Ellington Financial (EFC) 10-Q 9 Aug 19 2019 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Aug. 02, 2019
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Entity Registrant Name	Ellington Financial Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001411342
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		33,770,776
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Shell Company	false

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jun. 30, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 42,671	[1]	$ 44,656
Restricted cash		175	[1]	425
Securities, at fair value		1,668,677
Loans, at fair value	[1]	1,091,523
Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value	[1]	69,676
Real estate owned	[1]	47,621
Investments, financial derivatives, and repurchase agreements:
Investments, at fair value (Cost – $2,970,306)				2,939,311
Repurchase agreements, at fair value (Cost – $61,274)		49,641		61,274
Total investments, financial derivatives, and repurchase agreements				3,020,586
Financial derivatives—assets, at fair value		11,150		20,001
Due from brokers		65,083	[1]	71,794
Receivable for securities sold and financial derivatives				780,826
Investment related receivables	[1]	77,882
Interest and principal receivable				37,676
Other assets		3,495	[1]	15,536
Total Assets		3,127,594		3,971,499
Investments and financial derivatives:
Repurchase agreements		1,715,506	[1]	1,498,849
Securities sold short, at fair value		49,583		850,577
Financial derivatives—liabilities, at fair value		27,805		20,806
Total investments and financial derivatives				871,383
Due to brokers		9,951		5,553
Investment related payables		49,516	[1]	488,411
Other secured borrowings		101,925	[1]	114,100
Other secured borrowings, at fair value		475,816	[1]	297,948
Senior notes, net		85,166		85,035
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		6,281	[1]	5,723
Base management fee payable to affiliate		1,661		1,744
Dividend payable		4,267
Interest payable	[1]	6,741
Interest and dividends payable				7,159
Other liabilities		262	[1]	424
Total Liabilities		2,534,480		3,376,329
Commitments and contingencies
ANALYSIS OF EQUITY:
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 29,745,776 shares issued and outstanding		30		563,833
Additional paid-in-capital		664,764		0
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)		(102,324)
Total Stockholders' Equity		562,470		563,833
Non-controlling interests		30,644	[1]	31,337
Total Equity		593,114		595,170
Total Liabilities and Equity		$ 3,127,594		$ 3,971,499
PER SHARE INFORMATION:
Common shares				$ 18.92
[1]	Ellington Financial Inc.'s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet includes assets and liabilities of variable interest entities it has consolidated. See Note 9 for additional details on Ellington Financial Inc.'s consolidated variable interest entities.

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Investments at value, cost	$ 2,970,306
Financial derivatives–assets, net cost	22,526
Repurchase agreements, cost	61,274
Investments sold short at value, proceeds	(844,604)
Financial derivatives-liabilities, at fair value Net proceeds	(19,019)
Other secured borrowings proceeds	(114,100)
Other secured financing, at fair value-Proceeds	$ (298,706)
Common shares		$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	29,796,601	29,745,776
Common stock, shares outstanding	29,796,601	29,745,776

Consolidated Condensed Schedule

Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments (Cash Equivalents) - Cash equivalents shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)shares	[2]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	2.09%	[1]
Money Market Funds, at Cost	$ 12,460
Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value	$ 12,460
Various Money Market Funds [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment Owned, Balance, Shares | shares	12,460
Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value	$ 12,460
Various Money Market Funds [Member] | Minimum
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Rate	2.31%
Various Money Market Funds [Member] | Maximum
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Rate	2.34%
[1]	Classification percentages are based on Total Equity.
[2]	See Note 2 and Note 3 in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Consolidated Condensed Schedu_2

Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments (Long Investments) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)propertyshares
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 2,939,311
Number of Real Estate Properties | property	20
Investments at value, cost	$ 2,970,306
Percentage collateralized by GNRCMO certificates	100.00%
Non-performing loans, maturity date not applicable	$ 47,300
Mortgage Loans in Process of Foreclosure, Amount	$ 9,100
Unrated But Agency-Guaranteed [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Long investment holdings as a percentage of stockholders' equity	243.66%
Long Investment Aaa Rating [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Long investment holdings as a percentage of stockholders' equity	0.01%
Long Investment Aa Rating [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Long investment holdings as a percentage of stockholders' equity	0.63%
Long Investment A Rating [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Long investment holdings as a percentage of stockholders' equity	4.73%
Long Investment BBB Rating [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Long investment holdings as a percentage of stockholders' equity	1.84%
Long Investment BB Rating [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Long investment holdings as a percentage of stockholders' equity	46.34%
Long Investment Unrated Rating [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Long investment holdings as a percentage of stockholders' equity	196.65%
Related Party-Consumer Loans Titled in Name of Related Party
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair value of loans held in related party trust	$ 21,900
Purchasing Entity
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair value of loans held in related party trust	$ 181,500
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	148.68%	[1],[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value	$ 884,870
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (30 Year) 4.00% [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 143,523
Rate	4.00%
Fair Value	$ 147,395
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (30 Year) 4.00% [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2039-09
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (30 Year) 4.00% [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2048-11
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (Thirty Year) Four Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 111,109
Rate	4.00%
Fair Value	$ 114,104
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (Thirty Year) Four Percent [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2041-11
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (Thirty Year) Four Percent [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2048-12
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (30 Year) 3.50% [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 82,189
Rate	3.50%
Fair Value	$ 82,450
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (30 Year) 3.50% [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2042-09
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (30 Year) 3.50% [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2048-02
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Pools (30 Year) 4.50% [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 74,478
Rate	4.50%
Fair Value	$ 77,266
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Pools (30 Year) 4.50% [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2046-09
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Pools (30 Year) 4.50% [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2049-01
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Four Point Five Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 65,892
Rate	4.50%
Fair Value	$ 68,853
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Four Point Five Percent [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2041-10
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Four Point Five Percent [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2048-12
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Four Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 51,362
Rate	4.00%
Fair Value	$ 52,544
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Four Percent [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2045-07
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Four Percent [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2048-05
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Five Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 46,026
Rate	5.00%
Fair Value	$ 48,245
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Five Percent [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2048-02
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Five Percent [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2048-12
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (Thirty Year) Four Point Five Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 45,670
Rate	4.50%
Fair Value	$ 47,583
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (Thirty Year) Four Point Five Percent [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2043-09
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (Thirty Year) Four Point Five Percent [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2048-10
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Fifteen Year) Three Point Five Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 42,663
Rate	3.50%
Fair Value	$ 43,241
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Fifteen Year) Three Point Five Percent [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2028-03
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Fifteen Year) Three Point Five Percent [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2032-03
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Five Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 38,420
Rate	5.00%
Fair Value	$ 40,652
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Five Percent [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2035-10
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Five Percent [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2048-08
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Three Point Five Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 32,106
Rate	3.50%
Fair Value	$ 32,253
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Three Point Five Percent [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2042-12
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Three Point Five Percent [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2047-12
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (Thirty Year) Three Point Five Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 25,082
Rate	3.50%
Fair Value	$ 25,185
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (Thirty Year) Three Point Five Percent [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2042-01
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (Thirty Year) Three Point Five Percent [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2048-03
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Pools (30 Year) 5.50% [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 21,807
Rate	5.50%
Fair Value	$ 23,207
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Pools (30 Year) 5.50% [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2048-04
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Pools (30 Year) 5.50% [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2048-12
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (15 Year) 3.00% [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 10,899
Rate	3.00%
Fair Value	$ 10,895
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (15 Year) 3.00% [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2030-04
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (15 Year) 3.00% [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2032-09
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (15 Year) 3.50% [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 8,275
Rate	3.50%
Fair Value	$ 8,389
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (15 Year) 3.50% [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2028-09
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (15 Year) 3.50% [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2032-12
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (Other) Three Point Five Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 7,287
Rate	3.50%
Fair Value	$ 7,316
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (Other) Three Point Five Percent [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2043-04
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (Other) Three Point Five Percent [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2046-09
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (Thirty Year) 5.00% [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 6,096
Rate	5.00%
Fair Value	$ 6,423
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (Thirty Year) 5.00% [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2044-07
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (Thirty Year) 5.00% [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2048-10
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Fifteen Year) Four Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 5,728
Rate	4.00%
Fair Value	$ 5,823
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Fifteen Year) Four Percent [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2026-06
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Fifteen Year) Four Percent [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2031-05
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Five Point Five Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 5,023
Rate	5.50%
Fair Value	$ 5,342
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Five Point Five Percent [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2039-11
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Five Point Five Percent [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2048-06
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Other) 5.00% [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 4,547
Rate	5.00%
Fair Value	$ 4,772
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Other) 5.00% [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2043-09
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Other) 5.00% [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2044-01
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Other) 4.00% [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2047-12
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 4,394
Rate	4.00%
Fair Value	$ 4,478
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Pools (30 Year) 6.00% [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 3,408
Rate	6.00%
Fair Value	$ 3,666
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Pools (30 Year) 6.00% [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2048-05
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Pools (30 Year) 6.00% [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2048-11
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (Thirty Year) Three Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 2,773
Rate	3.00%
Fair Value	$ 2,722
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (Thirty Year) Three Percent [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2043-07
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (Thirty Year) Three Percent [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2045-06
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Three Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 2,603
Rate	3.00%
Fair Value	$ 2,556
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Three Percent [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2042-01
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Three Percent [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2045-06
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Pools (30 Year) 3.75% [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2047-07
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 2,508
Rate	3.75%
Fair Value	$ 2,537
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (Other) Four Point Five Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2044-05
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 2,348
Rate	4.50%
Fair Value	$ 2,432
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (15 Year) 3 Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2030-04
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 2,343
Rate	3.00%
Fair Value	$ 2,342
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Fifteen Year) Four Point Five Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2026-04
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 2,177
Rate	4.50%
Fair Value	$ 2,265
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Other) Four Point Five Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2041-05
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 2,025
Rate	4.50%
Fair Value	$ 2,079
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (Thirty Year) Five Point Five Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 1,677
Rate	5.50%
Fair Value	$ 1,786
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (Thirty Year) Five Point Five Percent [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2033-08
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (Thirty Year) Five Point Five Percent [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2048-05
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Twenty Year) Four Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2033-12
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 1,478
Rate	4.00%
Fair Value	$ 1,526
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (Twenty Year) Four Point Five Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2033-12
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 976
Rate	4.50%
Fair Value	$ 1,021
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (Fifteen Year) Four Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2029-02
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 886
Rate	4.00%
Fair Value	$ 897
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools (Thirty Year) Six Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2040-05
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 651
Rate	6.00%
Fair Value	$ 697
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Three Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2042-11
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 710
Rate	3.00%
Fair Value	$ 695
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Six Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 588
Rate	6.00%
Fair Value	$ 631
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Six Percent [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2039-09
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Six Percent [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2040-02
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Two Point Four Nine Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2043-10
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 524
Rate	2.49%
Fair Value	$ 496
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools (Thirty Year) Three Point Two Eight Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2042-06
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 109
Rate	3.28%
Fair Value	$ 106
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	1.77%	[1],[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value	$ 10,510
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association 4.00% [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 17,505
Rate	4.00%
Fair Value	$ 2,828
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association 4.00% [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2045-02	[1],[3],[4]
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association 4.00% [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2045-06	[1],[3],[4]
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association 4.50% [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 10,446
Rate	4.50%
Fair Value	$ 1,223
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association 4.50% [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2020-12	[1],[3],[4]
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association 4.50% [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2044-06	[1],[3],[4]
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association 6.00% [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 4,768
Rate	6.00%
Fair Value	$ 978
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association 6.00% [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2038-06	[1],[3],[4]
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association 6.00% [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2039-08	[1],[3],[4]
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Four Point Five Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 5,949
Rate	4.50%
Fair Value	$ 808
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Four Point Five Percent [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2039-06	[1],[3],[4]
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Four Point Five Percent [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2044-07	[1],[3],[4]
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Five Point Five Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2039-10	[1],[3],[4]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 3,401
Rate	5.50%
Fair Value	$ 749
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Five Point Five Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2043-11	[1],[3],[4]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 3,612
Rate	5.50%
Fair Value	$ 623
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Three Point Five Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2032-12	[1],[3],[4]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 3,642
Rate	3.50%
Fair Value	$ 515
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Four Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 3,560
Rate	4.00%
Fair Value	$ 513
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Four Percent [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2039-05	[1],[3],[4]
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Four Percent [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2043-11	[1],[3],[4]
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Five Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 2,659
Rate	5.00%
Fair Value	$ 463
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Five Percent [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2038-01	[1],[3],[4]
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Five Percent [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2040-05	[1],[3],[4]
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Five Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2038-11	[1],[3],[4]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 5,122
Rate	5.00%
Fair Value	$ 402
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Five Point FIve Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 3,749
Rate	5.50%
Fair Value	$ 336
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Five Point FIve Percent [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2039-01	[1],[3],[4]
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Five Point FIve Percent [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2039-09	[1],[3],[4]
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Six Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2040-01	[1],[3],[4]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 1,613
Rate	6.00%
Fair Value	$ 274
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Four Point Five Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2043-07	[1],[3],[4]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 1,463
Rate	4.50%
Fair Value	$ 254
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Three Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2041-09	[1],[3],[4]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 2,291
Rate	3.00%
Fair Value	$ 203
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Five Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 3,043
Rate	5.00%
Fair Value	$ 181
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Five Percent [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2037-05	[1],[3],[4]
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Five Percent [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2041-05	[1],[3],[4]
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Four Point Seven Five Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2040-07	[1],[3],[4]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 842
Rate	4.75%
Fair Value	$ 160
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	79.78%	[1],[2],[3],[4]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 460,037
Fair Value	$ 474,860
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (15 Year) 3 Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[1],[3],[4]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 1,660
Rate	3.00%
Fair Value	$ 1,655
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association (30 Year) 5 Point 00 Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[1],[3],[4]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 299,455
Rate	5.00%
Fair Value	$ 311,515
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association (30 Year) 4 Point 00 Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[1],[3],[4]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 122,003
Rate	4.00%
Fair Value	$ 124,376
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 Year) 3 Point 50 Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[1],[3],[4]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 21,540
Rate	3.50%
Fair Value	$ 21,529
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association (30 Year) 5 Point 50 Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[1],[3],[4]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 10,579
Rate	5.50%
Fair Value	$ 11,058
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association (30 Year) 3 Point 00 Percent [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[1],[3],[4]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 4,800
Rate	3.00%
Fair Value	$ 4,727
Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	230.23%	[1],[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value	$ 1,370,240
Investments at value, cost	$ 1,388,115	[1],[3],[4]
Principal And Interest - Floating Rate Agency Securities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	10.24%	[1],[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value	$ 60,971
Principal And Interest - Floating Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Pools [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	52,532
Fair Value	$ 55,475
Principal And Interest - Floating Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Pools [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2061-07	[1],[3],[4]
Rate	4.39%	[1],[3],[4]
Principal And Interest - Floating Rate Agency Securities | Government National Mortgage Association Pools [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2067-12	[1],[3],[4]
Rate	4.67%	[1],[3],[4]
Principal And Interest - Floating Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 3,515
Fair Value	$ 3,650
Principal And Interest - Floating Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2035-09	[1],[3],[4]
Rate	2.70%	[1],[3],[4]
Principal And Interest - Floating Rate Agency Securities | Federal National Mortgage Association Pools [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2045-05	[1],[3],[4]
Rate	4.69%	[1],[3],[4]
Principal And Interest - Floating Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 1,808
Fair Value	$ 1,846
Principal And Interest - Floating Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2037-06	[1],[3],[4]
Rate	3.49%	[1],[3],[4]
Principal And Interest - Floating Rate Agency Securities | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2044-05	[1],[3],[4]
Rate	4.72%	[1],[3],[4]
Interest Only - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	3.19%	[1],[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value	$ 19,006
Interest Only - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Government National Mortgage Association [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	228,763
Fair Value	$ 10,772
Interest Only - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Government National Mortgage Association [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2031-06	[1],[3],[4]
Rate	0.38%	[1],[3],[4]
Interest Only - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Government National Mortgage Association [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2066-10	[1],[3],[4]
Rate	5.64%	[1],[3],[4]
Interest Only - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 70,568
Fair Value	$ 4,880
Interest Only - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2033-06	[1],[3],[4]
Rate	1.13%	[1],[3],[4]
Interest Only - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2046-11	[1],[3],[4]
Rate	5.50%	[1],[3],[4]
Interest Only - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 48,699
Fair Value	$ 3,256
Interest Only - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2036-03	[1],[3],[4]
Rate	1.55%	[1],[3],[4]
Interest Only - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2044-01	[1],[3],[4]
Rate	4.19%	[1],[3],[4]
Interest Only - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Resecuritization of Government National Mortgage Association [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2060-08	[1],[3],[4],[5]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 5,220
Rate	2.21%
Fair Value	$ 98
Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	13.43%	[1],[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value	$ 79,977
Investments at value, cost	$ 81,873	[1],[3],[4]
Agency Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	243.66%	[1],[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value	$ 1,450,217
Investments at value, cost	$ 1,469,988	[1],[3],[4]
Principal And Interest - Private Label Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	55.33%	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value	$ 329,317
Investments at value, cost	$ 326,430	[3],[4]
Principal And Interest - Private Label Securities [Member] | North America [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	27.62%	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value	$ 164,410
Investments at value, cost	$ 153,769	[3],[4]
Principal And Interest - Private Label Securities [Member] | Europe [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	27.71%	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value	$ 164,907
Investments at value, cost	172,661	[3],[4]
Principal And Interest - Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Commercial
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	37,171
Fair Value	15,137
Principal And Interest - Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	227,479
Fair Value	149,273
Principal And Interest - Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Europe [Member] | Mortgage-related Commercial
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	24,978
Fair Value	15,482
Principal And Interest - Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Europe [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	183,154
Fair Value	$ 149,425
Principal And Interest - Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Commercial
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2049-03	[3],[4]
Rate	2.80%	[3],[4]
Principal And Interest - Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2019-05	[3],[4]
Rate	0.00%	[3],[4]
Principal And Interest - Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Minimum | Europe [Member] | Mortgage-related Commercial
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2020-10	[3],[4]
Rate	0.38%	[3],[4]
Principal And Interest - Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Minimum | Europe [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2025-06	[3],[4]
Rate	0.00%	[3],[4]
Principal And Interest - Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Commercial
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2061-05	[3],[4]
Rate	3.29%	[3],[4]
Principal And Interest - Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2047-03	[3],[4]
Rate	24.56%	[3],[4]
Principal And Interest - Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Maximum | Europe [Member] | Mortgage-related Commercial
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2045-08	[3],[4]
Rate	4.29%	[3],[4]
Principal And Interest - Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Maximum | Europe [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2052-12	[3],[4]
Rate	5.50%	[3],[4]
Interest Only - Private Label Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	1.22%	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value	$ 7,230
Investments at value, cost	5,189	[3],[4]
Interest Only - Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Commercial
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	41,707
Fair Value	3,289
Interest Only - Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	30,842
Fair Value	$ 3,941
Interest Only - Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Commercial
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2049-03	[3],[4]
Rate	1.25%	[3],[4]
Interest Only - Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2030-12	[3],[4]
Rate	0.00%	[3],[4]
Interest Only - Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Commercial
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2061-05	[3],[4]
Rate	2.00%	[3],[4]
Interest Only - Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2047-09	[3],[4]
Rate	2.00%	[3],[4]
Other Private Label Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	0.00%	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value	$ 0
Investments at value, cost	0	[3],[4]
Other Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Commercial
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 0
Rate	0.00%
Fair Value	$ 0
Other Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2037-06	[3],[4]
Other Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Commercial
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2045-07	[3],[4]
Other Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Commercial
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2061-05	[3],[4]
Private Label Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	56.55%	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value	$ 336,547
Investments at value, cost	$ 331,619	[3],[4]
Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	300.21%	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value	$ 1,786,764
Investments at value, cost	$ 1,801,607	[3],[4]
CLOs
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	20.82%	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value	$ 123,893
Investments at value, cost	$ 139,424	[3],[4]
CLOs | North America [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	20.82%	[2],[3],[4],[6]
Fair Value	$ 123,893
Investments at value, cost	139,424	[3],[4],[6]
CLOs | Various Issuer [Member] | North America [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	269,224
Fair Value	$ 123,893
CLOs | Various Issuer [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[3],[4],[6]
Rate	0.00%	[3],[4],[6]
CLOs | Various Issuer [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2118-10	[3],[4],[6]
Rate	10.54%	[3],[4],[6]
CLOs | Related Party CLO securitization [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 50,800
Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	34.74%	[2],[3],[4],[7]
Fair Value	$ 206,761
Investments at value, cost	$ 211,982	[3],[4],[7]
Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans | North America [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	34.59%	[2],[3],[4],[7]
Fair Value	$ 205,877
Investments at value, cost	$ 211,221	[3],[4],[7]
Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans | Europe [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	0.15%	[2],[3],[4],[7]
Fair Value	$ 884
Investments at value, cost	761	[3],[4],[7]
Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans | Various Issuer [Member] | North America [Member] | Consumer [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	233,602
Fair Value	$ 205,877
Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans | Various Issuer [Member] | Europe [Member] | Consumer [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2030-12	[3],[4],[7]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 3,540
Rate	0.00%
Fair Value	$ 884
Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans | Various Issuer [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Consumer [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[3],[4],[7],[8],[9]
Rate	5.31%	[3],[4],[7],[8],[9]
Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans | Various Issuer [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Consumer [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2023-12	[3],[4],[7],[8],[9]
Rate	76.50%	[3],[4],[7],[8],[9]
Corporate debt securities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	3.76%	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value	$ 22,392
Investments at value, cost	$ 24,268	[3],[4]
Corporate debt securities | North America [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	1.95%	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value	$ 11,586
Investments at value, cost	$ 11,949	[3],[4]
Corporate debt securities | Europe [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	1.81%	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value	$ 10,806
Investments at value, cost	$ 12,319	[3],[4]
Corporate debt securities | Various Issuer [Member] | North America [Member] | Communications [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2022-05	[3],[4]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 938
Rate	0.00%
Fair Value	$ 824
Corporate debt securities | Various Issuer [Member] | North America [Member] | Consumer [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2027-01	[3],[4]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 3,342
Rate	6.69%
Fair Value	$ 3,141
Corporate debt securities | Various Issuer [Member] | North America [Member] | Energy [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2021-09	[3],[4]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 2,080
Rate	4.63%
Fair Value	$ 1,877
Corporate debt securities | Various Issuer [Member] | North America [Member] | Industrial Sector [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2021-12	[3],[4]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 1,755
Rate	3.75%
Fair Value	$ 1,742
Corporate debt securities | Various Issuer [Member] | North America [Member] | Technology Sector [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	4,570
Fair Value	$ 4,002
Corporate debt securities | Various Issuer [Member] | Europe [Member] | Consumer [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2019-12	[3],[4]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 20,574
Rate	0.00%
Fair Value	$ 0
Corporate debt securities | Various Issuer [Member] | Europe [Member] | Financial [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	11,235
Fair Value	$ 10,806
Corporate debt securities | Various Issuer [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Technology Sector [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2020-05	[3],[4]
Corporate debt securities | Various Issuer [Member] | Minimum | Europe [Member] | Financial [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2020-10	[3],[4]
Rate	0.00%	[3],[4]
Corporate debt securities | Various Issuer [Member] | Minimum | Europe [Member] | Technology Sector [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Rate	0.00%	[3],[4]
Corporate debt securities | Various Issuer [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Technology Sector [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2022-05	[3],[4]
Corporate debt securities | Various Issuer [Member] | Maximum | Europe [Member] | Financial [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2022-11	[3],[4]
Rate	16.00%	[3],[4]
Corporate debt securities | Various Issuer [Member] | Maximum | Europe [Member] | Technology Sector [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Rate	4.38%	[3],[4]
Secured notes
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	1.83%	[2],[3],[4],[10]
Fair Value	$ 10,917
Investments at value, cost	$ 12,138	[3],[4],[10]
Secured notes | Various Issuer [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2057-11	[3],[4],[10]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 17,608
Rate	5.00%	[3],[4],[10]
Fair Value	$ 10,917
Mortgage Loans [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	118.96%	[2],[3],[4],[7]
Fair Value	$ 708,015
Investments at value, cost	703,366	[3],[4],[7]
Mortgage Loans [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Commercial
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	235,459
Fair Value	211,185
Mortgage Loans [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	493,248
Fair Value	$ 496,830
Mortgage Loans [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Commercial
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2019-03	[3],[4],[7],[11]
Rate	4.31%	[3],[4],[7],[11]
Mortgage Loans [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Minimum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2019-03	[3],[4],[7],[12],[13]
Rate	2.00%	[3],[4],[7],[12],[13]
Mortgage Loans [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Commercial
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2037-10	[3],[4],[7],[11]
Rate	12.74%	[3],[4],[7],[11]
Mortgage Loans [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Maximum | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2058-12	[3],[4],[7],[12],[13]
Rate	15.00%	[3],[4],[7],[12],[13]
Real estate owned
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	5.80%	[2],[3],[4],[7],[14]
Fair Value	$ 34,500
Investments at value, cost	35,371	[3],[4],[7],[14]
Real estate owned | Single-Family Houses [Member] | North America [Member] | Real estate-related [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 1,296
Number of Real Estate Properties | property	5
Real estate owned | Commercial Property [Member] | North America [Member] | Real estate-related [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 33,204
Number of Real Estate Properties | property	18
Common stock
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	0.37%	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value	$ 2,200
Investments at value, cost	$ 2,482	[3],[4]
Common stock | North America [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	0.37%	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value	$ 2,200
Investments at value, cost	2,482	[3],[4]
Common stock | Exchange Traded Equity [Member] | North America [Member] | Consumer [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 25
Investment Owned, Balance, Shares | shares	24
Common stock | Exchange Traded Equity [Member] | North America [Member] | Financial [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 2,175
Investment Owned, Balance, Shares | shares	213
Corporate equity securities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	7.36%	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value	$ 43,793
Investments at value, cost	39,592	[3],[4]
Corporate equity securities | Mortgage-related Commercial
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 1,100
Corporate equity securities | North America [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	7.36%	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value	$ 43,789
Investments at value, cost	$ 39,587	[3],[4]
Corporate equity securities | Europe [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	0.00%	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value	$ 4
Investments at value, cost	5	[3],[4]
Corporate equity securities | Non-Exchange Traded Corporate Equity [Member] | North America [Member] | Communications [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 97
Investment Owned, Balance, Shares | shares	7
Corporate equity securities | Non-Exchange Traded Corporate Equity [Member] | North America [Member] | Consumer [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 0
Investment Owned, Balance, Shares | shares	1,540
Corporate equity securities | Non-Exchange Traded Corporate Equity [Member] | North America [Member] | Diversified [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 1,433
Investment Owned, Balance, Shares | shares	144
Corporate equity securities | Non-Exchange Traded Corporate Equity [Member] | Europe [Member] | Consumer [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 0
Investment Owned, Balance, Shares | shares	125
Corporate equity securities | Non-Exchange Traded Corporate Equity [Member] | Europe [Member] | Financial [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 4
Investment Owned, Balance, Shares | shares	0
Corporate equity securities | Investment in unconsolidated entities | North America [Member] | Consumer [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 4,045
Corporate equity securities | Non-Exchange Traded Preferred Equity Investment in Consumer Loan Originators [Member] [Domain] | North America [Member] | Consumer [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 3,000
Investment Owned, Balance, Shares | shares	3,000
Corporate equity securities | Non-controlling Interest in Mortgage-related Private Partnership | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Commercial
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 1,147
Corporate equity securities | Non-Exchange Traded Preferred Equity Investment in Mortgage Originators [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 27,317
Investment Owned, Balance, Shares | shares	23
Corporate equity securities | Non-Exchange Traded Equity Investment in Mortgage Originators [Member] | North America [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 6,750
Investment Owned, Balance, Shares | shares	9,818
U.S. Treasury securities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	0.01%	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value	$ 76
Investments at value, cost	$ 76	[3],[4]
U.S. Treasury securities | U.S. Treasury Note, 2.75 Percent, Maturity Date 2023 04 [Member] | North America [Member] | Government [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments maturity date	2023-04	[3],[4]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 75
Rate	2.75%
Fair Value	$ 76
Long Investments [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	493.86%	[2],[3],[4]
Fair Value	$ 2,939,311
Investments at value, cost	$ 2,970,306	[3],[4]
Long Investments [Member] | Government National Mortgage Association [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	107.55%
Long Investments [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	93.99%
Long Investments [Member] | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	42.12%
Securitized residential mortgage loans
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value of Assets Transfered and Accounted for as Secured Borrowings	$ 314,200
[1]	At December 31, 2018, the Company's long investments guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, and the Government National Mortgage Association, represented 93.99%, 42.12%, and 107.55% of Total Equity, respectively.
[2]	Classification percentages are based on Total Equity.
[3]	See Note 2 and Note 3 in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
[4]	The table below shows the Company's long investment ratings from Moody's, Standard and Poor's, or Fitch, as well as the Company's long investments that were unrated but guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or the Government National Mortgage Association. Ratings tend to be a lagging credit indicator; as a result, the credit quality of the Company's long investment holdings may be lower than the credit quality implied based on the ratings listed below. In situations where an investment has a split rating, the lowest provided rating is used. The ratings descriptions include ratings qualified with a "+," "-," "1," "2," or "3."Rating Description Percent of EquityUnrated but Agency-Guaranteed 243.66%Aaa/AAA/AAA 0.01%Aa/AA/AA 0.63%A/A/A 4.73%Baa/BBB/BBB 1.84%Ba/BB/BB or below 46.34%Unrated 196.65%
[5]	Private trust 100% backed by interest in Government National Mortgage Association collateralized mortgage obligation certificates.
[6]	Includes investment in collateralized loan obligation notes in the amount of $50.8 million that were issued and are managed by related parties of the Company. See Note 9 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
[7]	Loans and real estate owned are beneficially owned by the Company through participation certificates in the various trusts that hold such investments. See Note 9 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
[8]	Includes investments in participation certificates related to loans held in a trust owned by a related party of Ellington Management Group, L.L.C. Through its participation certificates, the Company participates in the cash flows of the underlying loans held by the trust. At December 31, 2018 loans held in the related party trust for which the Company has participating interests in the cash flows, totaled $181.5 million. See Note 9 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
[9]	Includes investments in participation certificates related to loans titled in the name of a related party of Ellington Management Group, L.L.C. Through its participation certificates, the Company has beneficial interests in the loan cash flows, net of servicing-related fees and expenses. At December 31, 2018 loans for which the Company has beneficial interests in the net cash flows, totaled $21.9 million. See Note 9 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
[10]	Represents the Company's investment in a related party. See Note 9 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
[11]	Includes non-performing commercial mortgage loans in the amount of $47.3 million whereby principal and/or interest is past due and a maturity date is not applicable.
[12]	As of December 31, 2018, the Company had residential mortgage loans that were in the process of foreclosure with a fair value of $9.1 million.
[13]	Includes $314.2 million of non-qualified mortgage loans that have been securitized and are held in a consolidated securitization trusts. See Note 6 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
[14]	Number of properties not shown in thousands, represents actual number of properties owned.

