 11,171 $ 1,953 $ — $ 644 $ 31,457 Unpaid principal balance 14,418 3,273 11,172 1,953 — 644 31,460 With a specific allowance: Recorded investment (1) 62,309 37,143 9,376 6,710 — 76 115,614 Unpaid principal balance 62,314 37,146 9,376 6,711 — 76 115,623 Associated allowance 1,431 1,063 242 146 — 2 2,884 Total: Recorded investment 76,726 40,415 20,547 8,663 — 720 147,071 Unpaid principal balance 76,732 40,419 20,548 8,664 — 720 147,083 Associated allowance 1,431 1,063 242 146 — 2 2,884 Recorded investment of loans on nonaccrual status (2) $ 27,630 $ 25,701 $ 5,333 $ 4,929 $ — $ — $ 63,593 (1) Impairment analysis was performed in the aggregate in consideration of similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics on $113.2 million ( 77 percent ) of impaired loans as of December 31, 2017 , which resulted in a specific allowance of $2.7 million . (2) Includes $15.7 million of loans that are less than 90 days delinquent but which have not met Farmer Mac's performance criteria for returning to accrual status. The following table presents by commodity type the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on impaired loans for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 : Table 5.6 March 31, 2018 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Average recorded investment in impaired loans $ 72,017 $ 43,427 $ 22,274 $ 8,850 $ — $ 716 $ 147,284 Income recognized on impaired loans 392 172 79 55 — — 698 March 31, 2017 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Average recorded investment in impaired loans $ 58,309 $ 31,806 $ 13,658 $ 8,248 $ — $ — $ 112,021 Income recognized on impaired loans 302 152 177 103 — — 734 For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, there were no troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs"). As of March 31, 2018 and 2017, there were no TDRs identified during the previous 12 months that were in default under the modified terms. The impact of TDRs on Farmer Mac's allowance for loan losses was immaterial for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. 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. The following tables present information related to Farmer Mac's acquisition of defaulted loans for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 and the outstanding balances and carrying amounts of all such loans as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017: Table 5.7 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 March 31, 2017 ($ in thousands) Unpaid principal balance at acquisition date: Loans underlying LTSPCs $ — $ 311 Loans underlying off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities (excluding AgVantage securities) 721 — Total unpaid principal balance at acquisition date 721 311 Contractually required payments receivable 730 311 Impairment recognized subsequent to acquisition — — Recovery/release of allowance for all outstanding acquired defaulted loans — 14 Number of defaulted loans purchased 4 3 As of March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Outstanding balance $ 19,453 $ 18,866 Carrying amount 18,097 17,691 Net credit losses and 90 -day delinquencies as of and for the periods indicated for loans held and loans underlying off-balance sheet securities representing interests in pools of eligible Farm & Ranch loans ("Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities") and LTSPCs are presented in the table below. As of March 31, 2018 , 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 (Recoveries)/Losses As of For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 March 31, 2018 March 31, 2017 (in thousands) On-balance sheet assets: Farm & Ranch: Loans $ 43,658 $ 47,881 $ 16 $ 246 Total on-balance sheet $ 43,658 $ 47,881 $ 16 $ 246 Off-balance sheet assets: Farm & Ranch: LTSPCs $ 3,902 $ 563 $ — $ — Total off-balance sheet $ 3,902 $ 563 $ — $ — Total $ 47,560 $ 48,444 $ 16 $ 246 (1) Includes loans and loans underlying off-balance sheet Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities and LTSPCs that are 90 days or more past due, in foreclosure, or in bankruptcy with at least one missed payment, excluding loans performing under either their original loan terms or a court-approved bankruptcy plan. Of the $43.7 million of on-balance sheet loans reported as 90 -day delinquencies as of March 31, 2018 , none were loans subject to "removal-of-account" provisions. Of the $47.9 million of on-balance sheet loans reported as 90 -day delinquencies as of December 31, 2017 , $0.3 million were loans subject to "removal-of-account" provisions. Credit Quality Indicators The following tables present credit quality indicators related to Farm & Ranch loans held and loans underlying LTSPCs and off-balance sheet Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : Table 5.9 As of March 31, 2018 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Credit risk profile by internally assigned grade (1) On-balance sheet: Acceptable $ 2,288,500 $ 774,771 $ 651,345 $ 294,534 $ 10,926 $ 9,005 $ 4,029,081 Special mention (2) 77,684 22,819 8,652 3,904 — — 113,059 Substandard (3) 58,314 43,961 21,206 8,103 — 635 132,219 Total on-balance sheet $ 2,424,498 $ 841,551 $ 681,203 $ 306,541 $ 10,926 $ 9,640 $ 4,274,359 Off-Balance Sheet: Acceptable $ 1,118,453 $ 450,299 $ 613,302 $ 158,157 $ 55,050 $ 3,218 $ 2,398,479 Special mention (2) 97,872 37,510 34,394 210 — 158 170,144 Substandard (3) 38,999 23,978 18,411 4,115 2,933 584 89,020 Total off-balance sheet $ 1,255,324 $ 511,787 $ 666,107 $ 162,482 $ 57,983 $ 3,960 $ 2,657,643 Total Ending Balance: Acceptable $ 3,406,953 $ 1,225,070 $ 1,264,647 $ 452,691 $ 65,976 $ 12,223 $ 6,427,560 Special mention (2) 175,556 60,329 43,046 4,114 — 158 283,203 Substandard (3) 97,313 67,939 39,617 12,218 2,933 1,219 221,239 Total $ 3,679,822 $ 1,353,338 $ 1,347,310 $ 469,023 $ 68,909 $ 13,600 $ 6,932,002 Commodity analysis of past due loans (1) On-balance sheet $ 24,385 $ 9,140 $ 6,020 $ 3,477 $ — $ 636 $ 43,658 Off-balance sheet 176 — 3,331 395 — — 3,902 90 days or more past due $ 24,561 $ 9,140 $ 9,351 $ 3,872 $ — $ 636 $ 47,560 (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, 2017 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Credit risk profile by internally assigned grade (1) On-balance sheet: Acceptable $ 2,274,912 $ 771,600 $ 617,527 $ 260,854 $ 13,023 $ 9,030 $ 3,946,946 Special mention (2) 70,063 22,878 18,405 8,483 — — 119,829 Substandard (3) 67,674 38,180 17,602 7,858 — 644 131,958 Total on-balance sheet $ 2,412,649 $ 832,658 $ 653,534 $ 277,195 $ 13,023 $ 9,674 $ 4,198,733 Off-Balance Sheet Acceptable $ 1,132,196 $ 478,573 $ 634,633 $ 150,906 $ 42,723 $ 4,294 $ 2,443,325 Special mention (2) 76,778 26,134 31,451 1,647 — 169 136,179 Substandard (3) 36,322 30,198 15,340 3,880 3,015 594 89,349 Total off-balance sheet $ 1,245,296 $ 534,905 $ 681,424 $ 156,433 $ 45,738 $ 5,057 $ 2,668,853 Total Ending Balance: Acceptable $ 3,407,108 $ 1,250,173 $ 1,252,160 $ 411,760 $ 55,746 $ 13,324 $ 6,390,271 Special mention (2) 146,841 49,012 49,856 10,130 — 169 256,008 Substandard (3) 103,996 68,378 32,942 11,738 3,015 1,238 221,307 Total $ 3,657,945 $ 1,367,563 $ 1,334,958 $ 433,628 $ 58,761 $ 14,731 $ 6,867,586 Commodity analysis of past due loans (1) On-balance sheet $ 21,702 $ 18,833 $ 3,835 $ 3,511 $ — $ — $ 47,881 Off-balance sheet 151 — — 412 — — 563 90 days or more past due $ 21,853 $ 18,833 $ 3,835 $ 3,923 $ — $ — $ 48,444 (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, the range of original loan-to-value ratios, and the range in the size of borrower exposure for all Farm & Ranch loans held and loans underlying off-balance sheet Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities and LTSPCs as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017: Table 5.10 As of March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 (in thousands) By commodity/collateral type: Crops $ 3,679,822 $ 3,657,945 Permanent plantings 1,353,338 1,367,563 Livestock 1,347,310 1,334,958 Part-time farm 469,023 433,628 Ag. Storage and Processing 68,909 58,761 Other 13,600 14,731 Total $ 6,932,002 $ 6,867,586 By geographic region (1) : Northwest $ 799,823 $ 740,991 Southwest 2,096,948 2,093,213 Mid-North 2,249,763 2,244,094 Mid-South 901,231 908,603 Northeast 300,731 296,264 Southeast 583,506 584,421 Total $ 6,932,002 $ 6,867,586 By original loan-to-value ratio (2) : 0.00% to 40.00% $ 1,328,529 $ 1,322,422 40.01% to 50.00% 1,717,932 1,733,671 50.01% to 60.00% 2,395,568 2,385,605 60.01% to 70.00% 1,195,017 1,150,914 70.01% to 80.00% 269,716 248,799 80.01% to 90.00% 25,240 26,175 Total $ 6,932,002 $ 6,867,586 By size of borrower exposure (3) : Less than $1,000,000 $ 2,404,191 $ 2,379,596 $1,000,000 to $4,999,999 2,663,554 2,627,617 $5,000,000 to $9,999,999 887,986 867,574 $10,000,000 to $24,999,999 571,315 584,896 $25,000,000 to $50,000,000 404,956 407,903 Total $ 6,932,002 $ 6,867,586 (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). (2) As of second quarter 2017, Farmer Mac revised its calculation of the original loan-to-value ratio of a loan to combine for any cross-collateralized loans: (i) the original loan principal balance amounts in the numerator and (ii) the original appraised property values in the denominator. In previous periods, the ratio was calculated on a loan-by-loan basis without considering the effects of any cross-collateralization. Prior period information has been reclassified to conform to the current period calculation and presentation. (3) Includes multiple loans to the same borrower or borrower-related entities. 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.

Guarantees and Long Term Standb

Guarantees and Long Term Standby Purchase Commitments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantees and Long Term Standby Purchase Commitments Disclosure	GUARANTEES AND LONG-TERM STANDBY PURCHASE COMMITMENTS Farmer Mac offers two credit enhancement alternatives to direct loan purchases that allow approved lenders the ability to retain the cash flow benefits of their loans and increase their liquidity and lending capacity: (1) Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, which are available through each of the Farm & Ranch, USDA Guarantees, Rural Utilities, and Institutional Credit lines of business, and (2) LTSPCs, which are available through the Farm & Ranch or the Rural Utilities lines of business. The following table presents the maximum principal amount of potential undiscounted future payments that Farmer Mac could be required to make under all off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, not including offsets provided by any recourse provisions, recoveries from third parties, or collateral for the underlying loans: Table 6.1 Outstanding Balance of Off-Balance Sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities As of March 31, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Farm & Ranch: Guaranteed Securities $ 314,497 $ 333,511 USDA Guarantees: Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 284,435 254,217 Institutional Credit: AgVantage Securities 11,556 11,556 Revolving floating rate AgVantage facility (1) 300,000 300,000 Total off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities $ 910,488 $ 899,284 (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 Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 March 31, 2017 (in thousands) Proceeds from new securitizations $ 131,202 $ 149,607 Guarantee fees received 546 488 Purchases of assets from the trusts (721 ) — 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 $3.4 million as of March 31, 2018 and $3.6 million as of December 31, 2017. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the weighted-average remaining maturity of all loans underlying off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, excluding AgVantage securities, was 9.9 years and 10.0 years , respectively. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the weighted-average remaining maturity of the off-balance sheet AgVantage securities was 0.6 years and 0.8 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. 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 $3.0 billion and $3.1 billion as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the weighted-average remaining maturity of all loans underlying LTSPCs was 15.2 years and 15.3 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 $35.1 million as of March 31, 2018 and $34.8 million as of December 31, 2017.

Equity

Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Equity Disclosure	EQUITY Common Stock For the first quarter 2018, Farmer Mac paid a quarterly dividend of $0.58 per share on all classes of its common stock. For each quarter in 2017, Farmer Mac paid a quarterly dividend of $0.36 per share on all classes of its common stock. In August 2017, Farmer Mac's board of directors approved the continuation of the share repurchase program on its existing terms through August 2019 for the repurchase of up to $5.4 million of Farmer Mac's outstanding Class C non-voting common stock, which is the amount that was remaining under the share repurchase program originally authorized in third quarter 2015. 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 the Farm Credit Administration ("FCA"), an independent agency in the executive branch of the United States government that regulates Farmer Mac, 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 both March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, 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 March 31, 2018 , Farmer Mac's minimum capital requirement was $536.3 million and its core capital level was $673.2 million , which was $136.9 million above the minimum capital requirement as of that date. As of December 31, 2017, Farmer Mac's minimum capital requirement was $520.3 million and its core capital level was $657.1 million , which was $136.8 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, and qualifying preferred stock) 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosure	FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES As of March 31, 2018 , Farmer Mac's assets and liabilities recorded at fair value included financial instruments valued at $5.9 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 32 percent of total assets and 73 percent of financial instruments measured at fair value as of March 31, 2018 . As of December 31, 2017, Farmer Mac's assets and liabilities recorded at fair value included financial instruments valued at $5.5 billion whose fair values were estimated by management in the absence of readily determinable fair values. These financial instruments measured as level 3 represented 31 percent of total assets and 71 percent of financial instruments measured at fair value as of December 31, 2017. 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. During the first three months of 2018 there were no transfers within fair value hierarchy for fair value measurements of Farmer Mac's investment securities, Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, USDA Securities, and financial derivatives. During the first three months of 2017 there was one transfer within fair value hierarchy from Level 2 to Level 3 for the fair value measurement of a fixed-rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed security (interest-only strip). The transfer to Level 3 was because unobservable inputs became significant to the overall estimate of the fair value of the security as of March 31, 2017. The following tables present information about Farmer Mac's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques used by Farmer Mac to determine such fair value: Table 8.1 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value as of March 31, 2018 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 $ — $ — $ 19,010 $ 19,010 Floating rate asset-backed securities — 32,813 — 32,813 Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities — 1,307,676 — 1,307,676 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities — 465 4,120 4,585 Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 829,268 — — 829,268 Total Investment Securities 829,268 1,340,954 23,130 2,193,352 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage — — 5,839,387 5,839,387 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities — — 5,839,387 5,839,387 USDA Securities: Trading — — 11,558 11,558 Total USDA Securities — — 11,558 11,558 Financial derivatives — 5,142 — 5,142 Total Assets at fair value $ 829,268 $ 1,346,096 $ 5,874,075 $ 8,049,439 Liabilities: Financial derivatives $ 366 $ 22,204 $ — $ 22,570 Total Liabilities at fair value $ 366 $ 22,204 $ — $ 22,570 Non-recurring: Assets: Loans held for investment $ — $ — $ 343 $ 343 Total Non-recurring Assets at fair value $ — $ — $ 343 $ 343 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value as of December 31, 2017 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 $ — $ — $ 18,814 $ 18,814 Floating rate asset-backed securities — 34,210 — 34,210 Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities — 1,290,187 — 1,290,187 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities — 486 4,333 4,819 Fixed rate senior agency debt — 99,951 — 99,951 Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 767,424 — — 767,424 Total available-for-sale 767,424 1,424,834 23,147 2,215,405 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage — — 5,471,914 5,471,914 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities — — 5,471,914 5,471,914 USDA Securities: Trading — — 13,515 13,515 Total USDA Securities — — 13,515 13,515 Financial derivatives — 7,093 — 7,093 Total Assets at fair value $ 767,424 $ 1,431,927 $ 5,508,576 $ 7,707,927 Liabilities: Financial derivatives $ 36 $ 26,563 $ — $ 26,599 Total Liabilities at fair value $ 36 $ 26,563 $ — $ 26,599 Non-recurring: Assets: Loans held for investment $ — $ — $ 508 $ 508 Total Non-recurring Assets at fair value $ — $ — $ 508 $ 508 The following tables present additional information about assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which Farmer Mac has used significant unobservable inputs to determine fair value. Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 are based on the fair values of the assets and liabilities as of the beginning of the reporting period. There were no liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. Table 8.2 Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Beginning Cumulative Effect from Change in Hedge Accounting 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 $ 18,814 — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 196 $ 19,010 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 4,333 — — — (109 ) — (104 ) 4,120 Total available-for-sale 23,147 — — — (109 ) — 92 23,130 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 5,471,914 487 655,447 — (290,268 ) (18,948 ) 20,755 5,839,387 Total available-for-sale 5,471,914 487 655,447 — (290,268 ) (18,948 ) 20,755 5,839,387 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale — — 34,293 (34,293 ) — — — — Trading (1) 13,515 — — — (1,973 ) 16 — 11,558 Total USDA Securities 13,515 — 34,293 (34,293 ) (1,973 ) 16 — 11,558 Total Assets at fair value $ 5,508,576 $ 487 $ 689,740 $ (34,293 ) $ (292,350 ) $ (18,932 ) $ 20,847 $ 5,874,075 (1) Includes unrealized gains of $0.1 million attributable to assets still held as of March 31, 2018 that are recorded in " Gains/(losses) on trading securities ." Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Beginning Transfers in Purchases Sales Settlements Realized and Unrealized Gains/(losses) included in Other Ending (in thousands) Recurring: Assets: Investment Securities: Available-for-sale: Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans $ 17,730 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 394 $ 18,124 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities $ — $ 7,041 $ — $ — $ (112 ) $ — $ (2,110 ) $ 4,819 Total available-for-sale 17,730 7,041 — — (112 ) — (1,716 ) 22,943 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 4,853,685 — 539,527 — (161,907 ) (3,215 ) 14,956 5,243,046 Total available-for-sale 4,853,685 — 539,527 — (161,907 ) (3,215 ) 14,956 5,243,046 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale — — 32,589 (32,589 ) — — — — Trading (1) 20,388 — — — (1,704 ) (82 ) — 18,602 Total USDA Securities 20,388 — 32,589 (32,589 ) (1,704 ) (82 ) — 18,602 Total Assets at fair value $ 4,891,803 $ 7,041 $ 572,116 $ (32,589 ) $ (163,723 ) $ (3,297 ) $ 13,240 $ 5,284,591 (1) Includes unrealized losses of $44,000 attributable to assets still held as of March 31, 2017 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 March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Table 8.3 As of March 31, 2018 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 $ 19,010 Indicative bids Range of broker quotes 96.5% - 96.5% (96.5%) Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities $ 4,120 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 3.1% CPR 0 % Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: AgVantage $ 5,839,387 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 2.4% - 3.8% (2.7%) USDA Securities $ 11,558 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 3.2% - 5.3% (5.0%) CPR 7% - 18% (16%) As of December 31, 2017 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 $ 18,814 Indicative bids Range of broker quotes 95.5% - 95.5% (95.5%) Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities $ 4,333 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 2.9% CPR —% Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: AgVantage $ 5,471,914 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 2.1% - 3.4% (2.4%) USDA Securities $ 13,515 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 3.6% - 5.4% (5.0%) CPR 7% - 19% (17%) The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities are prepayment rates and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved. Typically, significant increases (decreases) in any of these inputs in isolation may result in materially lower (higher) fair value measurements. Generally, in a rising interest rate environment, Farmer Mac would expect average discount rates to increase and would likely expect a corresponding decrease in forecasted prepayment rates. Conversely, in a declining interest rate environment, Farmer Mac would expect average discount rates to decrease and would likely expect a corresponding increase in forecasted prepayment rates. Prepayment rates are not presented in the table above for AgVantage securities because they generally do not pay down principal based on amortization schedules but instead typically have fixed maturity dates when the secured general obligations are due. Disclosures on Fair Value of Financial Instruments The following table sets forth the estimated fair values and carrying values for financial assets, liabilities, and guarantees and commitments as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017: Table 8.4 As of March 31, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 Fair Value Carrying Fair Value Carrying (in thousands) Financial assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 493,258 $ 493,258 $ 302,022 $ 302,022 Investment securities 2,239,715 2,238,384 2,260,969 2,260,437 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 8,006,115 8,021,430 7,588,806 7,598,188 USDA Securities 2,087,775 2,139,327 2,076,396 2,131,365 Loans 5,341,228 5,302,197 5,279,225 5,266,786 Financial derivatives 5,142 5,142 7,093 7,093 Guarantee and commitment fees receivable: LTSPCs 36,558 36,035 33,871 35,718 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 4,058 3,962 4,323 4,177 Financial liabilities: Notes payable: Due within one year 7,885,414 7,896,359 8,079,309 8,089,826 Due after one year 8,095,285 8,127,594 7,445,545 7,432,790 Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties 1,431,475 1,463,653 1,386,652 1,404,945 Financial derivatives 22,570 22,570 26,599 26,599 Guarantee and commitment obligations: LTSPCs 35,623 35,099 32,976 34,824 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 3,485 3,388 3,722 3,576 The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of their approximate fair value and is classified as Level 1. Investment securities primarily are valued based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are classified as Level 2. Farmer Mac internally models the fair value of its loan portfolio, including 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. Financial derivatives primarily are valued using unadjusted counterparty valuations and are classified as Level 2. 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. 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. Because the cash flows of Farmer Mac's financial instruments may be interest rate path dependent, estimated fair values and projected discount rates for Level 3 financial instruments are derived using a Monte Carlo simulation model. Different market assumptions and estimation methodologies could significantly affect estimated fair value amounts.

