Federal Agricultural Mortgage (AGM) 10-Q 9 Aug 18 2018 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Aug. 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	Jun. 30, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Trading Symbol	AGM
Common Class A, Voting [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,030,780
Common Class B, Voting [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		500,301
Common Class C, Non-Voting [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		9,137,500

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 430,812	$ 302,022
Loans:
Loans held for investment, at amortized cost	3,916,127	3,873,755
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	1,443,246	1,399,827
Allowance for loan losses	(6,789)	(6,796)
Total loans, net of allowance	5,352,584	5,266,786
Real estate owned, at lower of cost or fair value	56	139
Financial derivatives, at fair value	8,011	7,093
Interest receivable (includes $17,019 and $17,373, respectively, related to consolidated trusts)	156,194	155,278
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable	39,915	39,895
Deferred tax asset, net	0	2,048
Prepaid expenses and other assets	67,305	29,023
Total Assets	18,626,771	17,792,274
Notes payable:
Due within one year	7,774,301	8,089,826
Due after one year	8,416,896	7,432,790
Total notes payable	16,191,197	15,522,616
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	1,449,888	1,404,945
Financial derivatives, at fair value	20,164	26,599
Accrued interest payable (includes $14,559 and $14,631, respectively, related to consolidated trusts)	88,506	75,402
Guarantee and commitment obligation	38,428	38,400
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	67,295	14,096
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	2,832	0
Reserve for losses	2,249	2,070
Total Liabilities	17,860,559	17,084,128
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6)
Common stock:
Additional paid-in capital	117,684	118,979
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	73,410	51,085
Retained earnings	359,692	322,704
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	766,212	708,146
Total Liabilities and Equity	18,626,771	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	9,136	9,088
Investment Securities [Member]
Assets:
Available-for-sale, at fair value	2,324,598	2,215,405
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost	45,032	45,032
Marketable Securities	2,369,630	2,260,437
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
Assets:
Available-for-sale, at fair value	5,985,806	5,471,914
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost	2,093,092	2,126,274
Marketable Securities	8,078,898	7,598,188
USDA Securities [Member]
Assets:
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost	2,112,618	2,117,850
Trading, at fair value	10,748	13,515
Marketable Securities	$ 2,123,366	$ 2,131,365

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Interest receivable - Consolidated Trusts amount	$ 156,194	$ 155,278
Accrued interest payable - Consolidated Trusts amount	$ 88,506	$ 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	9,136,194	9,087,670
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Interest receivable - Consolidated Trusts amount	$ 17,019	$ 17,373
Accrued interest payable - Consolidated Trusts amount	$ 14,559	$ 14,631

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Interest income:
Investments and cash equivalents	$ 12,095	$ 8,368	$ 23,558	$ 15,611
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities	74,179	50,106	136,609	92,628
Loans	49,396	39,573	95,049	76,425
Total interest income	135,670	98,047	255,216	184,664
Total interest expense	91,737	58,316	168,054	107,862
Net interest income	43,933	39,731	87,162	76,802
(Provision for)/release of loan losses	(424)	(327)	7	(964)
Net interest income after (provision for)/release of loan losses	43,509	39,404	87,169	75,838
Non-interest income:
Guarantee and commitment fees	3,481	3,472	6,980	7,316
Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives and hedging activities	2,534	(617)	(1,316)	1,869
Gains/(losses) on trading securities	11	(2)	27	(84)
Gains on sale of real estate owned	34	757	34	752
Other income	320	134	894	687
Non-interest income	6,380	3,744	6,619	10,540
Non-interest expense:
Compensation and employee benefits	6,936	6,682	13,590	12,999
General and administrative	5,202	3,921	9,528	7,721
Regulatory fees	625	625	1,250	1,250
Real estate owned operating costs, net	0	23	16	23
Provision for/(release of) reserve for losses	158	139	179	(54)
Non-interest expense	12,921	11,390	24,563	21,939
Income before income taxes	36,968	31,758	69,225	64,439
Income tax expense	7,332	11,124	13,770	21,910
Net income	29,636	20,634	55,455	42,529
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest	0	150	0	165
Net income attributable to Farmer Mac	29,636	20,784	55,455	42,694
Preferred stock dividends	(3,296)	(3,296)	(6,591)	(6,591)
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 26,340	$ 17,488	$ 48,864	$ 36,103
Earnings per common share and dividends:
Basic earnings per common share	$ 2.47	$ 1.65	$ 4.59	$ 3.41
Diluted earnings per common share	2.45000	1.62000	4.55000	3.35
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.58	$ 0.36	$ 1.16	$ 0.72

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Net income	$ 29,636	$ 20,634	$ 55,455	$ 42,529
Interest Income, Operating	74,179	50,106	136,609	92,628
Other comprehensive income before taxes:
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	996	5,333	22,224	20,170
Net changes in held-to-maturity securities	(1,546)	(2,125)	(2,856)	(5,612)
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	2,194	(1,848)	8,857	(1,219)
Other comprehensive income before tax	1,644	1,360	28,225	13,339
Income tax expense related to other comprehensive income	(345)	(476)	(5,927)	(4,669)
Other comprehensive income net of tax	1,299	884	22,298	8,670
Comprehensive income	30,935	21,518	77,753	51,199
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest	0	150	0	165
Comprehensive income attributable to Farmer Mac	$ 30,935	$ 21,668	$ 77,753	$ 51,364

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]
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	42,694		0		0		0		0		42,694		0
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest	165		0		0		0		0		0		(165)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	8,670		0		0		0		8,670		0		0
Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash	6,591		0		0		0		0		6,591		0
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	7,616		0		0		0		0		7,616		0
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues				0		65
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues		$ 290		$ 0		$ 65		$ 225		$ 0		$ 0		$ 0
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	1,784		0		0		1,784		0		0		0
Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net	(1,727)		$ 0		$ 0		(1,727)		0		0		0
Ending Balance (Shares Outstanding) at Jun. 30, 2017			8,400		10,604
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2017	680,929		$ 204,759		$ 10,604		118,937		42,428		304,201		0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Deconsolidation	(57)		0		0		0		0		0		(57)
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]
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	55,455		0		0		0		0		55,455		0
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest	0
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	22,298		0		0		0		22,298		0		0
Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash	6,591		0		0		0		0		6,591		0
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	12,347		0		0		0		0		12,347		0
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues				0		48
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues		$ 55		$ 0		$ 48		$ 7		$ 0		$ 0		$ 0
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	1,269		0		0		1,269		0		0		0
Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net	(2,571)		$ 0		$ 0		(2,571)		0		0		0
Ending Balance (Shares Outstanding) at Jun. 30, 2018			8,400		10,667
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2018	$ 766,212		$ 204,759		$ 10,667		$ 117,684		$ 73,410		$ 359,692		$ 0

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 55,455	$ 42,529
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net amortization of deferred gains, premiums, and discounts on loans, investments, Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, and USDA Securities	1,536	534
Amortization of debt premiums, discounts and issuance costs	13,701	11,479
Net change in fair value of trading securities, hedged assets, and financial derivatives	26,100	(12,122)
(Gains)/losses on sale of real estate owned	(34)	(752)
Total provision for losses	172	910
Excess Tax Benefits from Share-Based Compensation	903	832
Deferred income taxes	(2,457)	2,095
Other Noncash Income (Expense)	0	(100)
Stock-based compensation expense	1,269	1,784
Proceeds from repayment of loans purchased as held for sale	62,078	32,510
Net change in:
Interest receivable	(879)	(3,700)
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable	8	320
Other assets	(12,877)	300
Accrued interest payable	13,104	14,260
Other liabilities	4,075	(488)
Net cash provided by operating activities	162,154	90,591
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of loans held for investment	(491,858)	(678,710)
Purchases of defaulted loans	(721)	(415)
Proceeds from repayment of loans purchased as held for investment	335,808	250,111
Proceeds from sale of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	196,290	247,975
Proceeds from sale of real estate owned	101	6,144
Net cash used by investing activities	(609,078)	(1,428,004)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments to third parties on debt securities of consolidated trusts	(72,031)	(54,949)
Proceeds from common stock issuance	7	232
Tax payments related to share-based awards	(2,523)	(1,669)
Dividends paid on common and preferred stock	(18,939)	(14,207)
Net cash provided/(used) by financing activities	575,714	1,392,177
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	128,790	54,764
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	302,022	265,229
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	430,812	319,993
Medium-term Notes [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of discount notes and medium-term notes	4,103,234	5,257,762
Payments to redeem discount notes and medium-term notes	(3,313,236)	(2,206,300)
Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of discount notes and medium-term notes	21,036,787	27,501,915
Payments to redeem discount notes and medium-term notes	(21,157,585)	(29,090,607)
Investment Securities [Member]
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of available-for-sale investment securities and Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities	(539,667)	(271,684)
Proceeds from repayment of available-for-sale investment securities, Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities	403,018	508,409
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member]
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of available-for-sale investment securities and Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities	(1,843,294)	(2,108,174)
Proceeds from repayment of available-for-sale investment securities, Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities	$ 1,331,245	$ 618,340

Accounting Policies

Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 June 30, 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 June 30, 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 June 30, 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 $ 1,443,246 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 1,443,246 Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties (1) 1,449,888 — — — — 1,449,888 Unconsolidated VIEs: Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Carrying value (2) — 29,206 — — — 29,206 Maximum exposure to loss (3) — 28,938 — — — 28,938 Investment securities: Carrying value (4) — — — — 917,479 917,479 Maximum exposure to loss (3) (4) — — — — 917,260 917,260 Off-Balance Sheet: Unconsolidated VIEs: Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Maximum exposure to loss (3) (5) 297,833 325,652 — — — 623,485 (1) Includes borrower remittances of $6.6 million . The borrower remittances had not been passed through to third party investors as of June 30, 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 six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017: Table 1.2 For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 (in thousands) Non-cash activity: Real estate owned acquired through loan liquidation — 5,261 Loans acquired and securitized as Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 196,290 247,975 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 116,983 161,880 Purchases of securities - traded not yet settled 48,600 50,000 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 and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017: Table 1.3 For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 June 30, 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 $ 26,340 10,658 $ 2.47 $ 17,488 10,600 $ 1.65 Effect of dilutive securities (1) Stock options, SARs and restricted stock — 84 (0.02 ) — 183 (0.03 ) Diluted EPS $ 26,340 10,742 $ 2.45 $ 17,488 10,783 $ 1.62 (1) For the three months ended June 30, 2018, no SARs were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because they were anti-dilutive, compared to 24,907 stock options and SARs for the three months ended June 30, 2017. For the three months ended June 30, 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. For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 June 30, 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 $ 48,864 10,640 $ 4.59 $ 36,103 10,576 $ 3.41 Effect of dilutive securities (1) Stock options, SARs and restricted stock — 102 (0.04 ) — 207 (0.06 ) Diluted EPS $ 48,864 10,742 $ 4.55 $ 36,103 10,783 $ 3.35 (1) For the six months ended June 30, 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 37,832 stock options and SARs for the six months ended June 30, 2017. For the six months ended June 30, 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 and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017: Table 1.4 As of June 30, 2018 As of June 30, 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: Beginning Balance $ 15,094 $ 47,201 $ 9,816 $ 72,111 $ (4,742 ) $ 43,485 $ 2,801 $ 41,544 Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications 2,209 — 1,778 3,987 6,191 — (1,500 ) 4,691 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (1,421 ) (1,222 ) (45 ) (2,688 ) (2,725 ) (1,381 ) 299 (3,807 ) Net comprehensive income/(loss) 788 (1,222 ) 1,733 1,299 3,466 (1,381 ) (1,201 ) 884 Ending Balance $ 15,882 $ 45,979 $ 11,549 $ 73,410 $ (1,276 ) $ 42,104 $ 1,600 $ 42,428 For the Six Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ (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 — — — — Adjusted Beginning Balance (1,676 ) 48,236 4,552 51,112 (14,387 ) 45,752 2,393 33,758 Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications 20,396 — 6,831 27,227 18,413 — (1,426 ) 16,987 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (2,838 ) (2,257 ) 166 (4,929 ) (5,302 ) (3,648 ) 633 (8,317 ) Net comprehensive income/(loss) 17,558 (2,257 ) 6,997 22,298 13,111 (3,648 ) (793 ) 8,670 Ending Balance $ 15,882 $ 45,979 $ 11,549 $ 73,410 $ (1,276 ) $ 42,104 $ 1,600 $ 42,428 The following table presents other comprehensive income activity, the impact on net income of amounts reclassified from each component of AOCI, and the related tax impact for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017: Table 1.5 For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 June 30, 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 on available-for-sale-securities $ 2,795 $ 586 $ 2,209 $ 9,525 $ 3,334 $ 6,191 Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net Interest Income (1) (1,791 ) (376 ) (1,415 ) — — — Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives and hedging activities (1) — — — (4,186 ) (1,465 ) (2,721 ) Other income (2) (8 ) (2 ) (6 ) (6 ) (2 ) (4 ) Total $ 996 $ 208 $ 788 $ 5,333 $ 1,867 $ 3,466 Held-to-maturity securities: Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net interest income (3) (1,546 ) (324 ) (1,222 ) (2,125 ) (744 ) (1,381 ) Total $ (1,546 ) $ (324 ) $ (1,222 ) $ (2,125 ) $ (744 ) $ (1,381 ) Cash flow hedges Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges $ 2,251 $ 473 $ 1,778 $ (2,309 ) $ (809 ) $ (1,500 ) Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net interest income (4) (57 ) (12 ) (45 ) 461 162 299 Total $ 2,194 $ 461 $ 1,733 $ (1,848 ) $ (647 ) $ (1,201 ) Other comprehensive income $ 1,644 $ 345 $ 1,299 $ 1,360 $ 476 $ 884 (1) Relates to the amortization of unrealized gains on hedged items prior to the application of fair value hedge accounting. (2) Represents amortization of deferred gains related to certain available-for-sale USDA Securities and Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities. (3) Relates to the amortization of unrealized gains or losses prior to the reclassification of these securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity. The amortization of unrealized gains or losses reported in AOCI for held-to-maturity securities will be offset by the amortization of the premium or discount created from the transfer into held-to-maturity securities, which occurred at fair value. These unrealized gains or losses will be recorded over the remaining life of the security with no impact on future net income. (4) Relates to the recognition of unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges recorded in AOCI. For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 June 30, 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 on available-for-sale-securities $ 25,817 $ 5,421 $ 20,396 $ 28,328 $ 9,915 $ 18,413 Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net Interest Income (1) (3,578 ) (752 ) (2,826 ) — — — Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives and hedging activities (1) — — — (8,145 ) (2,851 ) (5,294 ) Other income (2) (15 ) (3 ) (12 ) (13 ) (5 ) (8 ) Total $ 22,224 $ 4,666 $ 17,558 $ 20,170 $ 7,059 $ 13,111 Held-to-maturity securities: Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net interest income (3) (2,856 ) (599 ) (2,257 ) (5,612 ) (1,964 ) (3,648 ) Total $ (2,856 ) $ (599 ) $ (2,257 ) $ (5,612 ) $ (1,964 ) $ (3,648 ) Cash flow hedges Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges $ 8,647 $ 1,816 $ 6,831 $ (2,192 ) $ (766 ) $ (1,426 ) Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net interest income (4) 210 44 166 973 340 633 Total $ 8,857 $ 1,860 $ 6,997 $ (1,219 ) $ (426 ) $ (793 ) Other comprehensive income $ 28,225 $ 5,927 $ 22,298 $ 13,339 $ 4,669 $ 8,670 (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 February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02, " Leases ," which provides new guidance intended to improve financial reporting about leasing transactions. The ASU requires organizations that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. The ASU also requires new disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Farmer Mac does not expect that adoption of the new guidance will have a material effect on Farmer Mac’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, " Financial Instruments—Credit Losses," which will require entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Entities will be required to use forward-looking information to form their credit loss estimates. The ASU will also require enhanced disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an entity’s portfolio. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early application will be permitted for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Farmer Mac is currently 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: Table 2.1 As of June 30, 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 31,531 (132 ) 31,399 25 (103 ) 31,321 Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 1,367,091 1,796 1,368,887 1,250 (2,012 ) 1,368,125 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities (1) 416 — 416 23 — 439 Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 909,921 (2,714 ) 907,207 — (1,504 ) 905,703 Total available-for-sale 2,328,659 (1,050 ) 2,327,609 1,298 (4,309 ) 2,324,598 Held-to-maturity: Fixed rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 45,032 — 45,032 831 — 45,863 Total investment securities $ 2,373,691 $ (1,050 ) $ 2,372,641 $ 2,129 $ (4,309 ) $ 2,370,461 (1) During second quarter 2018, the remaining premium of an interest-only security was fully amortized because the issuer called the security upon full prepayment of the underlying mortgage loan that collateralized the security. 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 and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, unrealized losses on available-for-sale investment securities were as follows: Table 2.2 As of June 30, 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 — — 20,996 (103 ) Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 437,975 (799 ) 195,425 (1,213 ) Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 863,715 (1,489 ) 34,987 (15 ) Total $ 1,301,690 $ (2,288 ) $ 270,418 $ (2,021 ) 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 June 30, 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 June 30, 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 100 and 91 individual investment securities as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. As of June 30, 2018 , 44 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 June 30, 2018 that is, on average, approximately 99.3 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. As of June 30, 2018 , Farmer Mac owned $45.0 million of held-to-maturity investment securities at amortized cost with a fair value of $45.9 million and a weighted average yield of 3.0 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 June 30, 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 June 30, 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 June 30, 2018 Available-for-Sale Securities Amortized Fair Value Weighted- (dollars in thousands) Due within one year $ 890,555 $ 889,077 1.18% Due after one year through five years 234,693 234,979 2.40% Due after five years through ten years 520,939 521,199 2.35% Due after ten years 681,422 679,343 2.41% Total $ 2,327,609 $ 2,324,598 1.92%