Consolidated Condensed Schedu_3

Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments (Repurchase Agreements) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Repurchase agreements, at fair value	$ 61,274
Repurchase agreements, cost	61,274
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Repurchase agreements, at fair value	$ 61,274
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	10.30%	[1],[2],[3]
Repurchase agreements, cost	$ 61,274	[2],[3]
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell [Member] | JP Morgan Securities LLC Collateralized by Par Value $13,600 U.S. Treasury Note, Coupon 2.88%, Maturity Date 2021 11 [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 13,854
Rate	(3.25%)
Securities collateralized by par value	$ 13,600	[2],[3]
Coupon rate on underlying collateral	2.88%	[2],[3]
Maturity date of securities	2021-11	[2],[3]
Repurchase agreements, at fair value	$ 13,854
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[2],[3]
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell [Member] | JP Morgan Securities LLC Collateralized by Par Value $10,451 U.S. Treasury Note, Coupon 2.88%, Maturity Date 2023 10 [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 10,712
Rate	(3.15%)
Securities collateralized by par value	$ 10,451	[2],[3]
Coupon rate on underlying collateral	2.88%	[2],[3]
Maturity date of securities	2023-10	[2],[3]
Repurchase agreements, at fair value	$ 10,712
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[2],[3]
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell [Member] | JP Morgan Securities LLC Collateralized by Par Value $10,102 Sovereign Government Bond, Coupon 0.75% Maturity Date 2021 07 [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 10,365
Rate	(0.75%)
Securities collateralized by par value	$ 10,102	[2],[3]
Coupon rate on underlying collateral	0.75%	[2],[3]
Maturity date of securities	2021-07	[2],[3]
Repurchase agreements, at fair value	$ 10,365
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[2],[3]
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell [Member] | JP Morgan Securities LLC Collateralized by Par Value $9,161 Sovereign Government Bond, Coupon 2.75%, Maturity Date 2019 04 [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 9,379
Rate	(0.65%)
Securities collateralized by par value	$ 9,161	[2],[3]
Coupon rate on underlying collateral	2.75%	[2],[3]
Maturity date of securities	2019-04	[2],[3]
Repurchase agreements, at fair value	$ 9,379
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[2],[3]
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell [Member] | JP Morgan Securities LLC Collateralized by Par Value $3,400 U.S. Treasury Note, Coupon 3.13%, Maturity Date 2028 11 [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 3,562
Rate	(3.05%)
Securities collateralized by par value	$ 3,400	[2],[3]
Coupon rate on underlying collateral	3.13%	[2],[3]
Maturity date of securities	2028-11	[2],[3]
Repurchase agreements, at fair value	$ 3,562
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[2],[3]
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell [Member] | JP Morgan Securities LLC Collateralized by Par Value $2,800 U.S. Treasury Note, Coupon 2.88%, Maturity Date 2028 08 [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 2,884
Rate	(2.95%)
Securities collateralized by par value	$ 2,800	[2],[3]
Coupon rate on underlying collateral	2.88%	[2],[3]
Maturity date of securities	2028-08	[2],[3]
Repurchase agreements, at fair value	$ 2,884
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[2],[3]
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell [Member] | Bank of America Securities Collateralized by Par Value $2,062 U.S. Treasury Note, Coupon 2.88%, Maturity Date 2023 11 [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 2,098
Rate	(2.90%)
Securities collateralized by par value	$ 2,062	[2],[3]
Coupon rate on underlying collateral	2.88%	[2],[3]
Maturity date of securities	2023-11	[2],[3]
Repurchase agreements, at fair value	$ 2,098
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[2],[3]
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell [Member] | Bank of America Securities Collateralized by Par Value $1,939 U.S. Treasury Note, Coupon 2.75%, Maturity Date 2023 08 [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 1,975
Rate	(2.90%)
Securities collateralized by par value	$ 1,939	[2],[3]
Coupon rate on underlying collateral	2.75%	[2],[3]
Maturity date of securities	2023-08	[2],[3]
Repurchase agreements, at fair value	$ 1,975
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[2],[3]
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell [Member] | Barclays Capital Inc Collateralized by Par Value $1,900 Exchange-Traded Corporate Debt, Coupon 5.95%, Maturity Date 2026 12 [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 1,710
Rate	(1.65%)
Securities collateralized by par value	$ 1,900	[2],[3]
Coupon rate on underlying collateral	5.95%	[2],[3]
Maturity date of securities	2026-12	[2],[3]
Repurchase agreements, at fair value	$ 1,710
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[2],[3]
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell [Member] | Bank of America Securities Collateralized by Par Value $1,355 U.S. Treasury Note, Coupon 2.75%, Maturity Date 2023 04 [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 1,369
Rate	(3.05%)
Securities collateralized by par value	$ 1,355	[2],[3]
Coupon rate on underlying collateral	2.75%	[2],[3]
Maturity date of securities	2023-04	[2],[3]
Repurchase agreements, at fair value	$ 1,369
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[2],[3]
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell [Member] | Morgan Stanley Collateralized by Par Value $1,000 Exchange-Traded Corporate Debt, Coupon 5.95%, Maturity Date 2026 12 [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 957
Rate	(2.15%)
Securities collateralized by par value	$ 1,000	[2],[3]
Coupon rate on underlying collateral	5.95%	[2],[3]
Maturity date of securities	2026-12	[2],[3]
Repurchase agreements, at fair value	$ 957
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[2],[3]
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell [Member] | Barclays Capital Inc Collateralized by Par Value $1,200 Exchange-Traded Corporate Debt, Coupon 9.88%, Maturity Date 2024 02 [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 797
Rate	(0.75%)
Securities collateralized by par value	$ 1,200	[2],[3]
Coupon rate on underlying collateral	9.88%	[2],[3]
Maturity date of securities	2024-02	[2],[3]
Repurchase agreements, at fair value	$ 797
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[2],[3]
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell [Member] | Barclays Capital Inc Collateralized by Par Value $800 Exchange-Traded Corporate Debt, Coupon 9.88%, Maturity Date 2024 02 [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 531
Rate	(1.25%)
Securities collateralized by par value	$ 800	[2],[3]
Coupon rate on underlying collateral	9.88%	[2],[3]
Maturity date of securities	2024-02	[2],[3]
Repurchase agreements, at fair value	$ 531
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[2],[3]
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell [Member] | RBC Capital Markets LLC Collateralized by Par Value $500 Exchange-Traded Corporate Debt, Coupon 5.75%, Maturity Date 2022 10 [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 525
Rate	(2.05%)
Securities collateralized by par value	$ 500	[2],[3]
Coupon rate on underlying collateral	5.75%	[2],[3]
Maturity date of securities	2022-10	[2],[3]
Repurchase agreements, at fair value	$ 525
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[2],[3]
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell [Member] | Bank of America Securities Collateralized by Par Value $463 U.S. Treasury Note, Coupon 2.63%, Maturity Date 2023 06 [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 469
Rate	(3.05%)
Securities collateralized by par value	$ 463	[2],[3]
Coupon rate on underlying collateral	2.63%	[2],[3]
Maturity date of securities	2023-06	[2],[3]
Repurchase agreements, at fair value	$ 469
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[2],[3]
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell [Member] | Societe Generale Collateralized by Par Value $100 Exchange-Traded Corporate Debt, Coupon 5.95%, Maturity Date 2026 12 [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 87
Rate	(1.85%)
Securities collateralized by par value	$ 100	[2],[3]
Coupon rate on underlying collateral	5.95%	[2],[3]
Maturity date of securities	2026-12	[2],[3]
Repurchase agreements, at fair value	$ 87
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[2],[3]
[1]	Classification percentages are based on Total Equity.
[2]	In general, securities received pursuant to repurchase agreements were delivered to counterparties in short sale transactions.
[3]	See Note 2 and Note 3 in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Consolidated Condensed Schedu_4

Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments (Investments Sold Short) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)shares
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (850,577)
Proceeds from investments sold short	$ (844,604)
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Investment Sold, Not yet Purchased, Percent of Equity	(129.87%)	[1],[2],[3]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ (753,697)
Investments sold short, at fair value-	(772,964)
Proceeds from investments sold short	(766,777)	[1],[3]
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (30 Year) 4 Point 50 Percent [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member] | North America [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ (156,590)
Rate	4.50%
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[1],[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (162,119)
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Government National Mortgage Association (30 Year) 4 Point 50 Percent [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member] | North America [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ (117,590)
Rate	4.50%
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[1],[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (121,637)
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 Year) 4 Point 00 Percent [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member] | North America [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ (107,397)
Rate	4.00%
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[1],[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (109,465)
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (30 Year) 5 Point 00 Percent [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member] | North America [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ (87,817)
Rate	5.00%
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[1],[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (91,971)
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Government National Mortgage Association (30 Year) 4 Point 00 Percent [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member] | North America [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ (86,893)
Rate	4.00%
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[1],[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (88,994)
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (30 Year) 3 Point 50 Percent [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member] | North America [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ (76,912)
Rate	3.50%
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[1],[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (76,891)
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Government National Mortgage Association (30 Year) 3 Point 50 Percent [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member] | North America [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ (32,260)
Rate	3.50%
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[1],[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (32,484)
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (15 Year) 3 Point 50 Percent [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member] | North America [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ (26,530)
Rate	3.50%
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[1],[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (26,859)
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 Year) 4 Point 50 Percent [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member] | North America [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ (24,841)
Rate	4.50%
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[1],[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (25,707)
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (30 Year) 3 Point 00 Percent [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member] | North America [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ (16,557)
Rate	3.00%
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[1],[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (16,153)
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (15 Year) 3 Point 00 Percent [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member] | North America [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ (13,450)
Rate	3.00%
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[1],[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (13,426)
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (30 Year) 5 Point 50 Percent [Member] | Mortgage-related Residential [Member] | North America [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ (6,860)
Rate	5.50%
Investments maturity date	2019-01	[1],[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (7,258)
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Investment Sold, Not yet Purchased, Percent of Equity	(66.31%)
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Investment Sold, Not yet Purchased, Percent of Equity	(22.71%)
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Government National Mortgage Association [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Investment Sold, Not yet Purchased, Percent of Equity	(40.85%)
US Government Debt Securities [Member] | North America [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Investment Sold, Not yet Purchased, Percent of Equity	(5.85%)	[2],[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (34,817)
Proceeds from investments sold short	(34,410)	[3]
US Government Debt Securities [Member] | U.S. Treasury Note, 2.88 Percent, Maturity Date 2021 11 [Member] | Government [Member] | North America [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ (13,600)
Rate	2.88%
Investments maturity date	2021-11	[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (13,754)
US Government Debt Securities [Member] | U.S. Treasury Note, 2.88 Percent, Maturity Date 2023 10 [Member] | Government [Member] | North America [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ (10,451)
Rate	2.88%
Investments maturity date	2023-10	[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (10,631)
US Government Debt Securities [Member] | U.S. Treasury Note, 3.13 Percent, Maturity Date 2028 11 [Member] | Government [Member] | North America [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ (3,400)
Rate	3.13%
Investments maturity date	2028-11	[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (3,528)
US Government Debt Securities [Member] | U.S. Treasury Note, 2.88 Percent, Maturity Date 2028 08 [Member] | Government [Member] | North America [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ (2,800)
Rate	2.88%
Investments maturity date	2028-08	[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (2,844)
US Government Debt Securities [Member] | U.S. Treasury Note, 2.88 Percent, Maturity Date 2023 11 [Member] | Government [Member] | North America [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ (2,062)
Rate	2.88%
Investments maturity date	2023-11	[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (2,098)
US Government Debt Securities [Member] | U.S. Treasury Note, 2.75 Percent, Maturity Date 2023 08 [Member] | Government [Member] | North America [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ (1,939)
Rate	2.75%
Investments maturity date	2023-08	[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (1,962)
Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member] | Europe [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Investment Sold, Not yet Purchased, Percent of Equity	(3.25%)	[2],[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (19,334)
Proceeds from investments sold short	(19,545)	[3]
Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member] | European Sovereign Bond [Member] | Government [Member] | Europe [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	(19,006)
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (19,334)
Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member] | European Sovereign Bond [Member] | Government [Member] | Europe [Member] | Minimum
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Rate	0.75%	[3]
Investments maturity date	2019-04	[3]
Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member] | European Sovereign Bond [Member] | Government [Member] | Europe [Member] | Maximum
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Rate	2.75%	[3]
Investments maturity date	2021-07	[3]
Government debt
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Investment Sold, Not yet Purchased, Percent of Equity	(9.10%)	[2],[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (54,151)
Proceeds from investments sold short	$ (53,955)	[3]
Common stock
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Investment Sold, Not yet Purchased, Percent of Equity	(2.84%)	[2],[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (16,933)
Proceeds from investments sold short	(17,164)	[3]
Common stock | Exchange Traded Equity [Member] | Financial [Member] | North America [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (16,933)
Investment Sold, Not yet Purchased, Balance, Shares | shares	(277)
Corporate debt securities
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Investment Sold, Not yet Purchased, Percent of Equity	(1.10%)	[2],[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (6,529)
Proceeds from investments sold short	(6,708)	[3]
Corporate debt securities | Various Issuer [Member] | Communications [Member] | North America [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ (1,730)
Rate	4.25%
Investments maturity date	2023-09	[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (1,734)
Corporate debt securities | Various Issuer [Member] | Consumer [Member] | North America [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ (500)
Rate	5.75%
Investments maturity date	2022-10	[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (500)
Corporate debt securities | Various Issuer [Member] | Energy [Member] | North America [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ (2,000)
Rate	9.88%
Investments maturity date	2024-02	[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (1,230)
Corporate debt securities | Various Issuer [Member] | Financial [Member] | North America [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	(3,600)
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (2,810)
Corporate debt securities | Various Issuer [Member] | Financial [Member] | North America [Member] | Minimum
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Rate	4.70%	[3]
Investments maturity date	2026-12	[3]
Corporate debt securities | Various Issuer [Member] | Financial [Member] | North America [Member] | Maximum
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Rate	5.95%	[3]
Investments maturity date	2027-06	[3]
Corporate debt securities | Various Issuer [Member] | Technology Sector [Member] | North America [Member]
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ (288)
Rate	4.95%
Investments maturity date	2023-04	[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (255)
Investments Sold Short
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Investment Sold, Not yet Purchased, Percent of Equity	(142.91%)	[2],[3]
Investments sold short, at fair value-	$ (850,577)
Proceeds from investments sold short	$ (844,604)	[3]
[1]	At December 31, 2018, the Company's short investments guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, and the Government National Mortgage Association, represented 66.31%, 22.71%, and 40.85% of Total Equity, respectively.
[2]	Classification percentages are based on Total Equity.
[3]	See Note 2 and Note 3 in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Consolidated Condensed Schedu_5

Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments (Financial Derivatives) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)contract
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 20,001
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	(20,806)
Net cost	22,526
Net proceeds	$ (19,019)
Short | Foreign Exchange Future [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Number of contracts | contract	411
Short | US Treasury Note Futures [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Number of contracts | contract	1,516
Financial Derivatives - Assets
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 20,001
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	3.36%	[1],[2]
Net cost	$ 22,526	[2]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Swap [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 19,995
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	3.36%	[1],[2]
Net cost	$ 22,524	[2]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Futures
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 0
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	0.00%	[1],[2]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Options
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 0
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	0.00%	[1],[2]
Net cost	$ 2	[2]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Forwards
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 6
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	0.00%	[1],[2]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ 689
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 7
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices | Minimum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2037-12	[2],[3]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices | Maximum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date		[2],[3]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long | Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ 47,815
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 733
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long | Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices | Minimum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2019-06	[2],[3]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long | Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices | Maximum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2023-06	[2],[3]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long | Interest rate swaps | Interest Rate Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ 29,198
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 61
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long | Interest rate swaps | Minimum | Interest Rate Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2019-01	[2],[4]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long | Interest rate swaps | Maximum | Interest Rate Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2019-02	[2],[4]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long | Interest Rate Cap [Member] | Interest Rate Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ 51,545
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 0
Investment maturity date	2019-05	[2],[5]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 1,003
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Basic Materials [Member] | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	4
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 0
Investment maturity date	2022-12	[2],[3]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Communications [Member] | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ 3,090
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 18
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Communications [Member] | Minimum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2020-12	[2],[3]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Communications [Member] | Maximum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2023-12	[2],[3]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Consumer [Member] | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ 10,655
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 868
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Consumer [Member] | Minimum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2020-06	[2],[3]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Consumer [Member] | Maximum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2023-12	[2],[3]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Energy [Member] | Minimum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2020-06	[2],[3]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Energy [Member] | Maximum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2023-06	[2],[3]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Financial [Member] | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ 930
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 104
Investment maturity date	2023-12	[2],[3]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Industrial Sector [Member] | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ 485
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 13
Investment maturity date	2023-12	[2],[3]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Technology Sector [Member] | Minimum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2020-06	[2],[3]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Technology Sector [Member] | Maximum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2023-06	[2],[3]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ (56,207)
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 8,085
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices | Minimum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2046-05	[2],[6]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices | Maximum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2059-11	[2],[6]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | Interest rate swaps | Interest Rate Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ (353,741)
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 7,163
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | Interest rate swaps | Minimum | Interest Rate Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2020-03	[2],[7]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | Interest rate swaps | Maximum | Interest Rate Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2045-12	[2],[7]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | US Treasury Note Futures [Member] | Interest Rate Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ (151,600)
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 0
Investment maturity date	2019-03	[2],[8]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | Forwards | Currency risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ (802)
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 6
Investment maturity date	2019-03	[2],[9]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 1,470
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Basic Materials [Member] | Minimum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2021-12	[2],[6]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Basic Materials [Member] | Maximum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2023-12	[2],[6]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Communications [Member] | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ (906)
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 226
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Communications [Member] | Minimum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2021-12	[2],[6]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Communications [Member] | Maximum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2023-12	[2],[6]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Consumer [Member] | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ (2,065)
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 30
Investment maturity date	2020-03	[2],[6]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Energy [Member] | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ (7,610)
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 950
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Energy [Member] | Minimum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2019-06	[2],[6]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Energy [Member] | Maximum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2023-06	[2],[6]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Industrial Sector [Member] | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ (2,074)
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	25
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Technology Sector [Member] | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	(4,070)
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 239
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Technology Sector [Member] | Minimum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2020-06	[2],[6]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Technology Sector [Member] | Maximum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2022-06	[2],[6]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities | Mortgage-related Residential [Member] | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ (3,186)
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 1,472
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities | Mortgage-related Residential [Member] | Minimum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2035-06	[2],[6]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities | Mortgage-related Residential [Member] | Maximum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2035-12	[2],[6]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | North America [Member] | Total return swaps
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 1
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | North America [Member] | Total return swaps | Financial [Member] | Equity Market Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	(17,740)
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 1
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | North America [Member] | Total return swaps | Financial [Member] | Minimum | Equity Market Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2019-07	[2],[10]
Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short | North America [Member] | Total return swaps | Financial [Member] | Maximum | Equity Market Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2019-10	[2],[10]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 20,806
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	(3.50%)	[1],[2]
Net proceeds	$ (19,019)	[2]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Swap [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 20,331
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	(3.42%)	[1],[2]
Net proceeds	$ (19,019)	[2]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Futures
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 355
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	(0.06%)	[1],[2]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Forwards
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 120
Investment owned as a percentage of equity	(0.02%)	[1],[2]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ 14,838
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 2,125
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices | Minimum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2049-03	[2],[3]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices | Maximum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2060-11	[2],[3]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long | Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ 2,330
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 1,467
Investment maturity date	2023-12	[2]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long | Interest rate swaps | Interest Rate Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ 113,809
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 1,987
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long | Interest rate swaps | Minimum | Interest Rate Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2021-06	[2],[4]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long | Interest rate swaps | Maximum | Interest Rate Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2029-01	[2],[4]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 2,482
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Basic Materials [Member] | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	2,000
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 25
Investment maturity date	2023-12	[2],[3]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Communications [Member] | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ 2,313
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 396
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Communications [Member] | Minimum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2022-06	[2],[3]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Communications [Member] | Maximum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2023-12	[2],[3]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Consumer [Member] | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ 3,741
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 62
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Consumer [Member] | Minimum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2020-03	[2],[3]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Consumer [Member] | Maximum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2021-06	[2],[3]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Energy [Member] | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ 5,144
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 1,885
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Energy [Member] | Minimum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2020-06	[2],[3]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Energy [Member] | Maximum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2023-06	[2],[3]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Technology Sector [Member] | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ 1,953
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 114
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Technology Sector [Member] | Minimum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2020-06	[2],[3]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Technology Sector [Member] | Maximum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2023-06	[2],[3]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long | North America [Member] | Recovery swaps
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 8
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long | North America [Member] | Recovery swaps | Consumer [Member] | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	2,600
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 8
Investment maturity date	2019-06	[2],[11]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short | Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ (279,163)
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 10,090
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short | Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices | Minimum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2019-06	[2],[6]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short | Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices | Maximum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2023-12	[2],[6]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short | Interest rate swaps | Interest Rate Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ (71,672)
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 1,406
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short | Interest rate swaps | Minimum | Interest Rate Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2020-05	[2],[7]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short | Interest rate swaps | Maximum | Interest Rate Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2028-11	[2],[7]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short | Interest Rate Swaps Variable rates only [Member] | Interest Rate Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ (12,900)
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 4
Investment maturity date	2019-06	[2],[12]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short | Total return swaps | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ (11,230)
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 6
Investment maturity date	2019-03	[2],[13]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short | Eurodollar futures | Interest Rate Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ (98,000)
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 53
Number of contracts per every $1,000,000 in notional value | contract	1
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short | Eurodollar futures | Minimum | Interest Rate Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2019-03	[2],[14]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short | Eurodollar futures | Maximum | Interest Rate Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2020-06	[2],[14]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short | Foreign Exchange Future [Member] | Interest Rate Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ (47,931)
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 302
Investment maturity date	2019-03	[2]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short | Forwards | Currency risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ (16,497)
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 120
Investment maturity date	2019-03	[2],[9]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 756
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Basic Materials [Member] | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	(1,180)
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 57
Investment maturity date	2019-12	[2],[6]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Communications [Member] | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ (3,910)
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 11
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Communications [Member] | Minimum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2019-12	[2],[6]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Communications [Member] | Maximum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2023-12	[2],[6]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Consumer [Member] | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ (12,830)
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 567
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Consumer [Member] | Minimum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2019-06	[2],[6]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Consumer [Member] | Maximum | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Investment maturity date	2023-12	[2],[6]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Financial [Member] | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ (930)
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 104
Investment maturity date	2023-12	[2],[6]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Industrial Sector [Member] | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ (485)
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 13
Investment maturity date	2023-12	[2],[6]
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short | North America [Member] | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Technology Sector [Member] | Credit Risk [Member]
Investment Holdings, Other than Securities [Line Items]
Derivative notional	$ (1,160)
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ 4
Investment maturity date	2019-06	[2],[6]
[1]	Classification percentages are based on Total Equity.
[2]	See Note 2 and Note 3 in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
[3]	For long credit default swaps, the Company sold protection.
[4]	For long interest rate swap contracts, the Company pays a floating rate and receives a fixed rate.
[5]	Notional value represents the amount on which interest payments are calculated to the extent the market interest rate exceeds the rate cap on the contract.
[6]	For short credit default swaps, the Company purchased protection.
[7]	For short interest rate swap contracts, the Company pays a fixed rate and receives a floating rate.
[8]	Notional value represents the total face amount of U.S. Treasury securities underlying all contracts held. As of December 31, 2018, a total of 1,516 contracts were held.
[9]	Notional value represents U.S. Dollars to be received by the Company at the maturity of the forward contract.
[10]	Notional value represents number of underlying shares multiplied by the closing price of the underlying security.
[11]	For long recovery swaps the Company receives a specified recovery rate in exchange for the actual recovery rate on the underlying.
[12]	Represents interest rate "basis" swaps whereby the Company pays one floating rate and receives a different floating rate.
[13]	Notional value represents the number of underlying index units multiplied by the reference price.
[14]	Every $1,000,000 in notional value represents one contract.