Business Segment Reporting

Business Segment Reporting	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	BUSINESS SEGMENT REPORTING The following tables present core earnings for Farmer Mac's operating segments and a reconciliation to consolidated net income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 : Table 9.1 Core Earnings by Business Segment For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Utilities Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 14,941 $ 5,070 $ 2,537 $ 17,832 $ 2,849 $ — $ 43,229 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3)(4) (2,401 ) (670 ) 413 (3,008 ) (462 ) 6,128 — Net effective spread 12,540 4,400 2,950 14,824 2,387 6,128 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 4,378 166 449 90 — (1,584 ) 3,499 Other income/(expense) (3) 557 5 5 — (139 ) (3,688 ) (3,260 ) Non-interest income/(loss) 4,935 171 454 90 (139 ) (5,272 ) 239 Provision for loan losses 431 — — — — — 431 Provision for reserve for losses (21 ) — — — — — (21 ) Other non-interest expense (4,520 ) (1,193 ) (673 ) (1,846 ) (3,389 ) — (11,621 ) Non-interest expense (5) (4,541 ) (1,193 ) (673 ) (1,846 ) (3,389 ) — (11,642 ) Core earnings before income taxes 13,365 3,378 2,731 13,068 (1,141 ) 856 (6) 32,257 Income tax (expense)/benefit (2,807 ) (709 ) (574 ) (2,744 ) 575 (179 ) (6,438 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest 10,558 2,669 2,157 10,324 (566 ) 677 (6) 25,819 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (3,295 ) — (3,295 ) Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 10,558 $ 2,669 $ 2,157 $ 10,324 $ (3,861 ) $ 677 (6) $ 22,524 Total assets at carrying value $ 4,306,960 $ 2,195,714 $ 1,043,335 $ 8,066,231 $ 2,784,996 $ — $ 18,397,236 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 6,932,002 $ 2,391,739 $ 1,729,797 $ 8,325,905 — — $ 19,379,443 (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) Effective in fourth quarter 2017, Farmer Mac revised its methodology for calculating net effective spread, a component of core earnings, to also include the net effects of gains/(losses) due to terminations or net settlements on financial derivatives and hedging activities. All prior period information has been recast to reflect the revised methodology. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Use of Non-GAAP Measures—Net Effective Spread." (5) Includes directly attributable costs and an allocation of indirectly attributable costs based on employee 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 March 31, 2017 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Adjustments Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 12,754 $ 5,283 $ 2,948 $ 13,502 $ 2,584 $ — $ 37,071 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3)(4) (2,243 ) (722 ) (380 ) (887 ) (313 ) 4,545 — Net effective spread 10,511 4,561 2,568 12,615 2,271 4,545 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 4,295 74 492 455 — (1,472 ) 3,844 Other income/(expense) (3)(5) 194 14 5 — 267 2,472 2,952 Non-interest income/(loss) 4,489 88 497 455 267 1,000 6,796 Provision for loan losses (637 ) — — — — — (637 ) Provision for reserve for losses 193 — — — — — 193 Other non-interest expense (4,065 ) (1,087 ) (587 ) (1,521 ) (3,482 ) — (10,742 ) Non-interest expense (6) (3,872 ) (1,087 ) (587 ) (1,521 ) (3,482 ) — (10,549 ) Core earnings before income taxes 10,491 3,562 2,478 11,549 (944 ) 5,545 (7) 32,681 Income tax (expense)/benefit (3,672 ) (1,247 ) (867 ) (4,042 ) 984 (1,942 ) (10,786 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest 6,819 2,315 1,611 7,507 40 3,603 (7) 21,895 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (3,295 ) — (3,295 ) Non-controlling interest — — — — 15 — 15 Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 6,819 $ 2,315 $ 1,611 $ 7,507 $ (3,240 ) $ 3,603 (7) $ 18,615 Total assets at carrying value $ 3,693,360 $ 2,109,264 $ 1,005,187 $ 6,315,591 $ 2,808,355 $ — $ 15,931,757 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance 6,240,467 2,149,697 1,868,794 7,585,583 — — $ 17,844,541 (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) Effective in fourth quarter 2017, Farmer Mac revised its methodology for calculating net effective spread, a component of core earnings, to also include the net effects of gains/(losses) due to terminations or net settlements on financial derivatives and hedging activities. All prior period information has been recast to reflect the revised methodology. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Use of Non-GAAP Measures—Net Effective Spread." (5) 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. (6) Includes directly attributable costs and an allocation of indirectly attributable costs based on employee headcount. (7) 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.
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Table 9.1 Core Earnings by Business Segment For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Utilities Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 14,941 $ 5,070 $ 2,537 $ 17,832 $ 2,849 $ — $ 43,229 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3)(4) (2,401 ) (670 ) 413 (3,008 ) (462 ) 6,128 — Net effective spread 12,540 4,400 2,950 14,824 2,387 6,128 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 4,378 166 449 90 — (1,584 ) 3,499 Other income/(expense) (3) 557 5 5 — (139 ) (3,688 ) (3,260 ) Non-interest income/(loss) 4,935 171 454 90 (139 ) (5,272 ) 239 Provision for loan losses 431 — — — — — 431 Provision for reserve for losses (21 ) — — — — — (21 ) Other non-interest expense (4,520 ) (1,193 ) (673 ) (1,846 ) (3,389 ) — (11,621 ) Non-interest expense (5) (4,541 ) (1,193 ) (673 ) (1,846 ) (3,389 ) — (11,642 ) Core earnings before income taxes 13,365 3,378 2,731 13,068 (1,141 ) 856 (6) 32,257 Income tax (expense)/benefit (2,807 ) (709 ) (574 ) (2,744 ) 575 (179 ) (6,438 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest 10,558 2,669 2,157 10,324 (566 ) 677 (6) 25,819 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (3,295 ) — (3,295 ) Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 10,558 $ 2,669 $ 2,157 $ 10,324 $ (3,861 ) $ 677 (6) $ 22,524 Total assets at carrying value $ 4,306,960 $ 2,195,714 $ 1,043,335 $ 8,066,231 $ 2,784,996 $ — $ 18,397,236 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 6,932,002 $ 2,391,739 $ 1,729,797 $ 8,325,905 — — $ 19,379,443 (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) Effective in fourth quarter 2017, Farmer Mac revised its methodology for calculating net effective spread, a component of core earnings, to also include the net effects of gains/(losses) due to terminations or net settlements on financial derivatives and hedging activities. All prior period information has been recast to reflect the revised methodology. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Use of Non-GAAP Measures—Net Effective Spread." (5) Includes directly attributable costs and an allocation of indirectly attributable costs based on employee 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 March 31, 2017 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Adjustments Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 12,754 $ 5,283 $ 2,948 $ 13,502 $ 2,584 $ — $ 37,071 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3)(4) (2,243 ) (722 ) (380 ) (887 ) (313 ) 4,545 — Net effective spread 10,511 4,561 2,568 12,615 2,271 4,545 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 4,295 74 492 455 — (1,472 ) 3,844 Other income/(expense) (3)(5) 194 14 5 — 267 2,472 2,952 Non-interest income/(loss) 4,489 88 497 455 267 1,000 6,796 Provision for loan losses (637 ) — — — — — (637 ) Provision for reserve for losses 193 — — — — — 193 Other non-interest expense (4,065 ) (1,087 ) (587 ) (1,521 ) (3,482 ) — (10,742 ) Non-interest expense (6) (3,872 ) (1,087 ) (587 ) (1,521 ) (3,482 ) — (10,549 ) Core earnings before income taxes 10,491 3,562 2,478 11,549 (944 ) 5,545 (7) 32,681 Income tax (expense)/benefit (3,672 ) (1,247 ) (867 ) (4,042 ) 984 (1,942 ) (10,786 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest 6,819 2,315 1,611 7,507 40 3,603 (7) 21,895 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (3,295 ) — (3,295 ) Non-controlling interest — — — — 15 — 15 Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 6,819 $ 2,315 $ 1,611 $ 7,507 $ (3,240 ) $ 3,603 (7) $ 18,615 Total assets at carrying value $ 3,693,360 $ 2,109,264 $ 1,005,187 $ 6,315,591 $ 2,808,355 $ — $ 15,931,757 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance 6,240,467 2,149,697 1,868,794 7,585,583 — — $ 17,844,541 (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) Effective in fourth quarter 2017, Farmer Mac revised its methodology for calculating net effective spread, a component of core earnings, to also include the net effects of gains/(losses) due to terminations or net settlements on financial derivatives and hedging activities. All prior period information has been recast to reflect the revised methodology. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Use of Non-GAAP Measures—Net Effective Spread." (5) 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. (6) Includes directly attributable costs and an allocation of indirectly attributable costs based on employee headcount. (7) 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.

Income Taxes - INCOME TAXES

Income Taxes - INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	INCOME TAXES As a result of the changes to the U.S. tax code resulting from legislation enacted in December 2017, Farmer Mac's effective tax rate decreased from 35.5 percent for the year ended December 31, 2017 to 20.0 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The effective tax rate was lower than the statutory corporate tax rate in first quarter 2018 due to net tax benefits recognized related to exercises of share-based compensation awards during first quarter 2018.

Accounting Policies - Accounti

Accounting Policies - Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Account Policies	1. 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, 2017 consolidated balance sheet presented in this report has been derived from Farmer Mac's audited 2017 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 2017 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, 2017 filed with the SEC on March 8, 2018. Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of those that may be expected for the fiscal year. Presented below are Farmer Mac's significant accounting policies that contain updated information for the three months ended March 31, 2018. P
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 June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("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 developing its accounting policy, planning for changes to its loss estimation methodologies and evaluating the impact that the new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. That impact will primarily be from the new requirement to recognize all expected losses rather than just incurred losses as of the reporting date. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, " Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities, " which shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium by requiring the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The ASU does not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. 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 first quarter 2018 Farmer Mac adopted ASU 2017-12, " Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities," which amends hedge accounting recognition and presentation requirements to better align a reporting entity's risk management activities and hedge accounting. The new guidance reduces the complexity and simplifies the application of hedge accounting by eliminating the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and by requiring the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item. The cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018 reflected application of the new guidance and did not have a material effect on Farmer Mac's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain reclassifications of prior period information were made to conform to the current period presentation.

Accounting Policies - Accoun19

Accounting Policies - Accounting Policies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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 March 31, 2018 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 $ 1,441,718 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 1,441,718 Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties (1) 1,463,653 — — — — 1,463,653 Unconsolidated VIEs: Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Carrying value (2) — 29,900 — — — 29,900 Maximum exposure to loss (3) — 29,596 — — — 29,596 Investment securities: Carrying value (4) — — — — 837,840 837,840 Maximum exposure to loss (3) (4) — — — — 835,202 835,202 Off-Balance Sheet: Unconsolidated VIEs: Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Maximum exposure to loss (3) (5) 314,497 284,435 — — — 598,932 (1) Includes borrower remittances of $21.9 million . The borrower remittances had not been passed through to third party investors as of March 31, 2018 . (2) Includes $0.3 million of unamortized premiums and discounts and fair value adjustments related to the USDA Guarantees line of business. (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, 2017 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 $ 1,399,827 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 1,399,827 Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties (1) 1,404,945 — — — — 1,404,945 Unconsolidated VIEs: Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Carrying value (2) — 30,300 — — — 30,300 Maximum exposure to loss (3) — 29,980 — — — 29,980 Investment securities: Carrying value (4) — — — — 783,964 783,964 Maximum exposure to loss (3) (4) — — — — 783,916 783,916 Off-Balance Sheet: Unconsolidated VIEs: Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Maximum exposure to loss (3) (5) 333,511 254,217 — — — 587,728 (1) Includes borrower remittances of $5.1 million , which have not been passed through to third party investors as of December 31, 2017. (2) Includes $0.3 million of unamortized premiums and discounts and fair value adjustments related to the USDA Guarantees line of business. (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 cash and non-cash transactions for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017: Table 1.2 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 March 31, 2017 (in thousands) Non-cash activity: Real estate owned acquired through loan liquidation — 4,630 Loans acquired and securitized as Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 131,202 149,607 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 96,909 117,018 Purchases of securities - traded not yet settled 5,640 —
Earnings Per Common Share	The following schedule reconciles basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017: Table 1.3 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 March 31, 2017 Net Weighted-Average Shares $ per Net Weighted-Average Shares $ per (in thousands, except per share amounts) Basic EPS Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 22,524 10,622 $ 2.12 $ 18,615 10,551 $ 1.76 Effect of dilutive securities (1) Stock options, SARs and restricted stock — 119 (0.02 ) — 231 (0.03 ) Diluted EPS $ 22,524 10,741 $ 2.10 $ 18,615 10,782 $ 1.73 (1) For the three months ended March 31, 2018, 25,062 SARs were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because they were anti-dilutive, compared to 50,757 stock options and SARs for the three months ended March 31, 2017. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, contingent shares of non-vested restricted stock of 13,138 and 32,892 , 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]	Table 1.4 As of March 31, 2018 As of March 31, 2017 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: Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ (1,676 ) $ 48,236 $ 4,525 $ 51,085 $ (14,387 ) $ 45,752 $ 2,393 $ 33,758 Cumulative effect from change in hedge accounting — — 27 27 — — — — Balance as of January 1, 2018 (1,676 ) 48,236 4,552 51,112 (14,387 ) 45,752 2,393 33,758 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 18,187 — 5,053 23,240 12,223 — 76 12,299 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (1,417 ) (1,035 ) 211 (2,241 ) (2,578 ) (2,267 ) 332 (4,513 ) Net comprehensive income/(loss) 16,770 (1,035 ) 5,264 20,999 9,645 (2,267 ) 408 7,786 Ending Balance $ 15,094 $ 47,201 $ 9,816 $ 72,111 $ (4,742 ) $ 43,485 $ 2,801 $ 41,544
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 months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017: Table 1.5 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 March 31, 2017 Before Tax Provision (Benefit) After Tax Before Tax Provision (Benefit) After Tax (in thousands) Other comprehensive income: Available-for-sale-securities: Unrealized holding gains/(losses) on available-for-sale-securities $ 23,022 $ 4,835 $ 18,187 $ 18,804 $ 6,581 $ 12,223 Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net Interest Income (1) (1,787 ) (375 ) (1,412 ) — — — Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives and hedging activities (1) — — — (3,959 ) (1,386 ) (2,573 ) Other income (2) (7 ) (2 ) (5 ) (7 ) (2 ) (5 ) Total $ 21,228 $ 4,458 $ 16,770 $ 14,838 $ 5,193 $ 9,645 Held-to-maturity securities: Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net interest income (3) (1,310 ) (275 ) (1,035 ) (3,487 ) (1,220 ) (2,267 ) Total $ (1,310 ) $ (275 ) $ (1,035 ) $ (3,487 ) $ (1,220 ) $ (2,267 ) Cash flow hedges Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges $ 6,396 $ 1,343 $ 5,053 $ 117 $ 41 $ 76 Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net interest income (4) 267 56 211 512 180 332 Total $ 6,663 $ 1,399 $ 5,264 $ 629 $ 221 $ 408 Other comprehensive income/(loss) $ 26,581 $ 5,582 $ 20,999 $ 11,980 $ 4,194 $ 7,786 (1) Relates to the amortization of unrealized gains on hedged items prior to the application of fair value hedge accounting. (2) Represents amortization of deferred gains related to certain available-for-sale USDA Securities and Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities. (3) Relates to the amortization of unrealized gains or losses prior to the reclassification of these securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity. The amortization of unrealized gains or losses reported in AOCI for held-to-maturity securities will be offset by the amortization of the premium or discount created from the transfer into held-to-maturity securities, which occurred at fair value. These unrealized gains or losses will be recorded over the remaining life of the security with no impact on future net income. (4) Relates to the recognition of unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges recorded in AOCI.

