CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 34,045	$ 29,636	$ 59,215	$ 55,455
Other comprehensive income before taxes:
Net unrealized (losses)/gains on available-for-sale securities	(28,588)	996	(25,347)	22,224
Net changes in held-to-maturity securities	(4,601)	(1,546)	(6,863)	(2,856)
Net unrealized (losses)/gains on cash flow hedges	(9,972)	2,194	(15,637)	8,857
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before tax	(43,161)	1,644	(47,847)	28,225
Income tax benefit/(expense) related to other comprehensive (loss)/income	9,064	(345)	10,048	(5,927)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income net of tax	(34,097)	1,299	(37,799)	22,298
Comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Farmer Mac	$ (52)	$ 30,935	$ 21,416	$ 77,753