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019		Jun. 30, 2018		Jun. 30, 2019		Jun. 30, 2018
Net Interest Income
Interest income	$ 38,547		$ 31,941	[1]	$ 74,563		$ 60,033	[1]
Interest expense	(19,702)		(13,383)		(37,320)		(24,946)
Total net interest income	18,845				37,243
Other income			1,094				1,811
Total investment income			33,035				61,844
Other Income (Loss)
Realized gains (losses) on securities and loans, net	(1,505)				(6,827)
Realized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net	(10,920)				(22,490)
Realized gains (losses) on real estate owned, net	98				40
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities and loans, net	18,487				44,875
Unrealized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net	(4,921)				(10,610)
Unrealized gains (losses) on real estate owned, net	(266)				(513)
Other, net	1,808				3,810
Total other income (loss)	2,781				8,285
Expenses
Base management fee to affiliate (Net of fee rebates)	1,661	[2]	2,021	[3]	3,383	[2]	4,000	[3]
Incentive Fee Expense			291				291
Other investment related expenses
Servicing expense	2,244		1,774		4,637		3,230
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs	1,671				1,671
Other	1,238		1,997		2,321		3,493
Professional fees	1,178		857		3,134		1,504
Administration fees			184				363
Compensation expense	903		657		1,975		1,167
Insurance expense			120				246
Directors' fees and expenses			67				139
Share-based long term incentive plan unit expense	100		99		230		192
Other expenses	1,053		594		2,038		1,039
Total expenses	9,948		22,044		19,159		40,610
NET INVESTMENT INCOME			10,991				21,234
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Investments			(388)				12,196
Financial derivatives, excluding currency hedges			(3,632)				(2,730)
Financial derivatives—currency hedges			3,787				1,584
Foreign currency transactions			(1,110)				658
Total net realized gain (loss)			(1,343)				11,708
Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on:
Investments			7,457				605
Other secured borrowings			414				1,198
Financial derivatives, excluding currency hedges			6,553				9,749
Financial derivatives—currency hedges			76				877
Foreign currency translation			(1,964)				(1,863)
Net unrealized gain (loss)			12,536				10,566
NET REALIZED AND CHANGE IN NET UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS, OTHER SECURED BORROWINGS, FINANCIAL DERIVATIVES, AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS/TRANSLATION			11,193				22,274
NET INCREASE IN EQUITY RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS			22,184				43,508
Net Income (Loss) before Income Tax Expense and Earnings from Investments in Unconsolidated Entities	11,678				26,369
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	376				376
Earnings from investments in unconsolidated entities	2,354				4,151
Net Income (Loss)	13,656				30,144
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests	1,012		991		2,092		1,276
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders	$ 12,644		$ 21,193		$ 28,052		$ 42,232
Net Income (Loss) per Share of Common Stock:
Basic and Diluted (USD per share)			$ 0.69				$ 1.36
Dividends declared (in usd per share)	$ 0.42		$ 0.41		$ 0.97		$ 0.82
[1]	Includes interest income and interest expense of a consolidated securitization trust of $1.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively, for the three-month period ended June 30, 2018. Includes interest income and interest expense of a consolidated securitization trust of $2.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively, for the six-month period ended June 30, 2018. See Note 6 for further details on the Company's consolidated securitization trust.
[2]	See Note 13 for further details on management fee rebates.
[3]	See Note 9 for further details on management fee rebates.

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018
Interest income	[1]	$ 31,941	$ 60,033
Interest Expense		13,383	24,946
Management fee rebate		300	527
Consolidated Entities [Member]
Interest income		1,300	2,600
Interest Expense		$ 800	$ 1,700
[1]	Includes interest income and interest expense of a consolidated securitization trust of $1.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively, for the three-month period ended June 30, 2018. Includes interest income and interest expense of a consolidated securitization trust of $2.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively, for the six-month period ended June 30, 2018. See Note 6 for further details on the Company's consolidated securitization trust.

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Total	Total Stockholders' Equity	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings/(Accumulated Deficit)	Non-controlling Interest
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		31,335,938
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017		$ 620,961	$ 600,099				$ 20,862
CHANGE IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
Contributions from non-controlling interests		2,165					2,165
Dividends		(25,501)	(25,327)				(174)
Distributions to non-controlling interests		(10,457)					(10,457)
Adjustment to non-controlling interests		$ 0	(35)				35
Repurchase of shares of common stock (in shares)		(1,186,058)
Repurchase of shares of common stock		$ (17,593)	(17,593)
Share-based long term incentive plan unit redemption and distribution		$ 192	191				1
Ending balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2018		30,149,880
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2018		$ 613,275	599,567				13,708
Change In Shareholders' Equity Resulting From Operations [Abstract]
Net investment income		21,234
Net realized gain (loss) on investments, financial derivatives, and foreign currency transactions		11,708
Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on investments, other secured borrowings, financial derivatives, and foreign currency translation		10,566
Net increase in equity resulting from operations		43,508	42,232				1,276
Net increase (decrease) in equity from transactions		(51,194)	(42,764)				(8,430)
Net increase (decrease) in equity		$ (7,686)	(532)				(7,154)
Beginning balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2018		30,392,041
Beginning balance at Mar. 31, 2018		$ 609,950	594,474				15,476
CHANGE IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
Contributions from non-controlling interests		929					929
Dividends		(12,650)	(12,563)				(87)
Distributions to non-controlling interests		(3,609)					(3,609)
Adjustment to non-controlling interests		$ 0	(8)				8
Repurchase of shares of common stock (in shares)		(242,161)
Repurchase of shares of common stock		$ (3,628)	(3,628)
Share-based long term incentive plan unit redemption and distribution		$ 99	99				0
Ending balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2018		30,149,880
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2018		$ 613,275	599,567				13,708
Change In Shareholders' Equity Resulting From Operations [Abstract]
Net investment income		10,991
Net realized gain (loss) on investments, financial derivatives, and foreign currency transactions		(1,343)
Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on investments, other secured borrowings, financial derivatives, and foreign currency translation		12,536
Net increase in equity resulting from operations		22,184	21,193				991
Net increase (decrease) in equity from transactions		(18,859)	(16,100)				(2,759)
Net increase (decrease) in equity		$ 3,325	5,093				(1,768)
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018		29,796,601		29,796,601
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018		$ 595,170	563,833		$ 665,356	$ (101,523)	31,337
CHANGE IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
Share conversion	[1]			$ 30	(30)
Net income (loss)		16,488	15,408			15,408	1,080
Contributions from non-controlling interests		2,512					2,512
Dividends	[2]	(16,764)	(16,360)			(16,360)	(404)
Distributions to non-controlling interests		(4,306)					(4,306)
Adjustment to non-controlling interests			(4)		(4)		4
Repurchase of shares of common stock (in shares)				(50,825)
Repurchase of shares of common stock		(782)	(782)		(782)
Share-based long term incentive plan unit awards		$ 116	114		114		2
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019		29,745,776		29,745,776
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2019		$ 592,434	562,209	$ 30	664,654	(102,475)	30,225
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018		29,796,601		29,796,601
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018		$ 595,170	563,833		665,356	(101,523)	31,337
CHANGE IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
Dividends		$ (29,565)
Repurchase of shares of common stock (in shares)		(50,825)
Repurchase of shares of common stock		$ (800)
Ending balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2019		29,745,776		29,745,776
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2019		$ 593,114	562,470	$ 30	664,764	(102,324)	30,644
Beginning balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019		29,745,776		29,745,776
Beginning balance at Mar. 31, 2019		$ 592,434	562,209	$ 30	664,654	(102,475)	30,225
CHANGE IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
Net income (loss)		13,656	12,644			12,644	1,012
Contributions from non-controlling interests		4,936					4,936
Dividends	[2]	(12,801)	(12,493)			(12,493)	(308)
Distributions to non-controlling interests		$ (5,225)					(5,225)
Repurchase of shares of common stock (in shares)		0
Share-based long term incentive plan unit awards		$ 114	110		110		4
Ending balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2019		29,745,776		29,745,776
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2019		$ 593,114	$ 562,470	$ 30	$ 664,764	$ (102,324)	$ 30,644
[1]	See Note 1 for further details on the share conversion.
[2]	For the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019, dividends totaling $0.42 and $0.97 per share of common stock outstanding were declared.

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared (in usd per share)	$ 0.42	$ 0.41	$ 0.97	$ 0.82

Condensed Consolidated Statem_5

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
NET INCREASE IN EQUITY RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS		$ 43,508
Reconciliation of the net increase (decrease) in equity resulting from operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Net realized (gain) loss on investments, financial derivatives, and foreign currency transactions		(10,020)
Change in net unrealized (gain) loss on investments, other secured borrowings, financial derivatives, and foreign currency translation		(6,921)
Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, net		22,949
Purchase of investments		(1,979,605)
Proceeds from disposition of investments		1,102,018
Proceeds from principal payments of investments		272,374
Repurchase of investments sold short		(1,404,952)
Payments on financial derivatives		(65,916)
Proceeds from financial derivatives		62,386
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs		132
Share-based long term incentive plan unit expense	$ 230	192
Interest income related to consolidated securitization trust		(1,765)	[1]
Interest expense related to consolidated securitization trust		1,765	[1]
Repurchase agreements		(58,462)
(Increase) decrease in assets:
Receivable for securities sold and financial derivatives		(161,965)
Due from brokers, net		56,208
Interest and principal receivable		(2,781)
Other assets		19,371
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Due to brokers		1,529
Payable for securities purchased and financial derivatives		228,321
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		220
Incentive fee payable to affiliate		291
Other liabilities		(81)
Interest and dividends payable		887
Base management fee payable to affiliate		(92)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	43,334	(223,688)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchase of securities	(1,278,398)
Purchase of loans	(433,740)
Capital improvements of real estate owned	(240)
Proceeds from disposition of securities	1,047,270
Proceeds from disposition of loans	28,326
Contributions to investments in unconsolidated entities	(30,132)
Distributions from investments in unconsolidated entities	32,251
Proceeds from disposition of real estate owned	636
Proceeds from principal payments of securities	92,539
Proceeds from principal payments of loans	117,911
Proceeds from investments sold short	469,630	1,656,721
Repurchase of securities sold short	(498,774)
Payments on financial derivatives	(53,100)
Proceeds from financial derivatives	35,921
Payments made on reverse repurchase agreements	(2,626,503)
Proceeds from reverse repurchase agreements	2,786,295
Due from brokers, net	8,069
Due to brokers, net	(2,744)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(304,783)
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
Repurchase of common stock	(782)	(17,593)
Dividends paid	(25,298)	(25,501)
Contributions from non-controlling interests	7,448	2,165
Distributions to non-controlling interests	(9,531)	(10,457)
Proceeds from issuance of securitized debt	20,430	51,170
Proceeds from issuance of Other secured borrowings	70,988
Principal payments on Other secured borrowings	32,605	(13,449)
Borrowings under repurchase agreements	3,707,941	2,296,100
Repayments of repurchase agreements	3,479,161	(2,083,909)
Debt issuance costs related to Other secured borrowings, at fair value - financing activities	(1,034)
Due from brokers, net	1,818
Due to brokers, net	1,000
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	259,214	198,526
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash	(2,235)	(25,162)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash, Beginning of Period	45,081	47,658
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash, End of Period	42,846	22,496
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid	37,738	24,041
Income tax paid	117
Dividend payable	4,267
Share-based long term incentive plan unit awards (non-cash)	230	192
Transfers from mortgage loans to real estate owned (non-cash)	17,713
Aggregate TBA trade activity (buys sells) (non-cash)		14,759,189
Purchase of Investments Non Cash	(2,975)	10,831
Proceeds from principal payments of investments (non-cash)	41,628	22,807
Proceeds from the Disposition of Investments Non Cash		10,831
Principal payments on Other secured borrowings, at fair value (non-cash)	41,628	$ (22,807)
Repayments of repurchase agreement (non-cash)	(148,158)
Proceeds received from Other secured borrowings, at fair value (non-cash)	148,547
Repayment of senior notes (non-cash)	(86,000)
Issuance of senior notes (non-cash)	$ 86,000
[1]	Related to non-qualified mortgage securitization transactions. See Note 6 for further details.

