CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 17,833	$ 29,769	$ 77,048	$ 85,224
Other comprehensive income before taxes:
Net unrealized (losses)/gains on available-for-sale securities	(24,925)	(13,546)	(50,272)	8,678
Net changes in held-to-maturity securities	(6,543)	(1,544)	(13,406)	(4,400)
Net unrealized (losses)/gains on cash flow hedges	(6,736)	3,181	(22,373)	12,038
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before tax	(38,204)	(11,909)	(86,051)	16,316
Income tax benefit/(expense) related to other comprehensive (loss)/income	8,023	2,500	18,071	(3,427)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income net of tax	(30,181)	(9,409)	(67,980)	12,889
Comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Farmer Mac	$ (12,348)	$ 20,360	$ 9,068	$ 98,113