| Cover | Sep. 29, 2021 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 29, 2021 |
| Entity File Number | 001-32136 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001253986 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 20-0057959 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MD |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 333 |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Earle Ovington Boulevard |
| Entity Address, Address Line Three | Suite 900 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Uniondale |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 11553 |
| City Area Code | 516 |
| Local Phone Number | 506-4200 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | ABR |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series A Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Preferred Stock, 6.375% Series D Cumulative Redeemable, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | ABR-PD |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series B Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Preferred Stock, 6.25% Series E Cumulative Redeemable, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | ABR-PE |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