Organization and Investment Obj

Organization and Investment Objective	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Investment Objective	Organization and Investment Objective Ellington Financial Inc., formerly known as Ellington Financial LLC, was originally formed as a Delaware limited liability company on July 9, 2007 and commenced operations on August 17, 2007. On February 28, 2019, Ellington Financial LLC filed a certificate of conversion with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the "Secretary") to convert from a Delaware limited liability company to a Delaware corporation (the "Conversion") and change its name to Ellington Financial Inc. The Conversion became effective on March 1, 2019, and upon effectiveness, each of Ellington Financial LLC's existing common shares representing limited liability company interests, no par value, converted into one issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of Ellington Financial Inc. In connection with the Conversion, Ellington Financial Inc.'s Board of Directors (the "Board of Directors") approved Ellington Financial Inc.'s Certificate of Incorporation (which was also filed with the Secretary) and Bylaws. Ellington Financial Operating Partnership LLC (the "Operating Partnership"), a 97.6% owned consolidated subsidiary of Ellington Financial Inc., was formed as a Delaware limited liability company on December 14, 2012 and commenced operations on January 1, 2013. All of Ellington Financial Inc.'s operations and business activities are conducted through the Operating Partnership. Ellington Financial Inc., the Operating Partnership, and their consolidated subsidiaries are hereafter collectively referred to as the "Company." All intercompany accounts are eliminated in consolidation. The Company conducts its operations to qualify and be taxed as a real estate investment trust, or "REIT," under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and has elected to be taxed as a corporation effective January 1, 2019. The Company intends to qualify and will elect to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with the tax year ending December 31, 2019, the tax return for which is expected to be filed in 2020. In anticipation of the Company's intended election to be taxed as a REIT under the Code beginning with its 2019 taxable year (the "REIT Election"), the Company implemented an internal restructuring as of December 31, 2018. As part of this restructuring, the Company moved certain of its non-REIT-qualifying investments and financial derivatives to taxable REIT subsidiaries or, "TRSs," and disposed of certain of its investments in non-REIT-qualifying investments and financial derivatives. The Company invests in a diverse array of financial assets, including residential mortgage-backed securities, or "RMBS," commercial mortgage-backed securities, or "CMBS," residential and commercial mortgage loans, consumer loans and asset-backed securities, or "ABS," backed by consumer loans, collateralized loan obligations, or "CLOs," non-mortgage- and mortgage-related derivatives, equity investments in loan origination companies, and other strategic investments. Ellington Financial Management LLC ("EFM" or the "Manager") is an SEC-registered investment adviser and a registered commodity pool operator that serves as the Manager to the Company pursuant to the terms of its Seventh Amended and Restated Management Agreement (the "Management Agreement"), which was approved by the Board of Directors effective March 13, 2018. EFM is an affiliate of Ellington Management Group, L.L.C. ("Ellington"), an investment management firm that is registered as both an investment adviser and a commodity pool operator. In accordance with the terms of the Management Agreement, the Manager implements the investment strategy and manages the business and operations on a day-to-day basis for the Company and performs certain services for the Company, subject to oversight by the Board of Directors. Organization and Investment Objective Ellington Financial LLC was formed as a Delaware limited liability company on July 9, 2007 and commenced operations on August 17, 2007. Ellington Financial Operating Partnership LLC (the "Operating Partnership"), a 97.6% owned consolidated subsidiary of Ellington Financial LLC, was formed as a Delaware limited liability company on December 14, 2012 and commenced operations on January 1, 2013. All of the Company's operations and business activities are conducted through the Operating Partnership. Ellington Financial LLC, the Operating Partnership, and their consolidated subsidiaries are hereafter collectively referred to as the "Company." All intercompany accounts are eliminated in consolidation. The Company invests in a diverse array of financial assets, including residential mortgage-backed securities, or "RMBS," commercial mortgage-backed securities, or "CMBS," residential and commercial mortgage loans, consumer loans and asset-backed securities, or "ABS," backed by consumer loans, collateralized loan obligations, or "CLOs," non-mortgage and mortgage-related derivatives, equity investments in loan origination companies, and other strategic investments. Ellington Financial Management LLC ("EFM" or the "Manager") is an SEC-registered investment adviser and a registered commodity pool operator that serves as the Manager to the Company pursuant to the terms of its seventh amended and restated management agreement (the "Management Agreement"). EFM is an affiliate of Ellington Management Group, L.L.C., ("Ellington") an investment management firm that is registered as both an investment adviser and a commodity pool operator. In accordance with the terms of the Management Agreement, the Manager implements the investment strategy and manages the business and operations on a day-to-day basis for the Company and performs certain services for the Company, subject to oversight by the Company's Board of Directors ("Board of Directors").

