Fair Value (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]

We use fair value measurements for the initial recording of certain assets and liabilities and periodic remeasurement of certain assets and liabilities on a recurring or nonrecurring basis.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair value measurement guidance defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and sets forth disclosures around fair value measurements. This guidance applies whenever other accounting guidance requires or permits assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value. The guidance establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs into the valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority, Level 1, to measurements based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The next highest priority, Level 2, is given to measurements of assets and liabilities based on limited observable inputs or observable inputs for similar assets and liabilities. The lowest priority, Level 3, is given to measurements based on unobservable inputs.

We elected the fair value option for loans and debt which contain embedded derivatives that would otherwise require bifurcation. Additionally, we elected the fair value option for our credit risk-sharing securities accounted for as debt of Fannie Mae issued under our CAS series prior to January 1, 2016. Under the fair value option, we elected to carry these instruments at fair value instead of bifurcating the embedded derivative from such instruments.