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securitie

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: Table 3.1 As of June 30, 2018 Unpaid Principal Balance Unamortized Premium/(Discount) Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Value (in thousands) Held-to-maturity: AgVantage $ 2,064,274 $ (388 ) $ 2,063,886 $ 495 $ (19,139 ) $ 2,045,242 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 28,938 268 29,206 139 — 29,345 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 2,093,212 (120 ) 2,093,092 634 (19,139 ) 2,074,587 USDA Securities 2,053,219 59,399 2,112,618 — (78,433 ) 2,034,185 Total held-to-maturity $ 4,146,431 $ 59,279 $ 4,205,710 $ 634 $ (97,572 ) $ 4,108,772 Available-for-sale: AgVantage $ 6,016,055 $ (167 ) $ 6,015,888 $ 17,446 $ (47,528 ) $ 5,985,806 Trading: USDA Securities $ 10,306 $ 788 $ 11,094 $ 23 $ (369 ) $ 10,748 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 June 30, 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 June 30, 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 $ 559,980 $ (7,944 ) $ 863,805 $ (11,195 ) Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities — — — — USDA Securities 41,205 (433 ) 1,992,980 (78,000 ) Total held-to-maturity $ 601,185 $ (8,377 ) $ 2,856,785 $ (89,195 ) Available-for-sale: AgVantage $ 1,129,733 $ (14,618 ) $ 1,570,177 $ (32,910 ) 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, as applicable. In addition, the unrealized losses on the held-to-maturity USDA Securities as of both June 30, 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 46 available-for-sale securities as of June 30, 2018 . There were 47 held-to-maturity AgVantage securities with an unrealized loss as of June 30, 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 June 30, 2018 , 16 available-for-sale AgVantage securities had been in a loss position for more than 12 months with a total unrealized loss of $32.9 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 June 30, 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 and six months ended June 30, 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 June 30, 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 June 30, 2018 Available-for-Sale Securities Amortized Fair Value Weighted- (dollars in thousands) Due within one year $ 1,389,395 $ 1,389,339 2.62 % Due after one year through five years 2,485,919 2,479,556 2.83 % Due after five years through ten years 826,277 806,385 3.08 % Due after ten years 1,314,297 1,310,526 3.12 % Total $ 6,015,888 $ 5,985,806 2.88 % As of June 30, 2018 Held-to-Maturity Securities Amortized Fair Value Weighted- (dollars in thousands) Due within one year $ 769,783 $ 766,311 2.10 % Due after one year through five years 1,368,924 1,351,656 2.77 % Due after five years through ten years 212,947 205,159 3.30 % Due after ten years 1,854,056 1,785,646 3.50 % Total $ 4,205,710 $ 4,108,772 2.99 % As of June 30, 2018 , Farmer Mac owned trading USDA Securities with an amortized cost of $11.1 million , a fair value of $10.7 million , and a weighted-average yield of 5.26 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : Table 4.1 As of June 30, 2018 Fair Value Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Notional Amount Asset (Liability) (dollars in thousands) Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable $ 2,432,032 $ 2,744 $ (4,416 ) 2.13% 2.34% 8.58 Receive fixed non-callable 2,151,700 652 (4,042 ) 2.20% 1.69% 1.73 Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable 409,500 3,265 (231 ) 2.28% 2.42% 5.93 No hedge designation: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable 323,292 1,407 (9,762 ) 3.71% 2.33% 6.62 Receive fixed non-callable 3,401,094 17 (1,020 ) 2.09% 1.81% 0.84 Basis swaps 1,419,000 — (574 ) 2.01% 1.88% 1.13 Treasury futures 39,500 — (123 ) 119.88 Credit valuation adjustment (74 ) 4 Total financial derivatives $ 10,176,118 $ 8,011 $ (20,164 ) Collateral pledged — 24,940 Net amount $ 8,011 $ 4,776 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 " Gains/(losses) 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 June 30, 2018 , Farmer Mac expects to reclassify $1.6 million after tax, from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings over the next twelve months. This amount could differ from amounts actually recognized due to changes in interest rates, hedge de-designations, and the addition of other hedges subsequent to June 30, 2018 . During the three and six months ended June 30, 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 and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 : Table 4.2 For the Three Months Ended June 30, 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 Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives and hedging activities (in thousands) Total amounts presented in the consolidated statement of operations: $ 74,179 $ 49,396 $ (91,737 ) $ 2,534 $ 34,372 Income/(expense) related to interest settlements on fair value hedging relationships: Recognized on derivatives 681 (165 ) (2,320 ) — (1,804 ) Recognized on hedged items 15,923 1,545 (10,074 ) — 7,394 Discount amortization recognized on hedged items — — (188 ) — (188 ) Income/(expense) related to interest settlements on fair value hedging relationships $ 16,604 $ 1,380 $ (12,582 ) $ — $ 5,402 Gains/(losses) on fair value hedging relationships: Recognized on derivatives 12,485 2,235 (2,731 ) — 11,989 Recognized on hedged items (10,849 ) (2,472 ) 3,194 — (10,127 ) Gains/(losses) on fair value hedging relationships $ 1,636 $ (237 ) $ 463 $ — $ 1,862 Expense related to interest settlements on cash flow hedging relationships: Interest settlements reclassified from AOCI into net income on derivatives — — 57 — 57 Recognized on hedged items — — (2,330 ) — (2,330 ) Discount amortization recognized on hedged items — — (2 ) — (2 ) Expense recognized on cash flow hedges $ — $ — $ (2,275 ) $ — $ (2,275 ) Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives not designated in hedge relationships: Interest rate swaps — — — 2,396 2,396 Treasury futures — — — 138 138 Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives not designated in hedge relationships $ — $ — $ — $ 2,534 $ 2,534 For the Three Months Ended June 30, 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 Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives and hedging activities (in thousands) Total amounts presented in the consolidated statement of operations $ 50,106 $ 39,573 $ (58,316 ) $ (617 ) $ 30,746 Income/(expense) related to interest settlements on fair value hedging relationships: Recognized on derivatives (2,826 ) (208 ) 1,257 — (1,777 ) Recognized on hedged items 11,633 583 (5,056 ) — 7,160 Discount amortization recognized on hedged items — — (120 ) — (120 ) Income/(expense) related to interest settlements on fair value hedging relationships $ 8,807 $ 375 $ (3,919 ) $ — $ 5,263 Gains/(losses) on fair value hedging relationships: Recognized on derivatives (1) — — — (8,568 ) (8,568 ) Recognized on hedged items — — — 9,988 9,988 Gains/(losses) on fair value hedging relationships $ — $ — $ — $ 1,420 $ 1,420 Expense related to interest settlements on cash flow hedging relationships: Interest settlements reclassified from AOCI into net income on derivatives $ — $ — $ (497 ) $ — $ (497 ) Recognized on hedged items — — (845 ) — (845 ) Discount amortization recognized on hedged items — — (1 ) — (1 ) Losses recognized in income for hedge ineffectiveness — — — (146 ) (146 ) Expense recognized on cash flow hedges $ — $ — $ (1,343 ) $ (146 ) $ (1,489 ) Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives not designated in hedging relationships: Interest rate swaps $ — $ — $ — $ (1,648 ) $ (1,648 ) Agency forwards — — — (189 ) (189 ) Treasury futures — — — (54 ) (54 ) Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives not designated in hedge relationships $ — $ — $ — $ (1,891 ) $ (1,891 ) (1) Included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness as of June 30, 2017 , but excluded from the amounts in the table, were losses of $1.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 , attributable to the fair value of the swaps at the inception of the hedging relationship. Accordingly, the amount recognized as hedge ineffectiveness for the three months ended June 30, 2017 were gains of $0.1 million . For the Six Months Ended June 30, 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 Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives and hedging activities (in thousands) Total amounts presented in the consolidated statement of operations: $ 136,609 $ 95,049 $ (168,054 ) $ (1,316 ) $ 62,288 Income/(expense) related to interest settlements on fair value hedging relationships: Recognized on derivatives (807 ) (463 ) (2,614 ) — (3,884 ) Recognized on hedged items 29,409 2,959 (18,628 ) — 13,740 Discount amortization recognized on hedged items — — (353 ) — (353 ) Income/(expense) related to interest settlements on fair value hedging relationships $ 28,602 $ 2,496 $ (21,595 ) $ — $ 9,503 Gains/(losses) on fair value hedging relationships: Recognized on derivatives 32,934 8,655 (12,377 ) — 29,212 Recognized on hedged items (29,797 ) (9,045 ) 14,331 — (24,511 ) Gains/(losses) on fair value hedging relationships $ 3,137 $ (390 ) $ 1,954 $ — $ 4,701 Expense related to interest settlements on cash flow hedging relationships: Interest settlements reclassified from AOCI into net income on derivatives — — (210 ) — (210 ) Recognized on hedged items — — (4,110 ) — (4,110 ) Discount amortization recognized on hedged items — — (4 ) — (4 ) Expense recognized on cash flow hedges $ — $ — $ (4,324 ) $ — $ (4,324 ) (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives not designated in hedge relationships: Interest rate swaps — — — (1,679 ) (1,679 ) Treasury futures — — — 363 363 (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives not designated in hedge relationships $ — $ — $ — $ (1,316 ) $ (1,316 ) For the Six Months Ended June 30, 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 Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives and hedging activities (in thousands) Total amounts presented in the consolidated statement of operations $ 92,628 $ 76,425 $ (107,862 ) $ 1,869 $ 63,060 Income/(expense) related to interest settlements on fair value hedging relationships: Recognized on derivatives (5,984 ) (425 ) 1,440 — (4,969 ) Recognized on hedged items 22,226 1,099 (7,764 ) — 15,561 Discount amortization recognized on hedged items — — (190 ) — (190 ) Income/(expense) related to interest settlements on fair value hedging relationships $ 16,242 $ 674 $ (6,514 ) $ — $ 10,402 Gains/(losses) on fair value hedging relationships: Recognized on derivatives (1) — — — (7,041 ) (7,041 ) Recognized on hedged items — — — 4,584 4,584 Gains/(losses) on fair value hedging relationships $ — $ — $ — $ (2,457 ) $ (2,457 ) Expense related to interest settlements on cash flow hedging relationships: Interest settlements reclassified from AOCI into net income on derivatives $ — $ — $ (1,040 ) $ — $ (1,040 ) Recognized on hedged items — — (1,496 ) — (1,496 ) Discount amortization recognized on hedged items — — (2 ) — (2 ) Losses recognized in income for hedge ineffectiveness — — — (175 ) (175 ) Expense recognized on cash flow hedges $ — $ — $ (2,538 ) $ (175 ) $ (2,713 ) Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives not designated in hedging relationships: Interest rate swaps $ — $ — $ — $ 5,036 $ 5,036 Agency forwards — — — (588 ) (588 ) Treasury futures — — — 53 53 Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives not designated in hedge relationships $ — $ — $ — $ 4,501 $ 4,501 (1) Included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness as of June 30, 2017 , but excluded from the amounts in the table, were gains of $2.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 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 six months ended June 30, 2017 were losses of $0.1 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 June 30, 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) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, Available-for-Sale, at fair value $ 2,223,750 $ 1,928,220 $ (52,164 ) $ (22,853 ) Loans held for investment, at amortized cost 162,884 149,304 (9,088 ) (189 ) Notes Payable, due after one year (1)(2) (2,345,273 ) (1,552,935 ) 20,072 5,836 (1) Carrying amount represents amortized cost. (2) Includes $0.4 million of hedging adjustments on a discontinued hedging relationship. As of June 30, 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 $71.5 million and $28.5 million , respectively; however, including netting arrangements and accrued interest, Farmer Mac's credit exposure was $2.0 million and $0.5 million as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. As of June 30, 2018 , Farmer Mac held no cash as collateral for its derivatives in net asset positions resulting in uncollateralized net asset positions of $2.0 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 June 30, 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 $55.3 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 $0.7 million and $28.0 million as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Farmer Mac posted cash of $20,000 and $24.9 million of investment securities as of June 30, 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 June 30, 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 June 30, 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 $10.1 billion notional amount of interest rate swaps outstanding as of June 30, 2018 , $8.8 billion were cleared through the swap clearinghouse. 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 the swap clearinghouse.

Loans and Allowance for Losses

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 June 30, 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : Table 5.1 As of June 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 Unsecuritized In Consolidated Trusts Total Unsecuritized In Consolidated Trusts Total (in thousands) Farm & Ranch $ 2,935,712 $ 1,443,246 $ 4,378,958 $ 2,798,906 $ 1,399,827 $ 4,198,733 Rural Utilities 991,819 — 991,819 1,076,291 — 1,076,291 Total unpaid principal balance (1) 3,927,531 1,443,246 5,370,777 3,875,197 1,399,827 5,275,024 Unamortized premiums, discounts, and other cost basis adjustments (11,404 ) — (11,404 ) (1,442 ) — (1,442 ) Total loans 3,916,127 1,443,246 5,359,373 3,873,755 1,399,827 5,273,582 Allowance for loan losses (5,339 ) (1,450 ) (6,789 ) (5,493 ) (1,303 ) (6,796 ) Total loans, net of allowance $ 3,910,788 $ 1,441,796 $ 5,352,584 $ 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 $9.0 million as of June 30, 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 and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017: Table 5.2 As of June 30, 2018 As of June 30, 2017 Allowance Reserve Total Allowance Reserve Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended Beginning Balance $ 6,365 $ 2,091 $ 8,456 $ 5,811 $ 1,827 $ 7,638 Provision for losses 424 158 582 327 139 466 Ending Balance $ 6,789 $ 2,249 $ 9,038 $ 6,138 $ 1,966 $ 8,104 For the Six Months Ended Beginning Balance 6,796 2,070 8,866 5,415 2,020 7,435 (Release of)/provision for losses (7 ) 179 172 964 (54 ) 910 Charge-offs $ — $ — $ — $ (241 ) $ — $ (241 ) Ending Balance $ 6,789 $ 2,249 $ 9,038 $ 6,138 $ 1,966 $ 8,104 During second quarter 2018 , Farmer Mac recorded a provision to both its allowance for loan losses and reserve for losses of $0.4 million and $0.2 million , respectively. The net provisions to the total allowance for loan losses recorded during second quarter 2018 were attributable to (1) a modest decline in overall portfolio credit quality, and (2) an increase in the general allowance due to net volume growth in both on and off-balance sheet Farm & Ranch loans, primarily related to new agricultural storage and processing loans purchased during second quarter 2018. Farmer Mac recorded no charge-offs to its allowance for loan losses during second quarter 2018. During second quarter 2017, Farmer Mac recorded provisions to its allowance for loan losses and reserve for losses of $0.3 million and $0.1 million , respectively. The provisions to the allowance for loan losses recorded during the second quarter 2017 were primarily attributable to an increase in the general allowance due to overall net volume growth in on-balance sheet Farm & Ranch loans. The provision to the reserve for losses recorded during the second quarter 2017 was primarily attributable to an increase in the general reserve due to downgrades in risk ratings on certain unimpaired crop and permanent planting loans underlying LTSPCs and off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities. Farmer Mac recorded no charge-offs to its allowance for loan losses during the second quarter 2017. The following tables present the changes in the total allowance for losses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 by commodity type: Table 5.3 June 30, 2018 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 3,793 $ 2,479 $ 1,236 $ 413 $ 522 $ 13 $ 8,456 Provision for/(release of) losses 332 (111 ) 86 35 198 42 582 Ending Balance $ 4,125 $ 2,368 $ 1,322 $ 448 $ 720 $ 55 $ 9,038 For the Six Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 4,081 $ 2,469 $ 1,211 $ 481 $ 606 $ 18 $ 8,866 Provision for/(release of) losses 44 (101 ) 111 (33 ) 114 37 172 Ending Balance $ 4,125 $ 2,368 $ 1,322 $ 448 $ 720 $ 55 $ 9,038 June 30, 2017 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 3,562 $ 1,870 $ 1,379 $ 324 $ 472 $ 31 $ 7,638 Provision for/(release of) losses 173 294 (145 ) 73 86 (15 ) 466 Ending Balance $ 3,735 $ 2,164 $ 1,234 $ 397 $ 558 $ 16 $ 8,104 For the Six Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 3,365 $ 1,723 $ 1,375 $ 405 $ 533 $ 34 $ 7,435 Provision for/(release of) losses 598 441 (128 ) (8 ) 25 (18 ) 910 Charge-offs (228 ) — (13 ) — — — (241 ) Ending Balance $ 3,735 $ 2,164 $ 1,234 $ 397 $ 558 $ 16 $ 8,104 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : Table 5.4 As of June 30, 2018 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Ending Balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 2,424,914 $ 837,083 $ 677,830 $ 292,445 $ 10,496 $ 4,567 $ 4,247,335 Off-balance sheet 1,256,165 501,328 654,115 162,146 58,062 3,604 2,635,420 Total $ 3,681,079 $ 1,338,411 $ 1,331,945 $ 454,591 $ 68,558 $ 8,171 $ 6,882,755 Individually evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 65,878 $ 40,694 $ 16,558 $ 8,493 $ — $ — $ 131,623 Off-balance sheet 10,946 12,736 6,360 904 — 73 31,019 Total $ 76,824 $ 53,430 $ 22,918 $ 9,397 $ — $ 73 $ 162,642 Total Farm & Ranch loans: On-balance sheet $ 2,490,792 $ 877,777 $ 694,388 $ 300,938 $ 10,496 $ 4,567 $ 4,378,958 Off-balance sheet 1,267,111 514,064 660,475 163,050 58,062 3,677 2,666,439 Total $ 3,757,903 $ 1,391,841 $ 1,354,863 $ 463,988 $ 68,558 $ 8,244 $ 7,045,397 Allowance for Losses: Collectively evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 2,260 $ 918 $ 741 $ 271 $ 10 $ 24 $ 4,224 Off-balance sheet 622 182 212 54 710 5 1,785 Total $ 2,882 $ 1,100 $ 953 $ 325 $ 720 $ 29 $ 6,009 Individually evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 987 $ 1,211 $ 241 $ 101 $ — $ 25 $ 2,565 Off-balance sheet 256 57 128 22 — 1 464 Total $ 1,243 $ 1,268 $ 369 $ 123 $ — $ 26 $ 3,029 Total Farm & Ranch loans: On-balance sheet $ 3,247 $ 2,129 $ 982 $ 372 $ 10 $ 49 $ 6,789 Off-balance sheet 878 239 340 76 710 6 2,249 Total $ 4,125 $ 2,368 $ 1,322 $ 448 $ 720 $ 55 $ 9,038 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : Table 5.5 As of June 30, 2018 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Impaired Loans: With no specific allowance: Recorded investment $ 13,239 $ 12,564 $ 7,816 $ 3,060 $ — $ — $ 36,679 Unpaid principal balance 13,249 12,565 7,822 3,062 — — 36,698 With a specific allowance: Recorded investment (1) 63,535 40,835 15,089 6,331 — 73 125,863 Unpaid principal balance 63,575 40,865 15,096 6,335 — 73 125,944 Associated allowance 1,243 1,268 369 123 — 26 3,029 Total: Recorded investment 76,774 53,399 22,905 9,391 — 73 162,542 Unpaid principal balance 76,824 53,430 22,918 9,397 — 73 162,642 Associated allowance 1,243 1,268 369 123 — 26 3,029 Recorded investment of loans on nonaccrual status (2) $ 27,442 $ 26,066 $ 5,142 $ 4,453 $ — $ — $ 63,103 (1) Impairment analysis was performed in the aggregate in consideration of similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics on $123.5 million ( 76 percent ) of impaired loans as of June 30, 2018 , which resulted in a specific allowance of $2.6 million . (2) Includes $27.4 million of loans that are less than 90 days delinquent but which have not met Farmer Mac's performance criteria for returning to accrual status. As of December 31, 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 and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 : Table 5.6 June 30, 2018 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Average recorded investment in impaired loans $ 72,041 $ 49,919 $ 23,453 $ 9,214 $ — $ 392 $ 155,019 Income recognized on impaired loans 327 492 60 62 — — 941 For the Six Months Ended: Average recorded investment in impaired loans $ 74,527 $ 45,945 $ 21,361 $ 8,780 $ — $ 557 $ 151,170 Income recognized on impaired loans 719 664 139 117 — — 1,639 June 30, 2017 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Average recorded investment in impaired loans $ 65,295 $ 33,222 $ 12,557 $ 7,926 $ — $ 40 $ 119,040 Income recognized on impaired loans 160 68 22 71 — — 321 For the Six Months Ended: Average recorded investment in impaired loans $ 61,226 $ 32,292 $ 13,497 $ 8,119 $ — $ 27 $ 115,161 Income recognized on impaired loans 462 220 199 174 — — 1,055 For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 , there were no troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs"). For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, the recorded investment of loans determined to be TDRs was $0.2 million both before and after restructuring. As of June 30, 2018 and 2017, there were no TDRs identified during the previous 12 months that were in default under the modified terms. The impact of TDRs on Farmer Mac's allowance for loan losses was immaterial for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. In accordance with the terms of all LTSPCs, Farmer Mac acquires loans that are either 90 days or 120 days delinquent (depending on the provisions of the applicable agreement) upon the request of the counterparty. Subsequent to the purchase, these defaulted loans are treated as nonaccrual loans and, therefore, interest is accounted for on the cash basis. Any decreases in expected cash flows are recognized as impairment. The following tables present information related to Farmer Mac's acquisition of defaulted loans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 and the outstanding balances and carrying amounts of all such loans as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: Table 5.7 For the Three Months Ended For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 ($ in thousands) Unpaid principal balance at acquisition date: Loans underlying LTSPCs $ — $ — $ — $ 311 Loans underlying off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities (excluding AgVantage securities) — 104 721 104 Total unpaid principal balance at acquisition date — 104 721 415 Contractually required payments receivable — 105 730 416 Impairment recognized subsequent to acquisition — — — — Release of allowance for all outstanding acquired defaulted loans — 128 — 142 Number of defaulted loans purchased — 1 4 4 As of June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Outstanding balance $ 19,131 $ 18,866 Carrying amount 17,776 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 June 30, 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 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 (in thousands) On-balance sheet assets: Farm & Ranch: Loans $ 35,744 $ 47,881 $ (18 ) $ (488 ) Total on-balance sheet $ 35,744 $ 47,881 $ (18 ) $ (488 ) Off-balance sheet assets: Farm & Ranch: LTSPCs $ 7,332 $ 563 $ — $ — Total off-balance sheet $ 7,332 $ 563 $ — $ — Total $ 43,076 $ 48,444 $ (18 ) $ (488 ) (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 $35.7 million of on-balance sheet loans reported as 90 -day delinquencies as of June 30, 2018 , $0.7 million 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : Table 5.9 As of June 30, 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 $ 2,315,593 $ 829,733 $ 651,584 $ 287,055 $ 10,496 $ 4,567 $ 4,099,028 Special mention (2) 109,471 7,350 26,248 5,847 — — 148,916 Substandard (3) 65,728 40,694 16,556 8,036 — — 131,014 Total on-balance sheet $ 2,490,792 $ 877,777 $ 694,388 $ 300,938 $ 10,496 $ 4,567 $ 4,378,958 Off-Balance Sheet: Acceptable $ 1,146,495 $ 463,043 $ 610,263 $ 156,667 $ 56,698 $ 2,945 $ 2,436,111 Special mention (2) 76,110 24,774 32,839 921 — 158 134,802 Substandard (3) 44,506 26,247 17,373 5,462 1,364 574 95,526 Total off-balance sheet $ 1,267,111 $ 514,064 $ 660,475 $ 163,050 $ 58,062 $ 3,677 $ 2,666,439 Total Ending Balance: Acceptable $ 3,462,088 $ 1,292,776 $ 1,261,847 $ 443,722 $ 67,194 $ 7,512 $ 6,535,139 Special mention (2) 185,581 32,124 59,087 6,768 — 158 283,718 Substandard (3) 110,234 66,941 33,929 13,498 1,364 574 226,540 Total $ 3,757,903 $ 1,391,841 $ 1,354,863 $ 463,988 $ 68,558 $ 8,244 $ 7,045,397 Commodity analysis of past due loans (1) On-balance sheet $ 17,290 $ 8,363 $ 6,654 $ 3,437 $ — $ — $ 35,744 Off-balance sheet 5,747 — 1,085 500 — — 7,332 90 days or more past due $ 23,037 $ 8,363 $ 7,739 $ 3,937 $ — $ — $ 43,076 (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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: Table 5.10 As of June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (in thousands) By commodity/collateral type: Crops $ 3,757,903 $ 3,657,945 Permanent plantings 1,391,841 1,367,563 Livestock 1,354,863 1,334,958 Part-time farm 463,988 433,628 Ag. Storage and Processing 68,558 58,761 Other 8,244 14,731 Total $ 7,045,397 $ 6,867,586 By geographic region (1) : Northwest $ 819,607 $ 740,991 Southwest 2,170,739 2,093,213 Mid-North 2,279,960 2,244,094 Mid-South 879,945 908,603 Northeast 305,288 296,264 Southeast 589,858 584,421 Total $ 7,045,397 $ 6,867,586 By original loan-to-value ratio (2) : 0.00% to 40.00% $ 1,314,094 $ 1,322,422 40.01% to 50.00% 1,762,371 1,733,671 50.01% to 60.00% 2,440,299 2,385,605 60.01% to 70.00% 1,235,630 1,150,914 70.01% to 80.00% 268,002 248,799 80.01% to 90.00% 25,001 26,175 Total $ 7,045,397 $ 6,867,586 By size of borrower exposure (3) : Less than $1,000,000 $ 2,427,187 $ 2,379,596 $1,000,000 to $4,999,999 2,729,196 2,627,617 $5,000,000 to $9,999,999 908,347 867,574 $10,000,000 to $24,999,999 565,184 584,896 $25,000,000 to $50,000,000 415,483 407,903 Total $ 7,045,397 $ 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 June 30, 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 June 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Farm & Ranch: Guaranteed Securities $ 297,833 $ 333,511 USDA Guarantees: Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 325,652 254,217 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 $ 935,041 $ 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 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 (in thousands) Proceeds from new securitizations $ 196,290 $ 247,975 Guarantee fees received 1,063 1,701 Purchases of assets from the trusts (721 ) (104 ) 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 $3.2 million as of June 30, 2018 and $3.6 million as of December 31, 2017. As of June 30, 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 9.7 years and 10.0 years , respectively. As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the weighted-average remaining maturity of the off-balance sheet AgVantage securities was 0.3 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the weighted-average remaining maturity of all loans underlying LTSPCs was 15.5 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 $35.2 million as of June 30, 2018 and $34.8 million as of December 31, 2017.

