CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 1,976		$ 11,437		$ 30,446		$ 36,027
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrealized holding gains on securities	10,827	[1]	27,466	[1]	10,863	[1]	20,911	[1]
Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income	(237)	[2]	(645)	[2]	(520)	[2]	(2,750)	[2]
Other comprehensive income	10,590		26,821		10,343		18,161
Comprehensive income	12,566		38,258		40,789		54,188
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest - preferred stock dividends	(5,547)		(5,547)		(11,094)		(11,094)
Comprehensive income attributable to Farmer Mac	$ 7,019		$ 32,711		$ 29,695		$ 43,094

[1] Presented net of income tax expense of $5.8 million and $14.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and income tax expense of $5.8 million and $11.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

[2] Presented net of income tax benefit of $0.1 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and income tax benefit of $0.3 million and $1.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.