Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Axis] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Axis] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] financial derivatives and hedging activities [Member] financial derivatives and hedging activities [Member] financial derivatives and hedging activities [Member] Other Income [Member] Other Income [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income, net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract] Unrealized holding (losses)/gains on available-for-sale securities(1) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Gains on sale of available-for-sale investment securities(4) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax [Abstract] Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges(2) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Reclassification Adjustment, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Reclassification Adjustment, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Reclassification Adjustment, net of tax Other comprehensive (loss)/income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive (loss)/income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive loss/(income) attributable to non-controlling interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Farmer Mac Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Effect [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Effect [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax Tax effects of reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, tax Tax effects of reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, tax Tax effects of reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, tax Receivables [Abstract] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Commodity By Type [Axis] Commodity By Type [Axis] Commodity By Type [Axis] Commodity by Type [Domain] Commodity by Type [Domain] Commodity by Type [Domain] Crops [Member] Crops [Member] Crops [Member] Permanent Plantings [Member] Permanent Plantings [Member] Permanent Plantings [Member] Livestock [Member] Livestock [Member] Livestock [Member] Part-Time Farm [Member] Part-Time Farm [Member] Part-Time Farm [Member] Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] Agriculture Storage and Processing [Member] Other Commodity [Member] Other Commodity [Member] Other Commodity [Member] Original Loan-To-Value Ratio Range [Axis] Original Loan-To-Value Ratio Range [Axis] Original Loan-To-Value Ratio Range [Axis] Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio Range [Domain] Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio Range [Domain] Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio Range [Domain] Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range One [Member] Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range One [Member] Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range One [Member] Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range Two [Member] Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range Two [Member] Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range Two [Member] Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range Three [Member] Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range Three [Member] Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range Three [Member] Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range Four [Member] Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range Four [Member] Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range Four [Member] Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range Five [Member] Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range Five [Member] Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range Five [Member] Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range Six [Member] Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range Six [Member] Financing Receivables, Original Loan-To-Value Ratio, Range Six [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Northwest [Member] Northwest [Member] Northwest [Member] Southwest [Member] Southwest [Member] Southwest [Member] Mid-North [Member] Mid-North [Member] Mid-North [Member] Mid-South [Member] Mid-South [Member] Mid-South [Member] Northeast [Member] Northeast [Member] Northeast [Member] Southeast [Member] Southeast [Member] Southeast [Member] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Gross Financing Receivable, Gross Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Lower Range Limit Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Lower Range Limit Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Lower Range Limit Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Upper Range Limit Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Upper Range Limit Financing Receivables, Loan-To-Value Ratio Range, Upper Range Limit Schedule of Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] On-balance sheet [Member] On-balance sheet [Member] On-balance sheet [Member] Off-balance sheet [Member] Off-balance sheet [Member] Off-balance sheet [Member] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Pass [Member] Pass [Member] Special Mention [Member] Special Mention [Member] Substandard [Member] Substandard [Member] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Farm & Ranch [Member] Farm & Ranch [Member] Farm & Ranch [Member] USDA Guarantees [Member] USDA Guarantees [Member] USDA Guarantees [Member] Rural Utilities [Member] Rural Utilities [Member] Rural Utilities [Member] Institutional Credit [Member] Institutional Credit [Member] [Member] Institutional Credit Corporate [Member] Corporate Segment [Member] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract] Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract] Interest and Dividend Income, Operating Interest and Dividend Income, Operating Interest Income Reclassification Interest Income Reclassification Interest Income Reclassification Total interest expense Interest Expense Net effective spread Interest Income (Expense), Net Guarantee and commitment fees Guaranty Fee Income Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees Other Non-Interest Income (Expense), Excluding Guarantee and Commitment Fees Non-interest income/(loss) Noninterest Income (Provision for)/release of allowance for loan losses Provision for Loan Losses Expensed (Release of)/provision for reserve for losses Provision for Other Credit Losses Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses Noninterest Expense, Excluding Loan, Lease and Other Losses Noninterest Expense Noninterest Expense Segment core earnings before income taxes Segment core earnings before income taxes Segment core earnings before income taxes adjusted for