Document and Entity Information Document and Entify Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Transition Report	false
Entity Tax Identification Number	42-6000149
Entity Address, Address Line One	909 Locust Street
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	50309
Document Annual Report	true
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF DES MOINES
Entity Central Index Key	0001325814
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Public Float				$ 0
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		45,795,778
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity File Number	000-51999
City Area Code	515
Local Phone Number	412-2100
Common Stock, Value, Outstanding			$ 5,506,655,900
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Des Moines
Entity Address, State or Province	IA
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	X1