Investment Securities - Invest

Investment Securities - Investment Securities (Tables) - Investment Securities [Member]	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Marketable Securities [Table Text Block]	The following tables set forth information about Farmer Mac's investment securities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017: Table 2.1 As of March 31, 2018 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 $ — $ (690 ) $ 19,010 Floating rate asset-backed securities 33,060 (143 ) 32,917 24 (128 ) 32,813 Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 1,305,939 2,053 1,307,992 1,567 (1,883 ) 1,307,676 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities (1) 435 2,029 2,464 2,121 — 4,585 Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 833,912 (2,564 ) 831,348 — (2,080 ) 829,268 Total available-for-sale 2,193,046 1,375 2,194,421 3,712 (4,781 ) 2,193,352 Held-to-maturity: Fixed rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 45,032 — 45,032 1,331 — 46,363 Total investment securities $ 2,238,078 $ 1,375 $ 2,239,453 $ 5,043 $ (4,781 ) $ 2,239,715 (1) Fair value includes $4.1 million of an interest-only security with a notional amount of $143.1 million . As of December 31, 2017 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 $ — $ (886 ) $ 18,814 Floating rate asset-backed securities 34,462 (154 ) 34,308 22 (120 ) 34,210 Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 1,289,123 2,217 1,291,340 2,215 (3,368 ) 1,290,187 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities (1) 451 2,138 2,589 2,230 — 4,819 Fixed rate senior agency debt 100,000 — 100,000 — (49 ) 99,951 Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 770,852 (1,836 ) 769,016 — (1,592 ) 767,424 Total available-for-sale 2,214,588 2,365 2,216,953 4,467 (6,015 ) 2,215,405 Held-to-maturity: Fixed rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 45,032 — 45,032 532 — 45,564 Total investment securities $ 2,259,620 $ 2,365 $ 2,261,985 $ 4,999 $ (6,015 ) $ 2,260,969 (1) Fair value includes $4.3 million of an interest-only security with a notional amount of $143.7 million .
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, unrealized losses on available-for-sale investment securities were as follows: Table 2.2 As of March 31, 2018 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 $ — $ — $ 19,010 $ (690 ) Floating rate asset-backed securities — — 22,114 (128 ) Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 383,636 (703 ) 188,940 (1,180 ) Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 819,271 (2,077 ) 9,996 (3 ) Fixed rate senior agency debt — — — — Total $ 1,202,907 $ (2,780 ) $ 240,060 $ (2,001 ) As of December 31, 2017 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 $ — $ — $ 18,814 $ (886 ) Floating rate asset-backed securities — — 23,145 (120 ) Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 292,522 (2,337 ) 221,641 (1,031 ) Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 742,442 (1,572 ) 24,983 (20 ) Fixed rate senior agency debt — — 99,951 (49 ) Total $ 1,034,964 $ (3,909 ) $ 388,534 $ (2,106 ) The unrealized losses presented above are principally due to a general widening of market spreads and an increase in the levels of interest rates from the dates of acquisition to March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, as applicable. The resulting decrease in fair values reflects an increase in the perceived risk by the financial markets related to those securities. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , 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+." The unrealized losses were on 104 and 91 individual investment securities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. As of March 31, 2018 , 45 of the securities in loss positions had been in loss positions for more than 12 months and had a total unrealized loss of $2.0 million . As of December 31, 2017 , 51 of the securities in loss positions had been in loss positions for more than 12 months and had a total unrealized loss of $2.1 million . Securities in unrealized loss positions for 12 months or longer have a fair value as of March 31, 2018 that is, on average, approximately 99.2 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 are other-than-temporary impairment as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]	As of March 31, 2018 , Farmer Mac owned $45.0 million of held-to-maturity investment securities at amortized cost with a fair value of $46.4 million and a weighted average yield of 2.8 percent . As of December 31, 2017, Farmer Mac owned $45.0 million of held-to-maturity investment securities at amortized cost with a fair value of $45.6 million and a weighted average yield of 2.5 percent . Farmer Mac did not own any trading investment securities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The amortized cost, fair value, and weighted-average yield of available-for-sale investment securities by remaining contractual maturity as of March 31, 2018 are set forth below. Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities are included based on their final maturities, although the actual maturities may differ due to prepayments of the underlying assets. Table 2.3 As of March 31, 2018 Available-for-Sale Securities Amortized Fair Value Weighted- (dollars in thousands) Due within one year $ 716,640 $ 715,000 1.09% Due after one year through five years 358,743 358,688 1.83% Due after five years through ten years 402,603 405,264 2.06% Due after ten years 716,435 714,400 2.19% Total $ 2,194,421 $ 2,193,352 1.75%

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securit21

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities (Tables) - Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member]	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Marketable Securities [Table Text Block]	The following tables set forth information about on-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017: Table 3.1 As of March 31, 2018 Unpaid Principal Balance Unamortized Premium/(Discount) Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Value (in thousands) Held-to-maturity: AgVantage $ 2,152,618 $ (475 ) $ 2,152,143 $ 534 $ (16,265 ) $ 2,136,412 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 29,596 304 29,900 422 (6 ) 30,316 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 2,182,214 (171 ) 2,182,043 956 (16,271 ) 2,166,728 USDA Securities 2,066,645 61,124 2,127,769 740 (52,293 ) 2,076,216 Total held-to-maturity $ 4,248,859 $ 60,953 $ 4,309,812 $ 1,696 $ (68,564 ) $ 4,242,944 Available-for-sale: AgVantage $ 5,861,731 $ (165 ) $ 5,861,566 $ 22,731 $ (44,910 ) $ 5,839,387 Trading: USDA Securities $ 11,063 $ 852 $ 11,915 $ 38 $ (395 ) $ 11,558 As of December 31, 2017 Unpaid Principal Balance Unamortized Premium/(Discount) Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Value (in thousands) Held-to-maturity: AgVantage $ 2,096,754 $ (779 ) $ 2,095,975 $ 2,011 $ (11,429 ) $ 2,086,557 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 29,980 319 30,299 108 (73 ) 30,334 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 2,126,734 (460 ) 2,126,274 2,119 (11,502 ) 2,116,891 USDA Securities 2,055,050 62,800 2,117,850 — (54,969 ) 2,062,881 Total held-to-maturity $ 4,181,784 $ 62,340 $ 4,244,124 $ 2,119 $ (66,471 ) $ 4,179,772 Available-for-sale: AgVantage $ 5,496,569 $ (182 ) $ 5,496,387 $ 21,838 $ (46,311 ) $ 5,471,914 Trading: USDA Securities $ 12,966 $ 922 $ 13,888 $ 28 $ (401 ) $ 13,515
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	As of March 31, 2018 and December 31,2017, unrealized losses on held-to-maturity and available-for-sale on-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities were as follows: Table 3.2 As of March 31, 2018 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 $ 1,548,488 $ (12,933 ) $ 351,667 $ (3,332 ) Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities — — — (6 ) USDA Securities — — 2,010,713 (52,293 ) Total held-to-maturity $ 1,548,488 $ (12,933 ) $ 2,362,380 $ (55,631 ) Available-for-sale: AgVantage $ 1,031,980 $ (12,371 ) $ 1,722,350 $ (32,539 ) As of December 31, 2017 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 $ 1,304,160 $ (8,094 ) $ 351,664 $ (3,335 ) Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 24,721 (73 ) — — USDA Securities 451 (2 ) 2,062,429 (54,967 ) Total held-to-maturity $ 1,329,332 $ (8,169 ) $ 2,414,093 $ (58,302 ) Available-for-sale: AgVantage $ 1,273,965 $ (8,819 ) $ 1,759,377 $ (37,492 ) The unrealized losses presented above are principally due to higher interest rates from the date of acquisition to March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, as applicable. In addition, the unrealized losses on the held-to-maturity USDA Securities as of both March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 reflect their increased cost basis resulting from their transfer to held-to-maturity as of October 1, 2016. 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 43 available-for-sale securities as of March 31, 2018 . There were 43 held-to-maturity AgVantage securities with an unrealized loss as of March 31, 2018 . The unrealized losses from AgVantage securities were on 36 available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2017. There were unrealized losses from 23 held-to-maturity securities as of December 31, 2017 . As of March 31, 2018 , 14 available-for-sale AgVantage securities had been in a loss position for more than 12 months with a total unrealized loss of $32.5 million . As of December 31, 2017 , 16 available-for-sale AgVantage securities had been in a loss position for more than 12 months with a total unrealized loss of $37.5 million . Farmer Mac has concluded that none of the unrealized losses on its held-to-maturity Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities and available-for-sale Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities are other-than-temporary impaired as of either March 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017. Farmer Mac does not intend to sell these securities, and it is not more likely than not that Farmer Mac will be required to sell the securities before recovery of the amortized cost basis.
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]	The amortized cost, fair value, and weighted-average yield of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities by remaining contractual maturity as of March 31, 2018 are set forth below. The balances presented are based on their final maturities, although the actual maturities may differ due to prepayments of the underlying assets. Table 3.3 As of March 31, 2018 Available-for-Sale Securities Amortized Fair Value Weighted- (dollars in thousands) Due within one year $ 1,285,582 $ 1,285,526 2.45 % Due after one year through five years 2,421,507 2,419,021 2.56 % Due after five years through ten years 815,799 800,742 3.03 % Due after ten years 1,338,678 1,334,098 2.84 % Total $ 5,861,566 $ 5,839,387 2.66 % As of March 31, 2018 Held-to-Maturity Securities Amortized Fair Value Weighted- (dollars in thousands) Due within one year $ 866,596 $ 865,637 1.79 % Due after one year through five years 1,352,733 1,336,793 2.40 % Due after five years through ten years 209,070 204,168 3.16 % Due after ten years 1,881,413 1,836,346 3.43 % Total $ 4,309,812 $ 4,242,944 2.75 %

Financial Derivatives - Financ

Financial Derivatives - Financial Derivatives (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Hedged Items in Fair Value Hedging Relationships [Table Text Block]	The following table shows the carrying amount and associated cumulative basis adjustment related to the application of hedge accounting that is included in the carrying amount of hedged assets and liabilities in fair value hedging relationships as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017: Table 4.3 Hedged Items in Fair Value Relationship Carrying Amount of Hedged Assets/(Liabilities) Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustments included in the Carrying Amount of the Hedged Assets/(Liabilities) March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, Available-for-Sale, at fair value $ 2,135,593 $ 1,928,220 $ (22,367 ) $ (22,853 ) Loans held for investment, at amortized cost 161,656 149,304 (44 ) (189 ) Notes Payable, due after one year (1)(2) (2,114,705 ) (1,552,935 ) 5,805 5,836 (1) Carrying amount represents amortized cost. (2) Includes $0.4 million of hedging adjustments on a discontinued hedging relationship.
Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]	he following tables summarize information related to Farmer Mac's financial derivatives on a gross basis without giving consideration to master netting arrangements as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : Table 4.1 As of March 31, 2018 Fair Value Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Notional Amount Asset (Liability) (dollars in thousands) Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable $ 2,323,209 $ 804 $ (5,763 ) 2.09% 1.82% 9.01 Receive fixed non-callable 2,121,700 444 (3,956 ) 1.77% 1.58% 1.76 Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable 380,500 2,878 (261 ) 2.20% 2.09% 5.82 No hedge designation: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable 330,709 1,062 (11,725 ) 3.72% 1.81% 6.76 Receive fixed non-callable 3,256,427 — — 1.73% 1.60% 0.86 Basis swaps 1,278,500 4 (517 ) 1.75% 1.74% 1.21 Treasury futures 43,200 — (366 ) 120.29 Credit valuation adjustment (50 ) 18 Total financial derivatives $ 9,734,245 $ 5,142 $ (22,570 ) Collateral pledged — 25,253 Net amount $ 5,142 $ 2,683 As of December 31, 2017 Fair Value Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Notional Amount Asset (Liability) (dollars in thousands) Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable $ 2,086,347 $ 5,240 $ (5,990 ) 1.88% 1.40% 5.46 Receive fixed non-callable 1,559,700 110 (4,033 ) 1.38% 1.45% 1.68 Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable 365,500 1,402 (138 ) 2.16% 1.74% 5.84 No hedge designation: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable 345,333 339 (16,352 ) 3.79% 1.40% 6.68 Receive fixed non-callable 3,409,916 — — 1.25% 1.24% 0.92 Basis swaps 1,053,500 18 (106 ) 1.33% 1.42% 0.91 Treasury futures 40,000 — (36 ) 123.96 Credit valuation adjustment (16 ) 56 Total financial derivatives $ 8,860,296 $ 7,093 $ (26,599 ) Collateral pledged — 24,926 Net amount $ 7,093 $ (1,673 )
Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the net income/(expense) recognized in the consolidated statements of operations related to derivatives for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 : Table 4.2 March 31, 2018 Net Income/(Expense) Recognized in Consolidated Statement of Operations on Derivatives Net Interest Income Non-Interest Income Total Interest Income Interest Income Loans Total Interest Expense (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Total amounts presented in the consolidated statement of operations: $ 62,430 $ 45,653 $ (76,317 ) $ (3,850 ) $ 27,916 Income/(expense) related to interest settlements on fair value hedging relationships: Recognized on derivatives (1,488 ) (297 ) 294 — (1,491 ) Recognized on hedged items 13,597 1,414 (7,915 ) — 7,096 Discount amortization recognized on hedged items — — (155 ) — (155 ) Income/(expense) related to interest settlements on fair value hedging relationships $ 12,109 $ 1,117 $ (7,776 ) $ — $ 5,450 Gains/(losses) on fair value hedging relationships: Recognized on derivatives 20,449 6,419 (9,647 ) — 17,221 Recognized on hedged items (18,948 ) (6,572 ) 11,137 — (14,383 ) Gains/(losses) on fair value hedging relationships $ 1,501 $ (153 ) $ 1,490 $ — $ 2,838 Expense related to interest settlements on cash flow hedging relationships: Interest settlements reclassified from AOCI into net income on derivatives — — (267 ) — (267 ) Recognized on hedged items — — (1,780 ) — (1,780 ) Discount amortization recognized on hedged items — — (2 ) — (2 ) Expense recognized on cash flow hedges $ — $ — $ (2,049 ) $ — $ (2,049 ) (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives not designated in hedge relationships: Interest rate swaps — — — (4,075 ) (4,075 ) Agency forwards — — — — — Treasury futures — — — 225 225 (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives not designated in hedge relationships $ — $ — $ — $ (3,850 ) $ (3,850 ) March 31, 2017 Net Income/(Expense) Recognized in Consolidated Statement of Operations on Derivatives Net Interest Income Non-Interest Income Total Interest Income Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities Interest Income Loans Total Interest Expense (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Total amounts presented in the consolidated statement of operations $ 42,522 $ 36,852 $ (49,546 ) $ 2,486 $ 32,314 Income/(expense) related to interest settlements on fair value hedging relationships: Recognized on derivatives (3,158 ) (217 ) 183 — (3,192 ) Recognized on hedged items 10,275 516 (2,277 ) — 8,514 Discount amortization recognized on hedged items — — (58 ) — (58 ) Income/(expense) related to interest settlements on fair value hedging relationships $ 7,117 $ 299 $ (2,152 ) $ — $ 5,264 Gains/(losses) on fair value hedging relationships: Recognized on derivatives (1) 1,526 1,526 Recognized on hedged items (5,404 ) (5,404 ) Gains/(losses) on fair value hedging relationships $ — $ — $ — $ (3,878 ) $ (3,878 ) Expense related to interest settlements on cash flow hedging relationships: Interest settlements reclassified from AOCI into net income on derivatives $ — $ — $ (512 ) $ — $ (512 ) Recognized on hedged items — — (652 ) — (652 ) Discount amortization recognized on hedged items — — — — — Losses recognized in income for hedge ineffectiveness — — — (29 ) (29 ) Expense recognized on cash flow hedges $ — $ — $ (1,164 ) $ (29 ) $ (1,193 ) Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives not designated in hedging relationships: Interest rate swaps $ — $ — $ — $ 6,684 $ 6,684 Agency forwards — — — (399 ) (399 ) Treasury futures — — — 108 108 Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives not designated in hedge relationships $ — $ — $ — $ 6,393 $ 6,393 (1) Included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness as of March 31, 2017 , but excluded from the amounts in the table, were gains of $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , attributable to the fair value of the swaps at the inception of the hedging relationship. Accordingly, the amounts recognized as hedge ineffectiveness for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were losses of $0.3 million .