Equity

Equity	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Equity Disclosure	EQUITY Common Stock For the first and second 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 June 30, 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 June 30, 2018 , Farmer Mac's minimum capital requirement was $543.2 million and its core capital level was $692.8 million , which was $149.6 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosure	FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES As of June 30, 2018 , Farmer Mac's assets and liabilities recorded at fair value included financial instruments valued at $6.0 billion whose fair values were estimated by management in the absence of readily determinable fair values (i.e., level 3). These financial instruments measured as Level 3 represented 32 percent of total assets and 72 percent of financial instruments measured at fair value as of June 30, 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 half 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 half of 2017 there was one transfer within the 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 security). 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. During second quarter 2018 the remaining premium of this interest-only security held in that portfolio was fully amortized because the issuer called the security upon full prepayment of the underlying mortgage loan that collateralized the security. 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 June 30, 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 June 30, 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 — 31,321 — 31,321 Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities — 1,368,125 — 1,368,125 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities — 439 — 439 Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 905,703 — — 905,703 Total Investment Securities 905,703 1,399,885 19,010 2,324,598 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage — — 5,985,806 5,985,806 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities — — 5,985,806 5,985,806 USDA Securities: Trading — — 10,748 10,748 Total USDA Securities — — 10,748 10,748 Financial derivatives — 8,011 — 8,011 Total Assets at fair value $ 905,703 $ 1,407,896 $ 6,015,564 $ 8,329,163 Liabilities: Financial derivatives $ 123 $ 20,041 $ — $ 20,164 Total Liabilities at fair value $ 123 $ 20,041 $ — $ 20,164 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 and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. Table 8.2 Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Beginning Purchases Sales Settlements Realized and Unrealized Ending (in thousands) Recurring: Assets: Investment Securities: Available-for-sale: Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans $ 19,010 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 19,010 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 4,120 — — (2,028 ) (2,092 ) — — Total available-for-sale 23,130 — — (2,028 ) (2,092 ) — 19,010 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 5,839,387 303,517 — (149,193 ) (10,850 ) 2,945 5,985,806 Total available-for-sale 5,839,387 303,517 — (149,193 ) (10,850 ) 2,945 5,985,806 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale — 45,014 (45,014 ) — — — — Trading (1) 11,558 — — (821 ) 11 — 10,748 Total USDA Securities 11,558 45,014 (45,014 ) (821 ) 11 — 10,748 Total Assets at fair value $ 5,874,075 $ 348,531 $ (45,014 ) $ (152,042 ) $ (12,931 ) $ 2,945 $ 6,015,564 (1) Includes unrealized gains of $11,000 attributable to assets still held as of June 30, 2018 that are recorded in " Gains/(losses) on trading securities ." Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 Beginning 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 $ 18,124 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 394 $ 18,518 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities $ 4,819 $ — $ — $ (111 ) $ — $ (57 ) $ 4,651 Total available-for-sale 22,943 — — (111 ) — 337 23,169 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 5,243,046 194,288 — (165,248 ) 9,552 924 5,282,562 Total available-for-sale 5,243,046 194,288 — (165,248 ) 9,552 924 5,282,562 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale — 53,506 (53,506 ) — — — — Trading (1) 18,602 — — (2,306 ) (2 ) — 16,294 Total USDA Securities 18,602 53,506 (53,506 ) (2,306 ) (2 ) — 16,294 Total Assets at fair value $ 5,284,591 $ 247,794 $ (53,506 ) $ (167,665 ) $ 9,550 $ 1,261 $ 5,322,025 (1) Includes unrealized gains of $0.1 million attributable to assets still held as of June 30, 2017 that are recorded in " Gains/(losses) on trading securities ." Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Six Months Ended June 30, 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 — — — (2,137 ) (2,092 ) (104 ) — Total available-for-sale 23,147 — — — (2,137 ) (2,092 ) 92 19,010 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 5,471,914 487 958,964 — (439,461 ) (29,798 ) 23,700 5,985,806 Total available-for-sale 5,471,914 487 958,964 — (439,461 ) (29,798 ) 23,700 5,985,806 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale — — 79,307 (79,307 ) — — — — Trading (1) 13,515 — — — (2,794 ) 27 — 10,748 Total USDA Securities 13,515 — 79,307 (79,307 ) (2,794 ) 27 — 10,748 Total Assets at fair value $ 5,508,576 $ 487 $ 1,038,271 $ (79,307 ) $ (444,392 ) $ (31,863 ) $ 23,792 $ 6,015,564 (1) Includes unrealized gains of $0.1 million attributable to assets still held as of June 30, 2018 that are recorded in " Gains/(losses) on trading securities ." Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Six Months Ended June 30, 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 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 788 $ 18,518 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities $ — $ 7,041 $ — $ — $ (223 ) $ — $ (2,167 ) $ 4,651 Total available-for-sale 17,730 7,041 — — (223 ) — (1,379 ) 23,169 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 4,853,685 — 733,815 — (327,155 ) 6,337 15,880 5,282,562 Total available-for-sale 4,853,685 — 733,815 — (327,155 ) 6,337 15,880 5,282,562 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale — — 86,095 (86,095 ) — — — — Trading (1) 20,388 — — — (4,010 ) (84 ) — 16,294 Total USDA Securities 20,388 — 86,095 (86,095 ) (4,010 ) (84 ) — 16,294 Total Assets at fair value $ 4,891,803 $ 7,041 $ 819,910 $ (86,095 ) $ (331,388 ) $ 6,253 $ 14,501 $ 5,322,025 (1) Includes unrealized gains of $7,000 attributable to assets still held as of June 30, 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Table 8.3 As of June 30, 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%) Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: AgVantage $ 5,985,806 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 2.7% - 4.0% (2.9%) USDA Securities $ 10,748 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 3.3% - 5.2% (4.9%) CPR 7% - 17% (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 0 % 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: Table 8.4 As of June 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 Fair Value Carrying Fair Value Carrying (in thousands) Financial assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 430,812 $ 430,812 $ 302,022 $ 302,022 Investment securities 2,370,461 2,369,630 2,260,969 2,260,437 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 8,060,393 8,078,898 7,588,806 7,598,188 USDA Securities 2,044,933 2,123,366 2,076,396 2,131,365 Loans 5,337,868 5,352,584 5,279,225 5,266,786 Financial derivatives 8,011 8,011 7,093 7,093 Guarantee and commitment fees receivable: LTSPCs 37,181 36,141 33,871 35,718 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 3,783 3,774 4,323 4,177 Financial liabilities: Notes payable: Due within one year 7,761,788 7,774,301 8,079,309 8,089,826 Due after one year 8,369,155 8,416,896 7,445,545 7,432,790 Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties 1,416,899 1,449,888 1,386,652 1,404,945 Financial derivatives 20,164 20,164 26,599 26,599 Guarantee and commitment obligations: LTSPCs 36,243 35,202 32,976 34,824 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 3,234 3,226 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 : Table 9.1 Core Earnings by Business Segment For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Utilities Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 15,889 $ 5,072 $ 3,313 $ 18,805 $ 854 $ — $ 43,933 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3)(4) (2,542 ) (674 ) (390 ) (3,585 ) (580 ) 7,771 — Net effective spread 13,347 4,398 2,923 15,220 274 7,771 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 4,488 190 402 91 — (1,690 ) 3,481 Other income/(expense) (3) 341 8 5 — (209 ) 2,754 2,899 Non-interest income/(loss) 4,829 198 407 91 (209 ) 1,064 6,380 Provision for loan losses (424 ) — — — — — (424 ) Provision for reserve for losses (158 ) — — — — — (158 ) Other non-interest expense (4,954 ) (1,312 ) (739 ) (2,030 ) (3,728 ) — (12,763 ) Non-interest expense (5) (5,112 ) (1,312 ) (739 ) (2,030 ) (3,728 ) — (12,921 ) Core earnings before income taxes 12,640 3,284 2,591 13,281 (3,663 ) 8,835 (6) 36,968 Income tax (expense)/benefit (2,654 ) (690 ) (544 ) (2,789 ) 1,200 (1,855 ) (7,332 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest 9,986 2,594 2,047 10,492 (2,463 ) 6,980 (6) 29,636 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (3,296 ) — (3,296 ) Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 9,986 $ 2,594 $ 2,047 $ 10,492 $ (5,759 ) $ 6,980 (6) $ 26,340 Total assets at carrying value $ 4,428,172 $ 2,177,345 $ 995,068 $ 8,144,763 $ 2,881,423 $ — $ 18,626,771 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 7,045,397 $ 2,418,115 $ 1,669,440 $ 8,391,885 — — $ 19,524,837 (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 " Gains/(losses) 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 June 30, 2017 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Adjustments Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 13,338 $ 5,176 $ 3,003 $ 15,431 $ 2,783 $ — $ 39,731 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3)(4) (2,180 ) (625 ) (334 ) (964 ) (294 ) 4,397 — Net effective spread 11,158 4,551 2,669 14,467 2,489 4,397 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 4,191 99 487 165 — (1,470 ) 3,472 Other income/(expense) (3)(5) 994 11 5 — (146 ) (592 ) 272 Non-interest income/(loss) 5,185 110 492 165 (146 ) (2,062 ) 3,744 Provision for loan losses (327 ) — — — — — (327 ) Provision for reserve for losses (139 ) — — — — — (139 ) Other non-interest expense (4,446 ) (1,166 ) (643 ) (1,622 ) (3,374 ) — (11,251 ) Non-interest expense (6) (4,585 ) (1,166 ) (643 ) (1,622 ) (3,374 ) — (11,390 ) Core earnings before income taxes 11,431 3,495 2,518 13,010 (1,031 ) 2,335 (7) 31,758 Income tax (expense)/benefit (4,001 ) (1,223 ) (881 ) (4,554 ) 352 (817 ) (11,124 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest 7,430 2,272 1,637 8,456 (679 ) 1,518 (7) 20,634 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (3,296 ) — (3,296 ) Non-controlling interest — — — — 150 — 150 Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 7,430 $ 2,272 $ 1,637 $ 8,456 $ (3,825 ) $ 1,518 (7) $ 17,488 Total assets at carrying value $ 3,958,344 $ 2,141,569 $ 1,038,383 $ 7,425,774 $ 2,703,315 $ — $ 17,267,385 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 6,426,518 $ 2,237,013 $ 1,883,909 $ 7,711,418 $ — $ — $ 18,258,858 (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 " Gains/(losses) 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. Core Earnings by Business Segment For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Utilities Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 30,830 $ 10,142 $ 5,850 $ 36,637 $ 3,703 $ — $ 87,162 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3)(4) (4,943 ) (1,344 ) 23 (6,593 ) (1,042 ) 13,899 — Net effective spread 25,887 8,798 5,873 30,044 2,661 13,899 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 8,867 356 851 180 — (3,274 ) 6,980 Other income/(expense) (3) 899 13 10 — (349 ) (934 ) (361 ) Non-interest income/(loss) 9,766 369 861 180 (349 ) (4,208 ) 6,619 Provision for loan losses 7 — — — — — 7 Provision for reserve for losses (179 ) — — — — — (179 ) Other non-interest expense (9,474 ) (2,505 ) (1,412 ) (3,876 ) (7,117 ) — (24,384 ) Non-interest expense (5) (9,653 ) (2,505 ) (1,412 ) (3,876 ) (7,117 ) — (24,563 ) Core earnings before income taxes 26,007 6,662 5,322 26,348 (4,805 ) 9,691 (6) 69,225 Income tax (expense)/benefit (5,461 ) (1,399 ) (1,118 ) (5,533 ) 1,775 (2,034 ) (13,770 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest 20,546 5,263 4,204 20,815 (3,030 ) 7,657 (6) 55,455 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (6,591 ) — (6,591 ) Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 20,546 $ 5,263 $ 4,204 $ 20,815 $ (9,621 ) $ 7,657 (6) $ 48,864 Total assets at carrying value $ 4,428,172 $ 2,177,345 $ 995,068 $ 8,144,763 $ 2,881,423 $ — $ 18,626,771 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 7,045,397 $ 2,418,115 $ 1,669,440 $ 8,391,885 — — $ 19,524,837 (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 " Gains/(losses) 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 Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Adjustments Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 26,092 $ 10,459 $ 5,951 $ 28,933 $ 5,367 $ — $ 76,802 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3)(4) (4,423 ) (1,347 ) (714 ) (1,851 ) (607 ) 8,942 — Net effective spread 21,669 9,112 5,237 27,082 4,760 8,942 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 8,486 173 979 620 — (2,942 ) 7,316 Other income/(expense) (3)(5) 1,188 25 10 — 121 1,880 3,224 Non-interest income/(loss) 9,674 198 989 620 121 (1,062 ) 10,540 Provision for loan losses (964 ) — — — — — (964 ) Provision for reserve for losses 54 — — — — — 54 Other non-interest expense (8,511 ) (2,253 ) (1,230 ) (3,143 ) (6,856 ) — (21,993 ) Non-interest expense (6) (8,457 ) (2,253 ) (1,230 ) (3,143 ) (6,856 ) — (21,939 ) Core earnings before income taxes 21,922 7,057 4,996 24,559 (1,975 ) 7,880 (7) 64,439 Income tax (expense)/benefit (7,673 ) (2,470 ) (1,748 ) (8,596 ) 1,336 (2,759 ) (21,910 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest 14,249 4,587 3,248 15,963 (639 ) 5,121 (7) 42,529 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (6,591 ) — (6,591 ) Non-controlling interest — — — — 165 — 165 Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 14,249 $ 4,587 $ 3,248 $ 15,963 $ (7,065 ) $ 5,121 (7) $ 36,103 Total assets at carrying value $ 3,958,344 $ 2,141,569 $ 1,038,383 $ 7,425,774 $ 2,703,315 $ — $ 17,267,385 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 6,426,518 $ 2,237,013 $ 1,883,909 $ 7,711,418 — — $ 18,258,858 (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 " Gains/(losses) 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 June 30, 2018 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Utilities Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 15,889 $ 5,072 $ 3,313 $ 18,805 $ 854 $ — $ 43,933 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3)(4) (2,542 ) (674 ) (390 ) (3,585 ) (580 ) 7,771 — Net effective spread 13,347 4,398 2,923 15,220 274 7,771 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 4,488 190 402 91 — (1,690 ) 3,481 Other income/(expense) (3) 341 8 5 — (209 ) 2,754 2,899 Non-interest income/(loss) 4,829 198 407 91 (209 ) 1,064 6,380 Provision for loan losses (424 ) — — — — — (424 ) Provision for reserve for losses (158 ) — — — — — (158 ) Other non-interest expense (4,954 ) (1,312 ) (739 ) (2,030 ) (3,728 ) — (12,763 ) Non-interest expense (5) (5,112 ) (1,312 ) (739 ) (2,030 ) (3,728 ) — (12,921 ) Core earnings before income taxes 12,640 3,284 2,591 13,281 (3,663 ) 8,835 (6) 36,968 Income tax (expense)/benefit (2,654 ) (690 ) (544 ) (2,789 ) 1,200 (1,855 ) (7,332 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest 9,986 2,594 2,047 10,492 (2,463 ) 6,980 (6) 29,636 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (3,296 ) — (3,296 ) Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 9,986 $ 2,594 $ 2,047 $ 10,492 $ (5,759 ) $ 6,980 (6) $ 26,340 Total assets at carrying value $ 4,428,172 $ 2,177,345 $ 995,068 $ 8,144,763 $ 2,881,423 $ — $ 18,626,771 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 7,045,397 $ 2,418,115 $ 1,669,440 $ 8,391,885 — — $ 19,524,837 (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 " Gains/(losses) 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 June 30, 2017 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Adjustments Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 13,338 $ 5,176 $ 3,003 $ 15,431 $ 2,783 $ — $ 39,731 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3)(4) (2,180 ) (625 ) (334 ) (964 ) (294 ) 4,397 — Net effective spread 11,158 4,551 2,669 14,467 2,489 4,397 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 4,191 99 487 165 — (1,470 ) 3,472 Other income/(expense) (3)(5) 994 11 5 — (146 ) (592 ) 272 Non-interest income/(loss) 5,185 110 492 165 (146 ) (2,062 ) 3,744 Provision for loan losses (327 ) — — — — — (327 ) Provision for reserve for losses (139 ) — — — — — (139 ) Other non-interest expense (4,446 ) (1,166 ) (643 ) (1,622 ) (3,374 ) — (11,251 ) Non-interest expense (6) (4,585 ) (1,166 ) (643 ) (1,622 ) (3,374 ) — (11,390 ) Core earnings before income taxes 11,431 3,495 2,518 13,010 (1,031 ) 2,335 (7) 31,758 Income tax (expense)/benefit (4,001 ) (1,223 ) (881 ) (4,554 ) 352 (817 ) (11,124 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest 7,430 2,272 1,637 8,456 (679 ) 1,518 (7) 20,634 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (3,296 ) — (3,296 ) Non-controlling interest — — — — 150 — 150 Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 7,430 $ 2,272 $ 1,637 $ 8,456 $ (3,825 ) $ 1,518 (7) $ 17,488 Total assets at carrying value $ 3,958,344 $ 2,141,569 $ 1,038,383 $ 7,425,774 $ 2,703,315 $ — $ 17,267,385 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 6,426,518 $ 2,237,013 $ 1,883,909 $ 7,711,418 $ — $ — $ 18,258,858 (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 " Gains/(losses) 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. Core Earnings by Business Segment For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Utilities Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 30,830 $ 10,142 $ 5,850 $ 36,637 $ 3,703 $ — $ 87,162 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3)(4) (4,943 ) (1,344 ) 23 (6,593 ) (1,042 ) 13,899 — Net effective spread 25,887 8,798 5,873 30,044 2,661 13,899 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 8,867 356 851 180 — (3,274 ) 6,980 Other income/(expense) (3) 899 13 10 — (349 ) (934 ) (361 ) Non-interest income/(loss) 9,766 369 861 180 (349 ) (4,208 ) 6,619 Provision for loan losses 7 — — — — — 7 Provision for reserve for losses (179 ) — — — — — (179 ) Other non-interest expense (9,474 ) (2,505 ) (1,412 ) (3,876 ) (7,117 ) — (24,384 ) Non-interest expense (5) (9,653 ) (2,505 ) (1,412 ) (3,876 ) (7,117 ) — (24,563 ) Core earnings before income taxes 26,007 6,662 5,322 26,348 (4,805 ) 9,691 (6) 69,225 Income tax (expense)/benefit (5,461 ) (1,399 ) (1,118 ) (5,533 ) 1,775 (2,034 ) (13,770 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest 20,546 5,263 4,204 20,815 (3,030 ) 7,657 (6) 55,455 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (6,591 ) — (6,591 ) Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 20,546 $ 5,263 $ 4,204 $ 20,815 $ (9,621 ) $ 7,657 (6) $ 48,864 Total assets at carrying value $ 4,428,172 $ 2,177,345 $ 995,068 $ 8,144,763 $ 2,881,423 $ — $ 18,626,771 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 7,045,397 $ 2,418,115 $ 1,669,440 $ 8,391,885 — — $ 19,524,837 (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 " Gains/(losses) 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 Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Adjustments Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 26,092 $ 10,459 $ 5,951 $ 28,933 $ 5,367 $ — $ 76,802 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3)(4) (4,423 ) (1,347 ) (714 ) (1,851 ) (607 ) 8,942 — Net effective spread 21,669 9,112 5,237 27,082 4,760 8,942 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 8,486 173 979 620 — (2,942 ) 7,316 Other income/(expense) (3)(5) 1,188 25 10 — 121 1,880 3,224 Non-interest income/(loss) 9,674 198 989 620 121 (1,062 ) 10,540 Provision for loan losses (964 ) — — — — — (964 ) Provision for reserve for losses 54 — — — — — 54 Other non-interest expense (8,511 ) (2,253 ) (1,230 ) (3,143 ) (6,856 ) — (21,993 ) Non-interest expense (6) (8,457 ) (2,253 ) (1,230 ) (3,143 ) (6,856 ) — (21,939 ) Core earnings before income taxes 21,922 7,057 4,996 24,559 (1,975 ) 7,880 (7) 64,439 Income tax (expense)/benefit (7,673 ) (2,470 ) (1,748 ) (8,596 ) 1,336 (2,759 ) (21,910 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest 14,249 4,587 3,248 15,963 (639 ) 5,121 (7) 42,529 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (6,591 ) — (6,591 ) Non-controlling interest — — — — 165 — 165 Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 14,249 $ 4,587 $ 3,248 $ 15,963 $ (7,065 ) $ 5,121 (7) $ 36,103 Total assets at carrying value $ 3,958,344 $ 2,141,569 $ 1,038,383 $ 7,425,774 $ 2,703,315 $ — $ 17,267,385 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 6,426,518 $ 2,237,013 $ 1,883,909 $ 7,711,418 — — $ 18,258,858 (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 " Gains/(losses) 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 19.9 percent for the first half of 2018. The effective tax rate was lower than the statutory corporate tax rate in first half of 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)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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 June 30, 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 June 30, 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 $ 1,443,246 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 1,443,246 Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties (1) 1,449,888 — — — — 1,449,888 Unconsolidated VIEs: Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Carrying value (2) — 29,206 — — — 29,206 Maximum exposure to loss (3) — 28,938 — — — 28,938 Investment securities: Carrying value (4) — — — — 917,479 917,479 Maximum exposure to loss (3) (4) — — — — 917,260 917,260 Off-Balance Sheet: Unconsolidated VIEs: Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Maximum exposure to loss (3) (5) 297,833 325,652 — — — 623,485 (1) Includes borrower remittances of $6.6 million . The borrower remittances had not been passed through to third party investors as of June 30, 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.
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 June 30, 2018.
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 February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02, " Leases ," which provides new guidance intended to improve financial reporting about leasing transactions. The ASU requires organizations that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. The ASU also requires new disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Farmer Mac does not expect that adoption of the new guidance will have a material effect on Farmer Mac’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, " Financial Instruments—Credit Losses," which will require entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Entities will be required to use forward-looking information to form their credit loss estimates. The ASU will also require enhanced disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an entity’s portfolio. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early application will be permitted for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Farmer Mac is currently 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)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 June 30, 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 $ 1,443,246 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 1,443,246 Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties (1) 1,449,888 — — — — 1,449,888 Unconsolidated VIEs: Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Carrying value (2) — 29,206 — — — 29,206 Maximum exposure to loss (3) — 28,938 — — — 28,938 Investment securities: Carrying value (4) — — — — 917,479 917,479 Maximum exposure to loss (3) (4) — — — — 917,260 917,260 Off-Balance Sheet: Unconsolidated VIEs: Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Maximum exposure to loss (3) (5) 297,833 325,652 — — — 623,485 (1) Includes borrower remittances of $6.6 million . The borrower remittances had not been passed through to third party investors as of June 30, 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 six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017: Table 1.2 For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 (in thousands) Non-cash activity: Real estate owned acquired through loan liquidation — 5,261 Loans acquired and securitized as Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 196,290 247,975 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 116,983 161,880 Purchases of securities - traded not yet settled 48,600 50,000
Earnings Per Common Share	The following schedule reconciles basic and diluted EPS for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017: Table 1.3 For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 June 30, 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 $ 26,340 10,658 $ 2.47 $ 17,488 10,600 $ 1.65 Effect of dilutive securities (1) Stock options, SARs and restricted stock — 84 (0.02 ) — 183 (0.03 ) Diluted EPS $ 26,340 10,742 $ 2.45 $ 17,488 10,783 $ 1.62 (1) For the three months ended June 30, 2018, no SARs were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because they were anti-dilutive, compared to 24,907 stock options and SARs for the three months ended June 30, 2017. For the three months ended June 30, 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. For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 June 30, 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 $ 48,864 10,640 $ 4.59 $ 36,103 10,576 $ 3.41 Effect of dilutive securities (1) Stock options, SARs and restricted stock — 102 (0.04 ) — 207 (0.06 ) Diluted EPS $ 48,864 10,742 $ 4.55 $ 36,103 10,783 $ 3.35 (1) For the six months ended June 30, 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 37,832 stock options and SARs for the six months ended June 30, 2017. For the six months ended June 30, 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 June 30, 2018 As of June 30, 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: Beginning Balance $ 15,094 $ 47,201 $ 9,816 $ 72,111 $ (4,742 ) $ 43,485 $ 2,801 $ 41,544 Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications 2,209 — 1,778 3,987 6,191 — (1,500 ) 4,691 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (1,421 ) (1,222 ) (45 ) (2,688 ) (2,725 ) (1,381 ) 299 (3,807 ) Net comprehensive income/(loss) 788 (1,222 ) 1,733 1,299 3,466 (1,381 ) (1,201 ) 884 Ending Balance $ 15,882 $ 45,979 $ 11,549 $ 73,410 $ (1,276 ) $ 42,104 $ 1,600 $ 42,428 For the Six Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ (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 — — — — Adjusted Beginning Balance (1,676 ) 48,236 4,552 51,112 (14,387 ) 45,752 2,393 33,758 Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications 20,396 — 6,831 27,227 18,413 — (1,426 ) 16,987 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (2,838 ) (2,257 ) 166 (4,929 ) (5,302 ) (3,648 ) 633 (8,317 ) Net comprehensive income/(loss) 17,558 (2,257 ) 6,997 22,298 13,111 (3,648 ) (793 ) 8,670 Ending Balance $ 15,882 $ 45,979 $ 11,549 $ 73,410 $ (1,276 ) $ 42,104 $ 1,600 $ 42,428
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	The following table presents other comprehensive income activity, the impact on net income of amounts reclassified from each component of AOCI, and the related tax impact for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017: Table 1.5 For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 June 30, 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 on available-for-sale-securities $ 2,795 $ 586 $ 2,209 $ 9,525 $ 3,334 $ 6,191 Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net Interest Income (1) (1,791 ) (376 ) (1,415 ) — — — Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives and hedging activities (1) — — — (4,186 ) (1,465 ) (2,721 ) Other income (2) (8 ) (2 ) (6 ) (6 ) (2 ) (4 ) Total $ 996 $ 208 $ 788 $ 5,333 $ 1,867 $ 3,466 Held-to-maturity securities: Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net interest income (3) (1,546 ) (324 ) (1,222 ) (2,125 ) (744 ) (1,381 ) Total $ (1,546 ) $ (324 ) $ (1,222 ) $ (2,125 ) $ (744 ) $ (1,381 ) Cash flow hedges Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges $ 2,251 $ 473 $ 1,778 $ (2,309 ) $ (809 ) $ (1,500 ) Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net interest income (4) (57 ) (12 ) (45 ) 461 162 299 Total $ 2,194 $ 461 $ 1,733 $ (1,848 ) $ (647 ) $ (1,201 ) Other comprehensive income $ 1,644 $ 345 $ 1,299 $ 1,360 $ 476 $ 884 (1) Relates to the amortization of unrealized gains on hedged items prior to the application of fair value hedge accounting. (2) Represents amortization of deferred gains related to certain available-for-sale USDA Securities and Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities. (3) Relates to the amortization of unrealized gains or losses prior to the reclassification of these securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity. The amortization of unrealized gains or losses reported in AOCI for held-to-maturity securities will be offset by the amortization of the premium or discount created from the transfer into held-to-maturity securities, which occurred at fair value. These unrealized gains or losses will be recorded over the remaining life of the security with no impact on future net income. (4) Relates to the recognition of unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges recorded in AOCI. For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 June 30, 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 on available-for-sale-securities $ 25,817 $ 5,421 $ 20,396 $ 28,328 $ 9,915 $ 18,413 Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net Interest Income (1) (3,578 ) (752 ) (2,826 ) — — — Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives and hedging activities (1) — — — (8,145 ) (2,851 ) (5,294 ) Other income (2) (15 ) (3 ) (12 ) (13 ) (5 ) (8 ) Total $ 22,224 $ 4,666 $ 17,558 $ 20,170 $ 7,059 $ 13,111 Held-to-maturity securities: Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net interest income (3) (2,856 ) (599 ) (2,257 ) (5,612 ) (1,964 ) (3,648 ) Total $ (2,856 ) $ (599 ) $ (2,257 ) $ (5,612 ) $ (1,964 ) $ (3,648 ) Cash flow hedges Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges $ 8,647 $ 1,816 $ 6,831 $ (2,192 ) $ (766 ) $ (1,426 ) Less reclassification adjustments included in: Net interest income (4) 210 44 166 973 340 633 Total $ 8,857 $ 1,860 $ 6,997 $ (1,219 ) $ (426 ) $ (793 ) Other comprehensive income $ 28,225 $ 5,927 $ 22,298 $ 13,339 $ 4,669 $ 8,670 (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]	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: Table 2.1 As of June 30, 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 31,531 (132 ) 31,399 25 (103 ) 31,321 Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 1,367,091 1,796 1,368,887 1,250 (2,012 ) 1,368,125 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities (1) 416 — 416 23 — 439 Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 909,921 (2,714 ) 907,207 — (1,504 ) 905,703 Total available-for-sale 2,328,659 (1,050 ) 2,327,609 1,298 (4,309 ) 2,324,598 Held-to-maturity: Fixed rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 45,032 — 45,032 831 — 45,863 Total investment securities $ 2,373,691 $ (1,050 ) $ 2,372,641 $ 2,129 $ (4,309 ) $ 2,370,461 (1) During second quarter 2018, the remaining premium of an interest-only security was fully amortized because the issuer called the security upon full prepayment of the underlying mortgage loan that collateralized the security. 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, unrealized losses on available-for-sale investment securities were as follows: Table 2.2 As of June 30, 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 — — 20,996 (103 ) Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 437,975 (799 ) 195,425 (1,213 ) Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 863,715 (1,489 ) 34,987 (15 ) Total $ 1,301,690 $ (2,288 ) $ 270,418 $ (2,021 ) 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 June 30, 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 June 30, 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 100 and 91 individual investment securities as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. As of June 30, 2018 , 44 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 June 30, 2018 that is, on average, approximately 99.3 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. As of June 30, 2018 , Farmer Mac owned $45.0 million of held-to-maturity investment securities at amortized cost with a fair value of $45.9 million and a weighted average yield of 3.0 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]	The amortized cost, fair value, and weighted-average yield of available-for-sale investment securities by remaining contractual maturity as of June 30, 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 June 30, 2018 Available-for-Sale Securities Amortized Fair Value Weighted- (dollars in thousands) Due within one year $ 890,555 $ 889,077 1.18% Due after one year through five years 234,693 234,979 2.40% Due after five years through ten years 520,939 521,199 2.35% Due after ten years 681,422 679,343 2.41% Total $ 2,327,609 $ 2,324,598 1.92%

