Equity Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuations Assumptions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Equity [Abstract]

Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]

The fair values of stock options and SARs were estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on the following assumptions:

	For the Year Ended December 31,
	2012	2011	2010
Risk-free interest rate	1.1%	2.2%	2.9%
Expected years until exercise	5 years	6 years	7 years
Expected stock volatility	94.6%	102.5%	91.5%
Dividend yield	1.8%	1.1%	1.8%

The risk-free interest rates used in the model were based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the grant date.  Farmer Mac used historical data to estimate the timing of option exercises and stock option cancellation rates used in the model.  Expected volatilities were based on historical volatility of Farmer Mac's Class C common stock.  The dividend yields were based on the expected dividends as a percentage of the value of Farmer Mac's Class C common stock on the grant date.

Because restricted stock awards will be issued upon vesting regardless of the stock price, expected stock volatility is not considered in determining grant date fair value.  Restricted stock awards also accrue dividends which are paid at vesting.  The weighted-average grant date fair value of the restricted stock awarded in 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $21.92, $18.77, and $12.21 per share, respectively, which was the closing price of the stock on the date granted.

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