reconciling items for segment reporting Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends Segment core earnings before preferred stock dividends and attibution of income to non-controlling interest - preferred stock dividends Net income Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact Less: Net loss/(income) attributable to non-controlling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Loss on retirement of preferred stock Preferred Stock Redemption Premium Segment core earnings Segment core earnings Segment core earnings - net income(loss) available to common shareholders, basic, adjusted for reconciling items related to segment reporting Net income attributable to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract] Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract] Assets Assets On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance On and Off Balance Sheet Program Assets, At Principal Balance Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items] Net credit losses (recoveries) Net credit losses (recoveries) Net credit losses (recoveries) includes chargeoffs recoveries of chargeoffs REO writedowns and gain (loss) on REO Sales Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities, Subject To Be Purchased Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities, Subject To Be Purchased Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities, Subject To Be Purchased Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Off-Balance Sheet Guarantees and Long Term Standby Purchase Commitments Disclosure Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Common Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses and Concentration Risk Disclosure Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses and Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block] Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses and Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block] Business Segment Reporting Disclosure Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Entity [Abstract] Entity [Abstract] Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Class A, Voting [Member] Common Class A [Member] Common Class B, Voting [Member] Common Class B [Member] Common Class C, Non-Voting [Member] Common Class C [Member] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Series C Preferred Stock [Member] Series C Preferred Stock [Member] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Investment Securities [Member] Debt Securities [Member] Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member] Farmer Mac and USDA Guaranteed Securities [Member] Farmer Mac and USDA Guaranteed Securities [Member] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Discount Notes [Member] Notes Payable to Banks [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Medium-term Notes [Member] Medium-term Notes [Member] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net amortization of deferred gains, premiums, and discounts on loans, investments, Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, and USDA Securities Accretion (Amortization) of Discounts and Premiums, Investments Amortization of debt premiums, discounts and issuance costs Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Net change in fair value of trading securities, hedged assets, and financial derivatives Net change in fair value of trading securities, hedged assets, financial derivatives and loans held for sale Net change in fair value of trading securities, hedged assets, financial derivatives and loans held for sale Gains on sale of available-for-sale investment securities Gain (Loss) on Sale of Securities, Net Gains on sale of real estate owned Gains (Losses) on Sales of Other Real Estate Total (release of)/provision for losses Provision for Loan, Lease, and Other Losses Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Proceeds from repayment of trading investment securities Proceeds from (Payments for) Trading Securities, Short-term Proceeds from repayment of loans purchased as held for sale Proceeds from Sale and Collection of Loans Held-for-sale Net change in: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Interest receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Interest Receivable, Net Guarantee and commitment fees receivable Increase (Decrease) in Other Receivables Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Increase (Decrease) in Financial Instruments Sold, Not yet Purchased Increase (Decrease) in Financial Instruments Sold, Not yet Purchased Accrued interest payable Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities Other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Proceeds from (Payments for) Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell Proceeds from (Payments for) Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Purchases of available-for-sale investment securities and Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Purchases of loans held for investment Payments to Acquire Loans Held-for-investment Purchases of defaulted loans Payments to Acquire Other Loans and Leases Held-for-investment Proceeds from repayment of available-for-sale investment securities, Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Guaranteed Securities Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from repayment of loans purchased as held for investment Proceeds from Principal Repayments on Loans and Leases Held-for-investment Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale investment securities Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from sale of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities Proceeds from Sale of Other Investments (Payments)/proceeds from sale of real estate owned Proceeds from Sale of Foreclosed Assets Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from issuance of discount notes and medium-term notes Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Payments to redeem discount notes and medium-term notes Repayments of Debt Excess tax benefits related to stock-based awards Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Payments to third parties on debt securities of consolidated trusts Payments To Third Parties On Debt Securities Of Consolidated Trusts The cash outflows associated with consolidated trusts where Farmer Mac is determined to be the primary beneficiary but trusts are owned by third parties. Proceeds from common stock issuance Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Proceeds from Preferred Stock Issuances Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Investment in Contour Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Redemption of Farmer Mac II LLC Preferred Stock Payments for Repurchase of Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends paid - Non-controlling interest - preferred stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Dividends paid on common and preferred stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Schedule of Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Table] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses Accounting Policies Disclosure Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Non-controlling Interest - Preferred Stock [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Farmer Mac II LLC [Member] Farmer Mac II LLC [Member] Farmer Mac II LLC [Member] Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock, Name of Transaction [Domain] Sale of Stock [Domain] Private Placement [Member] Private Placement [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Sale of Stock, Consideration Received on Transaction Sale of Stock, Consideration Received on Transaction Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests Preferred Stock Redemption Premium Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Schedule of Allowance for Losses by Impairment Method and Commodity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Allowance for Losses by Impairment Method and Commodity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Allowance for Losses by Impairment Method and Commodity [Table Text Block] Impaired Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Impaired Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Schedule of Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Acquired During Period [Table Text Block] Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities Acquired During Period [Table Text Block] Past Due Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Past Due Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block] Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block] Schedules of Concentration of Risk, by Risk Factor [Table Text Block] Schedules of Concentration of Risk, by Risk Factor [Table Text Block] Summary of Significant Account Policies Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents and Statements of Cash Flows Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Common Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral by Type [Axis] Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral by Type [Axis] Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral, Type [Domain] Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral, Type [Domain] Cash [Member] Cash [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, Name [Domain] Derivative, Name [Domain] Interest Rate Swap, Pay Fixed Non-Callable [Member] Interest Rate Swap, Pay Fixed Non-Callable [Member] Interest Rate Swap, Pay Fixed Non-Callable [Member] Interest Rate Swap, Receive Fixed Non-Callable [Member] Interest Rate Swap, Receive Fixed Non-Callable [Member] Interest Rate Swap, Receive Fixed Non-Callable [Member] Interest Rate Swap, Receive Fixed Callable [Member] Interest Rate Swap, Receive Fixed Callable [Member] Interest Rate Swap, Receive Fixed Callable [Member] Basis Swap [Member] Basis Swap [Member] Forward Contracts [Member] Forward Contracts [Member] Future [Member] Future [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Notional Disclosures [Abstract] Notional Disclosures [Abstract] Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract] Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract] Financial derivatives, at fair value Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Financial derivatives, at fair value Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative, Weighted-Average Forward Price Derivative, Weighted-Average Forward Price Derivative, Weighted-Average Forward Price Derivative, Weighted-Average Pay Rate Derivative, Weighted-Average Pay Rate Derivative, Weighted-Average Pay Rate Derivative, Weighted-Average Receive Rate Derivative, Weighted-Average Receive Rate Derivative, Weighted-Average Receive Rate Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity Derivative Credit Risk Valuation Adjustment, Derivative Assets Derivative Credit Risk Valuation Adjustment, Derivative Assets Derivative Credit Risk Valuation Adjustment, Derivative Liabilities Derivative Credit Risk Valuation Adjustment, Derivative Liabilities Derivative, Collateral [Abstract] Derivative, Collateral [Abstract] Obligation to Return Securities Received as Collateral Obligation to Return Securities Received as Collateral Collateral Pledged Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value Derivative Asset Derivative Asset Derivative Liability Derivative Liability Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Long-term Debt [Member] Long-term Debt [Member] Due within one year [Member] Due within one year [Member] Due within one year [Member] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments [Member] Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments [Member] Long-Term Standby Purchase Commitments [Member] Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities [Member] US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member] USDA Securities [Member] US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Marketable Securities Marketable Securities, Fair Value Disclosure Marketable Securities, Fair Value Disclosure Loans Loans Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure Financial derivatives Guarantee and commitment fees receivable: Guaranty Assets Notes payable: Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Fair Value Disclosure, Liabilities Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Fair Value Disclosure, Liabilities Guarantee and commitment obligation Guaranty Liabilities Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Stock Options and SARs [Members] Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights [Member] Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive securities excluded from earnings per share (shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading Securities [Table] Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading Securities [Table] Schedule of held to maturity, available for sale, and trading securities which includes, but is not limited to changes in the cost basis and fair value, fair value and gross unrealized gain (loss), fair values by type of security, contractual maturity and classification, amortized cost basis and other related disclosures Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities [Member] US Treasury and Government [Member] Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Held-to-Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading Securities [Line Items] [Line Items] for Schedule of held to maturity, available for sale, and trading securities which includes, but