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]	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: Table 3.1 As of June 30, 2018 Unpaid Principal Balance Unamortized Premium/(Discount) Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Value (in thousands) Held-to-maturity: AgVantage $ 2,064,274 $ (388 ) $ 2,063,886 $ 495 $ (19,139 ) $ 2,045,242 Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 28,938 268 29,206 139 — 29,345 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 2,093,212 (120 ) 2,093,092 634 (19,139 ) 2,074,587 USDA Securities 2,053,219 59,399 2,112,618 — (78,433 ) 2,034,185 Total held-to-maturity $ 4,146,431 $ 59,279 $ 4,205,710 $ 634 $ (97,572 ) $ 4,108,772 Available-for-sale: AgVantage $ 6,016,055 $ (167 ) $ 6,015,888 $ 17,446 $ (47,528 ) $ 5,985,806 Trading: USDA Securities $ 10,306 $ 788 $ 11,094 $ 23 $ (369 ) $ 10,748 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 June 30, 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 June 30, 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 $ 559,980 $ (7,944 ) $ 863,805 $ (11,195 ) Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities — — — — USDA Securities 41,205 (433 ) 1,992,980 (78,000 ) Total held-to-maturity $ 601,185 $ (8,377 ) $ 2,856,785 $ (89,195 ) Available-for-sale: AgVantage $ 1,129,733 $ (14,618 ) $ 1,570,177 $ (32,910 ) 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, as applicable. In addition, the unrealized losses on the held-to-maturity USDA Securities as of both June 30, 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 46 available-for-sale securities as of June 30, 2018 . There were 47 held-to-maturity AgVantage securities with an unrealized loss as of June 30, 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 June 30, 2018 , 16 available-for-sale AgVantage securities had been in a loss position for more than 12 months with a total unrealized loss of $32.9 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 June 30, 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 June 30, 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 June 30, 2018 Available-for-Sale Securities Amortized Fair Value Weighted- (dollars in thousands) Due within one year $ 1,389,395 $ 1,389,339 2.62 % Due after one year through five years 2,485,919 2,479,556 2.83 % Due after five years through ten years 826,277 806,385 3.08 % Due after ten years 1,314,297 1,310,526 3.12 % Total $ 6,015,888 $ 5,985,806 2.88 % As of June 30, 2018 Held-to-Maturity Securities Amortized Fair Value Weighted- (dollars in thousands) Due within one year $ 769,783 $ 766,311 2.10 % Due after one year through five years 1,368,924 1,351,656 2.77 % Due after five years through ten years 212,947 205,159 3.30 % Due after ten years 1,854,056 1,785,646 3.50 % Total $ 4,205,710 $ 4,108,772 2.99 %

Financial Derivatives - Financ

Financial Derivatives - Financial Derivatives (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 June 30, 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) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, Available-for-Sale, at fair value $ 2,223,750 $ 1,928,220 $ (52,164 ) $ (22,853 ) Loans held for investment, at amortized cost 162,884 149,304 (9,088 ) (189 ) Notes Payable, due after one year (1)(2) (2,345,273 ) (1,552,935 ) 20,072 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : Table 4.1 As of June 30, 2018 Fair Value Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Notional Amount Asset (Liability) (dollars in thousands) Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable $ 2,432,032 $ 2,744 $ (4,416 ) 2.13% 2.34% 8.58 Receive fixed non-callable 2,151,700 652 (4,042 ) 2.20% 1.69% 1.73 Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable 409,500 3,265 (231 ) 2.28% 2.42% 5.93 No hedge designation: Interest rate swaps: Pay fixed non-callable 323,292 1,407 (9,762 ) 3.71% 2.33% 6.62 Receive fixed non-callable 3,401,094 17 (1,020 ) 2.09% 1.81% 0.84 Basis swaps 1,419,000 — (574 ) 2.01% 1.88% 1.13 Treasury futures 39,500 — (123 ) 119.88 Credit valuation adjustment (74 ) 4 Total financial derivatives $ 10,176,118 $ 8,011 $ (20,164 ) Collateral pledged — 24,940 Net amount $ 8,011 $ 4,776 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 and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 : Table 4.2 For the Three Months Ended June 30, 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 Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives and hedging activities (in thousands) Total amounts presented in the consolidated statement of operations: $ 74,179 $ 49,396 $ (91,737 ) $ 2,534 $ 34,372 Income/(expense) related to interest settlements on fair value hedging relationships: Recognized on derivatives 681 (165 ) (2,320 ) — (1,804 ) Recognized on hedged items 15,923 1,545 (10,074 ) — 7,394 Discount amortization recognized on hedged items — — (188 ) — (188 ) Income/(expense) related to interest settlements on fair value hedging relationships $ 16,604 $ 1,380 $ (12,582 ) $ — $ 5,402 Gains/(losses) on fair value hedging relationships: Recognized on derivatives 12,485 2,235 (2,731 ) — 11,989 Recognized on hedged items (10,849 ) (2,472 ) 3,194 — (10,127 ) Gains/(losses) on fair value hedging relationships $ 1,636 $ (237 ) $ 463 $ — $ 1,862 Expense related to interest settlements on cash flow hedging relationships: Interest settlements reclassified from AOCI into net income on derivatives — — 57 — 57 Recognized on hedged items — — (2,330 ) — (2,330 ) Discount amortization recognized on hedged items — — (2 ) — (2 ) Expense recognized on cash flow hedges $ — $ — $ (2,275 ) $ — $ (2,275 ) Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives not designated in hedge relationships: Interest rate swaps — — — 2,396 2,396 Treasury futures — — — 138 138 Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives not designated in hedge relationships $ — $ — $ — $ 2,534 $ 2,534 For the Three Months Ended June 30, 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 Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives and hedging activities (in thousands) Total amounts presented in the consolidated statement of operations $ 50,106 $ 39,573 $ (58,316 ) $ (617 ) $ 30,746 Income/(expense) related to interest settlements on fair value hedging relationships: Recognized on derivatives (2,826 ) (208 ) 1,257 — (1,777 ) Recognized on hedged items 11,633 583 (5,056 ) — 7,160 Discount amortization recognized on hedged items — — (120 ) — (120 ) Income/(expense) related to interest settlements on fair value hedging relationships $ 8,807 $ 375 $ (3,919 ) $ — $ 5,263 Gains/(losses) on fair value hedging relationships: Recognized on derivatives (1) — — — (8,568 ) (8,568 ) Recognized on hedged items — — — 9,988 9,988 Gains/(losses) on fair value hedging relationships $ — $ — $ — $ 1,420 $ 1,420 Expense related to interest settlements on cash flow hedging relationships: Interest settlements reclassified from AOCI into net income on derivatives $ — $ — $ (497 ) $ — $ (497 ) Recognized on hedged items — — (845 ) — (845 ) Discount amortization recognized on hedged items — — (1 ) — (1 ) Losses recognized in income for hedge ineffectiveness — — — (146 ) (146 ) Expense recognized on cash flow hedges $ — $ — $ (1,343 ) $ (146 ) $ (1,489 ) Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives not designated in hedging relationships: Interest rate swaps $ — $ — $ — $ (1,648 ) $ (1,648 ) Agency forwards — — — (189 ) (189 ) Treasury futures — — — (54 ) (54 ) Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives not designated in hedge relationships $ — $ — $ — $ (1,891 ) $ (1,891 ) (1) Included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness as of June 30, 2017 , but excluded from the amounts in the table, were losses of $1.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 , attributable to the fair value of the swaps at the inception of the hedging relationship. Accordingly, the amount recognized as hedge ineffectiveness for the three months ended June 30, 2017 were gains of $0.1 million . For the Six Months Ended June 30, 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 Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives and hedging activities (in thousands) Total amounts presented in the consolidated statement of operations: $ 136,609 $ 95,049 $ (168,054 ) $ (1,316 ) $ 62,288 Income/(expense) related to interest settlements on fair value hedging relationships: Recognized on derivatives (807 ) (463 ) (2,614 ) — (3,884 ) Recognized on hedged items 29,409 2,959 (18,628 ) — 13,740 Discount amortization recognized on hedged items — — (353 ) — (353 ) Income/(expense) related to interest settlements on fair value hedging relationships $ 28,602 $ 2,496 $ (21,595 ) $ — $ 9,503 Gains/(losses) on fair value hedging relationships: Recognized on derivatives 32,934 8,655 (12,377 ) — 29,212 Recognized on hedged items (29,797 ) (9,045 ) 14,331 — (24,511 ) Gains/(losses) on fair value hedging relationships $ 3,137 $ (390 ) $ 1,954 $ — $ 4,701 Expense related to interest settlements on cash flow hedging relationships: Interest settlements reclassified from AOCI into net income on derivatives — — (210 ) — (210 ) Recognized on hedged items — — (4,110 ) — (4,110 ) Discount amortization recognized on hedged items — — (4 ) — (4 ) Expense recognized on cash flow hedges $ — $ — $ (4,324 ) $ — $ (4,324 ) (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives not designated in hedge relationships: Interest rate swaps — — — (1,679 ) (1,679 ) Treasury futures — — — 363 363 (Losses)/gains on financial derivatives not designated in hedge relationships $ — $ — $ — $ (1,316 ) $ (1,316 ) For the Six Months Ended June 30, 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 Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives and hedging activities (in thousands) Total amounts presented in the consolidated statement of operations $ 92,628 $ 76,425 $ (107,862 ) $ 1,869 $ 63,060 Income/(expense) related to interest settlements on fair value hedging relationships: Recognized on derivatives (5,984 ) (425 ) 1,440 — (4,969 ) Recognized on hedged items 22,226 1,099 (7,764 ) — 15,561 Discount amortization recognized on hedged items — — (190 ) — (190 ) Income/(expense) related to interest settlements on fair value hedging relationships $ 16,242 $ 674 $ (6,514 ) $ — $ 10,402 Gains/(losses) on fair value hedging relationships: Recognized on derivatives (1) — — — (7,041 ) (7,041 ) Recognized on hedged items — — — 4,584 4,584 Gains/(losses) on fair value hedging relationships $ — $ — $ — $ (2,457 ) $ (2,457 ) Expense related to interest settlements on cash flow hedging relationships: Interest settlements reclassified from AOCI into net income on derivatives $ — $ — $ (1,040 ) $ — $ (1,040 ) Recognized on hedged items — — (1,496 ) — (1,496 ) Discount amortization recognized on hedged items — — (2 ) — (2 ) Losses recognized in income for hedge ineffectiveness — — — (175 ) (175 ) Expense recognized on cash flow hedges $ — $ — $ (2,538 ) $ (175 ) $ (2,713 ) Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives not designated in hedging relationships: Interest rate swaps $ — $ — $ — $ 5,036 $ 5,036 Agency forwards — — — (588 ) (588 ) Treasury futures — — — 53 53 Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives not designated in hedge relationships $ — $ — $ — $ 4,501 $ 4,501