Loans and Allowance for Losse23

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]	Loans Farmer Mac classifies loans as either held for investment or held for sale. Loans held for investment are recorded at the unpaid principal balance, net of unamortized premium or discount and other cost adjustments. Loans held for sale are reported at the lower of cost or fair value determined on a pooled basis. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , Farmer Mac had no loans held for sale. The following table displays the composition of the loan balances as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : Table 5.1 As of March 31, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 Unsecuritized In Consolidated Trusts Total Unsecuritized In Consolidated Trusts Total (in thousands) Farm & Ranch $ 2,832,641 $ 1,441,718 $ 4,274,359 $ 2,798,906 $ 1,399,827 $ 4,198,733 Rural Utilities 1,043,477 — 1,043,477 1,076,291 — 1,076,291 Total unpaid principal balance (1) 3,876,118 1,441,718 5,317,836 3,875,197 1,399,827 5,275,024 Unamortized premiums, discounts and other cost basis adjustments (9,274 ) — (9,274 ) (1,442 ) — (1,442 ) Total loans 3,866,844 1,441,718 5,308,562 3,873,755 1,399,827 5,273,582 Allowance for loan losses (5,051 ) (1,314 ) (6,365 ) (5,493 ) (1,303 ) (6,796 ) Total loans, net of allowance $ 3,861,793 $ 1,440,404 $ 5,302,197 $ 3,868,262 $ 1,398,524 $ 5,266,786 (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 Farm & Ranch 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). Farmer Mac's total allowance for losses was $8.5 million as of March 31, 2018 and $8.9 million as of December 31, 2017 . 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 months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017: Table 5.2 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 March 31, 2017 Allowance Reserve Total Allowance Reserve Total (in thousands) Beginning Balance $ 6,796 $ 2,070 $ 8,866 $ 5,415 $ 2,020 $ 7,435 (Release of)/provision for losses (431 ) 21 (410 ) 637 (193 ) 444 Charge-offs — — — (241 ) — (241 ) Ending Balance $ 6,365 $ 2,091 $ 8,456 $ 5,811 $ 1,827 $ 7,638 During first quarter 2018 , Farmer Mac recorded releases of its allowance for loan losses and provisions to its reserve for losses of $0.4 million and $21,000 , respectively. The net releases to the allowance for loan losses recorded during first quarter 2018 were primarily attributable to (1) paydowns or payoffs of loans with an existing allowance in amounts that exceeded the increase in the allowance associated with net volume growth in Farm & Ranch loans recorded in first quarter 2018, and (2) paydowns on existing substandard loans or an improvement in the risk ratings of certain substandard loans, which resulted in the reduction of the amount of substandard assets rated in the lowest credit quality tier. Farmer Mac recorded no charge-offs to its allowance for loan losses during first quarter 2018. During first quarter 2017, Farmer Mac recorded provisions to its allowance for loan losses of $0.6 million and releases to its reserve for losses of $0.2 million . The provisions to the allowance for loan losses recorded during first quarter 2017 were primarily attributable to an increase in the specific allowance for certain impaired on-balance sheet crop and permanent planting loans resulting from both an increase in the volume of such loans and downgrades in risk ratings on certain loans. The releases to the reserve for losses recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2017 were primarily attributable to (1) a decrease in the general reserve due to improvement in credit quality of certain Agricultural Storage and Processing loans and (2) a net decrease in the balance of loans underlying off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities. Farmer Mac recorded $0.2 million of charge-offs to its allowance for loan losses during first quarter 2017. The charge-offs recorded during the first quarter 2017 were primarily related to two impaired crop loans, with one borrower, that were foreclosed and transitioned to REO during first quarter 2017. Farmer Mac had previously recorded a specific allowance of $0.2 million on these impaired crop loans as of December 31, 2016. Subsequent to March 31, 2017, Farmer Mac sold the related properties for $5.7 million and recognized $0.5 million gain on sale of REO. The following tables present the changes in the total allowance for losses for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 by commodity type: Table 5.3 March 31, 2018 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 4,081 $ 2,469 $ 1,211 $ 481 $ 606 $ 18 $ 8,866 Provision for/(release of) losses (288 ) 10 25 (68 ) (84 ) (5 ) (410 ) Charge-offs — — — — — — — Ending Balance $ 3,793 $ 2,479 $ 1,236 $ 413 $ 522 $ 13 $ 8,456 March 31, 2017 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 3,365 $ 1,723 $ 1,375 $ 405 $ 533 $ 34 $ 7,435 Provision for/(release of) losses 425 147 17 (81 ) (61 ) (3 ) 444 Charge-offs (228 ) — (13 ) — — — (241 ) Ending Balance $ 3,562 $ 1,870 $ 1,379 $ 324 $ 472 $ 31 $ 7,638
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 March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : Table 5.4 As of March 31, 2018 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Ending Balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 2,366,184 $ 797,591 $ 659,997 $ 298,438 $ 10,926 $ 9,005 $ 4,142,141 Off-balance sheet 1,246,446 509,396 663,355 161,563 57,983 3,886 2,642,629 Total $ 3,612,630 $ 1,306,987 $ 1,323,352 $ 460,001 $ 68,909 $ 12,891 $ 6,784,770 Individually evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 58,314 $ 43,960 $ 21,206 $ 8,103 $ — $ 635 $ 132,218 Off-balance sheet 8,878 2,391 2,752 919 — 74 15,014 Total $ 67,192 $ 46,351 $ 23,958 $ 9,022 $ — $ 709 $ 147,232 Total Farm & Ranch loans: On-balance sheet $ 2,424,498 $ 841,551 $ 681,203 $ 306,541 $ 10,926 $ 9,640 $ 4,274,359 Off-balance sheet 1,255,324 511,787 666,107 162,482 57,983 3,960 2,657,643 Total $ 3,679,822 $ 1,353,338 $ 1,347,310 $ 469,023 $ 68,909 $ 13,600 $ 6,932,002 Allowance for Losses: Collectively evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 2,158 $ 980 $ 642 $ 245 $ 10 $ 6 $ 4,041 Off-balance sheet 614 272 258 46 512 5 1,707 Total $ 2,772 $ 1,252 $ 900 $ 291 $ 522 $ 11 $ 5,748 Individually evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 787 $ 1,169 $ 268 $ 100 $ — $ — $ 2,324 Off-balance sheet 234 58 68 22 — 2 384 Total $ 1,021 $ 1,227 $ 336 $ 122 $ — $ 2 $ 2,708 Total Farm & Ranch loans: On-balance sheet $ 2,945 $ 2,149 $ 910 $ 345 $ 10 $ 6 $ 6,365 Off-balance sheet 848 330 326 68 512 7 2,091 Total $ 3,793 $ 2,479 $ 1,236 $ 413 $ 522 $ 13 $ 8,456 As of December 31, 2017 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Ending Balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 2,344,821 $ 794,478 $ 635,768 $ 269,337 $ 13,023 $ 9,030 $ 4,066,457 Off-balance sheet 1,236,392 532,666 678,642 155,627 45,738 4,981 2,654,046 Total $ 3,581,213 $ 1,327,144 $ 1,314,410 $ 424,964 $ 58,761 $ 14,011 $ 6,720,503 Individually evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 67,828 $ 38,180 $ 17,766 $ 7,858 $ — $ 644 $ 132,276 Off-balance sheet 8,904 2,239 2,782 806 — 76 14,807 Total $ 76,732 $ 40,419 $ 20,548 $ 8,664 $ — $ 720 $ 147,083 Total Farm & Ranch loans: On-balance sheet $ 2,412,649 $ 832,658 $ 653,534 $ 277,195 $ 13,023 $ 9,674 $ 4,198,733 Off-balance sheet 1,245,296 534,905 681,424 156,433 45,738 5,057 2,668,853 Total $ 3,657,945 $ 1,367,563 $ 1,334,958 $ 433,628 $ 58,761 $ 14,731 $ 6,867,586 Allowance for Losses: Collectively evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 2,104 $ 1,101 $ 738 $ 287 $ 44 $ 11 $ 4,285 Off-balance sheet 546 305 231 48 562 5 1,697 Total $ 2,650 $ 1,406 $ 969 $ 335 $ 606 $ 16 $ 5,982 Individually evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 1,207 $ 1,006 $ 172 $ 126 $ — $ — $ 2,511 Off-balance sheet 224 57 70 20 — 2 373 Total $ 1,431 $ 1,063 $ 242 $ 146 $ — $ 2 $ 2,884 Total Farm & Ranch loans: On-balance sheet $ 3,311 $ 2,107 $ 910 $ 413 $ 44 $ 11 $ 6,796 Off-balance sheet 770 362 301 68 562 7 2,070 Total $ 4,081 $ 2,469 $ 1,211 $ 481 $ 606 $ 18 $ 8,866
Impaired Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	The following tables present by commodity type the unpaid principal balances, recorded investment, and specific allowance for losses related to impaired loans and the recorded investment in loans on nonaccrual status as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : Table 5.5 As of March 31, 2018 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Impaired Loans: With no specific allowance: Recorded investment $ 18,940 $ 4,629 $ 8,090 $ 2,909 $ — $ 637 $ 35,205 Unpaid principal balance 18,902 4,620 8,074 2,904 — 635 35,135 With a specific allowance: Recorded investment (1) 48,367 41,809 15,910 6,128 — 74 112,288 Unpaid principal balance 48,290 41,731 15,884 6,118 — 74 112,097 Associated allowance 1,021 1,227 336 122 — 2 2,708 Total: Recorded investment 67,307 46,438 24,000 9,037 — 711 147,493 Unpaid principal balance 67,192 46,351 23,958 9,022 — 709 147,232 Associated allowance 1,021 1,227 336 122 — 2 2,708 Recorded investment of loans on nonaccrual status (2) $ 28,211 $ 24,870 $ 5,840 $ 5,391 $ — $ — $ 64,312 (1) Impairment analysis was performed in the aggregate in consideration of similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics on $109.9 million ( 75 percent ) of impaired loans as of March 31, 2018 , which resulted in a specific allowance of $2.3 million . (2) Includes $20.7 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. As of December 31, 2017 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Impaired Loans: With no specific allowance: Recorded investment $ 14,417 $ 3,272 $ 11,171 $ 1,953 $ — $ 644 $ 31,457 Unpaid principal balance 14,418 3,273 11,172 1,953 — 644 31,460 With a specific allowance: Recorded investment (1) 62,309 37,143 9,376 6,710 — 76 115,614 Unpaid principal balance 62,314 37,146 9,376 6,711 — 76 115,623 Associated allowance 1,431 1,063 242 146 — 2 2,884 Total: Recorded investment 76,726 40,415 20,547 8,663 — 720 147,071 Unpaid principal balance 76,732 40,419 20,548 8,664 — 720 147,083 Associated allowance 1,431 1,063 242 146 — 2 2,884 Recorded investment of loans on nonaccrual status (2) $ 27,630 $ 25,701 $ 5,333 $ 4,929 $ — $ — $ 63,593 (1) Impairment analysis was performed in the aggregate in consideration of similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics on $113.2 million ( 77 percent ) of impaired loans as of December 31, 2017 , which resulted in a specific allowance of $2.7 million . (2) Includes $15.7 million of loans that are less than 90 days delinquent but which have not met Farmer Mac's performance criteria for returning to accrual status. The following table presents by commodity type the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on impaired loans for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 : Table 5.6 March 31, 2018 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Average recorded investment in impaired loans $ 72,017 $ 43,427 $ 22,274 $ 8,850 $ — $ 716 $ 147,284 Income recognized on impaired loans 392 172 79 55 — — 698 March 31, 2017 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Average recorded investment in impaired loans $ 58,309 $ 31,806 $ 13,658 $ 8,248 $ — $ — $ 112,021 Income recognized on impaired loans 302 152 177 103 — — 734 For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, there were no troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs"). As of March 31, 2018 and 2017, there were no TDRs identified during the previous 12 months that were in default under the modified terms. The impact of TDRs on Farmer Mac's allowance for loan losses was immaterial for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. 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.
Schedule of Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Acquired During Period [Table Text Block]	The following tables present information related to Farmer Mac's acquisition of defaulted loans for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 and the outstanding balances and carrying amounts of all such loans as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017: Table 5.7 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 March 31, 2017 ($ in thousands) Unpaid principal balance at acquisition date: Loans underlying LTSPCs $ — $ 311 Loans underlying off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities (excluding AgVantage securities) 721 — Total unpaid principal balance at acquisition date 721 311 Contractually required payments receivable 730 311 Impairment recognized subsequent to acquisition — — Recovery/release of allowance for all outstanding acquired defaulted loans — 14 Number of defaulted loans purchased 4 3 As of March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Outstanding balance $ 19,453 $ 18,866 Carrying amount 18,097 17,691
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 securities representing interests in pools of eligible Farm & Ranch loans ("Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities") and LTSPCs are presented in the table below. As of March 31, 2018 , 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 (Recoveries)/Losses As of For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 March 31, 2018 March 31, 2017 (in thousands) On-balance sheet assets: Farm & Ranch: Loans $ 43,658 $ 47,881 $ 16 $ 246 Total on-balance sheet $ 43,658 $ 47,881 $ 16 $ 246 Off-balance sheet assets: Farm & Ranch: LTSPCs $ 3,902 $ 563 $ — $ — Total off-balance sheet $ 3,902 $ 563 $ — $ — Total $ 47,560 $ 48,444 $ 16 $ 246 (1) Includes loans and loans underlying off-balance sheet Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities and LTSPCs that are 90 days or more past due, in foreclosure, or in bankruptcy with at least one missed payment, excluding loans performing under either their original loan terms or a court-approved bankruptcy plan. Of the $43.7 million of on-balance sheet loans reported as 90 -day delinquencies as of March 31, 2018 , none were loans subject to "removal-of-account" provisions. Of the $47.9 million of on-balance sheet loans reported as 90 -day delinquencies as of December 31, 2017 , $0.3 million were loans subject to "removal-of-account" provisions.
Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block]	Credit Quality Indicators The following tables present credit quality indicators related to Farm & Ranch loans held and loans underlying LTSPCs and off-balance sheet Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : Table 5.9 As of March 31, 2018 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Credit risk profile by internally assigned grade (1) On-balance sheet: Acceptable $ 2,288,500 $ 774,771 $ 651,345 $ 294,534 $ 10,926 $ 9,005 $ 4,029,081 Special mention (2) 77,684 22,819 8,652 3,904 — — 113,059 Substandard (3) 58,314 43,961 21,206 8,103 — 635 132,219 Total on-balance sheet $ 2,424,498 $ 841,551 $ 681,203 $ 306,541 $ 10,926 $ 9,640 $ 4,274,359 Off-Balance Sheet: Acceptable $ 1,118,453 $ 450,299 $ 613,302 $ 158,157 $ 55,050 $ 3,218 $ 2,398,479 Special mention (2) 97,872 37,510 34,394 210 — 158 170,144 Substandard (3) 38,999 23,978 18,411 4,115 2,933 584 89,020 Total off-balance sheet $ 1,255,324 $ 511,787 $ 666,107 $ 162,482 $ 57,983 $ 3,960 $ 2,657,643 Total Ending Balance: Acceptable $ 3,406,953 $ 1,225,070 $ 1,264,647 $ 452,691 $ 65,976 $ 12,223 $ 6,427,560 Special mention (2) 175,556 60,329 43,046 4,114 — 158 283,203 Substandard (3) 97,313 67,939 39,617 12,218 2,933 1,219 221,239 Total $ 3,679,822 $ 1,353,338 $ 1,347,310 $ 469,023 $ 68,909 $ 13,600 $ 6,932,002 Commodity analysis of past due loans (1) On-balance sheet $ 24,385 $ 9,140 $ 6,020 $ 3,477 $ — $ 636 $ 43,658 Off-balance sheet 176 — 3,331 395 — — 3,902 90 days or more past due $ 24,561 $ 9,140 $ 9,351 $ 3,872 $ — $ 636 $ 47,560 (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, 2017 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Credit risk profile by internally assigned grade (1) On-balance sheet: Acceptable $ 2,274,912 $ 771,600 $ 617,527 $ 260,854 $ 13,023 $ 9,030 $ 3,946,946 Special mention (2) 70,063 22,878 18,405 8,483 — — 119,829 Substandard (3) 67,674 38,180 17,602 7,858 — 644 131,958 Total on-balance sheet $ 2,412,649 $ 832,658 $ 653,534 $ 277,195 $ 13,023 $ 9,674 $ 4,198,733 Off-Balance Sheet Acceptable $ 1,132,196 $ 478,573 $ 634,633 $ 150,906 $ 42,723 $ 4,294 $ 2,443,325 Special mention (2) 76,778 26,134 31,451 1,647 — 169 136,179 Substandard (3) 36,322 30,198 15,340 3,880 3,015 594 89,349 Total off-balance sheet $ 1,245,296 $ 534,905 $ 681,424 $ 156,433 $ 45,738 $ 5,057 $ 2,668,853 Total Ending Balance: Acceptable $ 3,407,108 $ 1,250,173 $ 1,252,160 $ 411,760 $ 55,746 $ 13,324 $ 6,390,271 Special mention (2) 146,841 49,012 49,856 10,130 — 169 256,008 Substandard (3) 103,996 68,378 32,942 11,738 3,015 1,238 221,307 Total $ 3,657,945 $ 1,367,563 $ 1,334,958 $ 433,628 $ 58,761 $ 14,731 $ 6,867,586 Commodity analysis of past due loans (1) On-balance sheet $ 21,702 $ 18,833 $ 3,835 $ 3,511 $ — $ — $ 47,881 Off-balance sheet 151 — — 412 — — 563 90 days or more past due $ 21,853 $ 18,833 $ 3,835 $ 3,923 $ — $ — $ 48,444 (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, the range of original loan-to-value ratios, and the range in the size of borrower exposure for all Farm & Ranch loans held and loans underlying off-balance sheet Farm & Ranch Guaranteed Securities and LTSPCs as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017: Table 5.10 As of March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 (in thousands) By commodity/collateral type: Crops $ 3,679,822 $ 3,657,945 Permanent plantings 1,353,338 1,367,563 Livestock 1,347,310 1,334,958 Part-time farm 469,023 433,628 Ag. Storage and Processing 68,909 58,761 Other 13,600 14,731 Total $ 6,932,002 $ 6,867,586 By geographic region (1) : Northwest $ 799,823 $ 740,991 Southwest 2,096,948 2,093,213 Mid-North 2,249,763 2,244,094 Mid-South 901,231 908,603 Northeast 300,731 296,264 Southeast 583,506 584,421 Total $ 6,932,002 $ 6,867,586 By original loan-to-value ratio (2) : 0.00% to 40.00% $ 1,328,529 $ 1,322,422 40.01% to 50.00% 1,717,932 1,733,671 50.01% to 60.00% 2,395,568 2,385,605 60.01% to 70.00% 1,195,017 1,150,914 70.01% to 80.00% 269,716 248,799 80.01% to 90.00% 25,240 26,175 Total $ 6,932,002 $ 6,867,586 By size of borrower exposure (3) : Less than $1,000,000 $ 2,404,191 $ 2,379,596 $1,000,000 to $4,999,999 2,663,554 2,627,617 $5,000,000 to $9,999,999 887,986 867,574 $10,000,000 to $24,999,999 571,315 584,896 $25,000,000 to $50,000,000 404,956 407,903 Total $ 6,932,002 $ 6,867,586 (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). (2) As of second quarter 2017, Farmer Mac revised its calculation of the original loan-to-value ratio of a loan to combine for any cross-collateralized loans: (i) the original loan principal balance amounts in the numerator and (ii) the original appraised property values in the denominator. In previous periods, the ratio was calculated on a loan-by-loan basis without considering the effects of any cross-collateralization. Prior period information has been reclassified to conform to the current period calculation and presentation. (3) Includes multiple loans to the same borrower or borrower-related entities. 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.

