CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 73,839	$ 70,282	$ 97,515
Net unrealized (losses)/gains on available-for sale securities	(30,387)	39,980	(138,831)
Net changes in held-to-maturity securities	(9,922)	9,190	0
Net unrealized (losses)/gains on cash flow hedges	(541)	(347)	107
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before tax	(40,850)	48,823	(138,724)
Income tax benefit/(expense) related to other comprehensive income	14,298	(17,088)	48,553
Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax	(26,552)	31,735	(90,171)
Comprehensive income	47,287	102,017	7,344
Less: comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest	5,139	22,192	22,187
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Farmer Mac	$ 42,148	$ 79,825	$ (14,843)