Loans and Allowance for Losse23

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 June 30, 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : Table 5.1 As of June 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 Unsecuritized In Consolidated Trusts Total Unsecuritized In Consolidated Trusts Total (in thousands) Farm & Ranch $ 2,935,712 $ 1,443,246 $ 4,378,958 $ 2,798,906 $ 1,399,827 $ 4,198,733 Rural Utilities 991,819 — 991,819 1,076,291 — 1,076,291 Total unpaid principal balance (1) 3,927,531 1,443,246 5,370,777 3,875,197 1,399,827 5,275,024 Unamortized premiums, discounts, and other cost basis adjustments (11,404 ) — (11,404 ) (1,442 ) — (1,442 ) Total loans 3,916,127 1,443,246 5,359,373 3,873,755 1,399,827 5,273,582 Allowance for loan losses (5,339 ) (1,450 ) (6,789 ) (5,493 ) (1,303 ) (6,796 ) Total loans, net of allowance $ 3,910,788 $ 1,441,796 $ 5,352,584 $ 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 $9.0 million as of June 30, 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 and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017: Table 5.2 As of June 30, 2018 As of June 30, 2017 Allowance Reserve Total Allowance Reserve Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended Beginning Balance $ 6,365 $ 2,091 $ 8,456 $ 5,811 $ 1,827 $ 7,638 Provision for losses 424 158 582 327 139 466 Ending Balance $ 6,789 $ 2,249 $ 9,038 $ 6,138 $ 1,966 $ 8,104 For the Six Months Ended Beginning Balance 6,796 2,070 8,866 5,415 2,020 7,435 (Release of)/provision for losses (7 ) 179 172 964 (54 ) 910 Charge-offs $ — $ — $ — $ (241 ) $ — $ (241 ) Ending Balance $ 6,789 $ 2,249 $ 9,038 $ 6,138 $ 1,966 $ 8,104 During second quarter 2018 , Farmer Mac recorded a provision to both its allowance for loan losses and reserve for losses of $0.4 million and $0.2 million , respectively. The net provisions to the total allowance for loan losses recorded during second quarter 2018 were attributable to (1) a modest decline in overall portfolio credit quality, and (2) an increase in the general allowance due to net volume growth in both on and off-balance sheet Farm & Ranch loans, primarily related to new agricultural storage and processing loans purchased during second quarter 2018. Farmer Mac recorded no charge-offs to its allowance for loan losses during second quarter 2018. During second quarter 2017, Farmer Mac recorded provisions to its allowance for loan losses and reserve for losses of $0.3 million and $0.1 million , respectively. The provisions to the allowance for loan losses recorded during the second quarter 2017 were primarily attributable to an increase in the general allowance due to overall net volume growth in on-balance sheet Farm & Ranch loans. The provision to the reserve for losses recorded during the second quarter 2017 was primarily attributable to an increase in the general reserve due to downgrades in risk ratings on certain unimpaired crop and permanent planting loans underlying LTSPCs and off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities. Farmer Mac recorded no charge-offs to its allowance for loan losses during the second quarter 2017. The following tables present the changes in the total allowance for losses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 by commodity type: Table 5.3 June 30, 2018 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 3,793 $ 2,479 $ 1,236 $ 413 $ 522 $ 13 $ 8,456 Provision for/(release of) losses 332 (111 ) 86 35 198 42 582 Ending Balance $ 4,125 $ 2,368 $ 1,322 $ 448 $ 720 $ 55 $ 9,038 For the Six Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 4,081 $ 2,469 $ 1,211 $ 481 $ 606 $ 18 $ 8,866 Provision for/(release of) losses 44 (101 ) 111 (33 ) 114 37 172 Ending Balance $ 4,125 $ 2,368 $ 1,322 $ 448 $ 720 $ 55 $ 9,038 June 30, 2017 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 3,562 $ 1,870 $ 1,379 $ 324 $ 472 $ 31 $ 7,638 Provision for/(release of) losses 173 294 (145 ) 73 86 (15 ) 466 Ending Balance $ 3,735 $ 2,164 $ 1,234 $ 397 $ 558 $ 16 $ 8,104 For the Six Months Ended: Beginning Balance $ 3,365 $ 1,723 $ 1,375 $ 405 $ 533 $ 34 $ 7,435 Provision for/(release of) losses 598 441 (128 ) (8 ) 25 (18 ) 910 Charge-offs (228 ) — (13 ) — — — (241 ) Ending Balance $ 3,735 $ 2,164 $ 1,234 $ 397 $ 558 $ 16 $ 8,104
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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : Table 5.4 As of June 30, 2018 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Ending Balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 2,424,914 $ 837,083 $ 677,830 $ 292,445 $ 10,496 $ 4,567 $ 4,247,335 Off-balance sheet 1,256,165 501,328 654,115 162,146 58,062 3,604 2,635,420 Total $ 3,681,079 $ 1,338,411 $ 1,331,945 $ 454,591 $ 68,558 $ 8,171 $ 6,882,755 Individually evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 65,878 $ 40,694 $ 16,558 $ 8,493 $ — $ — $ 131,623 Off-balance sheet 10,946 12,736 6,360 904 — 73 31,019 Total $ 76,824 $ 53,430 $ 22,918 $ 9,397 $ — $ 73 $ 162,642 Total Farm & Ranch loans: On-balance sheet $ 2,490,792 $ 877,777 $ 694,388 $ 300,938 $ 10,496 $ 4,567 $ 4,378,958 Off-balance sheet 1,267,111 514,064 660,475 163,050 58,062 3,677 2,666,439 Total $ 3,757,903 $ 1,391,841 $ 1,354,863 $ 463,988 $ 68,558 $ 8,244 $ 7,045,397 Allowance for Losses: Collectively evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 2,260 $ 918 $ 741 $ 271 $ 10 $ 24 $ 4,224 Off-balance sheet 622 182 212 54 710 5 1,785 Total $ 2,882 $ 1,100 $ 953 $ 325 $ 720 $ 29 $ 6,009 Individually evaluated for impairment: On-balance sheet $ 987 $ 1,211 $ 241 $ 101 $ — $ 25 $ 2,565 Off-balance sheet 256 57 128 22 — 1 464 Total $ 1,243 $ 1,268 $ 369 $ 123 $ — $ 26 $ 3,029 Total Farm & Ranch loans: On-balance sheet $ 3,247 $ 2,129 $ 982 $ 372 $ 10 $ 49 $ 6,789 Off-balance sheet 878 239 340 76 710 6 2,249 Total $ 4,125 $ 2,368 $ 1,322 $ 448 $ 720 $ 55 $ 9,038 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : Table 5.5 As of June 30, 2018 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) Impaired Loans: With no specific allowance: Recorded investment $ 13,239 $ 12,564 $ 7,816 $ 3,060 $ — $ — $ 36,679 Unpaid principal balance 13,249 12,565 7,822 3,062 — — 36,698 With a specific allowance: Recorded investment (1) 63,535 40,835 15,089 6,331 — 73 125,863 Unpaid principal balance 63,575 40,865 15,096 6,335 — 73 125,944 Associated allowance 1,243 1,268 369 123 — 26 3,029 Total: Recorded investment 76,774 53,399 22,905 9,391 — 73 162,542 Unpaid principal balance 76,824 53,430 22,918 9,397 — 73 162,642 Associated allowance 1,243 1,268 369 123 — 26 3,029 Recorded investment of loans on nonaccrual status (2) $ 27,442 $ 26,066 $ 5,142 $ 4,453 $ — $ — $ 63,103 (1) Impairment analysis was performed in the aggregate in consideration of similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics on $123.5 million ( 76 percent ) of impaired loans as of June 30, 2018 , which resulted in a specific allowance of $2.6 million . (2) Includes $27.4 million of loans that are less than 90 days delinquent but which have not met Farmer Mac's performance criteria for returning to accrual status. As of December 31, 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 and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 : Table 5.6 June 30, 2018 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Average recorded investment in impaired loans $ 72,041 $ 49,919 $ 23,453 $ 9,214 $ — $ 392 $ 155,019 Income recognized on impaired loans 327 492 60 62 — — 941 For the Six Months Ended: Average recorded investment in impaired loans $ 74,527 $ 45,945 $ 21,361 $ 8,780 $ — $ 557 $ 151,170 Income recognized on impaired loans 719 664 139 117 — — 1,639 June 30, 2017 Crops Permanent Livestock Part-time Ag. Storage and Other Total (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended: Average recorded investment in impaired loans $ 65,295 $ 33,222 $ 12,557 $ 7,926 $ — $ 40 $ 119,040 Income recognized on impaired loans 160 68 22 71 — — 321 For the Six Months Ended: Average recorded investment in impaired loans $ 61,226 $ 32,292 $ 13,497 $ 8,119 $ — $ 27 $ 115,161 Income recognized on impaired loans 462 220 199 174 — — 1,055 For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 , there were no troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs"). For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, the recorded investment of loans determined to be TDRs was $0.2 million both before and after restructuring. As of June 30, 2018 and 2017, there were no TDRs identified during the previous 12 months that were in default under the modified terms. The impact of TDRs on Farmer Mac's allowance for loan losses was immaterial for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. In accordance with the terms of all LTSPCs, Farmer Mac acquires loans that are either 90 days or 120 days delinquent (depending on the provisions of the applicable agreement) upon the request of the counterparty. Subsequent to the purchase, these defaulted loans are treated as nonaccrual loans and, therefore, interest is accounted for on the cash basis. Any decreases in expected cash flows are recognized as impairment.
Schedule of Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Acquired During Period [Table Text Block]	The following tables present information related to Farmer Mac's acquisition of defaulted loans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 and the outstanding balances and carrying amounts of all such loans as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: Table 5.7 For the Three Months Ended For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 ($ in thousands) Unpaid principal balance at acquisition date: Loans underlying LTSPCs $ — $ — $ — $ 311 Loans underlying off-balance sheet Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities (excluding AgVantage securities) — 104 721 104 Total unpaid principal balance at acquisition date — 104 721 415 Contractually required payments receivable — 105 730 416 Impairment recognized subsequent to acquisition — — — — Release of allowance for all outstanding acquired defaulted loans — 128 — 142 Number of defaulted loans purchased — 1 4 4 As of June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Outstanding balance $ 19,131 $ 18,866 Carrying amount 17,776 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 June 30, 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 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 (in thousands) On-balance sheet assets: Farm & Ranch: Loans $ 35,744 $ 47,881 $ (18 ) $ (488 ) Total on-balance sheet $ 35,744 $ 47,881 $ (18 ) $ (488 ) Off-balance sheet assets: Farm & Ranch: LTSPCs $ 7,332 $ 563 $ — $ — Total off-balance sheet $ 7,332 $ 563 $ — $ — Total $ 43,076 $ 48,444 $ (18 ) $ (488 ) (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 $35.7 million of on-balance sheet loans reported as 90 -day delinquencies as of June 30, 2018 , $0.7 million 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : Table 5.9 As of June 30, 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 $ 2,315,593 $ 829,733 $ 651,584 $ 287,055 $ 10,496 $ 4,567 $ 4,099,028 Special mention (2) 109,471 7,350 26,248 5,847 — — 148,916 Substandard (3) 65,728 40,694 16,556 8,036 — — 131,014 Total on-balance sheet $ 2,490,792 $ 877,777 $ 694,388 $ 300,938 $ 10,496 $ 4,567 $ 4,378,958 Off-Balance Sheet: Acceptable $ 1,146,495 $ 463,043 $ 610,263 $ 156,667 $ 56,698 $ 2,945 $ 2,436,111 Special mention (2) 76,110 24,774 32,839 921 — 158 134,802 Substandard (3) 44,506 26,247 17,373 5,462 1,364 574 95,526 Total off-balance sheet $ 1,267,111 $ 514,064 $ 660,475 $ 163,050 $ 58,062 $ 3,677 $ 2,666,439 Total Ending Balance: Acceptable $ 3,462,088 $ 1,292,776 $ 1,261,847 $ 443,722 $ 67,194 $ 7,512 $ 6,535,139 Special mention (2) 185,581 32,124 59,087 6,768 — 158 283,718 Substandard (3) 110,234 66,941 33,929 13,498 1,364 574 226,540 Total $ 3,757,903 $ 1,391,841 $ 1,354,863 $ 463,988 $ 68,558 $ 8,244 $ 7,045,397 Commodity analysis of past due loans (1) On-balance sheet $ 17,290 $ 8,363 $ 6,654 $ 3,437 $ — $ — $ 35,744 Off-balance sheet 5,747 — 1,085 500 — — 7,332 90 days or more past due $ 23,037 $ 8,363 $ 7,739 $ 3,937 $ — $ — $ 43,076 (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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: Table 5.10 As of June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (in thousands) By commodity/collateral type: Crops $ 3,757,903 $ 3,657,945 Permanent plantings 1,391,841 1,367,563 Livestock 1,354,863 1,334,958 Part-time farm 463,988 433,628 Ag. Storage and Processing 68,558 58,761 Other 8,244 14,731 Total $ 7,045,397 $ 6,867,586 By geographic region (1) : Northwest $ 819,607 $ 740,991 Southwest 2,170,739 2,093,213 Mid-North 2,279,960 2,244,094 Mid-South 879,945 908,603 Northeast 305,288 296,264 Southeast 589,858 584,421 Total $ 7,045,397 $ 6,867,586 By original loan-to-value ratio (2) : 0.00% to 40.00% $ 1,314,094 $ 1,322,422 40.01% to 50.00% 1,762,371 1,733,671 50.01% to 60.00% 2,440,299 2,385,605 60.01% to 70.00% 1,235,630 1,150,914 70.01% to 80.00% 268,002 248,799 80.01% to 90.00% 25,001 26,175 Total $ 7,045,397 $ 6,867,586 By size of borrower exposure (3) : Less than $1,000,000 $ 2,427,187 $ 2,379,596 $1,000,000 to $4,999,999 2,729,196 2,627,617 $5,000,000 to $9,999,999 908,347 867,574 $10,000,000 to $24,999,999 565,184 584,896 $25,000,000 to $50,000,000 415,483 407,903 Total $ 7,045,397 $ 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)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 June 30, 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 June 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Farm & Ranch: Guaranteed Securities $ 297,833 $ 333,511 USDA Guarantees: Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities 325,652 254,217 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 $ 935,041 $ 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 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 (in thousands) Proceeds from new securitizations $ 196,290 $ 247,975 Guarantee fees received 1,063 1,701 Purchases of assets from the trusts (721 ) (104 ) 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 $3.2 million as of June 30, 2018 and $3.6 million as of December 31, 2017. As of June 30, 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 9.7 years and 10.0 years , respectively. As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the weighted-average remaining maturity of the off-balance sheet AgVantage securities was 0.3 years and 0.8 years , respectively.

Fair Value Disclosures - Fair

Fair Value Disclosures - Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 June 30, 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 June 30, 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 — 31,321 — 31,321 Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities — 1,368,125 — 1,368,125 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities — 439 — 439 Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries 905,703 — — 905,703 Total Investment Securities 905,703 1,399,885 19,010 2,324,598 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage — — 5,985,806 5,985,806 Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities — — 5,985,806 5,985,806 USDA Securities: Trading — — 10,748 10,748 Total USDA Securities — — 10,748 10,748 Financial derivatives — 8,011 — 8,011 Total Assets at fair value $ 905,703 $ 1,407,896 $ 6,015,564 $ 8,329,163 Liabilities: Financial derivatives $ 123 $ 20,041 $ — $ 20,164 Total Liabilities at fair value $ 123 $ 20,041 $ — $ 20,164 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 and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. Table 8.2 Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Beginning Purchases Sales Settlements Realized and Unrealized Ending (in thousands) Recurring: Assets: Investment Securities: Available-for-sale: Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans $ 19,010 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 19,010 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities 4,120 — — (2,028 ) (2,092 ) — — Total available-for-sale 23,130 — — (2,028 ) (2,092 ) — 19,010 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 5,839,387 303,517 — (149,193 ) (10,850 ) 2,945 5,985,806 Total available-for-sale 5,839,387 303,517 — (149,193 ) (10,850 ) 2,945 5,985,806 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale — 45,014 (45,014 ) — — — — Trading (1) 11,558 — — (821 ) 11 — 10,748 Total USDA Securities 11,558 45,014 (45,014 ) (821 ) 11 — 10,748 Total Assets at fair value $ 5,874,075 $ 348,531 $ (45,014 ) $ (152,042 ) $ (12,931 ) $ 2,945 $ 6,015,564 (1) Includes unrealized gains of $11,000 attributable to assets still held as of June 30, 2018 that are recorded in " Gains/(losses) on trading securities ." Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 Beginning 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 $ 18,124 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 394 $ 18,518 Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities $ 4,819 $ — $ — $ (111 ) $ — $ (57 ) $ 4,651 Total available-for-sale 22,943 — — (111 ) — 337 23,169 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 5,243,046 194,288 — (165,248 ) 9,552 924 5,282,562 Total available-for-sale 5,243,046 194,288 — (165,248 ) 9,552 924 5,282,562 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale — 53,506 (53,506 ) — — — — Trading (1) 18,602 — — (2,306 ) (2 ) — 16,294 Total USDA Securities 18,602 53,506 (53,506 ) (2,306 ) (2 ) — 16,294 Total Assets at fair value $ 5,284,591 $ 247,794 $ (53,506 ) $ (167,665 ) $ 9,550 $ 1,261 $ 5,322,025 (1) Includes unrealized gains of $0.1 million attributable to assets still held as of June 30, 2017 that are recorded in " Gains/(losses) on trading securities ." Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Six Months Ended June 30, 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 — — — (2,137 ) (2,092 ) (104 ) — Total available-for-sale 23,147 — — — (2,137 ) (2,092 ) 92 19,010 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Available-for-sale: AgVantage 5,471,914 487 958,964 — (439,461 ) (29,798 ) 23,700 5,985,806 Total available-for-sale 5,471,914 487 958,964 — (439,461 ) (29,798 ) 23,700 5,985,806 USDA Securities: Available-for-sale — — 79,307 (79,307 ) — — — — Trading (1) 13,515 — — — (2,794 ) 27 — 10,748 Total USDA Securities 13,515 — 79,307 (79,307 ) (2,794 ) 27 — 10,748 Total Assets at fair value $ 5,508,576 $ 487 $ 1,038,271 $ (79,307 ) $ (444,392 ) $ (31,863 ) $ 23,792 $ 6,015,564 (1) Includes unrealized gains of $0.1 million attributable to assets still held as of June 30, 2018 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Table 8.3 As of June 30, 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%) Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: AgVantage $ 5,985,806 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 2.7% - 4.0% (2.9%) USDA Securities $ 10,748 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 3.3% - 5.2% (4.9%) CPR 7% - 17% (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 0 % 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: Table 8.4 As of June 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 Fair Value Carrying Fair Value Carrying (in thousands) Financial assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 430,812 $ 430,812 $ 302,022 $ 302,022 Investment securities 2,370,461 2,369,630 2,260,969 2,260,437 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 8,060,393 8,078,898 7,588,806 7,598,188 USDA Securities 2,044,933 2,123,366 2,076,396 2,131,365 Loans 5,337,868 5,352,584 5,279,225 5,266,786 Financial derivatives 8,011 8,011 7,093 7,093 Guarantee and commitment fees receivable: LTSPCs 37,181 36,141 33,871 35,718 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 3,783 3,774 4,323 4,177 Financial liabilities: Notes payable: Due within one year 7,761,788 7,774,301 8,079,309 8,089,826 Due after one year 8,369,155 8,416,896 7,445,545 7,432,790 Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties 1,416,899 1,449,888 1,386,652 1,404,945 Financial derivatives 20,164 20,164 26,599 26,599 Guarantee and commitment obligations: LTSPCs 36,243 35,202 32,976 34,824 Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities 3,234 3,226 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)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 June 30, 2018 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Utilities Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 15,889 $ 5,072 $ 3,313 $ 18,805 $ 854 $ — $ 43,933 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3)(4) (2,542 ) (674 ) (390 ) (3,585 ) (580 ) 7,771 — Net effective spread 13,347 4,398 2,923 15,220 274 7,771 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 4,488 190 402 91 — (1,690 ) 3,481 Other income/(expense) (3) 341 8 5 — (209 ) 2,754 2,899 Non-interest income/(loss) 4,829 198 407 91 (209 ) 1,064 6,380 Provision for loan losses (424 ) — — — — — (424 ) Provision for reserve for losses (158 ) — — — — — (158 ) Other non-interest expense (4,954 ) (1,312 ) (739 ) (2,030 ) (3,728 ) — (12,763 ) Non-interest expense (5) (5,112 ) (1,312 ) (739 ) (2,030 ) (3,728 ) — (12,921 ) Core earnings before income taxes 12,640 3,284 2,591 13,281 (3,663 ) 8,835 (6) 36,968 Income tax (expense)/benefit (2,654 ) (690 ) (544 ) (2,789 ) 1,200 (1,855 ) (7,332 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest 9,986 2,594 2,047 10,492 (2,463 ) 6,980 (6) 29,636 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (3,296 ) — (3,296 ) Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 9,986 $ 2,594 $ 2,047 $ 10,492 $ (5,759 ) $ 6,980 (6) $ 26,340 Total assets at carrying value $ 4,428,172 $ 2,177,345 $ 995,068 $ 8,144,763 $ 2,881,423 $ — $ 18,626,771 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 7,045,397 $ 2,418,115 $ 1,669,440 $ 8,391,885 — — $ 19,524,837 (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 " Gains/(losses) 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 June 30, 2017 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Adjustments Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 13,338 $ 5,176 $ 3,003 $ 15,431 $ 2,783 $ — $ 39,731 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3)(4) (2,180 ) (625 ) (334 ) (964 ) (294 ) 4,397 — Net effective spread 11,158 4,551 2,669 14,467 2,489 4,397 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 4,191 99 487 165 — (1,470 ) 3,472 Other income/(expense) (3)(5) 994 11 5 — (146 ) (592 ) 272 Non-interest income/(loss) 5,185 110 492 165 (146 ) (2,062 ) 3,744 Provision for loan losses (327 ) — — — — — (327 ) Provision for reserve for losses (139 ) — — — — — (139 ) Other non-interest expense (4,446 ) (1,166 ) (643 ) (1,622 ) (3,374 ) — (11,251 ) Non-interest expense (6) (4,585 ) (1,166 ) (643 ) (1,622 ) (3,374 ) — (11,390 ) Core earnings before income taxes 11,431 3,495 2,518 13,010 (1,031 ) 2,335 (7) 31,758 Income tax (expense)/benefit (4,001 ) (1,223 ) (881 ) (4,554 ) 352 (817 ) (11,124 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest 7,430 2,272 1,637 8,456 (679 ) 1,518 (7) 20,634 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (3,296 ) — (3,296 ) Non-controlling interest — — — — 150 — 150 Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 7,430 $ 2,272 $ 1,637 $ 8,456 $ (3,825 ) $ 1,518 (7) $ 17,488 Total assets at carrying value $ 3,958,344 $ 2,141,569 $ 1,038,383 $ 7,425,774 $ 2,703,315 $ — $ 17,267,385 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 6,426,518 $ 2,237,013 $ 1,883,909 $ 7,711,418 $ — $ — $ 18,258,858 (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 " Gains/(losses) 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. Core Earnings by Business Segment For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Utilities Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 30,830 $ 10,142 $ 5,850 $ 36,637 $ 3,703 $ — $ 87,162 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3)(4) (4,943 ) (1,344 ) 23 (6,593 ) (1,042 ) 13,899 — Net effective spread 25,887 8,798 5,873 30,044 2,661 13,899 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 8,867 356 851 180 — (3,274 ) 6,980 Other income/(expense) (3) 899 13 10 — (349 ) (934 ) (361 ) Non-interest income/(loss) 9,766 369 861 180 (349 ) (4,208 ) 6,619 Provision for loan losses 7 — — — — — 7 Provision for reserve for losses (179 ) — — — — — (179 ) Other non-interest expense (9,474 ) (2,505 ) (1,412 ) (3,876 ) (7,117 ) — (24,384 ) Non-interest expense (5) (9,653 ) (2,505 ) (1,412 ) (3,876 ) (7,117 ) — (24,563 ) Core earnings before income taxes 26,007 6,662 5,322 26,348 (4,805 ) 9,691 (6) 69,225 Income tax (expense)/benefit (5,461 ) (1,399 ) (1,118 ) (5,533 ) 1,775 (2,034 ) (13,770 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest 20,546 5,263 4,204 20,815 (3,030 ) 7,657 (6) 55,455 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (6,591 ) — (6,591 ) Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 20,546 $ 5,263 $ 4,204 $ 20,815 $ (9,621 ) $ 7,657 (6) $ 48,864 Total assets at carrying value $ 4,428,172 $ 2,177,345 $ 995,068 $ 8,144,763 $ 2,881,423 $ — $ 18,626,771 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 7,045,397 $ 2,418,115 $ 1,669,440 $ 8,391,885 — — $ 19,524,837 (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 " Gains/(losses) 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 Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Farm & Ranch USDA Guarantees Rural Institutional Credit Corporate Reconciling Adjustments Consolidated Net Income (in thousands) Net interest income $ 26,092 $ 10,459 $ 5,951 $ 28,933 $ 5,367 $ — $ 76,802 Less: reconciling adjustments (1)(2)(3)(4) (4,423 ) (1,347 ) (714 ) (1,851 ) (607 ) 8,942 — Net effective spread 21,669 9,112 5,237 27,082 4,760 8,942 — Guarantee and commitment fees (2) 8,486 173 979 620 — (2,942 ) 7,316 Other income/(expense) (3)(5) 1,188 25 10 — 121 1,880 3,224 Non-interest income/(loss) 9,674 198 989 620 121 (1,062 ) 10,540 Provision for loan losses (964 ) — — — — — (964 ) Provision for reserve for losses 54 — — — — — 54 Other non-interest expense (8,511 ) (2,253 ) (1,230 ) (3,143 ) (6,856 ) — (21,993 ) Non-interest expense (6) (8,457 ) (2,253 ) (1,230 ) (3,143 ) (6,856 ) — (21,939 ) Core earnings before income taxes 21,922 7,057 4,996 24,559 (1,975 ) 7,880 (7) 64,439 Income tax (expense)/benefit (7,673 ) (2,470 ) (1,748 ) (8,596 ) 1,336 (2,759 ) (21,910 ) Core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attribution of income to non-controlling interest 14,249 4,587 3,248 15,963 (639 ) 5,121 (7) 42,529 Preferred stock dividends — — — — (6,591 ) — (6,591 ) Non-controlling interest — — — — 165 — 165 Segment core earnings/(losses) $ 14,249 $ 4,587 $ 3,248 $ 15,963 $ (7,065 ) $ 5,121 (7) $ 36,103 Total assets at carrying value $ 3,958,344 $ 2,141,569 $ 1,038,383 $ 7,425,774 $ 2,703,315 $ — $ 17,267,385 Total on- and off-balance sheet program assets at principal balance $ 6,426,518 $ 2,237,013 $ 1,883,909 $ 7,711,418 — — $ 18,258,858 (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 " Gains/(losses) 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Acquisitions Through Foreclosures	$ 0	$ 5,261
Proceeds from sale of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	196,290	247,975
Consolidation of guaranteed securities from off-balance sheet to Loans Held for Investment and Debt Securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	116,983	161,880
Purchases of Investment Securities Traded, Not Yet Settled	$ 48,600	$ 50,000