Guarantees and Long Term Stan24

Guarantees and Long Term Standby Purchase Commitments - Guarantees and Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the maximum principal amount of potential undiscounted future payments that Farmer Mac could be required to make under all off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, not including offsets provided by any recourse provisions, recoveries from third parties, or collateral for the underlying loans: Table 6.1 Outstanding Balance of Off-Balance Sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities As of March 31, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Farm & Ranch: Guaranteed Securities $ 314,497 $ 333,511 USDA Guarantees: Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 284,435 254,217 Institutional Credit: AgVantage Securities 11,556 11,556 Revolving floating rate AgVantage facility (1) 300,000 300,000 Total off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities $ 910,488 $ 899,284 (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.
Schedule of Cash Flows Related To Transfer of Securitizations [Table Text Block]	Eligible loans and other eligible assets may be placed into trusts that are used as vehicles for the securitization of the transferred assets and the Farmer Mac-guaranteed beneficial interests in the trusts are sold to investors. The following table summarizes the significant cash flows received from and paid to trusts used for Farmer Mac securitizations: Table 6.2 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 March 31, 2017 (in thousands) Proceeds from new securitizations $ 131,202 $ 149,607 Guarantee fees received 546 488 Purchases of assets from the trusts (721 ) — 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 $3.4 million as of March 31, 2018 and $3.6 million as of December 31, 2017. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the weighted-average remaining maturity of all loans underlying off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, excluding AgVantage securities, was 9.9 years and 10.0 years , respectively. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the weighted-average remaining maturity of the off-balance sheet AgVantage securities was 0.6 years and 0.8 years , respectively.

Fair Value Disclosures - Fair

Fair Value Disclosures - Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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 non-recurring basis as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques used by Farmer Mac to determine such fair value: Table 8.1 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value as of March 31, 2018 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 $ — $ — $ 19,010 $ 19,010 Floating rate asset-backed securities — 32,813 — 32,813 Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities — 1,307,676 — 1,307,676 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities — 465 4,120 4,585 Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 829,268 — — 829,268 Total Investment Securities 829,268 1,340,954 23,130 2,193,352 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage — — 5,839,387 5,839,387 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities — — 5,839,387 5,839,387 USDA Securities: Trading — — 11,558 11,558 Total USDA Securities — — 11,558 11,558 Financial derivatives — 5,142 — 5,142 Total Assets at fair value $ 829,268 $ 1,346,096 $ 5,874,075 $ 8,049,439 Liabilities: Financial derivatives $ 366 $ 22,204 $ — $ 22,570 Total Liabilities at fair value $ 366 $ 22,204 $ — $ 22,570 Non-recurring: Assets: Loans held for investment $ — $ — $ 343 $ 343 Total Non-recurring Assets at fair value $ — $ — $ 343 $ 343 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value as of December 31, 2017 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 $ — $ — $ 18,814 $ 18,814 Floating rate asset-backed securities — 34,210 — 34,210 Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities — 1,290,187 — 1,290,187 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities — 486 4,333 4,819 Fixed rate senior agency debt — 99,951 — 99,951 Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 767,424 — — 767,424 Total available-for-sale 767,424 1,424,834 23,147 2,215,405 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage — — 5,471,914 5,471,914 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities — — 5,471,914 5,471,914 USDA Securities: Trading — — 13,515 13,515 Total USDA Securities — — 13,515 13,515 Financial derivatives — 7,093 — 7,093 Total Assets at fair value $ 767,424 $ 1,431,927 $ 5,508,576 $ 7,707,927 Liabilities: Financial derivatives $ 36 $ 26,563 $ — $ 26,599 Total Liabilities at fair value $ 36 $ 26,563 $ — $ 26,599 Non-recurring: Assets: Loans held for investment $ — $ — $ 508 $ 508 Total Non-recurring Assets at fair value $ — $ — $ 508 $ 508
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The following tables present additional information about assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which Farmer Mac has used significant unobservable inputs to determine fair value. Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 are based on the fair values of the assets and liabilities as of the beginning of the reporting period. There were no liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. Table 8.2 Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Beginning Cumulative Effect from Change in Hedge Accounting 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 $ 18,814 — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 196 $ 19,010 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 4,333 — — — (109 ) — (104 ) 4,120 Total available-for-sale 23,147 — — — (109 ) — 92 23,130 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 5,471,914 487 655,447 — (290,268 ) (18,948 ) 20,755 5,839,387 Total available-for-sale 5,471,914 487 655,447 — (290,268 ) (18,948 ) 20,755 5,839,387 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale — — 34,293 (34,293 ) — — — — Trading (1) 13,515 — — — (1,973 ) 16 — 11,558 Total USDA Securities 13,515 — 34,293 (34,293 ) (1,973 ) 16 — 11,558 Total Assets at fair value $ 5,508,576 $ 487 $ 689,740 $ (34,293 ) $ (292,350 ) $ (18,932 ) $ 20,847 $ 5,874,075 (1) Includes unrealized gains of $0.1 million attributable to assets still held as of March 31, 2018 that are recorded in " Gains/(losses) on trading securities ." Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Beginning Transfers in Purchases Sales Settlements Realized and Unrealized Gains/(losses) included in Other Ending (in thousands) Recurring: Assets: Investment Securities: Available-for-sale: Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans $ 17,730 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 394 $ 18,124 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities $ — $ 7,041 $ — $ — $ (112 ) $ — $ (2,110 ) $ 4,819 Total available-for-sale 17,730 7,041 — — (112 ) — (1,716 ) 22,943 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 4,853,685 — 539,527 — (161,907 ) (3,215 ) 14,956 5,243,046 Total available-for-sale 4,853,685 — 539,527 — (161,907 ) (3,215 ) 14,956 5,243,046 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale — — 32,589 (32,589 ) — — — — Trading (1) 20,388 — — — (1,704 ) (82 ) — 18,602 Total USDA Securities 20,388 — 32,589 (32,589 ) (1,704 ) (82 ) — 18,602 Total Assets at fair value $ 4,891,803 $ 7,041 $ 572,116 $ (32,589 ) $ (163,723 ) $ (3,297 ) $ 13,240 $ 5,284,591 (1) Includes unrealized losses of $44,000 attributable to assets still held as of March 31, 2017 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 March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Table 8.3 As of March 31, 2018 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 $ 19,010 Indicative bids Range of broker quotes 96.5% - 96.5% (96.5%) Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities $ 4,120 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 3.1% CPR 0 % Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: AgVantage $ 5,839,387 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 2.4% - 3.8% (2.7%) USDA Securities $ 11,558 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 3.2% - 5.3% (5.0%) CPR 7% - 18% (16%) As of December 31, 2017 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 $ 18,814 Indicative bids Range of broker quotes 95.5% - 95.5% (95.5%) Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities $ 4,333 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 2.9% CPR —% Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: AgVantage $ 5,471,914 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 2.1% - 3.4% (2.4%) USDA Securities $ 13,515 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 3.6% - 5.4% (5.0%) CPR 7% - 19% (17%) 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.
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the estimated fair values and carrying values for financial assets, liabilities, and guarantees and commitments as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017: Table 8.4 As of March 31, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 Fair Value Carrying Fair Value Carrying (in thousands) Financial assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 493,258 $ 493,258 $ 302,022 $ 302,022 Investment securities 2,239,715 2,238,384 2,260,969 2,260,437 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 8,006,115 8,021,430 7,588,806 7,598,188 USDA Securities 2,087,775 2,139,327 2,076,396 2,131,365 Loans 5,341,228 5,302,197 5,279,225 5,266,786 Financial derivatives 5,142 5,142 7,093 7,093 Guarantee and commitment fees receivable: LTSPCs 36,558 36,035 33,871 35,718 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 4,058 3,962 4,323 4,177 Financial liabilities: Notes payable: Due within one year 7,885,414 7,896,359 8,079,309 8,089,826 Due after one year 8,095,285 8,127,594 7,445,545 7,432,790 Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties 1,431,475 1,463,653 1,386,652 1,404,945 Financial derivatives 22,570 22,570 26,599 26,599 Guarantee and commitment obligations: LTSPCs 35,623 35,099 32,976 34,824 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 3,485 3,388 3,722 3,576 The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of their approximate fair value and is classified as Level 1. Investment securities primarily are valued based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are classified as Level 2. Farmer Mac internally models the fair value of its loan portfolio, including 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. Financial derivatives primarily are valued using unadjusted counterparty valuations and are classified as Level 2. 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. 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. 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)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Table 9.1 Core Earnings by Business Segment For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Utilities Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 14,941 $ 5,070 $ 2,537 $ 17,832 $ 2,849 $ — $ 43,229 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3)(4) (2,401 ) (670 ) 413 (3,008 ) (462 ) 6,128 — Net effective spread 12,540 4,400 2,950 14,824 2,387 6,128 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 4,378 166 449 90 — (1,584 ) 3,499 Other income/(expense) (3) 557 5 5 — (139 ) (3,688 ) (3,260 ) Non-interest income/(loss) 4,935 171 454 90 (139 ) (5,272 ) 239 Provision for loan losses 431 — — — — — 431 Provision for reserve for losses (21 ) — — — — — (21 ) Other non-interest expense (4,520 ) (1,193 ) (673 ) (1,846 ) (3,389 ) — (11,621 ) Non-interest expense (5) (4,541 ) (1,193 ) (673 ) (1,846 ) (3,389 ) — (11,642 ) Core earnings before income taxes 13,365 3,378 2,731 13,068 (1,141 ) 856 (6) 32,257 Income tax (expense)/benefit (2,807 ) (709 ) (574 ) (2,744 ) 575 (179 ) (6,438 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest 10,558 2,669 2,157 10,324 (566 ) 677 (6) 25,819 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (3,295 ) — (3,295 ) Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 10,558 $ 2,669 $ 2,157 $ 10,324 $ (3,861 ) $ 677 (6) $ 22,524 Total assets at carrying value $ 4,306,960 $ 2,195,714 $ 1,043,335 $ 8,066,231 $ 2,784,996 $ — $ 18,397,236 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 6,932,002 $ 2,391,739 $ 1,729,797 $ 8,325,905 — — $ 19,379,443 (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) Effective in fourth quarter 2017, Farmer Mac revised its methodology for calculating net effective spread, a component of core earnings, to also include the net effects of gains/(losses) due to terminations or net settlements on financial derivatives and hedging activities. All prior period information has been recast to reflect the revised methodology. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Use of Non-GAAP Measures—Net Effective Spread." (5) Includes directly attributable costs and an allocation of indirectly attributable costs based on employee 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 March 31, 2017 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Adjustments Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 12,754 $ 5,283 $ 2,948 $ 13,502 $ 2,584 $ — $ 37,071 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3)(4) (2,243 ) (722 ) (380 ) (887 ) (313 ) 4,545 — Net effective spread 10,511 4,561 2,568 12,615 2,271 4,545 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 4,295 74 492 455 — (1,472 ) 3,844 Other income/(expense) (3)(5) 194 14 5 — 267 2,472 2,952 Non-interest income/(loss) 4,489 88 497 455 267 1,000 6,796 Provision for loan losses (637 ) — — — — — (637 ) Provision for reserve for losses 193 — — — — — 193 Other non-interest expense (4,065 ) (1,087 ) (587 ) (1,521 ) (3,482 ) — (10,742 ) Non-interest expense (6) (3,872 ) (1,087 ) (587 ) (1,521 ) (3,482 ) — (10,549 ) Core earnings before income taxes 10,491 3,562 2,478 11,549 (944 ) 5,545 (7) 32,681 Income tax (expense)/benefit (3,672 ) (1,247 ) (867 ) (4,042 ) 984 (1,942 ) (10,786 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest 6,819 2,315 1,611 7,507 40 3,603 (7) 21,895 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (3,295 ) — (3,295 ) Non-controlling interest — — — — 15 — 15 Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 6,819 $ 2,315 $ 1,611 $ 7,507 $ (3,240 ) $ 3,603 (7) $ 18,615 Total assets at carrying value $ 3,693,360 $ 2,109,264 $ 1,005,187 $ 6,315,591 $ 2,808,355 $ — $ 15,931,757 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance 6,240,467 2,149,697 1,868,794 7,585,583 — — $ 17,844,541 (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) Effective in fourth quarter 2017, Farmer Mac revised its methodology for calculating net effective spread, a component of core earnings, to also include the net effects of gains/(losses) due to terminations or net settlements on financial derivatives and hedging activities. All prior period information has been recast to reflect the revised methodology. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Use of Non-GAAP Measures—Net Effective Spread." (5) 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. (6) Includes directly attributable costs and an allocation of indirectly attributable costs based on employee headcount. (7) 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 - Cash and

Accounting Policies - Cash and Cash Equivalents and Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Acquisitions Through Foreclosures	$ 0	$ 4,630
Proceeds from sale of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	131,202	149,607
Consolidation of guaranteed securities from off-balance sheet to Loans Held for Investment and Debt Securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	96,909	117,018
Purchases of Investment Securities Traded, Not Yet Settled	$ 5,640	$ 0
Preferred Stock Redemption Premium			$ 8,147

Accounting Policies - Earnings

Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Net income attributable to common stockholders (Dilutive)	$ 22,524	$ 18,615
Stock options, SARs and restricted stock	119	231
Earnings Per Share, On Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements	$ (0.02)	$ (0.03)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	10,741	10,782
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 2.1000	$ 1.73000
Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	$ 22,524	$ 18,615	$ 47,371
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	10,622	10,551
Basic earnings per common share	$ 2.12	$ 1.76

Accounting Policies - Earnin29

Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share Anti-Dilutive (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2015
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	$ 22,524	$ 18,615	$ 47,371
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted	$ 22,524	$ 18,615
Stock options, SARs and restricted stock	119,000	231,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	10,622,000	10,551,000
Basic earnings per common share	$ 2.12	$ 1.76
Earnings Per Share, On Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements	$ (0.02)	$ (0.03)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	10,741,000	10,782,000
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 2.1000	$ 1.73000
Stock Options and SARs [Members]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from earnings per share (shares)	25,062	50,757
Performance Shares [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from earnings per share (shares)	13,138	32,892

