| Document and Entity Information | Jul. 07, 2021 |
| Document Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Jul. 7, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | ARLINGTON ASSET INVESTMENT CORP. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001209028 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | VA |
| Entity File Number | 001-34374 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 54-1873198 |
| Entity Address Address Line One | 6862 Elm Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 320 |
| Entity Address City Or Town | McLean |
| Entity Address State Or Province | VA |
| Entity Address Postal Zip Code | 22101 |
| City Area Code | 703 |
| Local Phone Number | 373-0200 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Class A Common Stock | |
| Document Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | AAIC |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 7.00% Series B Cumulative Perpetual Redeemable Preferred Stock | |
| Document Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 7.00% Series B Cumulative Perpetual Redeemable Preferred Stock |
| Trading Symbol | AAIC PrB |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 8.250% Series C Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock | |
| Document Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 8.250% Series C Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock |
| Trading Symbol | AAIC PrC |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 6.625% Senior Notes due 2023 | |
| Document Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 6.625% Senior Notes due 2023 |
| Trading Symbol | AIW |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 6.75% Senior Notes due 2025 | |
| Document Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 6.75% Senior Notes due 2025 |
| Trading Symbol | AIC |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