Accounting Policies - Earnings

Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Net income attributable to common stockholders (Dilutive)	$ 26,340	$ 17,488	$ 48,864	$ 36,103
Stock options, SARs and restricted stock	84	183	102	207
Earnings Per Share, On Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements	$ (0.02)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.06)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	10,742	10,783	10,742	10,783
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 2.45000	$ 1.62000	$ 4.55000	$ 3.35
Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	$ 26,340	$ 17,488	$ 48,864	$ 36,103
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	10,658	10,600	10,640	10,576
Basic earnings per common share	$ 2.47	$ 1.65	$ 4.59	$ 3.41

Accounting Policies - Earnin29

Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share Anti-Dilutive (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	$ 26,340	$ 17,488	$ 48,864	$ 36,103
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted	$ 26,340	$ 17,488	$ 48,864	$ 36,103
Stock options, SARs and restricted stock	84,000	183,000	102,000	207,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	10,658,000	10,600,000	10,640,000	10,576,000
Basic earnings per common share	$ 2.47	$ 1.65	$ 4.59	$ 3.41
Earnings Per Share, On Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements	$ (0.02)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.06)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	10,742,000	10,783,000	10,742,000	10,783,000
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 2.45000	$ 1.62000	$ 4.55000	$ 3.35
Stock Options and SARs [Members]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from earnings per share (shares)	0	24,907	25,062	37,832
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	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		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 72,111	$ 41,544	$ 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/(loss) before reclassifications	3,987	4,691	27,227	16,987
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(2,688)	(3,807)	(4,929)	8,317
Net comprehensive income/(loss)	1,299	884	22,298	8,670
Ending Balance	73,410	42,428	73,410	42,428
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	15,094	(4,742)	(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/(loss) before reclassifications	2,209	6,191	20,396	18,413
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	1,421	2,725	2,838	5,302
Net comprehensive income/(loss)	788	3,466	17,558	13,111
Ending Balance	15,882	(1,276)	15,882	(1,276)
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	47,201	43,485	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/(loss) before reclassifications	0	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	1,222	1,381	2,257	3,648
Net comprehensive income/(loss)	(1,222)	(1,381)	(2,257)	(3,648)
Ending Balance	45,979	42,104	45,979	42,104
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	9,816	2,801	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/(loss) before reclassifications	1,778	(1,500)	6,831	(1,426)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	45	(299)	(166)	(633)
Net comprehensive income/(loss)	1,733	(1,201)	6,997	(793)
Ending Balance	$ 11,549	$ 1,600	$ 11,549	$ 1,600

Accounting Policies - Componen

Accounting Policies - Components of Other Comprehensive Income Loss and Related Tax Impact (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 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	$ 2,795	$ 9,525	$ 25,817	$ 28,328
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax	586	3,334	5,421	9,915
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	2,209	6,191	20,396	18,413
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	3,987	4,691	27,227	16,987
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	(2,688)	(3,807)	(4,929)	8,317
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	1,644	1,360	28,225	13,339
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	345	476	5,927	4,669
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,299	884	22,298	8,670
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	2,251	(2,309)	8,647	(2,192)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax	473	(809)	1,816	(766)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	1,778	(1,500)	6,831	(1,426)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	45	(299)	(166)	(633)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	2,194	(1,848)	8,857	(1,219)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	461	(647)	1,860	(426)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,733	(1,201)	6,997	(793)
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	2,209	6,191	20,396	18,413
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	1,421	2,725	2,838	5,302
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	996	5,333	22,224	20,170
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	208	1,867	4,666	7,059
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	788	3,466	17,558	13,111
Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] | Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	0	0	0	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	1,222	1,381	2,257	3,648
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	(1,546)	(2,125)	(2,856)	(5,612)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	(324)	(744)	(599)	(1,964)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	(1,222)	(1,381)	(2,257)	(3,648)
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	(4,186)	0	(8,145)
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax	0	(1,465)	0	(2,851)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0	2,721	0	5,294
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	(8)	(6)	(15)	(13)
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax	(2)	(2)	(3)	(5)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	6	4	12	8
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	(1,791)	0	(3,578)	0
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax	(376)	0	(752)	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	1,415	0	2,826	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	(1,546)	(2,125)	(2,856)	(5,612)
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax	(324)	(744)	(599)	(1,964)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	1,222	1,381	2,257	3,648
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	(57)	461	210	973
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax	(12)	162	44	340
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	$ 45	$ (299)	$ (166)	$ (633)

Accounting Policies - Consolid

Accounting Policies - Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	$ 1,443,246	$ 1,399,827
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	1,449,888	1,404,945
Farm & Ranch [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Other Liabilities	6,600	5,100
USDA Guarantees [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	300	300
On-balance sheet [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	1,443,246	1,399,827
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	1,449,888	1,404,945
On-balance sheet [Member] | Farm & Ranch [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	1,443,246	1,399,827
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	1,449,888	1,404,945
On-balance sheet [Member] | USDA Guarantees [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	0	0
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	0	0
On-balance sheet [Member] | Rural Utilities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	0	0
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	0	0
On-balance sheet [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	0	0
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	0	0
On-balance sheet [Member] | Corporate Segment [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost	0	0
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	0	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	623,485	587,728
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	297,833	333,511
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	325,652	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	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	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	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	29,206	30,300
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	28,938	29,980
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: | On-balance sheet [Member] | Farm & Ranch [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	0	0
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	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, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	29,206	30,300
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	28,938	29,980
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: | On-balance sheet [Member] | Rural Utilities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	0	0
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	0
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	0
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	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	0
Investment Securities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	(1,050)	2,365
Investment Securities [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	917,479	783,964
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	917,260	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	0
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	0
Investment Securities [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | USDA Guarantees [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	0	0
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	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	0
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	0
Investment Securities [Member] | On-balance sheet [Member] | Institutional Credit [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	0	0
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	0	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, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net	917,479	783,964
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	$ 917,260	$ 783,916

Accounting Policies - New Acco

Accounting Policies - New Accounting Standards (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Excess Tax Benefits from Share-Based Compensation	$ 903	$ 832
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	$ 2,523	$ 1,669

Investment Securities - Schedu

Investment Securities - Schedule of Investment Securities (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)position	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	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	100		91
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 10,176,118		$ 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	44		51
Available-for-sale securities in a loss position for more than 12 months, qualitative disclosure, percent of amortized cost	99.30%
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	$ 2,328,659		$ 2,214,588
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	(1,050)		2,365
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	2,327,609		2,216,953
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	1,298		4,467
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	(4,309)		(6,015)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	2,324,598		2,215,405
Marketable Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	2,372,641		2,261,985
Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	2,129		4,999
Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(4,309)		(6,015)
Marketable Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	2,373,691		2,259,620
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities	2,370,461		2,260,969
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Investment Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	(1,050)		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	31,531		34,462
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	31,399		34,308
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	25		22
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	(103)		(120)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	31,321		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	1,367,091		1,289,123
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,368,887		1,291,340
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	1,250		2,215
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	(2,012)		(3,368)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,368,125		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)	(132)		(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)	1,796		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	416		451
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	416		2,589
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	23		2,230
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	0		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	439		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	831		532
Held-to-maturity Securities, Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Loss	0		0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	45,863		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	909,921		770,852
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	907,207		769,016
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	0		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	(1,504)		(1,592)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	905,703		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)	0		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)	(2,714)		(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	Jun. 30, 2018	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			3.00%	2.50%
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment			$ 45,032	$ 45,032
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value			$ 45,863	$ 45,564

Investment Securities - Unreal

Investment Securities - Unrealized Loss Position (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 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	$ 1,301,690	$ 1,034,964
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	270,418	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	(2,288)	(3,909)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	$ (2,021)	$ (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	100	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	99.30%
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Greater than or Equal to One Year | position	44	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	20,996	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	(103)	(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	437,975	292,522
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	195,425	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	(799)	(2,337)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	$ (1,213)	$ (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	3.00%	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	$ 863,715	$ 742,442
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	34,987	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	(1,489)	(1,572)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	$ (15)	(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
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value		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
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses		$ (49)

Investment Securities - Debt M

Investment Securities - Debt Maturities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 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	$ 890,555
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	234,693
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	520,939
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	681,422
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	2,327,609	$ 2,216,953
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Fair Value	889,077
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Fair Value	234,979
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value	521,199
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Fair Value	679,343
Available-for-sale securities	$ 2,324,598	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	1.18%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Weighted-Average Yield	2.40%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Weighted-Average Yield	2.35%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Weighted-Average Yield	2.41%
Available-for-sale Securities, Total Weighted-Average Yield	1.92%
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	416	2,589
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date [Abstract]
Available-for-sale securities	439	4,819
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted Average Yield, Single Maturity Date [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	$ 45,863	$ 45,564
Held-to-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted-Average Yield	3.00%	2.50%

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securit38

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 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	100	91
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	$ 2,021	$ 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)	59,279
Held-to-Maturity Securities [Abstract]
Held-to-Maturity Unpaid Principal Balance	4,146,431	4,181,784
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	4,205,710	4,244,124
Held to Maturity; Unrealized Holding Gains	634	2,119
Held to Maturity - Unrealized Holding Loss	(97,572)	(66,471)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	4,108,772	4,179,772
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	6,015,888
Available-for-sale, at fair value	5,985,806
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	(120)	(460)
Held-to-Maturity Securities [Abstract]
Held-to-Maturity Unpaid Principal Balance	2,093,212	2,126,734
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	2,093,092	2,126,274
Held to Maturity; Unrealized Holding Gains	634	2,119
Held to Maturity - Unrealized Holding Loss	(19,139)	(11,502)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	2,074,587	2,116,891
USDA Securities [Member]
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Trading, at fair value	$ 10,748	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	46	36
Held-to-maturity, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions | position	47	23
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Greater than or Equal to One Year | position	16	16
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	$ 32,910	$ 37,492
Held-to-Maturity Securities [Abstract]
Held-to-Maturity Unpaid Principal Balance	2,064,274	2,096,754
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	2,063,886	2,095,975
Held to Maturity; Unrealized Holding Gains	495	2,011
Held to Maturity - Unrealized Holding Loss	(19,139)	(11,429)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	2,045,242	2,086,557
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	6,016,055	5,496,569
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	6,015,888	5,496,387
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	17,446	21,838
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Losses	(47,528)	(46,311)
Available-for-sale, at fair value	5,985,806	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)	(388)	(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)	(167)	(182)
USDA Guarantees [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	300	300
USDA Guarantees [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Held-to-Maturity Securities [Abstract]
Held-to-Maturity Unpaid Principal Balance	28,938	29,980
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	29,206	30,299
Held to Maturity; Unrealized Holding Gains	139	108
Held to Maturity - Unrealized Holding Loss	0	(73)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	29,345	30,334
USDA Guarantees [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading Securities [Line Items]
Unamortized Premium/(Discount)	59,399	62,800
Held-to-Maturity Securities [Abstract]
Held-to-Maturity Unpaid Principal Balance	2,053,219	2,055,050
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	2,112,618	2,117,850
Held to Maturity; Unrealized Holding Gains	0	0
Held to Maturity - Unrealized Holding Loss	(78,433)	(54,969)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	2,034,185	2,062,881
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Trading Securities Unpaid Principal Balance	10,306	12,966
Trading Securities, Debt, Amortized Cost	11,094	13,888
Trading Securities, Unrealized Gains	23	28
Trading Securities, Unrealized Holding Loss	(369)	(401)
Trading, at fair value	$ 10,748	$ 13,515
Trading Securities, Weighted-Average Yield	5.26%	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)	$ 268	$ 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)	$ 788	$ 922

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securit39

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Unrealized Loss Position (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 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	$ 1,301,690	$ 1,034,964
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	270,418	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	(2,288)	(3,909)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	$ (2,021)	$ (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	100	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	$ 601,185	$ 1,329,332
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	2,856,785	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	(8,377)	(8,169)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(89,195)	(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	559,980	1,304,160
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	863,805	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	(7,944)	(8,094)
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(11,195)	(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	1,129,733	1,273,965
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	1,570,177	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	(14,618)	(8,819)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	$ (32,910)	$ (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	46	36
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Greater than or Equal to One Year | position	16	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	47	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	0	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	41,205	451
Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	1,992,980	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	(78,000)	(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	$ (433)	$ (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	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Amortized Cost	$ 1,389,395
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	2,485,919
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	826,277
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	1,314,297
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	6,015,888
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Fair Value	1,389,339
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Fair Value	2,479,556
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value	806,385
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Fair Value	1,310,526
Available-for-sale, at fair value	$ 5,985,806
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted Average Yield, Single Maturity Date [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Weighted-Average Yield	2.62%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Weighted-Average Yield	2.83%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Weighted-Average Yield	3.08%
Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Weighted-Average Yield	3.12%
Available-for-sale Securities, Total Weighted-Average Yield	2.88%

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securit41

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 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	$ 4,205,710	$ 4,244,124
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Fair Value [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	$ 4,108,772	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	3.30%
Held-to-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, After Ten Years, Weighted-Average Yield	3.50%
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	$ 769,783
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Net Carrying Amount	1,368,924
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	212,947
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	2,093,092	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	766,311
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value	1,351,656
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value	205,159
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	$ 2,074,587	$ 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	2.10%
Held-to-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Weighted-Average Yield	2.77%
Held-to-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted-Average Yield	2.99%
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount	$ 1,854,056
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value	$ 1,785,646

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securit42

Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities - Trading Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 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	$ 2,021	$ 2,106
USDA Securities [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Trading, at fair value	10,748	13,515
USDA Guarantees [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Debt, Amortized Cost	11,094	13,888
Trading, at fair value	$ 10,748	$ 13,515
Trading Securities, Weighted-Average Yield	5.26%	5.33%

Financial Derivatives - Hedgin

Financial Derivatives - Hedging Description (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net	$ 1,600
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 ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative [Line Items]
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities	$ 74,179,000	$ 50,106,000	$ 136,609,000	$ 92,628,000
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	10,176,118,000		10,176,118,000		$ 8,860,296,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	8,011,000		8,011,000		7,093,000
Financial derivatives, at fair value	(20,164,000)		(20,164,000)		(26,599,000)
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Collateral Pledged	24,940,000		24,940,000		24,926,000
Derivative Asset	8,011,000		8,011,000		7,093,000
Loans	49,396,000	39,573,000	95,049,000	76,425,000
Total interest expense	(91,737,000)	(58,316,000)	(168,054,000)	(107,862,000)
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	(2,534,000)	617,000	1,316,000	(1,869,000)
TotalAmountsofLineItemsPresentedintheConsolidatedStatementofIncome	34,372,000	30,746,000	62,288,000	63,060,000
Derivative Liability	4,776,000		4,776,000		(1,673,000)
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	10,100,000,000		10,100,000,000		8,800,000,000
Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	1,862,000	1,420,000	4,701,000	(2,457,000)
Income_Expense related to interest settlements on fair value hedges	5,402,000	5,263,000	9,503,000	10,402,000
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Derivative	11,989,000	(8,568,000)	29,212,000	(7,041,000)
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	(10,127,000)	9,988,000	(24,511,000)	4,584,000
Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness		(146,000)		(175,000)
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Components Included from Assessment of Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Effectiveness		(1,300,000)		2,300,000
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Net Interest Settlements	(1,804,000)	(1,777,000)	(3,884,000)	(4,969,000)
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net		100,000		(100,000)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	57,000	(497,000)	(210,000)	(1,040,000)
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	(2,000)	(1,000)	(4,000)	(2,000)
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	(2,330,000)	(845,000)	(4,110,000)	(1,496,000)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	(2,275,000)	(1,489,000)	(4,324,000)	(2,713,000)
Cash [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Obligation to Return Securities Received as Collateral	0		0		0
Collateral Pledged	20,000		20,000		100,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Hedged Item Net Interest Settlements	7,394,000	7,160,000	13,740,000	15,561,000
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	(188,000)	(120,000)	(353,000)	(190,000)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap, Pay Fixed Non-Callable [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	2,432,032,000		2,432,032,000		2,086,347,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	2,744,000		2,744,000		5,240,000
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ (4,416,000)		$ (4,416,000)		$ (5,990,000)
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	2.13%		2.13%		1.88%
Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate	2.34%		2.34%		1.40%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity			8 years 6 months 30 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	$ 2,151,700,000		$ 2,151,700,000		$ 1,559,700,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	652,000		652,000		110,000
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ (4,042,000)		$ (4,042,000)		$ (4,033,000)
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	2.20%		2.20%		1.38%
Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate	1.69%		1.69%		1.45%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity			1 year 8 months 23 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	$ 409,500,000		$ 409,500,000		$ 365,500,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	3,265,000		3,265,000		1,402,000
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ (231,000)		$ (231,000)		$ (138,000)
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	2.28%		2.28%		2.16%
Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate	2.42%		2.42%		1.74%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity			5 years 11 months 5 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	$ 74,000		$ 74,000		$ 16,000
Derivative Credit Risk Valuation Adjustment, Derivative Liabilities	4,000		4,000		56,000
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax		1,891,000		(4,501,000)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	(2,396,000)	1,648,000	1,679,000	(5,036,000)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap, Pay Fixed Non-Callable [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	323,292,000		323,292,000		345,333,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	1,407,000		1,407,000		339,000
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ (9,762,000)		$ (9,762,000)		$ (16,352,000)
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	3.71%		3.71%		3.79%
Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate	2.33%		2.33%		1.40%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity			6 years 7 months 14 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	$ 3,401,094,000		$ 3,401,094,000		$ 3,409,916,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	17,000		17,000		0
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ (1,020,000)		$ (1,020,000)		$ 0
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	1.81%		1.81%		1.24%
Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate	2.09%		2.09%		1.25%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity			10 months 3 days		11 months
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Basis Swap [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 1,419,000,000		$ 1,419,000,000		$ 1,053,500,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	0		0		18,000
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ (574,000)		$ (574,000)		$ (106,000)
Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate	2.01%		2.01%		1.33%
Derivative, Variable Interest Rate	1.88%		1.88%		1.42%
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity			1 year 1 month 18 days		10 months 28 days
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax		189,000		588,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Future [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 39,500,000		$ 39,500,000		$ 40,000,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Financial derivatives, at fair value	0		0		0
Financial derivatives, at fair value	(123,000)		$ (123,000)		$ (36,000)
Derivative, Weighted-Average Forward Price			$ 119.88		$ 123.96
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	(138,000)	54,000	$ (363,000)	(53,000)
Interest Income [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0		0
Interest Income [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	1,636,000	0	3,137,000	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	(10,849,000)	0	(29,797,000)	0
Interest Income [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Net Interest Settlements	681,000	(2,826,000)	(807,000)	(5,984,000)
Income_Expense related to interest settlements on fair value hedges	16,604,000	8,807,000	28,602,000	16,242,000
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Derivative	12,485,000	0	32,934,000	0
Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness		0		0
Interest Income [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	0	0	0	0
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	0	0	0	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	0	0	0	0
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	0	0	0	0
Interest Income [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Hedged Item Net Interest Settlements	15,923,000	11,633,000	29,409,000	22,226,000
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	0	0	0	0
Interest Income [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax		0		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	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	0	0
Loans and Finance Receivables [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0		0
Loans and Finance Receivables [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	(237,000)	0	(390,000)	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	(2,472,000)	0	(9,045,000)	0
Loans and Finance Receivables [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Net Interest Settlements	(165,000)	(208,000)	(463,000)	(425,000)
Income_Expense related to interest settlements on fair value hedges	1,380,000	375,000	2,496,000	674,000
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Derivative	2,235,000	0	8,655,000	0
Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness		0		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	0	0
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	0	0	0	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	0	0	0	0
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	0	0	0	0
Loans and Finance Receivables [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Hedged Item Net Interest Settlements	1,545,000	583,000	2,959,000	1,099,000
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	0	0	0	0
Loans and Finance Receivables [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax		0		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	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	0	0
Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0		0
Interest Expense [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	463,000	0	1,954,000	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	3,194,000	0	14,331,000	0
Interest Expense [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Net Interest Settlements	(2,320,000)	1,257,000	(2,614,000)	1,440,000
Income_Expense related to interest settlements on fair value hedges	(12,582,000)	(3,919,000)	(21,595,000)	(6,514,000)
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Derivative	(2,731,000)	0	(12,377,000)	0
Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness		0		0
Interest Expense [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	57,000	(497,000)	(210,000)	(1,040,000)
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	(2,000)	(1,000)	(4,000)	(2,000)
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	(2,330,000)	(845,000)	(4,110,000)	(1,496,000)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	(2,275,000)	(1,343,000)	(4,324,000)	(2,538,000)
Interest Expense [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Hedged Item Net Interest Settlements	(10,074,000)	(5,056,000)	(18,628,000)	(7,764,000)
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	(188,000)	(120,000)	(353,000)	(190,000)
Interest Expense [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax		0		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	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	0	0
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	(2,534,000)	1,891,000	1,316,000	(4,501,000)
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Net Interest Settlements	0	0	0	0
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	0	1,420,000	0	(2,457,000)
Income_Expense related to interest settlements on fair value hedges	0	0	0	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Derivative	0	(8,568,000)	0	(7,041,000)
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	0	9,988,000	0	4,584,000
Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness		(146,000)		(175,000)
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	0	0
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	0	0	0	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	0	0	0	0
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	0	(146,000)	0	(175,000)
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	0	0
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	0	0	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	(2,396,000)	1,648,000	1,679,000	(5,036,000)
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		189,000		588,000
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Future [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	$ (138,000)	$ 54,000	$ (363,000)	$ (53,000)

Financial Derivatives - Narrat

Financial Derivatives - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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	20,164,000	$ 26,599,000
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Collateral Pledged	24,940,000	24,926,000
Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value	0	3,100,000
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	10,176,118,000	8,860,296,000
Uncollateralized [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Credit exposure to interest rate swap counterparties	2,000,000	500,000
Cash [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Collateral Received	0	0
Collateral Pledged	20,000	100,000
Securities Pledged as Collateral [Member]
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Collateral Pledged	24,900,000	24,800,000
Exchange Cleared [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	8,800,000,000	7,900,000,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount	10,100,000,000	8,800,000,000
Including accrued interest [Member] | Excluding netting [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Credit exposure to interest rate swap counterparties	71,500,000	28,500,000
Financial derivatives, at fair value	55,300,000	58,200,000
Including accrued interest [Member] | Netting [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Credit exposure to interest rate swap counterparties	2,000,000	500,000
Financial derivatives, at fair value	$ 700,000	$ 28,000,000