is not limited to changes in the cost basis and fair value, fair value and gross unrealized gain (loss), fair values by type of security, contractual maturity and classification, amortized cost basis and other related disclosures Marketable Securities [Table Text Block] Marketable Securities [Table Text Block] Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Transaction Type [Axis] Transaction Type [Axis] Transaction [Domain] Transaction [Domain] Exchange Cleared [Member] Exchange Cleared [Member] Securities Pledged as Collateral [Member] Securities Pledged as Collateral [Member] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Excluding netting [Member] Excluding netting [Member] Excluding netting [Member] Netting [Member] Netting [Member] Netting [Member] Uncollateralized [Member] Uncollateralized [Member] Uncollateralized [Member] Including accrued interest [Member] Including accrued interest [Member] Including accrued interest [Member] Credit exposure to interest rate swap counterparties Credit exposure to interest rate swap counterparties Credit exposure to interest rate swap counterparties Collateral Received Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities Acquired During Period [Table] Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities Acquired During Period [Table] 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 Acquired During Period [Line Items] Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities, Number Defaulted Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities, Number Defaulted Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities, Number Defaulted Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Balance During Period Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Balance During Period Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Balance During Period Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Acquired During Period, Contractually Required Payments Receivable at Acquisition, During the Period Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Acquired During Period, Contractually Required Payments Receivable at Acquisition, During the Period Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Acquired During Period, Contractually Required Payments Receivable at Acquisition, During the Period Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Provision for Loan Losses Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Provision for Loan Losses Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Allowance for Loan Losses, Decreases Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Allowance for Loan Losses, Decreases Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Outstanding Balance Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Outstanding Balance Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Carrying Amount, Net Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Carrying Amount, Net Payments to Acquire Other Loans and Leases Held-for-investment Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Floating Interest Rate [Member] Floating Interest Rate [Member] Floating Interest Rate [Member] Liability Class [Axis] Liability Class [Axis] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities [Member] Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities [Member] Investments by Category [Axis] Investments by Category [Axis] Marketable Securities and Investments Held at Cost [Domain] Marketable Securities and Investments Held at Cost [Domain] Available-for-sale Securities [Member] Available-for-sale Securities [Member] Trading Securities [Member] Trading Securities [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans Auction Rate Securities [Member] Government/GSE Guaranteed Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Trading Securities, Unrealized Holding Loss Trading Securities, Unrealized Holding Loss Trading Securities, Unrealized Gains Trading Securities, Unrealized Holding Gain Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Purchases Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Sales Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales Settlements Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Transfers Out Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3 Ending Balance Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value Purchases Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases Sales Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Sales Settlements Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Transfers Out Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Transfers, Net Ending Balance Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Assets and Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Assets and Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Assets and Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Fair Value as Percent of Total Assets Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Fair Value as Percent of Total Assets Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Fair Value as Percent of Total Assets Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities, Fair Value as Percent of Total Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities, Fair Value as Percent of Total Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities, Fair Value as Percent of Total Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value Fixed Interest Rate [Member] Fixed Interest Rate [Member] Fixed Interest Rate [Member] Credit Rating, Standard & Poor's [Axis] Credit Rating, Standard & Poor's [Axis] External Credit Rating, Standard & Poor's [Domain] External Credit Rating, Standard & Poor's [Domain] Standard & Poor's, A- Rating [Member] Standard & Poor's, A- Rating [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] GSE Subordinated Debt [Member} Subordinated Debt [Member] US Treasury Securities [Member] US Treasury Securities [Member] Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract] 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 Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract] Available-for-Sale Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract] Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions Available-for-sale securities in a loss position for more than 12 months, qualitative disclosure, percent of amortized cost Available-for-sale securities in a loss position for more than 12 months, qualitative disclosure, percent of amortized cost Available-for-sale securities in a loss position for more than 12 months, qualitative disclosure, percent of amortized cost Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Greater than or Equal to One Year Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions, Greater than or Equal to One