Accounting Policies - Changes

Accounting Policies - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 51,085	$ 33,758
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption			$ 27	$ 0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Adjusted Balance			51,112	33,758
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	23,240	12,299
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(2,241)	(4,513)
Net comprehensive income/(loss)	20,999	7,786
Ending Balance	72,111	41,544
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(1,676)	(14,387)
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption			0	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Adjusted Balance			(1,676)	(14,387)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	18,187	12,223
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	1,417	2,578
Net comprehensive income/(loss)	16,770	9,645
Ending Balance	15,094	(4,742)
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] | Held-to-maturity Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	48,236	45,752
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption			0	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Adjusted Balance			48,236	45,752
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	0	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	1,035	2,267
Net comprehensive income/(loss)	(1,035)	(2,267)
Ending Balance	47,201	43,485
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	4,525	2,393
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption			27	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Adjusted Balance			$ 4,552	$ 2,393
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	5,053	76
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(211)	(332)
Net comprehensive income/(loss)	5,264	408
Ending Balance	$ 9,816	$ 2,801

Accounting Policies - Componen

Accounting Policies - Components of Other Comprehensive Income Loss and Related Tax Impact (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
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	$ 23,022	$ 18,804
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax	4,835	6,581
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	18,187	12,223
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	23,240	12,299
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	(2,241)	(4,513)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	26,581	11,980
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	5,582	4,194
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	20,999	7,786
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	6,396	117
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax	1,343	41
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	5,053	76
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	(211)	(332)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	6,663	629
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	1,399	221
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	5,264	408
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	18,187	12,223
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	1,417	2,578
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	21,228	14,838
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	4,458	5,193
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	16,770	9,645
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
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	1,035	2,267
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	(1,310)	(3,487)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	(275)	(1,220)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	(1,035)	(2,267)
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	0	(3,959)
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax	0	(1,386)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0	2,573
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	(7)	(7)
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax	(2)	(2)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	5	5
Interest 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	(1,787)	0
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax	(375)	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	1,412	0
Interest Income [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] | Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	(1,310)	(3,487)
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax	(275)	(1,220)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	1,035	2,267
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	267	512
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax	56	180
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	$ (211)	$ (332)

Accounting Policies - Consolid

Accounting Policies - Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	$ 1,441,718	$ 1,399,827
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	1,463,653	1,404,945
Farm & Ranch [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Other Liabilities		5,100
USDA Guarantees [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)		300
On-balance sheet [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	1,441,718	1,399,827
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	1,463,653
On-balance sheet [Member] | Farm & Ranch [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	1,441,718
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	1,463,653
On-balance sheet [Member] | USDA Guarantees [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	0
On-balance sheet [Member] | Rural Utilities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	0
On-balance sheet [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	0
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	0
On-balance sheet [Member] | Corporate Segment [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	0
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	0	0
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	598,932
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	314,497
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	284,435	254,217
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
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	0
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
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	29,900	30,300
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	29,596
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, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0
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, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	29,596
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	0
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	0
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0
Investment Securities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	1,375	2,365
Investment Securities [Member] | On-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	835,202	783,916
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
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0
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
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0
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, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	$ 835,202	$ 783,916

Accounting Policies - New Acco

Accounting Policies - New Accounting Standards (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Excess Tax Benefits from Share-Based Compensation	$ 440	$ 679
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	$ 1,407	$ 1,341

Investment Securities - Schedu

Investment Securities - Schedule of Investment Securities (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)position	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)position
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions | position	104	91
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 9,734,245	$ 8,860,296
Investment Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Greater than or Equal to One Year | position	45	51
Available-for-sale securities in a loss position for more than 12 months, qualitative disclosure, percent of amortized cost	99.20%
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	$ 2,193,046	$ 2,214,588
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	1,375	2,365
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	2,194,421	2,216,953
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	3,712	4,467
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	(4,781)	(6,015)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	2,193,352	2,215,405
Marketable Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	2,239,453	2,261,985
Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	5,043	4,999
Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(4,781)	(6,015)
Marketable Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	2,238,078	2,259,620
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities	2,239,715	2,260,969
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Investment Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	1,375	2,365
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	19,700	19,700
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	19,700	19,700
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	(690)	(886)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,010	18,814
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	33,060	34,462
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	32,917	34,308
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	24	22
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	(128)	(120)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	32,813	34,210
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	1,305,939	1,289,123
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,307,992	1,291,340
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	1,567	2,215
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	(1,883)	(3,368)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,307,676	1,290,187
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)	(143)	(154)
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	2,053	2,217
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	435	451
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	2,464	2,589
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	2,121	2,230
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	4,585	4,819
Derivative, Notional Amount	143,100	143,700
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	45,032	45,032
Held to Maturity; Unrealized Holding Gains	1,331	532
Held-to-maturity Securities, Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Loss	0	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	46,363	45,564
Held-to-Maturity Unpaid Principal Balance	45,032	45,032
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance		100,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		100,000
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses		(49)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure		99,951
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	833,912	770,852
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	831,348	769,016
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	(2,080)	(1,592)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	829,268	767,424
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	2,029	2,138
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)		0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	(2,564)	(1,836)
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Interest-Only-Strip [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	4,100	4,300
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	$ 0	$ 0

Investment Securities - Narrat

Investment Securities - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Investment Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	$ 0	$ 0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Held-to-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted-Average Yield	2.80%		2.50%
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	$ 45,032		$ 45,032
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	$ 46,363		$ 45,564

Investment Securities - Unreal

Investment Securities - Unrealized Loss Position (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)position	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)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	$ 1,202,907	$ 1,034,964
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	240,060	388,534
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(2,780)	(3,909)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	$ (2,001)	$ (2,106)
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	104	91
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	99.20%
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Greater than or Equal to One Year | position	45	51
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	19,010	18,814
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate 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, Aggregate Losses	(690)	(886)
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	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	22,114	23,145
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate 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, Aggregate Losses	(128)	(120)
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	383,636	292,522
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	188,940	221,641
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(703)	(2,337)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	$ (1,180)	$ (1,031)
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Held-to-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted-Average Yield	2.80%	2.50%
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	$ 819,271	$ 742,442
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	9,996	24,983
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(2,077)	(1,572)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(3)	(20)
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	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	99,951
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate 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, Aggregate Losses	$ 0	$ (49)

Investment Securities - Debt M

Investment Securities - Debt Maturities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investment Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Amortized Cost	$ 716,640
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	358,743
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	402,603
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	716,435
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	2,194,421	$ 2,216,953
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Fair Value	715,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Fair Value	358,688
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value	405,264
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Fair Value	714,400
Available-for-sale securities	$ 2,193,352	2,215,405
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted Average Yield, Single Maturity Date [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Weighted-Average Yield	1.09%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Weighted-Average Yield	1.83%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Weighted-Average Yield	2.06%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Weighted-Average Yield	2.19%
Available-for-sale Securities, Total Weighted-Average Yield	1.75%
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	$ 45,032	45,032
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	2,464	2,589
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date [Abstract]
Available-for-sale securities	4,585	4,819
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted Average Yield, Single Maturity Date [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	$ 46,363	$ 45,564
Held-to-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted-Average Yield	2.80%	2.50%

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securit38

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)position	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)position
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions | position	104	91
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	$ 2,001	$ 2,106
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	60,953
Held-to-Maturity Securities [Abstract]
Held-to-Maturity Unpaid Principal Balance	4,248,859	4,181,784
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	4,309,812	4,244,124
Held to Maturity; Unrealized Holding Gains	1,696	2,119
Held to Maturity - Unrealized Holding Loss	(68,564)	(66,471)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	4,242,944	4,179,772
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	5,861,566
Available-for-sale, at fair value	5,839,387
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	(171)	(460)
Held-to-Maturity Securities [Abstract]
Held-to-Maturity Unpaid Principal Balance	2,182,214	2,126,734
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	2,182,043	2,126,274
Held to Maturity; Unrealized Holding Gains	956	2,119
Held to Maturity - Unrealized Holding Loss	(16,271)	(11,502)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	2,166,728	2,116,891
USDA Securities [Member]
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Trading, at fair value	$ 11,558	13,515
Institutional Credit [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)		$ 62,340
Institutional Credit [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions | position	43	36
Held-to-maturity, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions | position	43	23
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Greater than or Equal to One Year | position	14	16
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	$ 32,539	$ 37,492
Held-to-Maturity Securities [Abstract]
Held-to-Maturity Unpaid Principal Balance	2,152,618	2,096,754
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	2,152,143	2,095,975
Held to Maturity; Unrealized Holding Gains	534	2,011
Held to Maturity - Unrealized Holding Loss	(16,265)	(11,429)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	2,136,412	2,086,557
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	5,861,731	5,496,569
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	5,861,566	5,496,387
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	22,731	21,838
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	(44,910)	(46,311)
Available-for-sale, at fair value	5,839,387	5,471,914
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)	(475)	(779)
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)	(165)	(182)
USDA Guarantees [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)		300
USDA Guarantees [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Held-to-Maturity Securities [Abstract]
Held-to-Maturity Unpaid Principal Balance	29,596	29,980
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	29,900	30,299
Held to Maturity; Unrealized Holding Gains	422	108
Held to Maturity - Unrealized Holding Loss	(6)	(73)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	30,316	30,334
USDA Guarantees [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	61,124	62,800
Held-to-Maturity Securities [Abstract]
Held-to-Maturity Unpaid Principal Balance	2,066,645	2,055,050
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	2,127,769	2,117,850
Held to Maturity; Unrealized Holding Gains	740	0
Held to Maturity - Unrealized Holding Loss	(52,293)	(54,969)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	2,076,216	2,062,881
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Trading Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	11,063	12,966
Trading Securities, Debt, Amortized Cost	11,915	13,888
Trading Securities, Unrealized Gains	38	28
Trading Securities, Unrealized Holding Loss	(395)	(401)
Trading, at fair value	$ 11,558	$ 13,515
Trading Securities, Weighted-Average Yield	5.31%	5.33%
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)	$ 304	$ 319
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)	$ 852	$ 922

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securit39

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Unrealized Loss Position (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)position	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)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	$ 1,202,907	$ 1,034,964
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	240,060	388,534
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	(2,780)	(3,909)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	$ (2,001)	$ (2,106)
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	104	91
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA 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	$ 1,548,488	$ 1,329,332
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	2,362,380	2,414,093
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	(12,933)	(8,169)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(55,631)	(58,302)
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	1,548,488	1,304,160
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	351,667	351,664
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	(12,933)	(8,094)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(3,332)	(3,335)
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	1,031,980	1,273,965
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	1,722,350	1,759,377
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	(12,371)	(8,819)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	$ (32,539)	$ (37,492)
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	43	36
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Greater than or Equal to One Year | position	14	16
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	43	23
USDA Guarantees [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	$ 0	$ 24,721
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(6)	0
USDA Guarantees [Member] | USDA 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	0	451
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	2,010,713	2,062,429
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(52,293)	(54,967)
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | USDA Guarantees [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
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	0	(73)
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | USDA Guarantees [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
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	$ 0	$ (2)

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] $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Amortized Cost	$ 1,285,582
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	2,421,507
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	815,799
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	1,338,678
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	5,861,566
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Fair Value	1,285,526
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Fair Value	2,419,021
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value	800,742
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Fair Value	1,334,098
Available-for-sale, at fair value	$ 5,839,387
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted Average Yield, Single Maturity Date [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Weighted-Average Yield	2.45%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Weighted-Average Yield	2.56%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Weighted-Average Yield	3.03%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Weighted-Average Yield	2.84%
Available-for-sale Securities, Total Weighted-Average Yield	2.66%

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securit41

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	$ 4,309,812	$ 4,244,124
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Fair Value [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	$ 4,242,944	4,179,772
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	3.16%
Held-to-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Ten Years, Weighted-Average Yield	3.43%
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	$ 866,596
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Net Carrying Amount	1,352,733
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	209,070
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	2,182,043	2,126,274
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Fair Value [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value	865,637
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value	1,336,793
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value	204,168
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	$ 2,166,728	$ 2,116,891
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	1.79%
Held-to-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Weighted-Average Yield	2.40%
Held-to-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted-Average Yield	2.75%
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	$ 1,881,413
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value	$ 1,836,346

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securit42

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Trading Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	$ 2,001	$ 2,106
USDA Securities [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Trading, at fair value	11,558	13,515
USDA Guarantees [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Debt, Amortized Cost	11,915	13,888
Trading, at fair value	$ 11,558	$ 13,515
Trading Securities, Weighted-Average Yield	5.31%	5.33%

Financial Derivatives - Hedgin

Financial Derivatives - Hedging Description (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net	$ 900
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net	$ 0

Financial Derivatives - Schedu

Financial Derivatives - Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative [Line Items]
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities	$ 62,430	$ 42,522
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	9,734,245		$ 8,860,296
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	5,142		7,093
Financial derivatives, at fair value	(22,570)		(26,599)
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Collateral Pledged	25,253		24,926
Derivative Asset	5,142		7,093
Loans	45,653	36,852
Total interest expense	(76,317)	(49,546)
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	3,850	(2,486)
TotalAmountsofLineItemsPresentedintheConsolidatedStatementofIncome	27,916	32,314
Derivative Liability	2,683		1,673
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	9,700,000		8,800,000
Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	2,838	(3,878)
Income_Expense related to interest settlements on fair value hedges	5,450	5,264
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Derivative	17,221	1,526
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	(14,383)	(5,404)
Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness		(29)
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Net Interest Settlements	(1,491)	(3,192)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	(267)	(512)
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	(2)	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	(1,780)	(652)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	(2,049)	(1,193)
Cash [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Obligation to Return Securities Received as Collateral	0		0
Collateral Pledged	400		100
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Hedged Item Net Interest Settlements	7,096	8,514
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	(155)	(58)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap, Pay Fixed Non-Callable [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	2,323,209		2,086,347
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	804		5,240
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ (5,763)		$ (5,990)
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	2.09%		1.88%
Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate	1.82%		1.40%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	9 years 5 days		5 years 5 months 17 days
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap, Receive Fixed Non-Callable [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 2,121,700		$ 1,559,700
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	444		110
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ (3,956)		$ (4,033)
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	1.77%		1.38%
Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate	1.58%		1.45%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	1 year 9 months 5 days		1 year 8 months 5 days
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap, Pay Fixed Non-Callable [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 380,500		$ 365,500
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	2,878		1,402
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ (261)		$ (138)
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	2.20%		2.16%
Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate	2.09%		1.74%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	5 years 9 months 25 days		5 years 10 months 3 days
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Credit Risk Valuation Adjustment, Derivative Assets	$ 50		$ 16
Derivative Credit Risk Valuation Adjustment, Derivative Liabilities	18		56
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax		(6,393)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	4,075	(6,684)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap, Pay Fixed Non-Callable [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	330,709		345,333
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	1,062		339
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ (11,725)		$ (16,352)
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	3.72%		3.79%
Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate	1.81%		1.40%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	6 years 9 months 5 days		6 years 8 months 5 days
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap, Receive Fixed Non-Callable [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 3,256,427		$ 3,409,916
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	0		0
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ 0		$ 0
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	1.60%		1.24%
Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate	1.73%		1.25%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	10 months 10 days		11 months
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Basis Swap [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 1,278,500		$ 1,053,500
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	4		18
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ (517)		$ (106)
Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate	1.75%		1.33%
Derivative, Variable Interest Rate	1.74%		1.42%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	1 year 2 months 15 days		10 months 28 days
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	$ 0	399
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Future [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	43,200		$ 40,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	0		0
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ (366)		$ (36)
Derivative, Weighted-Average Forward Price	$ 120.29		$ 123.96
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	$ (225)	(108)
Interest Income [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0
Interest Income [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	1,501	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	(18,948)
Interest Income [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Net Interest Settlements	(1,488)	(3,158)
Income_Expense related to interest settlements on fair value hedges	12,109	7,117
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Derivative	20,449
Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness		0
Interest Income [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	0	0
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	0	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	0	0
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	0	0
Interest Income [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Hedged Item Net Interest Settlements	13,597	10,275
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	0	0
Interest Income [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax		0
Interest Income [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0	0
Interest Income [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0	0
Interest Income [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Future [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0	0
Loans and Finance Receivables [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0
Loans and Finance Receivables [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	(153)	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	(6,572)
Loans and Finance Receivables [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Net Interest Settlements	(297)	(217)
Income_Expense related to interest settlements on fair value hedges	1,117	299
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Derivative	6,419
Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness		0
Loans and Finance Receivables [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	0	0
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	0	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	0	0
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	0	0
Loans and Finance Receivables [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Hedged Item Net Interest Settlements	1,414	516
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	0	0
Loans and Finance Receivables [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax		0
Loans and Finance Receivables [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0	0
Loans and Finance Receivables [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0	0
Loans and Finance Receivables [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Future [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0	0
Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0
Interest Expense [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	1,490	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	11,137
Interest Expense [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Net Interest Settlements	294	183
Income_Expense related to interest settlements on fair value hedges	(7,776)	(2,152)
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Derivative	(9,647)
Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness		0
Interest Expense [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	(267)	(512)
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	(2)	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	(1,780)	(652)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	(2,049)	(1,164)
Interest Expense [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Hedged Item Net Interest Settlements	(7,915)	(2,277)
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	(155)	(58)
Interest Expense [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax		0
Interest Expense [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0	0
Interest Expense [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0	0
Interest Expense [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Future [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0	0
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	3,850	(6,393)
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Net Interest Settlements	0	0
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	0	(3,878)
Income_Expense related to interest settlements on fair value hedges	0	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Derivative	0	1,526
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	0	(5,404)
Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness		(29)
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	0	0
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	0	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	0	0
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	0	(29)
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Hedged Item Net Interest Settlements	0	0
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	0	0
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	4,075	(6,684)
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0	399
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Future [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	$ (225)	$ (108)