Financial Derivatives Derivativ

Financial Derivatives Derivatives in Fair Value and Cash Flow Hedging Relationships (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Interest Income, Operating	$ 74,179	$ 50,106	$ 136,609	$ 92,628
Interest and Fee Income, Loans and Leases	49,396	39,573	95,049	76,425
Total interest expense	(91,737)	(58,316)	(168,054)	(107,862)
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	(2,534)	617	1,316	(1,869)
TotalAmountsofLineItemsPresentedintheConsolidatedStatementofIncome	34,372	30,746	62,288	63,060
Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	1,862	1,420	4,701	(2,457)
Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness		(146)		(175)
Income_Expense related to interest settlements on fair value hedges	5,402	5,263	9,503	10,402
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Derivative	11,989	(8,568)	29,212	(7,041)
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	(10,127)	9,988	(24,511)	4,584
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	(2)	(1)	(4)	(2)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	57	(497)	(210)	(1,040)
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	(2,330)	(845)	(4,110)	(1,496)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	(2,275)	(1,489)	(4,324)	(2,713)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Hedged Item Net Interest Settlements	7,394	7,160	13,740	15,561
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	(188)	(120)	(353)	(190)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax		1,891		(4,501)
Interest Income [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0		0
Interest Income [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	1,636	0	3,137	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	(10,849)	0	(29,797)	0
Interest Income [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	0	0	0	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	0	0	0	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	0	0	0	0
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	0	0	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	15,923	11,633	29,409	22,226
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	0	0	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		0
Loans and Finance Receivables [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0		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	(237)	0	(390)	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	(2,472)	0	(9,045)	0
Loans and Finance Receivables [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	0	0	0	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	0	0	0	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	0	0	0	0
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	0	0	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	1,545	583	2,959	1,099
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	0	0	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		0
Interest Expense [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	0		0
Interest Expense [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	463	0	1,954	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	3,194	0	14,331	0
Interest Expense [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	(2)	(1)	(4)	(2)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	57	(497)	(210)	(1,040)
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	(2,330)	(845)	(4,110)	(1,496)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	(2,275)	(1,343)	(4,324)	(2,538)
Interest Expense [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Hedged Item Net Interest Settlements	(10,074)	(5,056)	(18,628)	(7,764)
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	(188)	(120)	(353)	(190)
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
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	(2,534)	1,891	1,316	(4,501)
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	0	0
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	0	1,420	0	(2,457)
Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness		(146)		(175)
Income_Expense related to interest settlements on fair value hedges	0	0	0	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Derivative	0	(8,568)	0	(7,041)
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	0	9,988	0	4,584
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	0	0	0	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	0	0	0	0
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Hedged Item	0	0	0	0
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	0	(146)	0	(175)
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	0	0
Premium_Discount recognized on hedged item	0	0	0	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Line Items Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract]
Derivative Net Interest Settlements	(1,804)	(1,777)	(3,884)	(4,969)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Components Included from Assessment of Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Effectiveness		(1,300)		2,300
Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net		100		(100)
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	(2,396)	1,648	1,679	(5,036)
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	681	(2,826)	(807)	(5,984)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness		0		0
Income_Expense related to interest settlements on fair value hedges	16,604	8,807	28,602	16,242
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Derivative	12,485	0	32,934	0
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	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	(165)	(208)	(463)	(425)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness		0		0
Income_Expense related to interest settlements on fair value hedges	1,380	375	2,496	674
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Derivative	2,235	0	8,655	0
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	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	(2,320)	1,257	(2,614)	1,440
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness		0		0
Income_Expense related to interest settlements on fair value hedges	(12,582)	(3,919)	(21,595)	(6,514)
Derivative Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain Loss Component Recognized On Derivative	(2,731)	0	(12,377)	0
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	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	(2,396)	1,648	1,679	(5,036)
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		189		588
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		189		588
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	(138)	54	(363)	(53)
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	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	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	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	$ (138)	$ 54	$ (363)	$ (53)

Financial Derivatives Hedged It

Financial Derivatives Hedged Items in Fair Value Hedging Relationships (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
HedgedItemsinFairValueHedgingRelationship [Line Items]
TotalAmountsofLineItemsPresentedintheConsolidatedStatementofIncome	$ 34,372	$ 30,746	$ 62,288	$ 63,060
Hedged Liability Discontinued Fair Value Cumulative Increase Decrease	400		400
Loans [Member]
HedgedItemsinFairValueHedgingRelationship [Line Items]
Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item	162,884		162,884		$ 149,304
Hedged Asset Fair Value Hedge Cumulative Increase Decrease	(9,088)		(9,088)		(189)
Long-term Debt [Member]
HedgedItemsinFairValueHedgingRelationship [Line Items]
Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item	(2,345,273)		(2,345,273)		(1,552,935)
Hedged Liability Fair Value Hedge Cumulative Increase Decrease	20,072		20,072		5,836
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
HedgedItemsinFairValueHedgingRelationship [Line Items]
Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item	2,223,750		2,223,750		1,928,220
Hedged Asset Fair Value Hedge Cumulative Increase Decrease	$ (52,164)		$ (52,164)		$ (22,853)

Loans and Allowance for Losse48

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Loan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross	$ 3,916,127		$ 3,873,755
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate	6,789		6,796
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	5,352,584		5,266,786
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	9,038	$ 8,456	8,866	$ 8,104	$ 7,638	$ 7,435
Real Estate Loan [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	5,370,777		5,275,024
Unamortized Loan Commitment and Origination Fees and Unamortized Discounts or Premiums	(11,404)		(1,442)
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross	5,359,373		5,273,582
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate	6,789		6,796
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	5,352,584		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	4,378,958		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	991,819		1,076,291
Unsecuritized [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	3,927,531		3,875,197
Unamortized Loan Commitment and Origination Fees and Unamortized Discounts or Premiums	(11,404)		(1,442)
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross	3,916,127		3,873,755
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate	5,339		5,493
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	3,910,788		3,868,262
Unsecuritized [Member] | Farm & Ranch [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	2,935,712		2,798,906
Unsecuritized [Member] | Rural Utilities [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	991,819		1,076,291
In Consolidated Trusts [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance	1,443,246		1,399,827
Unamortized Loan Commitment and Origination Fees and Unamortized Discounts or Premiums	0		0
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross	1,443,246		1,399,827
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate	1,450		1,303
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	1,441,796		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	1,443,246		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		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	$ 162,542,000		$ 162,542,000		$ 147,071,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	43,076,000		43,076,000		48,444,000
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	3,029,000		3,029,000		2,884,000
Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities, Subject To Be Purchased	700,000		700,000		300,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	63,103,000		63,103,000		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	8,456,000	$ 7,638,000	8,866,000	$ 7,435,000
(Provision for)/release of loan losses	(424,000)	(327,000)	7,000	(964,000)
Provision for/(release of) reserve for losses	158,000	139,000	179,000	(54,000)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs			0	(241,000)
Total provision for losses	582,000	466,000	172,000	910,000
Ending Balance - Allowance for Loan Losses	6,789,000		6,789,000
Ending Balance - Reserve for Losses	2,249,000		2,249,000
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	9,038,000	8,104,000	9,038,000	8,104,000
Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	76,774,000		76,774,000		76,726,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	23,037,000		23,037,000		21,853,000
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	1,243,000		1,243,000		1,431,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	27,442,000		27,442,000		27,630,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	3,793,000	3,562,000	4,081,000	3,365,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs				(228,000)
Total provision for losses	332,000	173,000	44,000	598,000
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	4,125,000	3,735,000	4,125,000	3,735,000
Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	53,399,000		53,399,000		40,415,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	8,363,000		8,363,000		18,833,000
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	1,268,000		1,268,000		1,063,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	26,066,000		26,066,000		25,701,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	2,479,000	1,870,000	2,469,000	1,723,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs				0
Total provision for losses	(111,000)	294,000	(101,000)	441,000
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	2,368,000	2,164,000	2,368,000	2,164,000
Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	22,905,000		22,905,000		20,547,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	7,739,000		7,739,000		3,835,000
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	369,000		369,000		242,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	5,142,000		5,142,000		5,333,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	1,236,000	1,379,000	1,211,000	1,375,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs				(13,000)
Total provision for losses	86,000	(145,000)	111,000	(128,000)
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	1,322,000	1,234,000	1,322,000	1,234,000
Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	9,391,000		9,391,000		8,663,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	3,937,000		3,937,000		3,923,000
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	123,000		123,000		146,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	4,453,000		4,453,000		4,929,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	413,000	324,000	481,000	405,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs				0
Total provision for losses	35,000	73,000	(33,000)	(8,000)
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	448,000	397,000	448,000	397,000
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0		0		0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	0		0		0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	0		0		0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	0		0		0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	522,000	472,000	606,000	533,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs				0
Total provision for losses	198,000	86,000	114,000	25,000
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	720,000	558,000	720,000	558,000
Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	73,000		73,000		720,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	0		0		0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	26,000		26,000		2,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	0		0		$ 0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	13,000	31,000	18,000	34,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs				0
Total provision for losses	42,000	(15,000)	37,000	(18,000)
Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses	55,000	16,000	55,000	16,000
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Allowance for Loan Losses	6,365,000	5,811,000	6,796,000	5,415,000
(Provision for)/release of loan losses	(424,000)	(327,000)	7,000	(964,000)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs	0	0	0	(241,000)
Ending Balance - Allowance for Loan Losses	6,789,000	6,138,000	6,789,000	6,138,000
Reserve for Off-balance Sheet Activities [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance - Reserve for Losses	2,091,000	1,827,000	2,070,000	2,020,000
Provision for/(release of) reserve for losses	158,000	139,000	179,000	(54,000)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs			0	0
Ending Balance - Reserve for Losses	$ 2,249,000	$ 1,966,000	$ 2,249,000	$ 1,966,000

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 ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	$ 6,882,755,000		$ 6,882,755,000			$ 6,720,503,000
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	162,642,000		162,642,000			147,083,000
Financing Receivable, Gross	7,045,397,000		7,045,397,000			6,867,586,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	6,009,000		6,009,000			5,982,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	3,029,000		3,029,000			2,884,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	9,038,000	$ 8,104,000	9,038,000	$ 8,104,000	$ 8,456,000	8,866,000	$ 7,638,000	$ 7,435,000
Total provision for losses	582,000	466,000	172,000	910,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs			0	(241,000)
Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	3,681,079,000		3,681,079,000			3,581,213,000
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	76,824,000		76,824,000			76,732,000
Financing Receivable, Gross	3,757,903,000		3,757,903,000			3,657,945,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	2,882,000		2,882,000			2,650,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	1,243,000		1,243,000			1,431,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	4,125,000	3,735,000	4,125,000	3,735,000	3,793,000	4,081,000	3,562,000	3,365,000
Total provision for losses	332,000	173,000	44,000	598,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs				(228,000)
Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,338,411,000		1,338,411,000			1,327,144,000
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	53,430,000		53,430,000			40,419,000
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,391,841,000		1,391,841,000			1,367,563,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,100,000		1,100,000			1,406,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	1,268,000		1,268,000			1,063,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	2,368,000	2,164,000	2,368,000	2,164,000	2,479,000	2,469,000	1,870,000	1,723,000
Total provision for losses	(111,000)	294,000	(101,000)	441,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs				0
Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,331,945,000		1,331,945,000			1,314,410,000
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	22,918,000		22,918,000			20,548,000
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,354,863,000		1,354,863,000			1,334,958,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	953,000		953,000			969,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	369,000		369,000			242,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	1,322,000	1,234,000	1,322,000	1,234,000	1,236,000	1,211,000	1,379,000	1,375,000
Total provision for losses	86,000	(145,000)	111,000	(128,000)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs				(13,000)
Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	454,591,000		454,591,000			424,964,000
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	9,397,000		9,397,000			8,664,000
Financing Receivable, Gross	463,988,000		463,988,000			433,628,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	325,000		325,000			335,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	123,000		123,000			146,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	448,000	397,000	448,000	397,000	413,000	481,000	324,000	405,000
Total provision for losses	35,000	73,000	(33,000)	(8,000)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs				0
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	68,558,000		68,558,000			58,761,000
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0			0
Financing Receivable, Gross	68,558,000		68,558,000			58,761,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	720,000		720,000			606,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0			0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	720,000	558,000	720,000	558,000	522,000	606,000	472,000	533,000
Total provision for losses	198,000	86,000	114,000	25,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs				0
Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	8,171,000		8,171,000			14,011,000
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	73,000		73,000			720,000
Financing Receivable, Gross	8,244,000		8,244,000			14,731,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	29,000		29,000			16,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	26,000		26,000			2,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	55,000	16,000	55,000	16,000	$ 13,000	18,000	$ 31,000	$ 34,000
Total provision for losses	42,000	(15,000)	37,000	(18,000)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs				0
On-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	4,247,335,000		4,247,335,000			4,066,457,000
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	131,623,000		131,623,000			132,276,000
Financing Receivable, Gross	4,378,958,000		4,378,958,000			4,198,733,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	4,224,000		4,224,000			4,285,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	2,565,000		2,565,000			2,511,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	6,789,000		6,789,000			6,796,000
On-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	2,424,914,000		2,424,914,000			2,344,821,000
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	65,878,000		65,878,000			67,828,000
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,490,792,000		2,490,792,000			2,412,649,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	2,260,000		2,260,000			2,104,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	987,000		987,000			1,207,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	3,247,000		3,247,000			3,311,000
On-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	837,083,000		837,083,000			794,478,000
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	40,694,000		40,694,000			38,180,000
Financing Receivable, Gross	877,777,000		877,777,000			832,658,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	918,000		918,000			1,101,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	1,211,000		1,211,000			1,006,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	2,129,000		2,129,000			2,107,000
On-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	677,830,000		677,830,000			635,768,000
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	16,558,000		16,558,000			17,766,000
Financing Receivable, Gross	694,388,000		694,388,000			653,534,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	741,000		741,000			738,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	241,000		241,000			172,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	982,000		982,000			910,000
On-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	292,445,000		292,445,000			269,337,000
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	8,493,000		8,493,000			7,858,000
Financing Receivable, Gross	300,938,000		300,938,000			277,195,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	271,000		271,000			287,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	101,000		101,000			126,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	372,000		372,000			413,000
On-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	10,496,000		10,496,000			13,023,000
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0			0
Financing Receivable, Gross	10,496,000		10,496,000			13,023,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	10,000		10,000			44,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0			0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	10,000		10,000			44,000
On-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	4,567,000		4,567,000			9,030,000
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0			644,000
Financing Receivable, Gross	4,567,000		4,567,000			9,674,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	24,000		24,000			11,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	25,000		25,000			0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	49,000		49,000			11,000
Off-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	2,635,420,000		2,635,420,000			2,654,046,000
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	31,019,000		31,019,000			14,807,000
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,666,439,000		2,666,439,000			2,668,853,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,785,000		1,785,000			1,697,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	464,000		464,000			373,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	2,249,000		2,249,000			2,070,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	1,256,165,000		1,256,165,000			1,236,392,000
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	10,946,000		10,946,000			8,904,000
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,267,111,000		1,267,111,000			1,245,296,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	622,000		622,000			546,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	256,000		256,000			224,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	878,000		878,000			770,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	501,328,000		501,328,000			532,666,000
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	12,736,000		12,736,000			2,239,000
Financing Receivable, Gross	514,064,000		514,064,000			534,905,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	182,000		182,000			305,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	57,000		57,000			57,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	239,000		239,000			362,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	654,115,000		654,115,000			678,642,000
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	6,360,000		6,360,000			2,782,000
Financing Receivable, Gross	660,475,000		660,475,000			681,424,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	212,000		212,000			231,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	128,000		128,000			70,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	340,000		340,000			301,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	162,146,000		162,146,000			155,627,000
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	904,000		904,000			806,000
Financing Receivable, Gross	163,050,000		163,050,000			156,433,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	54,000		54,000			48,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	22,000		22,000			20,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	76,000		76,000			68,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	58,062,000		58,062,000			45,738,000
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0			0
Financing Receivable, Gross	58,062,000		58,062,000			45,738,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	710,000		710,000			562,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	0		0			0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	710,000		710,000			562,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	3,604,000		3,604,000			4,981,000
Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	73,000		73,000			76,000
Financing Receivable, Gross	3,677,000		3,677,000			5,057,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment	5,000		5,000			5,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment	1,000		1,000			2,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	6,000		6,000			$ 7,000
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	$ 0	$ 0	$ (241,000)

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		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	$ 36,679		$ 36,679		$ 31,457
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	36,698		36,698		31,460
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	125,863		125,863		115,614
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	125,944		125,944		115,623
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	162,542		162,542		147,071
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	162,642		162,642		147,083
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	3,029		3,029		2,884
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	63,103		63,103		63,593
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	155,019	$ 119,040	151,170	$ 115,161
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	941	321	1,639	1,055
Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	13,239		13,239		14,417
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	13,249		13,249		14,418
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	63,535		63,535		62,309
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	63,575		63,575		62,314
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	76,774		76,774		76,726
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	76,824		76,824		76,732
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	1,243		1,243		1,431
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	27,442		27,442		27,630
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	72,041	65,295	74,527	61,226
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	327	160	719	462
Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	12,564		12,564		3,272
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	12,565		12,565		3,273
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	40,835		40,835		37,143
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	40,865		40,865		37,146
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	53,399		53,399		40,415
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	53,430		53,430		40,419
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	1,268		1,268		1,063
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	26,066		26,066		25,701
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	49,919	33,222	45,945	32,292
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	492	68	664	220
Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	7,816		7,816		11,171
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	7,822		7,822		11,172
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	15,089		15,089		9,376
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	15,096		15,096		9,376
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	22,905		22,905		20,547
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	22,918		22,918		20,548
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	369		369		242
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	5,142		5,142		5,333
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	23,453	12,557	21,361	13,497
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	60	22	139	199
Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	3,060		3,060		1,953
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	3,062		3,062		1,953
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	6,331		6,331		6,710
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	6,335		6,335		6,711
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	9,391		9,391		8,663
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	9,397		9,397		8,664
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	123		123		146
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	4,453		4,453		4,929
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	9,214	7,926	8,780	8,119
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	62	71	117	174
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	0		0		0
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	0		0		0
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	0		0		0
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	0		0		0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	0		0		0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	0		0		0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	0		0		0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	0		0		0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	0	0	0	0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	0	0	0	0
Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	0		0		644
Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	0		0		644
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment	73		73		76
Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance	73		73		76
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	73		73		720
Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance	73		73		720
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	26		26		2
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	0		0		0
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	392	40	557	27
Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method	0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Collateral Dependent Not Individually Analyzed [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment	123,500		123,500		113,200
Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance	$ 2,600		$ 2,600		$ 2,700
Impaired Financing Receivable, Impairment analysis performed percent	76.00%		76.00%		77.00%
Less than 90 days past due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status	$ 27,400		$ 27,400		$ 15,700

Loans and Allowance for Losse52

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Troubled Debt Restructurings (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)
Receivables [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Post-Modification Recorded Investment	$ 0	$ 177,033
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		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)defaulted_loan	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)defaulted_loan	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)defaulted_loan	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)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	0	1	4	4
Payments to Acquire Other Loans and Leases Held-for-investment	$ 0	$ 104	$ 721	$ 415
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Acquired During Period, Contractually Required Payments Receivable at Acquisition, During the Period	0	105	730	416
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Provision for Loan Losses	0	0	0	0
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Allowance for Loan Losses, Decreases	0	128	0	142
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Outstanding Balance	19,131		19,131		$ 18,866
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Carrying Amount, Net	17,776		17,776		$ 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	0	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	$ 0	$ 104	$ 721	$ 104

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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	$ 43,076		$ 48,444
Net credit losses (recoveries)	(18)	$ (488)
Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities, Subject To Be Purchased	700		300
On-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	35,744		47,881
Net credit losses (recoveries)	(18)	(488)
Off-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	7,332		$ 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 ($)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Post-Modification Recorded Investment	$ 0	$ 177,033
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Pre-Modification Recorded Investment		$ 200,000
Financing Receivable, Gross	7,045,397,000		$ 6,867,586,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	43,076,000		48,444,000
Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	6,535,139,000		6,390,271,000
Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	283,718,000		256,008,000
Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	226,540,000		221,307,000
Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	3,757,903,000		3,657,945,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	23,037,000		21,853,000
Crops [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	3,462,088,000		3,407,108,000
Crops [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	185,581,000		146,841,000
Crops [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	110,234,000		103,996,000
Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,391,841,000		1,367,563,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	8,363,000		18,833,000
Permanent Plantings [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,292,776,000		1,250,173,000
Permanent Plantings [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	32,124,000		49,012,000
Permanent Plantings [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	66,941,000		68,378,000
Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,354,863,000		1,334,958,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	7,739,000		3,835,000
Livestock [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,261,847,000		1,252,160,000
Livestock [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	59,087,000		49,856,000
Livestock [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	33,929,000		32,942,000
Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	463,988,000		433,628,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	3,937,000		3,923,000
Part-Time Farm [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	443,722,000		411,760,000
Part-Time Farm [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	6,768,000		10,130,000
Part-Time Farm [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	13,498,000		11,738,000
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	68,558,000		58,761,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	0		0
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	67,194,000		55,746,000
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	1,364,000		3,015,000
Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	8,244,000		14,731,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	0		0
Other Commodity [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	7,512,000		13,324,000
Other Commodity [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	158,000		169,000
Other Commodity [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	574,000		1,238,000
On-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	4,378,958,000		4,198,733,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	35,744,000		47,881,000
On-balance sheet [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	4,099,028,000		3,946,946,000
On-balance sheet [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	148,916,000		119,829,000
On-balance sheet [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	131,014,000		131,958,000
On-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,490,792,000		2,412,649,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	17,290,000		21,702,000
On-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,315,593,000		2,274,912,000
On-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	109,471,000		70,063,000
On-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	65,728,000		67,674,000
On-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	877,777,000		832,658,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	8,363,000		18,833,000
On-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	829,733,000		771,600,000
On-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	7,350,000		22,878,000
On-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	40,694,000		38,180,000
On-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	694,388,000		653,534,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	6,654,000		3,835,000
On-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	651,584,000		617,527,000
On-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	26,248,000		18,405,000
On-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	16,556,000		17,602,000
On-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	300,938,000		277,195,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	3,437,000		3,511,000
On-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	287,055,000		260,854,000
On-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	5,847,000		8,483,000
On-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	8,036,000		7,858,000
On-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	10,496,000		13,023,000
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	10,496,000		13,023,000
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	4,567,000		9,674,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	0		0
On-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	4,567,000		9,030,000
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	0		644,000
Off-balance sheet [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,666,439,000		2,668,853,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	7,332,000		563,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,436,111,000		2,443,325,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	134,802,000		136,179,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	95,526,000		89,349,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,267,111,000		1,245,296,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	5,747,000		151,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,146,495,000		1,132,196,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	76,110,000		76,778,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Crops [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	44,506,000		36,322,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	514,064,000		534,905,000
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	463,043,000		478,573,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	24,774,000		26,134,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Permanent Plantings [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	26,247,000		30,198,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	660,475,000		681,424,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	1,085,000		0
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	610,263,000		634,633,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	32,839,000		31,451,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Livestock [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	17,373,000		15,340,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	163,050,000		156,433,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	500,000		412,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member] | Acceptable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	156,667,000		150,906,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	921,000		1,647,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Part-Time Farm [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	5,462,000		3,880,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	58,062,000		45,738,000
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	56,698,000		42,723,000
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	1,364,000		3,015,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	3,677,000		5,057,000
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	2,945,000		4,294,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member] | Special Mention [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	158,000		169,000
Off-balance sheet [Member] | Other Commodity [Member] | Substandard [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	$ 574,000		$ 594,000