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies (A) Basis of Presentation : The Company's unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, or "U.S. GAAP," and Regulation S-X. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, the Operating Partnership, its subsidiaries, and variable interest entities, or "VIEs," for which the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In management's opinion, all material adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of the Company's interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been included and are only of a normal recurring nature. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year. The information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. The Company adopted ASC 946, Financial Services—Investment Companies ("ASC 946") upon its commencement of operations in August 2007, and applied U.S. GAAP for investment companies. In connection with the Company's internal restructuring and the Company's intention to qualify as a REIT for the year ending December 31, 2019, the Company has determined that, effective January 1, 2019, it no longer qualifies for investment company accounting in accordance with ASC 946-10-25, and has prospectively discontinued its use. The Company will elect the fair value option, or "FVO," for, and therefore the Company will continue to measure at fair value, those of its assets and liabilities it had previously measured at fair value and for which such election is permitted, as provided for under ASC 825, Financial Instruments ("ASC 825"). Due to the prospective application of a change in accounting as required under ASC 946-10-25-2, the Company has determined that the presentation of its condensed consolidated financial statements for periods beginning after December 31, 2018 are not comparable to the consolidated financial statements previously prepared for prior periods for which the Company applied ASC 946. As a result, the Company has provided separate consolidated financial statements for applicable prior periods in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Reclassification and Presentation Effective January 1, 2019, the Company prospectively discontinued its application of ASC 946. Upon its change in status, the following significant changes and elections were made: • Investments in securities are now accounted for in accordance with ASC 320, Investments—Debt and Equity Securities ("ASC 320"); • The Company elected the FVO as provided for under ASC 825-10-25-4 for all eligible financial instruments for which the Company had previously measured at fair value, including investments in securities, loans, financial derivatives, and certain of the Company's secured borrowings. As a result, all changes in the fair value of such financial instruments will continue to be recorded in earnings on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations; • Real estate owned, or "REO," is not eligible for the FVO election. As a result, REO is carried at the lower of cost or fair value. The Company's cost basis in any REO that was previously measured at fair value under ASC 946 was adjusted on January 1, 2019 to equal the fair value of such investment as of December 31, 2018; • The Company elected not to designate its financial derivatives as hedging instruments in accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815"). As a result, all changes in the fair value of financial derivatives will continue to be recorded in earnings on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations; • Forward settling to-be-announced mortgage-backed-securities, or "TBAs," are no longer classified as investments. TBAs will be classified as financial derivatives, with the difference between the forward contract price and the market value of the TBA position as of the reporting date included in Unrealized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations; and • The Company is required to account for certain of its equity investments under ASC 323-10, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures ("ASC 323-10"). The Company has elected the FVO for such equity investments and changes in fair value will be reported in Earnings from investments in unconsolidated entities, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. The discontinuation of the Company's application of ASC 946 prospectively changed the presentation of the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. The most significant changes are: • The Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity has been changed to a Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet; • The Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments has been removed; • The Consolidated Statement of Operations is no longer presented in the format required under ASC 946. The Company will present the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations as required under U.S. GAAP for operating companies. A Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) will be presented, if and when applicable; • The Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows has been changed, and now includes a section for investing activities; • Certain footnotes have been changed to reflect conformity with applicable U.S. GAAP for operating companies; • The Company re-evaluated its interests in all entities to determine whether they are variable interests, and re-evaluated its investments, including it investments in partially owned entities, to determine if they are VIEs, as required under ASC 810, Consolidation ("ASC 810"). The Company also re-evaluated consolidation considerations for all of its investments in VIEs and partially owned entities, as required under ASC 810. Applicable disclosures related to VIEs have been included in these notes to condensed consolidated financial statements; • Securities/loans sold under agreements to be repurchased at an agreed-upon price and date, which were formerly referred to as "reverse repurchase agreements," are now referred to as "repurchase agreements"; • Securities/loans purchased under agreements to resell at an agreed-upon price and date, which were formerly referred to as "repurchase agreements," are now referred to as "reverse repurchase agreements"; and • The financial highlights disclosures, which are not required under U.S. GAAP for operating companies, have been removed. (B) Valuation : The Company applies ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurement ("ASC 820") to its holdings of financial instruments. ASC 820 establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the observability of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows: • Level 1—inputs to the valuation methodology are observable and reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Currently, the types of financial instruments the Company generally includes in this category are listed equities and exchange-traded derivatives; • Level 2—inputs to the valuation methodology other than quoted prices included in Level 1 are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Currently, the types of financial instruments that the Company generally includes in this category are RMBS for which the principal and interest payments are guaranteed by a U.S. government agency or a U.S. government-sponsored entity, or "Agency RMBS," U.S. Treasury securities and sovereign debt, certain non-Agency RMBS, CMBS, CLOs, corporate debt, and actively traded derivatives such as interest rate swaps, foreign currency forwards, and other over-the-counter derivatives; and • Level 3—inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. The types of financial instruments that the Company generally includes in this category are certain RMBS, CMBS, CLOs, ABS, and credit default swaps, or "CDS," on individual ABS, in each case where there is less price transparency. Also included in this category are residential and commercial mortgage loans, consumer loans, and private corporate debt and equity investments. For certain financial instruments, the various inputs that management uses to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. For each such financial instrument, the determination of which category within the fair value hierarchy is appropriate is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. ASC 820 prioritizes the various inputs that management uses to measure fair value, with the highest priority given to inputs that are observable and reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets (Level 1), and the lowest priority given to inputs that are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement (Level 3). The assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument. The Company may use valuation techniques consistent with the market and income approaches to measure the fair value of its financial instruments. The market approach uses third-party valuations and information obtained from market transactions involving identical or similar financial instruments. The income approach uses projections of the future economic benefit of an instrument to determine its fair value, such as in the discounted cash flow methodology. The inputs or methodology used for valuing financial instruments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in these financial instruments. The leveling of each financial instrument is reassessed at the end of each period. Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are assumed to occur at the end of the reporting period. Summary Valuation Techniques For financial instruments that are traded in an "active market," the best measure of fair value is the quoted market price. However, many of the Company's financial instruments are not traded in an active market. Therefore, management generally uses third-party valuations when available. If third-party valuations are not available, management uses other valuation techniques, such as the discounted cash flow methodology. The following are summary descriptions, for various categories of financial instruments, of the valuation methodologies management uses in determining fair value of the Company's financial instruments in such categories. Management utilizes such methodologies to assign a fair value (the estimated price that, in an orderly transaction at the valuation date, would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, as the case may be) to each such financial instrument. For mortgage-backed securities, or "MBS," TBAs, CLOs, and corporate debt and equity, management seeks to obtain at least one third-party valuation, and often obtains multiple valuations when available. Management has been able to obtain third-party valuations on the vast majority of these instruments and expects to continue to solicit third-party valuations in the future. Management generally values each financial instrument at the average of third-party valuations received and not rejected as described below. Third-party valuations are not binding, management may adjust the valuations it receives (e.g., downward adjustments for odd lots), and management may challenge or reject a valuation when, based on its validation criteria, management determines that such valuation is unreasonable or erroneous. Furthermore, based on its validation criteria, management may determine that the average of the third-party valuations received for a given financial instrument does not result in what management believes to be the fair value of such instrument, and in such circumstances management may override this average with its own good faith valuation. The validation criteria may take into account output from management's own models, recent trading activity in the same or similar instruments, and valuations received from third parties. The use of proprietary models requires the use of a significant amount of judgment and the application of various assumptions including, but not limited to, assumptions concerning future prepayment rates and default rates. Given their relatively high level of price transparency, Agency RMBS pass-throughs are typically classified as Level 2. Non-Agency RMBS, CMBS, Agency interest only and inverse interest only RMBS, CLOs, and corporate bonds are generally classified as either Level 2 or Level 3 based on analysis of available market data and/or third-party valuations. Private equity investments are generally classified as Level 3. Furthermore, the methodology used by the third-party valuation providers is reviewed at least annually by management, so as to ascertain whether such providers are utilizing observable market data to determine the valuations that they provide. For residential and commercial mortgage loans and consumer loans, management determines fair value by taking into account both external pricing data, which includes third-party valuations, and internal pricing models. Management has obtained third-party valuations on the majority of these investments and expects to continue to solicit third-party valuations in the future. In determining fair value for non-performing mortgage loans, management evaluates third-party valuations, if applicable, as well as management's estimates of the value of the underlying real estate, using information including general economic data, broker price opinions, or "BPOs," recent sales, property appraisals, and bids. In determining fair value for performing mortgage loans and consumer loans, management evaluates third-party valuations, if applicable, as well as discounted cash flows of the loans based on market assumptions. Cash flow assumptions typically include projected default and prepayment rates and loss severities, and may include adjustments based on appraisals and BPOs. Mortgage and consumer loans are classified as Level 3. The Company has securitized certain mortgage loans that are not deemed "qualified mortgage," or "QM," loans under the rules of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or "non-QM loans." The Company's securitized non-QM loans are held as part of a collateralized financing entity, or "CFE." A CFE is a VIE that holds financial assets, issues beneficial interests in those assets, and has no more than nominal equity, and for which the issued beneficial interests have contractual recourse only to the related assets of the CFE. ASC 810 allows the Company to elect to measure both the financial assets and financial liabilities of the CFE using the more observable of the fair value of the financial assets and the fair value of the financial liabilities of the CFE. The Company has elected the FVO for initial and subsequent recognition of the debt issued by its consolidated securitization trusts and has determined that each consolidated securitization trust meets the definition of a CFE; see Note 10 " Securitization Transactions — Residential Mortgage Loan Securitizations " for further discussion on the Company's securitization trusts. The Company has determined the inputs to the fair value measurement of the financial liabilities of each of its CFEs to be more observable than those of the financial assets and, as a result, has used the fair value of the financial liabilities of each of the CFEs to measure the fair value of the financial assets of each of the CFEs. The fair value of the debt issued by each CFE is typically valued using discounted cash flows and other market data. The securitized non-QM loans, which are assets of the CFEs, are included in Loans, at fair value, on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The debt issued by the CFEs is included in Other secured borrowings, at fair value, on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Unrealized gains (losses) from changes in fair value of Other secured borrowings, at fair value, are included in Other, net, on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. The securitized non-QM loans and the debt issued by the Company's CFEs are both classified as Level 3. For financial derivatives with greater price transparency, such as CDS on asset-backed indices, CDS on corporate indices, certain options on the foregoing, and total return swaps on publicly traded equities or indices, market-standard pricing sources are used to obtain valuations; these financial derivatives are generally classified as Level 2. Interest rate swaps, swaptions, and foreign currency forwards are typically valued based on internal models that use observable market data, including applicable interest rates and foreign currency rates in effect as of the measurement date; the model-generated valuations are then typically compared to counterparty valuations for reasonableness. These financial derivatives are also generally classified as Level 2. Financial derivatives with less price transparency, such as CDS on individual ABS, are generally valued based on internal models, and are classified as Level 3. In the case of CDS on individual ABS, the valuation process typically starts with an estimation of the value of the underlying ABS. In valuing its financial derivatives, the Company also considers the creditworthiness of both the Company and its counterparties, along with collateral provisions contained in each financial derivative agreement. Investments in private operating entities, such as loan originators, are valued based on available metrics, such as relevant market multiples and comparable company valuations, company specific-financial data including actual and projected results, and independent third party valuation estimates. These investments are classified as Level 3. The Company's repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are classified as Level 2, based on the adequacy of the collateral and their short term nature. The Company's valuation process, including the application of validation criteria, is overseen by the Manager's Valuation Committee (the "Valuation Committee"). The Valuation Committee includes senior level executives from various departments within the Manager, and each quarter, the Valuation Committee reviews and approves the valuations of the Company's financial instruments. The valuation process also includes a monthly review by the Company's third-party administrator. The goal of this review is to replicate various aspects of the Company's valuation process based on the Company's documented procedures. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, the estimated fair value of the Company's financial instruments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the financial instruments existed, and the differences could be material to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. (C) Accounting for Securities : Purchases and sales of investments in securities are generally recorded on trade date, and realized and unrealized gains and losses are calculated based on identified cost. Investments in securities are recorded in accordance with ASC 320 or ASC 325-40, Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets ("ASC 325-40"). The Company generally classifies its securities as available-for-sale. The Company has chosen to elect the FVO pursuant to ASC 825 for its investments in securities. Electing the FVO allows the Company to record changes in fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations, as a component of Unrealized gains (losses) on securities and loans, net, which, in management's view, more appropriately reflects the results of operations for a particular reporting period as all investment activities will be recorded in a similar manner. Many of the Company's investments in securities, such as MBS and CLOs, are issued by entities that are deemed to be VIEs. For the majority of such investments, the Company has determined it is not the primary beneficiary of such VIEs and therefore has not consolidated such VIEs. The Company's maximum risk of loss in these unconsolidated VIEs is generally limited to the fair value of the Company's investment in the VIE. The Company evaluates its investments in interest only securities to determine whether they meet the requirements for classification as financial derivatives under ASC 815. For interest only securities, where the holder is entitled only to a portion of the interest payments made on the mortgages underlying certain MBS, and inverse interest only securities, which are interest only securities whose coupon has an inverse relationship to its benchmark rate, such as LIBOR, the Company has determined that such investments do not meet the requirements for treatment as financial derivatives and are classified as securities. The Company evaluates the cost basis of its investments in securities for other-than-temporary impairment, or "OTTI," on at least a quarterly basis. The determination of whether a security is other-than-temporarily impaired requires judgments, estimates, and assumptions based on subjective and objective factors. As a result, the timing and amount of an OTTI constitutes an accounting estimate that may change materially over time. When the fair value of a security is less than its amortized cost basis as of the balance sheet date, the security's cost basis is considered impaired, and the impairment is designated as either temporary or other-than-temporary. When a security's cost basis is impaired, an OTTI is considered to have occurred if (i) the Company intends to sell the security (i.e., a decision has been made as of the reporting date), (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, or (iii) the Company does not expect to recover the security's amortized cost basis, even if the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security. Additionally, for securities accounted for under ASC 325-40, an impairment of the cost basis is recorded when there is an adverse change in the expected cash flows to be received and the fair value of the security is less than its carrying amount. In determining whether an adverse change in cash flows has occurred, the present value of the remaining cash flows, as estimated at the initial transaction date (or the last date previously revised), is compared to the present value of the expected cash flows at the current reporting date. The estimated cash flows reflect those that a "market participant" would use and include observations of current information and events, and assumptions related to fluctuations in interest rates, prepayment speeds and the timing and amount of potential credit losses. Cash flows are discounted at a rate equal to the current yield used to accrete interest income. Any resulting OTTI adjustments made to the cost basis of the security are reflected in Realized gains (losses) on securities and loans, net, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. (D) Accounting for Loans : The Company's loan portfolio generally consists of residential mortgage, commercial mortgage, and consumer loans. The Company's loans are accounted for under ASC 310-10, Receivables , and are classified as held-for-investment when the Company has the intent and ability to hold such loans for the foreseeable future or to maturity/payoff. When the Company has the intent to sell loans, such loans will be classified as held-for-sale. Mortgage loans held-for-sale are accounted for under ASC 948-310, Financial services—mortgage banking. The Company may aggregate its loans into pools based on common risk characteristics at purchase. Once a pool of loans is assembled, its composition is maintained. The Company has chosen to elect the FVO pursuant to ASC 825 for its loan portfolios. Loans are recorded at fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and changes in fair value are recorded in earnings on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations as a component of Unrealized gains (losses) on securities and loans, net. Transfers between held-for-investment and held-for-sale occur once the Company's intent to sell the loans changes. For residential and commercial mortgage loans, the Company generally accrues interest payments. Such loans are typically moved to non-accrual status if the loan becomes 90 days or more delinquent. The Company does not accrue interest payments on its consumer loans; interest payments are recorded upon receipt. The Company evaluates the collectability of both interest and principal on each of its loan investments and whether the cost basis of the loan is impaired. A loan's cost basis is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the existing contractual terms. When a loan's cost basis is impaired, the Company does not record an allowance for loan loss as it has elected the FVO on all of its loan investments. The Company will recognize impairments through an adjustment to the amortized cost basis and recognize a realized loss in the period such adjustment was made, which is included in Realized gains (losses) on securities and loans, net, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. (E) Interest Income : The Company amortizes premiums and accretes discounts on its debt securities. Coupon interest income on fixed-income investments is generally accrued based on the outstanding principal balance or notional value and the current coupon interest rate. For debt securities that are deemed to be of high credit quality at the time of purchase (generally Agency RMBS, exclusive of interest only securities), premiums and discounts are amortized/accreted into interest income over the life of such securities using the effective interest method. For such securities whose cash flows vary depending on prepayments, an effective yield retroactive to the time of purchase is periodically recomputed based on actual prepayments and changes in projected prepayment activity, and a catch-up adjustment, or "Catch-up Premium Amortization Adjustment," is made to amortization to reflect the cumulative impact of the change in effective yield. For debt securities (generally non-Agency RMBS, CMBS, ABS, CLOs, and interest only securities) that are deemed not to be of high credit quality at the time of purchase, interest income is recognized based on the effective interest method. When the fair value of a debt security is less than its amortized cost basis as of the balance sheet date, the security's cost basis is considered impaired. The Company will adjust such impaired cost basis to the present value of the estimated future cash flows. This adjustment to the cost basis is reported in Realized gains (losses) on securities and loans, net, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. For purposes of estimating the future expected cash flows, management uses assumptions including, but not limited to, assumptions for future prepayment rates, default rates, and loss severities (each of which may in turn incorporate various macro-economic assumptions, such as future housing prices). These assumptions are re-evaluated not less than quarterly. Changes in projected cash flows will result in prospective changes in the yield/interest income recognized on such securities based on the updated expected future cash flows. For each loan purchased with the expectation that both interest and principal will be paid in full, the Company generally amortizes or accretes any premium or discount over the life of the loan utilizing the effective interest method. However, based on current information and events, the Company re-assesses the collectability of interest and principal, and generally designates a loan as in non-accrual status either when any payments have become 90 or more days past due, or when, in the opinion of management, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect either interest or principal in full. Once a loan is designated as in non-accrual status, as long as principal is still expected to be collectible in full, interest payments are recorded as interest income only when received (i.e., under the cash basis method); accruals of interest income are only resumed when the loan becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to be resumed. However, if principal is not expected to be collectible in full, the cost recovery method is used (i.e., no interest income is recognized, and all payments received—whether contractually interest or principal—are applied to cost). For each loan purchased with evidence of credit deterioration since origination and the expectation that either principal or interest will not be paid in full, interest income is generally recognized using the effective interest method for as long as the cash flows can be reasonably estimated. Here, instead of amortizing the purchase discount (i.e., the excess of the unpaid principal balance over the purchase price) over the life of the loan, the Company effectively amortizes the accretable yield (i.e., the excess of the Company's estimate of the total cash flows to be collected over the life of the loan over the purchase price). Not less than quarterly, the Company updates its estimate of the cash flows expected to be collected over the life of the loan, and revised yields are prospectively applied. For certain groups of consumer loans that the Company considers as having sufficiently homogeneous characteristics, the Company aggregates such loans into pools, and accounts for each such pool as a single unit of account. The pool is then treated analogously to a debt security deemed not to be of high credit quality, in that (i) the aggregate premium or discount for the pool is amortized or accreted into interest income based on the pool's effective interest rate; (ii) the effective interest rate is determined based on the net expected cash flows of the pool, taking into account estimates of prepayments, defaults, and loss severities; and (iii) estimates are updated not less than quarterly and revised yields are prospectively applied. In estimating future cash flows on the Company's debt securities, there are a number of assumptions that will be subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, including, in the case of MBS, assumptions relating to prepayment rates, default rates, loan loss severities, and loan repurchases. These estimates require the use of a significant amount of judgment. (F) Investments in unconsolidated entities : The Company has made and may in the future make non-controlling equity investments in various entities, such as loan originators. Such investments are generally in the form of preferred and/or common equity, or membership interests. In certain cases, the Company can exercise significant influence over the entity (e.g. by having representation on the entity's board of directors) but the requirements for consolidation under ASC 810 are not met; in such cases the Company is required to account for such equity investments under ASC 323-10. The Company has chosen to elect the FVO pursuant to ASC 825 for its investments in unconsolidated entities, which, in management's view, more appropriately reflects the results of operations for a particular reporting period, as all investment activities will be recorded in a similar manner. The period change in fair value of