Year Senior Agency Debt [Member] US Government Corporations and Agencies Securities [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities: Mortgage-backed Securities, Issued by US Government Sponsored Enterprises [Member] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Number of Subsidiaries Number of Subsidiaries Number of Subsidiaries Loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, at amortized cost Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Liabilities Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount Other Liabilities Other Liabilities Unamortized Premium/(Discount) Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net Regulatory Capital Requirements [Abstract] Capital Requirements, Minimum Capital, Percentage of Aggregate On-Balance Sheet Assets Included In Core Capital Capital Requirements, Minimum Capital, Percentage of Aggregate On-Balance Sheet Assets Included In Core Capital Capital Requirements, Minimum Capital, Percentage of Aggregate On-Balance Sheet Assets Included In Core Capital Capital Requirements, Minimum Capital, Percentage of Aggregate Off-Balance Sheet Assets Included In Core Capital Capital Requirements, Minimum Capital, Percentage of Aggregate Off-Balance Sheet Assets Included In Core Capital Capital Requirements, Minimum Capital, Percentage of Aggregate Off-Balance Sheet Assets Included In Core Capital Capital Requirements, Critical Capital, Percentage of Core Capital of Total Minimum Capital Capital Requirements, Critical Capital, Percentage of Core Capital of Total Minimum Capital Capital Requirements, Critical Capital, Percentage of Core Capital of Total Minimum Capital Capital Required for Capital Adequacy Capital Required for Capital Adequacy Core Capital Core Capital Core Capital (Total Equity minus Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) Excess Capital, Core Capital In Excess of Capital Required for Capital Adequacy Excess Capital, Core Capital In Excess of Capital Required for Capital Adequacy Excess Capital, Core Capital In Excess of Capital Required for Capital Adequacy Off-Balance Sheet Guaranteed Securities [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Unrecorded maximum potential exposure on guarantees [Axis] Unrecorded maximum potential exposure on guarantees [Axis] Unrecorded maximum potential exposure on guarantees, pertinent information about guarantee obligations issued [Axis] Unrecorded maximum potential exposure on guarantees [Domain] Unrecorded maximum potential exposure on guarantees [Domain] [Domain] for Unrecorded maximum potential exposure on guarantees, pertinent information about guarantee obligations issued [Axis] Guarantee obligations issued after January 1, 2003 [Member] Guarantee obligations issued after January 1, 2003 [Member] Guarantee obligations issued after January 1, 2003 [Member] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Weighted average remaining maturity, Loans underlying guarantees not held by transferor Weighted average remaining maturity, Loans underlying guarantees not held by transferor Weighted average remaining maturity, Loans underlying guarantees not held by transferor Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] Held-to-Maturity Securities [Abstract] Held-to-Maturity Securities [Abstract] Held-to-Maturity Securities [Abstract] Held-to-Maturity Unpaid Principal Balance Held-to-Maturity Unpaid Principal Balance Held-to-Maturity Unpaid Principal Balance Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment Held to Maturity; Unrealized Holding Gains Held-to-maturity Securities, Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Gain Held to Maturity - Unrealized Holding Loss Held-to-maturity Securities, Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Loss Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance Available-for-Sale Securities Unpaid Principal Balance Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Available-for-sale, at fair value Available-for-sale Securities Trading Securities [Abstract] Trading Securities [Abstract] Trading Securities Unpaid Principal Balance Trading Securities Unpaid Principal Balance Trading Securities Unpaid Principal Balance Trading Securities, Debt, Amortized Cost Trading Securities, Debt, Amortized Cost Trading, at fair value Trading Securities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Amortized Cost Basis Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Amortized Cost Basis Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Amortized Cost Basis Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Amortized Cost Basis Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted-Average Yield, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted-Average Yield, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted-Average Yield, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted Average Yield, Single Maturity Date [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted Average Yield, Single Maturity Date [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted Average Yield, Single Maturity Date [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Due within one year, Weighted-Average Yield Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Weighted-Average Yield Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Weighted-Average Yield Available-for-sale Securities, Due after one year through five years, Weighted-Average Yield Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Weighted-Average Yield Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Weighted-Average Yield Available-for-sale Securities, Due after five years through ten years, Weighted-Average Yield Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Weighted-Average Yield Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Weighted-Average Yield Available-for-sale Securities, Due after ten years, Weighted-Average Yield Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Weighted-Average Yield Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Weighted-Average Yield Available-for-sale Securities, Total Weighted-Average Yield Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted-Average Yield Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted-Average Yield Schedule of Available-for-sale and Trading Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale and 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Basis Marketable Securities, Unrealized Gains Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains Marketable Securities, Unrealized Losses Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses Marketable Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses Marketable Securities Marketable Securities Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Loans Collateralized