Loans and Allowance for Losse56

Loans and Allowance for Losses and Concentrations of Credit Risk - Concentrations of Credit Risk (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	$ 7,045,397	$ 6,867,586
Financing Receivables, Borrower Exposure, Range One [Member] [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,427,187	2,379,596
Financing Receivables, Borrower Exposure, Range Two [Member] [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,729,196	2,627,617
Financing Receivables, Borrower Exposure, Range Three [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	908,347	867,574
Financing Receivables, Borrower Exposure, Range Four [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	565,184	584,896
Financing Receivables, Borrower Exposure, Range Five [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	415,483	407,903
Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range One [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	$ 1,314,094	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	$ 1,762,371	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	$ 2,440,299	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	$ 1,235,630	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	$ 268,002	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	$ 25,001	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	$ 819,607	740,991
Southwest [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,170,739	2,093,213
Mid-North [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	2,279,960	2,244,094
Mid-South [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	879,945	908,603
Northeast [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	305,288	296,264
Southeast [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	589,858	584,421
Crops [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	3,757,903	3,657,945
Permanent Plantings [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,391,841	1,367,563
Livestock [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,354,863	1,334,958
Part-Time Farm [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	463,988	433,628
Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	68,558	58,761
Other Commodity [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	$ 8,244	$ 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	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$ 935,041	$ 899,284
Farm & Ranch [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	297,833	333,511
USDA Guarantees [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	325,652	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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	$ 196,290	$ 247,975
Proceeds from Fees Received	1,063	1,701
Payments to Acquire Loans and Leases Held-for-investment	$ (721)	$ (104)
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining maturity, Loans underlying guarantees not held by transferor	9 years 8 months	10 years
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	$ 3,200		$ 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	3 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 Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining maturity, Loans underlying guarantees not held by transferor	15 years 5 months 20 days	15 years 3 months 10 days
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$ 3,000		$ 3,100
Guarantee obligations issued after January 1, 2003 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	$ 35.2		$ 34.8

Equity - Capital Requirements

Equity - Capital Requirements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Capital Required for Capital Adequacy	$ 543.2	$ 520.3
Capital	692.8	657.1
Excess Capital	$ 149.6	$ 136.8

Equity Narrative (Details)

Equity Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Aug. 03, 2017
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.58	$ 0.36	$ 1.16	$ 0.72
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	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets and Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 6	$ 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	72.00%	71.00%

Fair Value Disclosures - Fai63

Fair Value Disclosures - Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	$ 8,011,000		$ 8,011,000			$ 7,093,000
Derivative Liability	(4,776,000)		(4,776,000)			1,673,000
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	5,352,584,000		5,352,584,000			5,266,786,000
Real estate owned, at lower of cost or fair value	56,000		56,000			139,000
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption						27,000		$ 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	8,011,000		8,011,000			7,093,000
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	8,329,163,000		8,329,163,000			7,707,927,000
Derivative Liability	20,164,000		20,164,000			26,599,000
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	20,164,000		20,164,000			26,599,000
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			0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	905,703,000		905,703,000			767,424,000
Derivative Liability	123,000		123,000			36,000
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	123,000		123,000			36,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	8,011,000		8,011,000			7,093,000
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,407,896,000		1,407,896,000			1,431,927,000
Derivative Liability	20,041,000		20,041,000			26,563,000
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	20,041,000		20,041,000			26,563,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	(12,931,000)	$ 9,550,000	(31,863,000)	$ 6,253,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	2,945,000	1,261,000	23,792,000	14,501,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	348,531,000	247,794,000	1,038,271,000	819,910,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	45,014,000	53,506,000	79,307,000	86,095,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	152,042,000	167,665,000	444,392,000	331,388,000
Derivative Asset	0		0			0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	6,015,564,000		6,015,564,000			5,508,576,000
Derivative Liability	0		0			0
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0			0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	6,015,564,000	5,322,025,000	6,015,564,000	5,322,025,000	$ 5,874,075,000	5,508,576,000	$ 5,284,591,000	4,891,803,000
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption						487,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	343,000		343,000			508,000
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	343,000		343,000			508,000
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			0
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	0		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			0
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	0		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	343,000		343,000			508,000
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	343,000		343,000			508,000
Farmer Mac Guaranteed 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]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	(10,850,000)	9,552,000	(29,798,000)	6,337,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	2,945,000	924,000	23,700,000	15,880,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	303,517,000	194,288,000	958,964,000	733,815,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	0	0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	149,193,000	165,248,000	439,461,000	327,155,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	5,985,806,000	5,282,562,000	5,985,806,000	5,282,562,000	5,839,387,000	5,471,914,000	5,243,046,000	4,853,685,000
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption						487,000
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	5,985,806,000		5,985,806,000			5,471,914,000
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			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			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]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	(10,850,000)	9,552,000	(29,798,000)	6,337,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	2,945,000	924,000	23,700,000	15,880,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	303,517,000	194,288,000	958,964,000	733,815,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	0	0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	149,193,000	165,248,000	439,461,000	327,155,000
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	5,985,806,000		5,985,806,000			5,471,914,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	5,985,806,000	5,282,562,000	5,985,806,000	5,282,562,000	5,839,387,000	5,471,914,000	5,243,046,000	4,853,685,000
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption						487,000
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	5,985,806,000		5,985,806,000			5,471,914,000
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			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			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	5,985,806,000		5,985,806,000			5,471,914,000
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						2,215,405,000
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						767,424,000
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						1,424,834,000
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						23,147,000
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	2,324,598,000		2,324,598,000
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	905,703,000		905,703,000
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	1,399,885,000		1,399,885,000
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]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	(2,092,000)	0	(2,092,000)	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	0	337,000	92,000	(1,379,000)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	0	0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	0	0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	2,028,000	111,000	2,137,000	223,000
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	19,010,000		19,010,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	19,010,000	23,169,000	19,010,000	23,169,000	23,130,000	23,147,000	22,943,000	17,730,000
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption						0
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	10,748,000		10,748,000			13,515,000
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			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			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]
Trading Securities, Unrealized Gains	11,000	100,000	100,000	7,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	11,000	(2,000)	27,000	(84,000)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	0	0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	45,014,000	53,506,000	79,307,000	86,095,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	45,014,000	53,506,000	79,307,000	86,095,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	821,000	2,306,000	2,794,000	4,010,000
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	10,748,000		10,748,000			13,515,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	10,748,000	16,294,000	10,748,000	16,294,000	11,558,000	13,515,000	18,602,000	20,388,000
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption						0
USDA Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0	0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	45,014,000	53,506,000	79,307,000	86,095,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	45,014,000	53,506,000	79,307,000	86,095,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	0	0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption						0
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	10,748,000		10,748,000			13,515,000
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			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			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]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	11,000	(2,000)	27,000	(84,000)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	0	0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	0	0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	821,000	2,306,000	2,794,000	4,010,000
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	10,748,000		10,748,000			13,515,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	10,748,000	16,294,000	10,748,000	16,294,000	11,558,000	13,515,000	18,602,000	20,388,000
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption						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, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	19,010,000		19,010,000			18,814,000
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			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			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]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0	0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	0	394,000	196,000	788,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	0	0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	0	0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	0	0	0	0
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	19,010,000		19,010,000			18,814,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	19,010,000	18,518,000	19,010,000	18,518,000	19,010,000	18,814,000	18,124,000	17,730,000
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption						0
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	31,321,000		31,321,000			34,210,000
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			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	31,321,000		31,321,000			34,210,000
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			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	1,368,125,000		1,368,125,000			1,290,187,000
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			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	1,368,125,000		1,368,125,000			1,290,187,000
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			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						99,951,000
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						99,951,000
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	439,000		439,000			4,819,000
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			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	439,000		439,000			486,000
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]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	(2,092,000)	0	(2,092,000)	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	0	(57,000)	(104,000)	(2,167,000)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	0	0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	0	0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	2,028,000	111,000	2,137,000	223,000
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0			4,333,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	0	$ 4,651,000	0	$ 4,651,000	$ 4,120,000	4,333,000	$ 4,819,000	$ 0
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption						0
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	905,703,000		905,703,000			767,424,000
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	905,703,000		905,703,000			767,424,000
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			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			$ 0

Fair Value Disclosures - Unobs

Fair Value Disclosures - Unobservable Input Reconciliation (Details) - Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
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
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 5,874,075,000	$ 5,284,591,000	$ 5,508,576,000	4,891,803,000
Purchases	348,531,000	247,794,000	1,038,271,000	819,910,000
Sales	(45,014,000)	(53,506,000)	(79,307,000)	(86,095,000)
Settlements	(152,042,000)	(167,665,000)	(444,392,000)	(331,388,000)
Ending Balance	6,015,564,000	5,322,025,000	6,015,564,000	5,322,025,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	(12,931,000)	9,550,000	(31,863,000)	6,253,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	2,945,000	1,261,000	23,792,000	14,501,000
USDA Securities [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
Trading Securities, Unrealized Gains	11,000	100,000	100,000	7,000
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	11,558,000	18,602,000	13,515,000	20,388,000
Purchases	45,014,000	53,506,000	79,307,000	86,095,000
Sales	(45,014,000)	(53,506,000)	(79,307,000)	(86,095,000)
Settlements	(821,000)	(2,306,000)	(2,794,000)	(4,010,000)
Ending Balance	10,748,000	16,294,000	10,748,000	16,294,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	11,000	(2,000)	27,000	(84,000)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	0	0	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Investment Securities [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
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	23,130,000	22,943,000	23,147,000	17,730,000
Purchases	0	0	0	0
Sales	0	0	0	0
Settlements	(2,028,000)	(111,000)	(2,137,000)	(223,000)
Ending Balance	19,010,000	23,169,000	19,010,000	23,169,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	(2,092,000)	0	(2,092,000)	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	0	337,000	92,000	(1,379,000)
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [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
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	5,839,387,000	5,243,046,000	5,471,914,000	4,853,685,000
Purchases	303,517,000	194,288,000	958,964,000	733,815,000
Sales	0	0	0	0
Settlements	(149,193,000)	(165,248,000)	(439,461,000)	(327,155,000)
Ending Balance	5,985,806,000	5,282,562,000	5,985,806,000	5,282,562,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	(10,850,000)	9,552,000	(29,798,000)	6,337,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	2,945,000	924,000	23,700,000	15,880,000
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | USDA Securities [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
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	0	0	0	0
Purchases	45,014,000	53,506,000	79,307,000	86,095,000
Sales	(45,014,000)	(53,506,000)	(79,307,000)	(86,095,000)
Settlements	0	0	0	0
Ending Balance	0	0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0	0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		0	0	0
Trading Securities [Member] | USDA Securities [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
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	11,558,000	18,602,000	13,515,000	20,388,000
Purchases	0	0	0	0
Sales	0	0	0	0
Settlements	(821,000)	(2,306,000)	(2,794,000)	(4,010,000)
Ending Balance	10,748,000	16,294,000	10,748,000	16,294,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	11,000	(2,000)	27,000	(84,000)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		0	0	0
Institutional Credit [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [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
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	5,839,387,000	5,243,046,000	5,471,914,000	4,853,685,000
Purchases	303,517,000	194,288,000	958,964,000	733,815,000
Sales	0	0	0	0
Settlements	(149,193,000)	(165,248,000)	(439,461,000)	(327,155,000)
Ending Balance	5,985,806,000	5,282,562,000	5,985,806,000	5,282,562,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	(10,850,000)	9,552,000	(29,798,000)	6,337,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	2,945,000	924,000	23,700,000	15,880,000
Floating Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3				0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	19,010,000	18,124,000	18,814,000	17,730,000
Purchases	0	0	0	0
Sales	0	0	0	0
Settlements	0	0	0	0
Ending Balance	19,010,000	18,518,000	19,010,000	18,518,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0	0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	0	394,000	196,000	788,000
Fixed Interest Rate [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3				7,041,000
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	4,120,000	4,819,000	4,333,000	0
Purchases	0	0	0	0
Sales	0	0	0	0
Settlements	(2,028,000)	(111,000)	(2,137,000)	(223,000)
Ending Balance	0	4,651,000	0	4,651,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	(2,092,000)	0	(2,092,000)	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$ 0	$ (57,000)	$ (104,000)	$ (2,167,000)

Fair Value Disclosures - Quant

Fair Value Disclosures - Quantitative Information (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 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	$ 6,015,564	$ 5,322,025	$ 5,874,075	$ 5,508,576	$ 5,284,591	$ 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	$ 10,748	$ 16,294	11,558	13,515	18,602	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	$ 5,985,806	$ 5,282,562	5,839,387	5,471,914	5,243,046	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	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	5,985,806	5,282,562	5,839,387	5,471,914	5,243,046	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	$ 0	$ 4,651	4,120	4,333	4,819	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	$ 10,748	$ 16,294	$ 11,558	$ 13,515	$ 18,602	$ 20,388

Fair Value Disclosures - Summa

Fair Value Disclosures - Summary of Carrying Value and Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Financial derivatives	$ 8,011	$ 7,093
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable:	39,915	39,895
Derivative Liability	(4,776)	1,673
Guarantee and commitment obligation	38,428	38,400
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	430,812	302,022
Loans	5,352,584	5,266,786
Financial derivatives	8,011	7,093
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	1,449,888	1,404,945
Derivative Liability	20,164	26,599
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Investment Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	2,369,630	2,260,437
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	8,078,898	7,598,188
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	2,123,366	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:	36,141	35,718
Guarantee and commitment obligation	35,202	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:	3,774	4,177
Guarantee and commitment obligation	3,226	3,576
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Due within one year [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes payable:	7,774,301	8,089,826
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes payable:	8,416,896	7,432,790
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	430,812	302,022
Loans	5,337,868	5,279,225
Financial derivatives	8,011	7,093
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	1,416,899	1,386,652
Derivative Liability	20,164	26,599
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Investment Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	2,370,461	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	8,060,393	7,588,806
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | USDA Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	2,044,933	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:	37,181	33,871
Guarantee and commitment obligation	36,243	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:	3,783	4,323
Guarantee and commitment obligation	3,234	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:	7,761,788	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:	$ 8,369,155	$ 7,445,545

Business Segment Reporting - C

Business Segment Reporting - Core Earnings - Business Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income	$ 43,933	$ 39,731	$ 87,162	$ 76,802
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)	0	0	0	0
Net Effective Spread	0	0	0	0
Guaranty Fee Income	3,481	3,472	6,980	7,316
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	2,899	272	(361)	3,224
Non-interest income	6,380	3,744	6,619	10,540
(Provision for)/release of loan losses	(424)	(327)	7	(964)
Provision for Other Credit Losses	(158)	(139)	(179)	54
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	(12,763)	(11,251)	(24,384)	(21,993)
Non-interest expense	(12,921)	(11,390)	(24,563)	(21,939)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(7,332)	(11,124)	(13,770)	(21,910)
Net income	29,636	20,634	55,455	42,529
Net income	36,968	31,758	69,225	64,439
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact	(3,296)	(3,296)	(6,591)	(6,591)
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest	0	150	0	165
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	26,340	17,488	48,864	36,103
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Total Assets	18,626,771	17,267,385	18,626,771	17,267,385	$ 17,792,274
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance	19,524,837	18,258,858	19,524,837	18,258,858
Farm & Ranch [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income	15,889	13,338	30,830	26,092
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)	(2,542)	(2,180)	(4,943)	(4,423)
Net Effective Spread	13,347	11,158	25,887	21,669
Guaranty Fee Income	4,488	4,191	8,867	8,486
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	341	994	899	1,188
Non-interest income	4,829	5,185	9,766	9,674
(Provision for)/release of loan losses	(424)	(327)	7	(964)
Provision for Other Credit Losses	(158)	(139)	(179)	54
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	(4,954)	(4,446)	(9,474)	(8,511)
Non-interest expense	(5,112)	(4,585)	(9,653)	(8,457)
Segment core earnings before income taxes	12,640	11,431	26,007	21,922
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(2,654)	(4,001)	(5,461)	(7,673)
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	9,986	7,430	20,546	14,249
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact	0	0	0	0
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest		0		0
Segment core earnings	9,986	7,430	20,546	14,249
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Total Assets	4,428,172	3,958,344	4,428,172	3,958,344
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance	7,045,397	6,426,518	7,045,397	6,426,518
USDA Guarantees [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income	5,072	5,176	10,142	10,459
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)	(674)	(625)	(1,344)	(1,347)
Net Effective Spread	4,398	4,551	8,798	9,112
Guaranty Fee Income	190	99	356	173
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	8	11	13	25
Non-interest income	198	110	369	198
(Provision for)/release of loan losses	0	0	0	0
Provision for Other Credit Losses	0	0	0	0
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	(1,312)	(1,166)	(2,505)	(2,253)
Non-interest expense	(1,312)	(1,166)	(2,505)	(2,253)
Segment core earnings before income taxes	3,284	3,495	6,662	7,057
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(690)	(1,223)	(1,399)	(2,470)
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	2,594	2,272	5,263	4,587
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact	0	0	0	0
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest		0		0
Segment core earnings	2,594	2,272	5,263	4,587
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Total Assets	2,177,345	2,141,569	2,177,345	2,141,569
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance	2,418,115	2,237,013	2,418,115	2,237,013
Rural Utilities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income	3,313	3,003	5,850	5,951
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)	(390)	(334)	23	(714)
Net Effective Spread	2,923	2,669	5,873	5,237
Guaranty Fee Income	402	487	851	979
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	5	5	10	10
Non-interest income	407	492	861	989
(Provision for)/release of loan losses	0	0	0	0
Provision for Other Credit Losses	0	0	0	0
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	(739)	(643)	(1,412)	(1,230)
Non-interest expense	(739)	(643)	(1,412)	(1,230)
Segment core earnings before income taxes	2,591	2,518	5,322	4,996
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(544)	(881)	(1,118)	(1,748)
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	2,047	1,637	4,204	3,248
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact	0	0	0	0
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest		0		0
Segment core earnings	2,047	1,637	4,204	3,248
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Total Assets	995,068	1,038,383	995,068	1,038,383
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance	1,669,440	1,883,909	1,669,440	1,883,909
Institutional Credit [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income	18,805	15,431	36,637	28,933
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)	(3,585)	(964)	(6,593)	(1,851)
Net Effective Spread	15,220	14,467	30,044	27,082
Guaranty Fee Income	91	165	180	620
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	0	0	0	0
Non-interest income	91	165	180	620
(Provision for)/release of loan losses	0	0	0	0
Provision for Other Credit Losses	0	0	0	0
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	(2,030)	(1,622)	(3,876)	(3,143)
Non-interest expense	(2,030)	(1,622)	(3,876)	(3,143)
Segment core earnings before income taxes	13,281	13,010	26,348	24,559
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(2,789)	(4,554)	(5,533)	(8,596)
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	10,492	8,456	20,815	15,963
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact	0	0	0	0
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest		0		0
Segment core earnings	10,492	8,456	20,815	15,963
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Total Assets	8,144,763	7,425,774	8,144,763	7,425,774
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance	8,391,885	7,711,418	8,391,885	7,711,418
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income	854	2,783	3,703	5,367
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)	(580)	(294)	(1,042)	(607)
Net Effective Spread	274	2,489	2,661	4,760
Guaranty Fee Income	0	0	0	0
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	(209)	(146)	(349)	121
Non-interest income	(209)	(146)	(349)	121
(Provision for)/release of loan losses	0	0	0	0
Provision for Other Credit Losses	0	0	0	0
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	(3,728)	(3,374)	(7,117)	(6,856)
Non-interest expense	(3,728)	(3,374)	(7,117)	(6,856)
Segment core earnings before income taxes	(3,663)	(1,031)	(4,805)	(1,975)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	1,200	352	1,775	1,336
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	(2,463)	(679)	(3,030)	(639)
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact	(3,296)	(3,296)	(6,591)	(6,591)
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest		150		165
Segment core earnings	(5,759)	(3,825)	(9,621)	(7,065)
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Total Assets	2,881,423	2,703,315	2,881,423	2,703,315
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net interest income	0	0	0	0
Less: reconciling adjustments(1)(2)(3)	7,771	4,397	13,899	8,942
Net Effective Spread	7,771	4,397	13,899	8,942
Guaranty Fee Income	(1,690)	(1,470)	(3,274)	(2,942)
Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees	2,754	(592)	(934)	1,880
Non-interest income	1,064	(2,062)	(4,208)	(1,062)
(Provision for)/release of loan losses	0	0	0	0
Provision for Other Credit Losses	0	0	0	0
Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses	0	0	0	0
Non-interest expense	0	0	0	0
Segment core earnings before income taxes	8,835	2,335	9,691	7,880
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(1,855)	(817)	(2,034)	(2,759)
Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends	6,980	1,518	7,657	5,121
Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact	0	0	0	0
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest		0		0
Segment core earnings	6,980	1,518	7,657	5,121
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Total Assets	0	0	0	0
On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Income Taxes - Components of I

Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Expense (Details)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	19.90%	35.50%