CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 109,546	$ 108,080	$ 84,317
Before Tax
Net unrealized (losses)/gains on available-for-sale securities	(22,831)	(29,980)	20,012
Net changes in held-to-maturity securities	(13,415)	(6,067)	(9,329)
Net unrealized (losses)/gains on cash flow hedges	(15,801)	2,938
Net unrealized (losses)/gains on cash flow hedges			2,046
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before tax	(52,047)	(33,109)	12,729
Income tax benefit/(expense) related to other comprehensive (loss)/income	10,930	6,953	(4,455)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income net of tax	(41,117)	(26,156)	8,274
Comprehensive income	68,429	81,924	92,591
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest	0	0	165
Comprehensive income attributable to Farmer Mac	$ 68,429	$ 81,924	$ 92,756