Financial Derivatives - Narrat

Financial Derivatives - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net	$ 0
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell	0
Financial derivatives, at fair value	22,570	$ 26,599
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Collateral Pledged	25,253	24,926
Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value	0	3,100
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	9,734,245	8,860,296
Uncollateralized [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Credit exposure to interest rate swap counterparties	1,600	500
Cash [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Collateral Received	0	0
Collateral Pledged	400	100
Securities Pledged as Collateral [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Collateral Pledged	24,900	24,800
Exchange Cleared [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	8,600,000	7,900,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	9,700,000	8,800,000
Including accrued interest [Member] | Excluding netting [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Credit exposure to interest rate swap counterparties	59,500	28,500
Financial derivatives, at fair value	62,200	58,200
Including accrued interest [Member] | Netting [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Credit exposure to interest rate swap counterparties	1,600	500
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ 4,800	$ 28,000

Financial Derivatives Derivativ

Financial Derivatives Derivatives in Fair Value and Cash Flow Hedging Relationships (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Interest Income, Operating	$ 62,430	$ 42,522
Interest and Fee Income, Loans and Leases	45,653	36,852
Total interest expense	(76,317)	(49,546)
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	3,850	(2,486)
TotalAmountsofLineItemsPresentedintheConsolidatedStatementofIncome	27,916	32,314
Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	2,838	(3,878)
Income_Expense related to interest settlements on fair value hedges	5,450	5,264
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Derivative	17,221	1,526
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	(14,383)	(5,404)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	(2)	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	(267)	(512)
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	(1,780)	(652)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	(2,049)	(1,193)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Hedged Item Net Interest Settlements	7,096	8,514
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	(155)	(58)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax		(6,393)
Interest Income [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0
Interest Income [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	1,501	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	(18,948)
Interest Income [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	0	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	0	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	0	0
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	0	0
Interest Income [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Hedged Item Net Interest Settlements	13,597	10,275
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	0	0
Interest Income [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax		0
Loans and Finance Receivables [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0
Loans and Finance Receivables [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	(153)	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	(6,572)
Loans and Finance Receivables [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	0	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	0	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	0	0
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	0	0
Loans and Finance Receivables [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Hedged Item Net Interest Settlements	1,414	516
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	0	0
Loans and Finance Receivables [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax		0
Interest Expense [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0
Interest Expense [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	1,490	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	11,137
Interest Expense [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	(2)	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	(267)	(512)
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	(1,780)	(652)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	(2,049)	(1,164)
Interest Expense [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Hedged Item Net Interest Settlements	(7,915)	(2,277)
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	(155)	(58)
Interest Expense [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax		0
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	3,850	(6,393)
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Derivative Net Interest Settlements	0	0
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	0	(3,878)
Income_Expense related to interest settlements on fair value hedges	0	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Derivative	0	1,526
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	0	(5,404)
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	0	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	0	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	0	0
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	0	(29)
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Hedged Item Net Interest Settlements	0	0
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	0	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Derivative Net Interest Settlements	(1,491)	(3,192)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Components Included from Assessment of Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Effectiveness		3,600
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net		(300)
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	4,075	(6,684)
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest Income [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Derivative Net Interest Settlements	(1,488)	(3,158)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Income_Expense related to interest settlements on fair value hedges	12,109	7,117
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Derivative	20,449
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest Income [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Loans and Finance Receivables [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Derivative Net Interest Settlements	(297)	(217)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Income_Expense related to interest settlements on fair value hedges	1,117	299
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Derivative	6,419
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Loans and Finance Receivables [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest Expense [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Derivative Net Interest Settlements	294	183
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Income_Expense related to interest settlements on fair value hedges	(7,776)	(2,152)
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Derivative	(9,647)
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest Expense [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	4,075	(6,684)
Forward Contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0	399
Forward Contracts [Member] | Interest Income [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0	0
Forward Contracts [Member] | Loans and Finance Receivables [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0	0
Forward Contracts [Member] | Interest Expense [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0	0
Forward Contracts [Member] | Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0	399
Future [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	(225)	(108)
Future [Member] | Interest Income [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0	0
Future [Member] | Loans and Finance Receivables [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0	0
Future [Member] | Interest Expense [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0	0
Future [Member] | Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	$ (225)	$ (108)

Financial Derivatives Hedged It

Financial Derivatives Hedged Items in Fair Value Hedging Relationships (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
HedgedItemsinFairValueHedgingRelationship [Line Items]
Hedged Liability Discontinued Fair Value Cumulative Increase Decrease	$ 400
Loans [Member]
HedgedItemsinFairValueHedgingRelationship [Line Items]
Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item	161,656	$ 149,304
Hedged Asset Fair Value Hedge Cumulative Increase Decrease	(44)	(189)
Long-term Debt [Member]
HedgedItemsinFairValueHedgingRelationship [Line Items]
Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item	(2,114,705)	(1,552,935)
Hedged Liability Fair Value Hedge Cumulative Increase Decrease	5,805	5,836
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
HedgedItemsinFairValueHedgingRelationship [Line Items]
Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item	2,135,593	1,928,220
Hedged Asset Fair Value Hedge Cumulative Increase Decrease	$ (22,367)	$ (22,853)

Loans and Allowance for Losse48

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Loan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross	$ 3,866,844	$ 3,873,755
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate	6,365	6,796
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	5,302,197	5,266,786
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	8,456	8,866	$ 7,638	$ 7,435
Real Estate Loan [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	5,317,836	5,275,024
Unamortized Loan Commitment and Origination Fees and Unamortized Discounts or Premiums	(9,274)	(1,442)
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross	5,308,562	5,273,582
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate	6,365	6,796
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	5,302,197	5,266,786
Real Estate Loan [Member] | Farm & Ranch [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	4,274,359	4,198,733
Real Estate Loan [Member] | Rural Utilities [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	1,043,477	1,076,291
Unsecuritized [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	3,876,118	3,875,197
Unamortized Loan Commitment and Origination Fees and Unamortized Discounts or Premiums	(9,274)	(1,442)
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross	3,866,844	3,873,755
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate	5,051	5,493
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	3,861,793	3,868,262
Unsecuritized [Member] | Farm & Ranch [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	2,832,641	2,798,906
Unsecuritized [Member] | Rural Utilities [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	1,043,477	1,076,291
In Consolidated Trusts [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	1,441,718	1,399,827
Unamortized Loan Commitment and Origination Fees and Unamortized Discounts or Premiums	0	0
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross	1,441,718	1,399,827
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate	1,314	1,303
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	1,440,404	1,398,524
In Consolidated Trusts [Member] | Farm & Ranch [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	1,441,718	1,399,827
In Consolidated Trusts [Member] | Rural Utilities [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	$ 0	$ 0

Loans and Allowance for Losse49

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Allowance for Credit Losses Roll Forward (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	$ 147,493,000			$ 147,071,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	47,560,000			48,444,000
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	2,708,000			2,884,000
Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities, Subject To Be Purchased	0			300,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	64,312,000			63,593,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Allowance for Loan Losses	6,796,000
Beginning Balance - Reserve for Losses	2,070,000
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	8,866,000	$ 7,435,000
Release of/(provision for) loan losses	431,000	(637,000)	$ (2,388,000)
Provision for/(release of) reserve for losses	21,000	(193,000)	$ (2,180,000)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs	0	(241,000)
Total provision for losses	(410,000)	444,000
Ending Balance - Allowance for Loan Losses	6,365,000
Ending Balance - Reserve for Losses	2,091,000
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	8,456,000	7,638,000
Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	67,307,000			76,726,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	24,561,000			21,853,000
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	1,021,000			1,431,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	28,211,000			27,630,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	4,081,000	3,365,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs	0	(228,000)
Total provision for losses	(288,000)	425,000
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	3,793,000	3,562,000
Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	46,438,000			40,415,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	9,140,000			18,833,000
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	1,227,000			1,063,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	24,870,000			25,701,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	2,469,000	1,723,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs	0	0
Total provision for losses	10,000	147,000
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	2,479,000	1,870,000
Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	24,000,000			20,547,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	9,351,000			3,835,000
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	336,000			242,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	5,840,000			5,333,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	1,211,000	1,375,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs	0	(13,000)
Total provision for losses	25,000	17,000
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	1,236,000	1,379,000
Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	9,037,000			8,663,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	3,872,000			3,923,000
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	122,000			146,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	5,391,000			4,929,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	481,000	405,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs	0	0
Total provision for losses	(68,000)	(81,000)
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	413,000	324,000
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0			0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	0			0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	0			0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	0			0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	606,000	533,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs	0	0
Total provision for losses	(84,000)	(61,000)
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	522,000	472,000
Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	711,000			720,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	636,000			0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	2,000			2,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	0			$ 0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	18,000	34,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs	0	0
Total provision for losses	(5,000)	(3,000)
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	13,000	31,000
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Allowance for Loan Losses	6,796,000	5,415,000
Release of/(provision for) loan losses	431,000	(637,000)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs	0	(241,000)
Ending Balance - Allowance for Loan Losses	6,365,000	5,811,000
Reserve for Off-balance Sheet Activities [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Reserve for Losses	2,070,000	2,020,000
Provision for/(release of) reserve for losses	21,000	(193,000)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs	0	0
Ending Balance - Reserve for Losses	$ 2,091,000	$ 1,827,000

Loans and Allowance for Losse50

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
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	$ 6,784,770		$ 6,720,503
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	147,232		147,083
Financing Receivable, Gross	6,932,002		6,867,586
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	5,748		5,982
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	2,708		2,884
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	8,456	$ 7,638	8,866	$ 7,435
Total provision for losses	(410)	444
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs	0	(241)
Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	3,612,630		3,581,213
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	67,192		76,732
Financing Receivable, Gross	3,679,822		3,657,945
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	2,772		2,650
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	1,021		1,431
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	3,793	3,562	4,081	3,365
Total provision for losses	(288)	425
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs	0	(228)
Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,306,987		1,327,144
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	46,351		40,419
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,353,338		1,367,563
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,252		1,406
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	1,227		1,063
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	2,479	1,870	2,469	1,723
Total provision for losses	10	147
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs	0	0
Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,323,352		1,314,410
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	23,958		20,548
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,347,310		1,334,958
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	900		969
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	336		242
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	1,236	1,379	1,211	1,375
Total provision for losses	25	17
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs	0	(13)
Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	460,001		424,964
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	9,022		8,664
Financing Receivable, Gross	469,023		433,628
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	291		335
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	122		146
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	413	324	481	405
Total provision for losses	(68)	(81)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs	0	0
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	68,909		58,761
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0
Financing Receivable, Gross	68,909		58,761
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	522		606
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	522	472	606	533
Total provision for losses	(84)	(61)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs	0	0
Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	12,891		14,011
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	709		720
Financing Receivable, Gross	13,600		14,731
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	11		16
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	2		2
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	13	31	18	$ 34
Total provision for losses	(5)	(3)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs	0	0
On-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	4,142,141		4,066,457
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	132,218		132,276
Financing Receivable, Gross	4,274,359		4,198,733
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	4,041		4,285
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	2,324		2,511
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	6,365		6,796
On-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	2,366,184		2,344,821
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	58,314		67,828
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,424,498		2,412,649
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	2,158		2,104
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	787		1,207
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	2,945		3,311
On-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	797,591		794,478
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	43,960		38,180
Financing Receivable, Gross	841,551		832,658
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	980		1,101
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	1,169		1,006
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	2,149		2,107
On-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	659,997		635,768
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	21,206		17,766
Financing Receivable, Gross	681,203		653,534
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	642		738
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	268		172
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	910		910
On-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	298,438		269,337
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	8,103		7,858
Financing Receivable, Gross	306,541		277,195
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	245		287
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	100		126
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	345		413
On-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	10,926		13,023
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0
Financing Receivable, Gross	10,926		13,023
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	10		44
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	10		44
On-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	9,005		9,030
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	635		644
Financing Receivable, Gross	9,640		9,674
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	6		11
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	6		11
Off-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	2,642,629		2,654,046
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	15,014		14,807
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,657,643		2,668,853
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,707		1,697
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	384		373
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	2,091		2,070
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,246,446		1,236,392
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	8,878		8,904
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,255,324		1,245,296
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	614		546
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	234		224
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	848		770
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	509,396		532,666
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	2,391		2,239
Financing Receivable, Gross	511,787		534,905
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	272		305
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	58		57
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	330		362
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	663,355		678,642
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	2,752		2,782
Financing Receivable, Gross	666,107		681,424
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	258		231
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	68		70
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	326		301
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	161,563		155,627
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	919		806
Financing Receivable, Gross	162,482		156,433
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	46		48
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	22		20
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	68		68
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	57,983		45,738
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0
Financing Receivable, Gross	57,983		45,738
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	512		562
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	512		562
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	3,886		4,981
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	74		76
Financing Receivable, Gross	3,960		5,057
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	5		5
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	2		2
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	7		$ 7
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs	$ 0	$ (241)

Loans and Allowance for Losse51

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Impaired Financing Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	$ 35,205		$ 31,457
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	35,135		31,460
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	112,288		115,614
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	112,097		115,623
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	147,493		147,071
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	147,232		147,083
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	2,708		2,884
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	64,312		63,593
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	147,284	$ 112,021
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	698	734
Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	18,940		14,417
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	18,902		14,418
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	48,367		62,309
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	48,290		62,314
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	67,307		76,726
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	67,192		76,732
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	1,021		1,431
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	28,211		27,630
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	72,017	58,309
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	392	302
Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	4,629		3,272
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	4,620		3,273
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	41,809		37,143
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	41,731		37,146
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	46,438		40,415
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	46,351		40,419
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	1,227		1,063
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	24,870		25,701
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	43,427	31,806
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	172	152
Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	8,090		11,171
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	8,074		11,172
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	15,910		9,376
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	15,884		9,376
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	24,000		20,547
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	23,958		20,548
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	336		242
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	5,840		5,333
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	22,274	13,658
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	79	177
Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	2,909		1,953
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	2,904		1,953
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	6,128		6,710
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	6,118		6,711
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	9,037		8,663
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	9,022		8,664
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	122		146
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	5,391		4,929
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	8,850	8,248
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	55	103
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	0		0
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	0		0
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	0		0
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	0		0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0		0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	0		0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	0		0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	0		0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	0	0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	0	0
Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	637		644
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	635		644
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	74		76
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	74		76
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	711		720
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	709		720
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	2		2
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	0		0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	716	0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	0	$ 0
Collateral Dependent Not Individually Analyzed [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	109,900		113,200
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	$ 2,300		$ 2,700
Impaired Financing Receivable, Impairment analysis performed percent	75.00%		77.00%
Less than 90 days past due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	$ 20,700		$ 15,700

Loans and Allowance for Losse52

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Troubled Debt Restructurings (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Receivables [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Post-Modification Recorded Investment	$ 0	$ 0
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 Losse53

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)defaulted_loan	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)defaulted_loan	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
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	4	3
Payments to Acquire Other Loans and Leases Held-for-investment	$ 721	$ 311
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Acquired During Period, Contractually Required Payments Receivable at Acquisition, During the Period	730	311
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Provision for Loan Losses	0	0
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Allowance for Loan Losses, Decreases	0	14
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Outstanding Balance	19,453		$ 18,866
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Carrying Amount, Net	18,097		$ 17,691
Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments [Member]
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities Acquired During Period [Line Items]
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, UPB at acquisition	0	311
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	$ 721	$ 0

Loans and Allowance for Losse54

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Certain Loans Acquired Delinquencies and Net Credit Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	$ 47,560		$ 48,444
Net credit losses (recoveries)	16	$ 246
Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities, Subject To Be Purchased	0		300
On-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	43,658		47,881
Net credit losses (recoveries)	16	246
Off-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	3,902		$ 563
Net credit losses (recoveries)	$ 0	$ 0

