Statements of Condition (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Held-to-maturity Securities Pledged as Collateral	$ 0	$ 0
Consolidated Obligations, Bonds	2,002,068	3,402,366
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 100	$ 100
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	44,666	40,106
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	44,666	40,106
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	14,058,463	13,177,117
Portion at Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Consolidated Obligation Bonds [Member]
Consolidated Obligations, Bonds	$ 2,002,068	$ 3,402,366