by Real Estate [Member] Commercial Real Estate Other Receivable [Member] Unsecuritized [Member] Unsecuritized [Member] Unsecuritized, no in a trust[Member] In Consolidated Trusts Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance Loans and Lease Receivable Unpaid Principal Balance Unpaid principal balance of loans before unamortized premiums, discounts and other cost basis adjustments Unamortized premiums, discounts and other cost basis adjustments 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Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method [Abstract] Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method [Abstract] Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method Financing Receivable, Modifications, Pre-Modification Recorded Investment Financing Receivable, Modifications, Pre-Modification Recorded Investment Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table] Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table] Guarantor Obligations [Line Items] Guarantor Obligations [Line Items] Proceeds from Fees Received Proceeds from Fees Received Payments to Acquire Loans and Leases Held-for-investment Payments to Acquire Loans and Leases Held-for-investment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table 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Held-to-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Weighted-Average Yield Held-to-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted-Average Yield Held-to-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted-Average Yield Held-to-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Weighted-Average Yield Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Net Carrying Amount Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Weighted-Average Yield Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Weighted Average Yield Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Weighted Average Yield Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract] 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 Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract] 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 Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract] 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 Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss 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 [Abstract] Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract] Held-to-maturity Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract] Held-to-maturity, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions Held-to-maturity, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Available-for-sale securities Total notes payable Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Common Stock outstanding Common Stock, Value, Outstanding Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment Schedule of Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructurings [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructurings [Table] Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Axis] Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Axis] Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Domain] Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Domain] Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Modifications, Post-Modification Recorded Investment Financing Receivable, Modifications, Post-Modification Recorded Investment Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Number of Contracts Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Number of Contracts Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Recorded Investment Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Recorded Investment Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Member] Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Member] Reserve for Off-balance Sheet Activities [Member] Reserve for Off-balance Sheet Activities [Member] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance - Allowance for Loan Losses Beginning Balance - Reserve for Losses Reserve for losses The reserve for guarantee losses is a liability account in the consolidated balance sheets that reflects an estimate of incurred credit losses related to the guaranty of unconsolidated trusts and other credit guarantees Beginning Balance - Total Allowance for Losses Provision for/(release of) reserve for losses Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs Ending Balance - Allowance for Loan Losses Ending Balance - Reserve for Losses Ending Balance - Total Allowance for Losses Fair Value Disclosure Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Weighted Average [Member] Weighted Average [Member] Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Domain] Valuation Technique [Domain] Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member] Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member] Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Fair Value Inputs, Range of Offered Quotes Fair Value Inputs, Range of Offered Quotes Fair Value Inputs, Range of Offered Quotes Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Total Stockholders Equity [Member] Parent [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning of period (Shares) Shares, Outstanding Balance, beginning of period Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Issuance of Series preferred stock (Shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Issuance of Series preferred stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Issuance of Class C common stock (Shares) Issuance of Class C common stock Stock-based compensation expense Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Tax effect of stock-based awards Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net Net income attributable to Farmer Mac Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Balance, end of period Other comprehensive income, net of tax Balance, end of period (Shares) Redemption of Farmer Mac II LLC preferred stock Investment in Contour - non-controlling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance Cash dividends: Dividends, Cash [Abstract] Preferred Stock Series A ($0.7344 per share in 2015 and 2014) Preferred stock, Series B ($0.8594 per share in 2015 and $0.5347 per share in 2014), Preferred stock Series C ($0.7500 per share in 2015 and $0.0458 per share in 201) Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash Common stock ($0.32 per share in 2015 and $0.28 per share in 2014) Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Trading Securities [Table] Trading Securities [Table] Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items] Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items] Trading Securities, Weighted-Average