Loans and Allowance for Losse55

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Financing Receivables Credit Quality Indicators (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	$ 6,932,002	$ 6,867,586
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	47,560	48,444
Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	6,427,560	6,390,271
Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	283,203	256,008
Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	221,239	221,307
Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	3,679,822	3,657,945
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	24,561	21,853
Crops [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	3,406,953	3,407,108
Crops [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	175,556	146,841
Crops [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	97,313	103,996
Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,353,338	1,367,563
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	9,140	18,833
Permanent Plantings [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,225,070	1,250,173
Permanent Plantings [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	60,329	49,012
Permanent Plantings [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	67,939	68,378
Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,347,310	1,334,958
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	9,351	3,835
Livestock [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,264,647	1,252,160
Livestock [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	43,046	49,856
Livestock [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	39,617	32,942
Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	469,023	433,628
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	3,872	3,923
Part-Time Farm [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	452,691	411,760
Part-Time Farm [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	4,114	10,130
Part-Time Farm [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	12,218	11,738
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	68,909	58,761
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	0	0
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	65,976	55,746
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	0	0
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,933	3,015
Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	13,600	14,731
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	636	0
Other Commodity [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	12,223	13,324
Other Commodity [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	158	169
Other Commodity [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,219	1,238
On-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	4,274,359	4,198,733
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	43,658	47,881
On-balance sheet [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	4,029,081	3,946,946
On-balance sheet [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	113,059	119,829
On-balance sheet [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	132,219	131,958
On-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,424,498	2,412,649
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	24,385	21,702
On-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,288,500	2,274,912
On-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	77,684	70,063
On-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	58,314	67,674
On-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	841,551	832,658
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	9,140	18,833
On-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	774,771	771,600
On-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	22,819	22,878
On-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	43,961	38,180
On-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	681,203	653,534
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	6,020	3,835
On-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	651,345	617,527
On-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	8,652	18,405
On-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	21,206	17,602
On-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	306,541	277,195
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	3,477	3,511
On-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	294,534	260,854
On-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	3,904	8,483
On-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	8,103	7,858
On-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	10,926	13,023
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	0	0
On-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	10,926	13,023
On-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	0	0
On-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	0	0
On-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	9,640	9,674
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	636	0
On-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	9,005	9,030
On-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	0	0
On-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	635	644
Off-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,657,643	2,668,853
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	3,902	563
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,398,479	2,443,325
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	170,144	136,179
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	89,020	89,349
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,255,324	1,245,296
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	176	151
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,118,453	1,132,196
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	97,872	76,778
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	38,999	36,322
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	511,787	534,905
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	0	0
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	450,299	478,573
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	37,510	26,134
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	23,978	30,198
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	666,107	681,424
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	3,331	0
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	613,302	634,633
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	34,394	31,451
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	18,411	15,340
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	162,482	156,433
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	395	412
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	158,157	150,906
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	210	1,647
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	4,115	3,880
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	57,983	45,738
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	0	0
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	55,050	42,723
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	0	0
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,933	3,015
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	3,960	5,057
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	0	0
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	3,218	4,294
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	158	169
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	$ 584	$ 594

Loans and Allowance for Losse56

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Concentrations of Credit Risk (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	$ 6,932,002	$ 6,867,586
Financing Receivables, Borrower Exposure, Range One [Member] [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,404,191	2,379,596
Financing Receivables, Borrower Exposure, Range Two [Member] [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,663,554	2,627,617
Financing Receivables, Borrower Exposure, Range Three [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	887,986	867,574
Financing Receivables, Borrower Exposure, Range Four [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	571,315	584,896
Financing Receivables, Borrower Exposure, Range Five [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	404,956	407,903
Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range One [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	$ 1,328,529	1,322,422
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	$ 1,717,932	1,733,671
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	$ 2,395,568	2,385,605
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	$ 1,195,017	1,150,914
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	$ 269,716	248,799
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	$ 25,240	26,175
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	$ 799,823	740,991
Southwest [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,096,948	2,093,213
Mid-North [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,249,763	2,244,094
Mid-South [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	901,231	908,603
Northeast [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	300,731	296,264
Southeast [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	583,506	584,421
Crops [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	3,679,822	3,657,945
Permanent Plantings [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,353,338	1,367,563
Livestock [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,347,310	1,334,958
Part-Time Farm [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	469,023	433,628
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	68,909	58,761
Other Commodity [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	$ 13,600	$ 14,731

Guarantees and Long Term Stan57

Guarantees and Long Term Standby Purchase Commitments - Off-Balance Sheet Guaranteed Securities (Details) - Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$ 910,488	$ 899,284
Farm & Ranch [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	314,497	333,511
USDA Guarantees [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	284,435	254,217
Institutional Credit [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	11,556	11,556
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$ 300,000	$ 300,000

Guarantees and Long Term Stan58

Guarantees and Long Term Standby Purchase Commitments - Cash Flows from Off-balance sheet Guaranteed Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	$ 131,202	$ 149,607
Proceeds from Fees Received	546	488
Payments to Acquire Loans and Leases Held-for-investment	$ (721)	$ 0
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining maturity, Loans underlying guarantees not held by transferor	9 years 11 months	10 years
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	$ 3,400		$ 3,600
Institutional Credit [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining maturity, Loans underlying guarantees not held by transferor	7 months 15 days	9 months 15 days

Guarantees and Long Term Stan59

Guarantees and Long Term Standby Purchase Commitments - Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments (Details) - Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining maturity, Loans underlying guarantees not held by transferor	15 years 2 months 10 days	15 years 3 months 10 days
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$ 3,000,000		$ 3,141,684
Guarantee obligations issued after January 1, 2003 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	$ 35,100		$ 34,800

Equity - Capital Requirements

Equity - Capital Requirements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Capital Required for Capital Adequacy	$ 536.3	$ 520.3
Capital	673.2	657.1
Excess Capital	$ 136.9	$ 136.8

Equity Narrative (Details)

Equity Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	Aug. 03, 2017USD ($)
Common Class C, Non-Voting [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$ 5.4

Fair Value Disclosures - Narra

Fair Value Disclosures - Narrative (Details) - Level 3 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Billions	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets and Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 5.9	$ 5.5
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Fair Value as Percent of Total Assets	32.00%	31.00%
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities, Fair Value as Percent of Total Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value	73.00%	71.00%

Fair Value Disclosures - Fai63

Fair Value Disclosures - Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	$ 5,142	$ 7,093
Derivative Liability	2,683	1,673
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	5,302,197	5,266,786
Real estate owned, at lower of cost or fair value	123	139
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	5,142	7,093
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	8,049,439	7,707,927
Derivative Liability	22,570	26,599
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	22,570	26,599
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	829,268	767,424
Derivative Liability	366	36
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	366	36
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	5,142	7,093
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,346,096	1,431,927
Derivative Liability	22,204	26,563
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	22,204	26,563
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	5,874,075	5,508,576
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	343	508
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	343	508
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	343	508
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	343	508
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	5,839,387	5,471,914
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	5,839,387	5,471,914
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	5,839,387	5,471,914
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	5,839,387	5,471,914
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		2,215,405
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		767,424
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		1,424,834
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		23,147
Investment Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	2,193,352
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	829,268
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	1,340,954
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	23,130
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	11,558	13,515
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	11,558	13,515
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	11,558	13,515
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	11,558	13,515
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	19,010	18,814
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	19,010	18,814
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	32,813	34,210
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	32,813	34,210
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] | 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	1,307,676	1,290,187
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	1,307,676	1,290,187
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] | 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		99,951
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
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		99,951
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
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	4,585	4,819
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	465	486
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	4,120	4,333
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	829,268	767,424
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	829,268	767,424
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) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	$ 27,000			$ 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3			$ 7,041,000
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	487,000
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		$ 5,508,576,000	4,891,803,000
Purchases		689,740,000	572,116,000
Sales		(34,293,000)	(32,589,000)
Settlements		(292,350,000)	(163,723,000)
Ending Balance	5,508,576,000	5,874,075,000	5,284,591,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings		(18,932,000)	(3,297,000)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		20,847,000	13,240,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | USDA Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3			0
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	0
Trading Securities, Unrealized Gains		100,000	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		13,515,000	20,388,000
Purchases		34,293,000	32,589,000
Sales		(34,293,000)	(32,589,000)
Settlements		(1,973,000)	(1,704,000)
Ending Balance	13,515,000	11,558,000	18,602,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings		16,000	(82,000)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		0	0
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Investment Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3			7,041,000
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		23,147,000	17,730,000
Purchases		0	0
Sales		0	0
Settlements		(109,000)	(112,000)
Ending Balance	23,147,000	23,130,000	22,943,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings		0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		92,000	(1,716,000)
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3			0
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	487,000
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		5,471,914,000	4,853,685,000
Purchases		655,447,000	539,527,000
Sales		0	0
Settlements		(290,268,000)	(161,907,000)
Ending Balance	5,471,914,000	5,839,387,000	5,243,046,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings		(18,948,000)	(3,215,000)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		20,755,000	14,956,000
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | USDA Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3			0
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		0	0
Purchases		34,293,000	32,589,000
Sales		(34,293,000)	(32,589,000)
Settlements		0	0
Ending Balance	0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings		0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		0	0
Trading Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | USDA Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3			0
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		13,515,000	20,388,000
Purchases		0	0
Sales		0	0
Settlements		(1,973,000)	(1,704,000)
Ending Balance	13,515,000	11,558,000	18,602,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings		16,000	(82,000)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		0	0
Institutional Credit [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3			0
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	487,000
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		5,471,914,000	4,853,685,000
Purchases		655,447,000	539,527,000
Sales		0	0
Settlements		(290,268,000)	(161,907,000)
Ending Balance	5,471,914,000	5,839,387,000	5,243,046,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings		(18,948,000)	(3,215,000)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		20,755,000	14,956,000
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3			0
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		18,814,000	17,730,000
Purchases		0	0
Sales		0	0
Settlements		0	0
Ending Balance	18,814,000	19,010,000	18,124,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings		0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		196,000	394,000
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3			7,041,000
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		4,333,000	0
Purchases		0	0
Sales		0	0
Settlements		(109,000)	(112,000)
Ending Balance	$ 4,333,000	4,120,000	4,819,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings		0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		$ (104,000)	$ (2,110,000)

Fair Value Disclosures - Quant

Fair Value Disclosures - Quantitative Information (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$ 5,874,075	$ 5,284,591	$ 5,508,576	$ 4,891,803
USDA Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$ 11,558	$ 18,602	13,515	20,388
Minimum [Member] | Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Range of Offered Quotes	96.50%	95.50%
Minimum [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	2.40%	2.10%
Minimum [Member] | USDA Guarantees [Member] | USDA Securities [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.20%	3.60%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	7.00%	7.00%
Maximum [Member] | Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Range of Offered Quotes	96.50%	95.50%
Maximum [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.80%	3.40%
Maximum [Member] | USDA Guarantees [Member] | USDA Securities [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	5.30%	5.40%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	18.00%	19.00%
Weighted Average [Member] | Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans | Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Range of Offered Quotes	96.50%	95.50%
Weighted Average [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	2.70%	2.40%
Weighted Average [Member] | USDA Guarantees [Member] | USDA Securities [Member] | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	5.00%	5.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	16.00%	17.00%
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$ 5,839,387	$ 5,243,046	5,471,914	4,853,685
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	0	0	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	5,839,387	5,243,046	5,471,914	4,853,685
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$ 4,120	$ 4,819	4,333	0
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	0.00%	0.00%
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.10%	2.90%
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.10%	2.90%
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.10%	2.90%
Trading Securities [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$ 11,558	$ 18,602	$ 13,515	$ 20,388

Fair Value Disclosures - Summa

Fair Value Disclosures - Summary of Carrying Value and Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Financial derivatives	$ 5,142	$ 7,093
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable:	39,997	39,895
Derivative Liability	2,683	1,673
Guarantee and commitment obligation	38,487	38,400
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	493,258	302,022
Loans	5,302,197	5,266,786
Financial derivatives	5,142	7,093
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	1,463,653	1,404,945
Derivative Liability	22,570	26,599
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Investment Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	2,238,384	2,260,437
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	8,021,430	7,598,188
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	2,139,327	2,131,365
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:	36,035	35,718
Guarantee and commitment obligation	35,099	34,824
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable:	3,962	4,177
Guarantee and commitment obligation	3,388	3,576
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Due within one year [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes payable:	7,896,359	8,089,826
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes payable:	8,127,594	7,432,790
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	493,258	302,022
Loans	5,341,228	5,279,225
Financial derivatives	5,142	7,093
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	1,431,475	1,386,652
Derivative Liability	22,570	26,599
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Investment Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	2,239,715	2,260,969
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	8,006,115	7,588,806
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	2,087,775	2,076,396
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:	36,558	33,871
Guarantee and commitment obligation	35,623	32,976
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:	4,058	4,323
Guarantee and commitment obligation	3,485	3,722
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Due within one year [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes payable:	7,885,414	8,079,309
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes payable:	$ 8,095,285	$ 7,445,545

Business Segment Reporting - C

Business Segment Reporting - Core Earnings - Business Segments (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments	4
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income	$ 43,229	$ 37,071	$ 125,807
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)	0	0	0
Net Effective Spread	0	0	0
Guaranty Fee Income	3,499	3,844	14,077
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	(3,260)	2,952	6,064
Non-interest income	239	6,796	20,141
Release of/(provision for) loan losses	431	(637)	(2,388)
Provision for Other Credit Losses	(21)	193	2,180
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	(11,621)	(10,742)	(37,662)
Non-interest expense	(11,642)	(10,549)	(35,482)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(6,438)	(10,786)	(34,239)
Net income	25,819	21,895	73,839
Net income	32,257	32,681	108,078
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact	(3,295)	(3,295)	(13,182)
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest	0	15	(5,139)
Preferred Stock Redemption Premium			8,147
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	22,524	18,615	47,371
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Total Assets	18,397,236	15,931,757	15,540,354	$ 17,792,274
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance	19,379,443	17,844,541	15,898,820
Farm & Ranch [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income	14,941	12,754	43,271
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)	(2,401)	(2,243)	(5,308)
Net Effective Spread	12,540	10,511	37,963
Guaranty Fee Income	4,378	4,295	15,076
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	557	194	1,039
Non-interest income	4,935	4,489	16,115
Release of/(provision for) loan losses	431	(637)	(2,388)
Provision for Other Credit Losses	(21)	193	2,180
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	(4,520)	(4,065)	(16,876)
Non-interest expense	(4,541)	(3,872)	(14,696)
Segment core earnings before income taxes	13,365	10,491	36,994
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(2,807)	(3,672)	(12,956)
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	10,558	6,819	24,038
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact	0	0	0
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest		0	0
Preferred Stock Redemption Premium			0
Segment core earnings	10,558	6,819	24,038
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Total Assets	4,306,960	3,693,360	3,041,386
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance	6,932,002	6,240,467	5,725,299
USDA Guarantees [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income	5,070	5,283	17,750
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)	(670)	(722)	(638)
Net Effective Spread	4,400	4,561	17,112
Guaranty Fee Income	166	74	17
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	5	14	100
Non-interest income	171	88	117
Release of/(provision for) loan losses	0	0	0
Provision for Other Credit Losses	0	0	0
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	(1,193)	(1,087)	(3,449)
Non-interest expense	(1,193)	(1,087)	(3,449)
Segment core earnings before income taxes	3,378	3,562	13,780
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(709)	(1,247)	(4,826)
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	2,669	2,315	8,954
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact	0	0	0
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest		0	0
Preferred Stock Redemption Premium			0
Segment core earnings	2,669	2,315	8,954
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Total Assets	2,195,714	2,109,264	1,977,609
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance	2,391,739	2,149,697	1,918,277
Rural Utilities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income	2,537	2,948	11,728
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)	413	(380)	(723)
Net Effective Spread	2,950	2,568	11,005
Guaranty Fee Income	449	492	397
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	5	5	25
Non-interest income	454	497	422
Release of/(provision for) loan losses	0	0	0
Provision for Other Credit Losses	0	0	0
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	(673)	(587)	(3,364)
Non-interest expense	(673)	(587)	(3,364)
Segment core earnings before income taxes	2,731	2,478	8,063
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(574)	(867)	(2,828)
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	2,157	1,611	5,235
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact	0	0	0
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest		0	0
Preferred Stock Redemption Premium			0
Segment core earnings	2,157	1,611	5,235
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Total Assets	1,043,335	1,005,187	1,019,279
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance	1,729,797	1,868,794	1,530,990
Institutional Credit [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income	17,832	13,502	44,971
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)	(3,008)	(887)	(1,512)
Net Effective Spread	14,824	12,615	43,459
Guaranty Fee Income	90	455	1,665
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	0	0	0
Non-interest income	90	455	1,665
Release of/(provision for) loan losses	0	0	0
Provision for Other Credit Losses	0	0	0
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	(1,846)	(1,521)	(2,109)
Non-interest expense	(1,846)	(1,521)	(2,109)
Segment core earnings before income taxes	13,068	11,549	43,015
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(2,744)	(4,042)	(15,038)
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	10,324	7,507	27,977
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact	0	0	0
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest		0	0
Preferred Stock Redemption Premium			0
Segment core earnings	10,324	7,507	27,977
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Total Assets	8,066,231	6,315,591	5,420,195
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance	8,325,905	7,585,583	6,724,254
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income	2,849	2,584	8,087
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)	(462)	(313)	(198)
Net Effective Spread	2,387	2,271	7,889
Guaranty Fee Income	0	0	0
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	(139)	267	74
Non-interest income	(139)	267	74
Release of/(provision for) loan losses	0	0	0
Provision for Other Credit Losses	0	0	0
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	(3,389)	(3,482)	(11,864)
Non-interest expense	(3,389)	(3,482)	(11,864)
Segment core earnings before income taxes	(1,141)	(944)	(3,901)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	575	984	3,053
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	(566)	40	(848)
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact	(3,295)	(3,295)	(13,182)
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest		15	(5,139)
Preferred Stock Redemption Premium			0
Segment core earnings	(3,861)	(3,240)	(19,169)
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Total Assets	2,784,996	2,808,355	4,081,885
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income	0	0	0
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)	6,128	4,545	8,379
Net Effective Spread	6,128	4,545	8,379
Guaranty Fee Income	(1,584)	(1,472)	(3,078)
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	(3,688)	2,472	4,826
Non-interest income	(5,272)	1,000	1,748
Release of/(provision for) loan losses	0	0	0
Provision for Other Credit Losses	0	0	0
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	0	0	0
Non-interest expense	0	0	0
Segment core earnings before income taxes	856	5,545	10,127
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(179)	(1,942)	(1,644)
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	677	3,603	8,483
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact	0	0	0
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest		0	0
Preferred Stock Redemption Premium			8,147
Segment core earnings	677	3,603	336
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Total Assets	0	0	0
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Income Taxes - Components of I

Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Expense (Details)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	20.00%	35.50%