CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 35,626	$ 34,045	$ 48,456	$ 59,215
Other comprehensive income before taxes:
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities	42,527	(28,588)	(56,789)	(25,347)
Net changes in held-to-maturity securities	(2,496)	(4,601)	(8,184)	(6,863)
Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	(2,132)	(9,972)	(30,388)	(15,637)
Other comprehensive gain/(loss) before tax	37,899	(43,161)	(95,361)	(47,847)
Income tax (expense)/benefit related to other comprehensive gain/(loss)	(7,959)	9,064	20,025	10,048
Other comprehensive gain/(loss) net of tax	29,940	(34,097)	(75,336)	(37,799)
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Farmer Mac	$ 65,566	$ (52)	$ (26,880)	$ 21,416