Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 18, 2007	Dec. 31, 2012 Astoria Federal
Stockholders' Equity
Stock repurchase program approved		10,000,000
Percentage of common stock Outstanding		10.00%
The remaining number of shares authorized to be purchased	8,107,300
Dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan, shares of authorized and unissued reserved for the plan	300,000
Dividend paid by Astoria Federal			$ 40,800