Yield Trading Securities, Weighted-Average Yield Trading Securities, Weighted-Average Yield Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Interest receivable - Consolidated Trusts amount Interest Receivable Accrued interest payable - Consolidated Trusts amount Interest Payable Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred Stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred Stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Marketable Securities [Table Text Block] Net income attributable to common stockholders (Dilutive) Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Stock options, SARs and restricted stock Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Stock options, SARs and restricted stock (in usd per share) Earnings Per Share, On Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Earnings Per Share, On Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted earnings per common share Earnings Per Share, Diluted Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Net income attributable to common stockholders (Basic) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic earnings per common share Earnings Per Share, Basic Equity [Abstract] Equity Disclosure Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Table] Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Table] Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items] Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items] Non-cash activity: Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] 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 Consolidation of guaranteed securities from off-balance sheet to Loans Held for Investment and Debt Securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties Consolidation of guaranteed securities from off-balance sheet to Loans Held for Investment and Debt Securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties Purchases of securities - traded, not yet settled Purchases of Investment Securities Traded, Not Yet Settled Purchases of Investment Securities Traded, Not Yet Settled Transfers of available-for-sale Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities to held-to-maturity Transfer of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities - Available-for-sale to Held-to-maturity; Unrealized holding gains Transfer of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities - Available-for-sale to Held-to-maturity; Unrealized holding gains Transfer of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities - Available-for-sale to Held-to-maturity; Unrealized holding gains Assets: Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost Held-to-maturity Securities Loans: Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Financial and Agricultural [Abstract] Allowance for loan losses Total loans, net of allowance Real estate owned, at lower of cost or fair value Real Estate Acquired Through Foreclosure Interest receivable (includes $6,338 and $9,509, respectively, related to consolidated trusts) Guarantee and commitment fees receivable Deferred tax asset, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net Prepaid expenses and other assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Total Assets Liabilities and Equity: Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities: Liabilities [Abstract] Notes payable: Notes Payable [Abstract] Due within one year Short-term Debt Due after one year Long-term Debt Total notes payable Accrued interest payable (includes $5,302 and $5,145, respectively, related to consolidated trusts) Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities Reserve for losses Total Liabilities Liabilities Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6) Commitments and Contingencies Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Preferred stock: Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Preferred stock Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock: Common Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Common Stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Non-controlling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Equity Total Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flows Related To Transfer of Securitizations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flows Related To Transfer of Securitizations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flows Related To Transfer of Securitizations [Table Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Interest income: Interest and Dividend Income, Operating [Abstract] Investments and cash equivalents Interest and Dividend Income, Securities, Operating Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities Interest Income, Operating Loans Interest and Fee Income, Loans and Leases Total interest income Total interest expense Net interest income Net interest income after (provision for)/release of allowance for loan losses Interest Income (Expense), after Provision for Loan Loss Non-interest income: Noninterest Income [Abstract] Gains/(losses) on financial derivatives and hedging activities Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax Gains on trading securities Trading Gain (Loss) Gains on sale of available-for-sale investment securities Gains/(losses) on sale of real estate owned Other income Noninterest Income, Other Operating Income Non-interest income Non-interest expense: Noninterest Expense [Abstract] Compensation and employee benefits Labor and Related Expense General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Regulatory fees Other General and Administrative Expense Real estate owned operating costs, net Foreclosed Real Estate Expense Non-interest expense Income before income taxes Income tax expense/(benefit) Net income Net income attributable to Farmer Mac Preferred stock dividends Net income attributable to common stockholders Earnings per common share and dividends: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Diluted earnings per common share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedging Instruments Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedging Instruments Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings Gain (Loss) on Components Included from Assessment of Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Effectiveness Gain (Loss) on Components Included from Assessment of Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Effectiveness Gain (Loss) on Components Other Than Fair Value Changes Included in Assessment of Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Effectiveness Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Table Text Block] Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Table Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]