Valuation

Valuation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Valuation	Valuation The table below reflects the value of the Company's Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2019 : Description Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In thousands) Assets: Securities, at fair value: Agency RMBS $ — $ 1,327,867 $ 11,034 $ 1,338,901 Non-Agency RMBS — 88,226 96,790 185,016 CMBS — 31,380 6,278 37,658 CLOs — 58,989 17,222 76,211 Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans — — 25,019 25,019 Corporate debt securities — — 4,081 4,081 Corporate equity securities — — 1,791 1,791 Loans, at fair value: Residential mortgage loans — — 663,880 663,880 Commercial mortgage loans — — 260,034 260,034 Consumer loans — — 162,609 162,609 Corporate loans — — 5,000 5,000 Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value — — 69,676 69,676 Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value: Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities — — 1,090 1,090 Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices — 2,164 — 2,164 Credit default swaps on corporate bonds — 521 — 521 Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices — 5,714 — 5,714 Interest rate swaps — 1,434 — 1,434 TBAs — 140 — 140 Total return swaps — — 87 87 Total assets $ — $ 1,516,435 $ 1,324,591 $ 2,841,026 Description Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (continued) (In thousands) Liabilities: Securities sold short, at fair value: Government debt $ — $ (49,113 ) $ — $ (49,113 ) Corporate debt securities — (470 ) — (470 ) Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value: Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices — (202 ) — (202 ) Credit default swaps on corporate bonds — (686 ) — (686 ) Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices — (14,113 ) — (14,113 ) Interest rate swaps — (7,658 ) — (7,658 ) TBAs — (2,443 ) — (2,443 ) Futures (2,380 ) — — (2,380 ) Forwards — (265 ) — (265 ) Total return swaps — (58 ) — (58 ) Other secured borrowings, at fair value — — (475,816 ) (475,816 ) Total liabilities $ (2,380 ) $ (75,008 ) $ (475,816 ) $ (553,204 ) The following table identifies the significant unobservable inputs that affect the valuation of the Company's Level 3 assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2019 : Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Weighted Average Description Min Max (In thousands) Non-Agency RMBS $ 40,642 Market Quotes Non Binding Third-Party Valuation $ 65.77 $ 163.50 $ 84.87 CMBS 5,201 Market Quotes Non Binding Third-Party Valuation 5.87 79.27 67.48 CLOs 9,174 Market Quotes Non Binding Third-Party Valuation 27.65 276.53 73.75 Agency interest only RMBS 935 Market Quotes Non Binding Third-Party Valuation 1.84 17.07 7.42 Total return swaps 87 Market Quotes Non Binding Third-Party Valuation 89.5 89.9 89.7 Non-Agency RMBS 56,148 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 0.4 % 27.7 % 10.0 % Projected Collateral Prepayments 5.9 % 71.5 % 51.5 % Projected Collateral Losses 0.1 % 14.9 % 7.1 % Projected Collateral Recoveries 1.5 % 18.3 % 9.5 % Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization 17.8 % 77.8 % 31.9 % 100.0 % Non-Agency CMBS 1,077 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 21.5 % 21.5 % 21.5 % Projected Collateral Losses 1.1 % 1.1 % 1.1 % Projected Collateral Recoveries 2.3 % 2.3 % 2.3 % Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization 96.6 % 96.6 % 96.6 % 100.0 % Corporate debt and equity 5,872 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 10.0 % 22.9 % 18.9 % (continued) Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Weighted Average Description Min Max (In thousands) CLOs 8,048 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 11.2 % 60.7 % 13.0 % Projected Collateral Prepayments 9.0 % 87.1 % 49.6 % Projected Collateral Losses 2.9 % 33.4 % 15.0 % Projected Collateral Recoveries 3.8 % 13.0 % 8.8 % Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization — % 77.3 % 26.6 % 100.0 % ABS backed by consumer loans 25,019 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 12.0 % 20.1 % 12.2 % Projected Collateral Prepayments 0.0 % 10.8 % 9.3 % Projected Collateral Losses 0.8 % 36.0 % 15.0 % Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization 64.0 % 99.2 % 75.7 % 100.0 % Consumer loans 162,609 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 7.0 % 10.0 % 8.0 % Projected Collateral Prepayments 0.0 % 56.7 % 42.5 % Projected Collateral Losses 1.9 % 86.3 % 8.0 % Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization 13.7 % 98.1 % 49.5 % 100.0 % Corporate loans 5,000 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 15.0 % 15.0 % 15.0 % Performing commercial mortgage loans 206,710 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 7.9 % 12.0 % 8.8 % Non-performing commercial mortgage loans 53,324 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 10.8 % 25.4 % 15.5 % Months to Resolution 2.0 6.0 3.0 Performing and re-performing residential mortgage loans 147,108 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 3.9 % 29.3 % 6.5 % Securitized residential mortgage loans (1) 503,090 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 3.8 % 5.1 % 4.4 % Non-performing residential mortgage loans 13,682 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 3.6 % 56.0 % 12.3 % Months to Resolution 0.0 102.7 45.7 Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities 1,090 Net Discounted Cash Flows Projected Collateral Prepayments 34.6 % 44.4 % 37.6 % Projected Collateral Losses 11.4 % 18.7 % 13.7 % Projected Collateral Recoveries 13.7 % 18.1 % 16.2 % Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization 23.4 % 36.1 % 32.5 % 100.0 % Agency interest only RMBS 10,099 Option Adjusted Spread ("OAS") LIBOR OAS (2) 93 3,527 581 Projected Collateral Prepayments 29.1 % 100.0 % 71.9 % Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization 0.0 % 70.9 % 28.1 % 100.0 % (continued) Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Weighted Average Description Min Max (In thousands) Investment in unconsolidated entities 32,588 Enterprise Value Equity Price-to-Book (3) 1.0x 3.1x 1.4x Investment in unconsolidated entities 3,000 Recent Transactions Transaction Price n/a n/a n/a Investment in unconsolidated entities 34,088 Discounted Cash Flows Yield (4) 3.1% 15.6% 9.1% Other secured borrowings, at fair value (1) (475,816 ) Discounted Cash Flows Yield 3.1% 4.5% 3.8% (1) Securitized residential mortgage loans and Other secured borrowings, at fair value, represent financial assets and liabilities of the Company's CFE as discussed in Note 2. (2) Shown in basis points. (3) Represent an estimation of where market participants might value an enterprise on a price-to-book basis. (4) Represents the significant unobservable inputs used to fair value the financial instruments of the unconsolidated entity. The fair value of such financial instruments is the largest component of the valuation of such entity as a whole. Third-party non-binding valuations are validated by comparing such valuations to internally generated prices based on the Company's models and, when available, to recent trading activity in the same or similar instruments. For those instruments valued using discounted and net discounted cash flows, collateral prepayments, losses, recoveries, and scheduled amortization are projected over the remaining life of the collateral and expressed as a percentage of the collateral's current principal balance. Averages are weighted based on the fair value of the related instrument. In the case of credit default swaps on asset-backed securities, averages are weighted based on each instrument's bond equivalent value. Bond equivalent value represents the investment amount of a corresponding position in the reference obligation, calculated as the difference between the outstanding principal balance of the underlying reference obligation and the fair value, inclusive of accrued interest, of the derivative contract. For those assets valued using the LIBOR Option Adjusted Spread ("LIBOR OAS") valuation methodology, cash flows are projected using the Company's models over multiple interest rate scenarios, and these projected cash flows are then discounted using the LIBOR rates implied by each interest rate scenario. The LIBOR OAS of an asset is then computed as the unique constant yield spread that, when added to all LIBOR rates in each interest rate scenario generated by the model, will equate (a) the expected present value of the projected asset cash flows over all model scenarios to (b) the actual current market price of the asset. LIBOR OAS is therefore model-dependent. Generally speaking, LIBOR OAS measures the additional yield spread over LIBOR that an asset provides at its current market price after taking into account any interest rate options embedded in the asset. The Company considers the expected timeline to resolution in the determination of fair value for its non-performing commercial and residential mortgage loans. Material changes in any of the inputs above in isolation could result in a significant change to reported fair value measurements. Additionally, fair value measurements are impacted by the interrelationships of these inputs. For example, for instruments subject to prepayments and credit losses, such as non-Agency RMBS and consumer loans and ABS backed by consumer loans, a higher expectation of collateral prepayments will generally be accompanied by a lower expectation of collateral losses. Conversely, higher losses will generally be accompanied by lower prepayments. Because the Company's credit default swaps on asset-backed security holdings represent credit default swap contracts whereby the Company has purchased credit protection, such credit default swaps on asset-backed securities generally have the directionally opposite sensitivity to prepayments, losses, and recoveries as compared to the Company's long securities holdings. Prepayments do not represent a significant input for the Company's commercial mortgage-backed securities and commercial mortgage loans. Losses and recoveries do not represent a significant input for the Company's Agency RMBS interest only securities, given the guarantee of the issuing government agency or government-sponsored enterprise. The tables below include a roll-forward of the Company's financial instruments for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 (including the change in fair value), for financial instruments classified by the Company within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 3—Fair Value Measurement Using Significant Unobservable Inputs: Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2019 (In thousands) Beginning Balance as of Accreted Discounts / (Amortized Premiums) Net Realized Gain/ (Loss) Change in Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) Purchases/ Sales/ Transfers Into Level 3 Transfers Out of Level 3 Ending Balance as of June 30, 2019 Assets: Securities, at fair value: Agency RMBS $ 6,389 $ (676 ) $ (450 ) $ 349 $ 1,594 $ (236 ) $ 4,889 $ (825 ) $ 11,034 Non-Agency RMBS 94,670 108 (384 ) 2,909 2,050 (3,294 ) 6,366 (5,635 ) 96,790 CMBS 5,137 25 50 363 — (374 ) 1,077 — 6,278 CLOs 21,438 165 (1,151 ) 772 — — 2,988 (6,990 ) 17,222 Asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans 24,108 (360 ) (152 ) 95 4,610 (3,282 ) — — 25,019 Corporate debt securities 5,737 6 (345 ) (1 ) 2,449 (3,765 ) — — 4,081 Corporate equity securities 1,469 — (142 ) 464 — — — — 1,791 Loans, at fair value: Residential mortgage loans 583,252 (1,347 ) 2,089 2,257 103,844 (26,215 ) — — 663,880 Commercial mortgage loans 239,623 834 1,413 (2,018 ) 47,555 (27,373 ) — — 260,034 Consumer loans 192,115 (7,386 ) (1,455 ) 857 16,626 (38,148 ) — — 162,609 Corporate loans — — — — 5,000 — — — 5,000 Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value 58,148 — 124 2,230 17,026 (7,852 ) — — 69,676 Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities 1,233 — 128 (143 ) 5 (133 ) — — 1,090 Total return swaps — — 17 87 — (17 ) — — 87 Total assets, at fair value $ 1,233,319 $ (8,631 ) $ (258 ) $ 8,221 $ 200,759 $ (110,689 ) $ 15,320 $ (13,450 ) $ 1,324,591 Liabilities: Other secured borrowings, at fair value $ (282,124 ) $ — $ — $ (17 ) $ 25,861 $ (219,536 ) $ — $ — $ (475,816 ) Total liabilities, at fair value $ (282,124 ) $ — $ — $ (17 ) $ 25,861 $ (219,536 ) $ — $ — $ (475,816 ) All amounts of net realized and change in net unrealized gain (loss) in the table above are reflected in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. The table above incorporates changes in net unrealized gain (loss) for both Level 3 financial instruments held by the Company at June 30, 2019 , as well as Level 3 financial instruments disposed of by the Company during the three-month period ended June 30, 2019 . For Level 3 financial instruments held by the Company at June 30, 2019 , change in net unrealized gain (loss) of $5.7 million , $3.8 million , $2.0 million , $(56) thousand , and $(17) thousand , for the three-month period ended June 30, 2019 relate to securities, loans, investments in unconsolidated entities, financial derivatives–assets, and other secured borrowings, at fair value, respectively. At June 30, 2019 , the Company transferred $13.5 million of assets from Level 3 to Level 2 and $15.3 million from Level 2 to Level 3. Transfers between these hierarchy levels were based on the availability of sufficient observable inputs to meet Level 2 versus Level 3 criteria. The leveling of each financial instrument is reassessed at the end of each period, and is based on pricing information received from third-party pricing sources. Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2019 (In thousands) Beginning Balance as of Accreted Discounts / (Amortized Premiums) Net Realized Gain/ (Loss) Change in Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) Purchases/ Sales/ Transfers Into Level 3 Transfers Out of Level 3 Ending Balance as of June 30, 2019 Assets: Securities, at fair value: Agency RMBS $ 7,293 $ (1,449 ) $ (1,075 ) $ 642 $ 1,600 $ (236 ) $ 5,596 $ (1,337 ) $ 11,034 Non-Agency RMBS 91,291 195 (650 ) 2,358 17,595 (20,220 ) 11,308 (5,087 ) 96,790 CMBS 803 (23 ) — (7 ) — — 5,505 — 6,278 CLOs 14,915 (483 ) (1,676 ) 1,660 831 — 1,975 — 17,222 Asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans 22,800 (969 ) (665 ) 857 9,551 (6,555 ) — — 25,019 Corporate debt securities 6,318 22 (345 ) (78 ) 2,832 (4,668 ) — — 4,081 Corporate equity securities 1,534 — (142 ) 399 — — — — 1,791 Loans, at fair value: Residential mortgage loans 496,829 (2,274 ) 1,954 4,158 261,446 (98,233 ) — — 663,880 Commercial mortgage loans 195,301 1,139 1,414 (2,352 ) 96,412 (31,880 ) — — 260,034 Consumer loans 183,961 (15,958 ) (3,510 ) 2,699 70,882 (75,465 ) — — 162,609 Corporate loan — — — — 5,000 — — — 5,000 Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value 72,298 276 1,684 2,190 30,454 (37,226 ) — — 69,676 Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities 1,472 — 403 (382 ) 8 (411 ) — — 1,090 Total return swaps — — 17 87 — (17 ) — — 87 Total assets, at fair value $ 1,094,815 $ (19,524 ) $ (2,591 ) $ 12,231 $ 496,611 $ (274,911 ) $ 24,384 $ (6,424 ) $ 1,324,591 Liabilities: Other secured borrowings, at fair value $ (297,948 ) $ — $ — $ 40 $ 41,628 $ (219,536 ) $ — $ — $ (475,816 ) Total liabilities, at fair value $ (297,948 ) $ — $ — $ 40 $ 41,628 $ (219,536 ) $ — $ — $ (475,816 ) All amounts of net realized and change in net unrealized gain (loss) in the table above are reflected in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. The table above incorporates changes in net unrealized gain (loss) for both Level 3 financial instruments held by the Company at June 30, 2019 , as well as Level 3 financial instruments disposed of by the Company during the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 . For Level 3 financial instruments held by the Company at June 30, 2019 , change in net unrealized gain (loss) of $6.1 million , $6.0 million , $(0.2) million , $(0.3) million , and $40 thousand , for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 relate to securities, loans, investments in unconsolidated entities, financial derivatives–assets, and other secured borrowings, at fair value, respectively. At June 30, 2019 , the Company transferred $6.4 million of assets from Level 3 to Level 2 and $24.4 million from Level 2 to Level 3. Transfers between these hierarchy levels were based on the availability of sufficient observable inputs to meet Level 2 versus Level 3 criteria. The leveling of each financial instrument is reassessed at the end of each period, and is based on pricing information received from third-party pricing sources. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of all other financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2019 : (In thousands) Fair Value Carrying Value Other financial instruments Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 42,671 $ 42,671 Restricted cash 175 175 Due from brokers 65,083 65,083 Reverse repurchase agreements 49,641 49,641 Liabilities: Repurchase agreements 1,715,506 1,715,506 Other secured borrowings 101,925 101,925 Senior notes, net 85,166 85,166 Due to brokers 9,951 9,951 Cash and cash equivalents includes cash held in an interest bearing overnight account, for which fair value equals the carrying value, and cash held in money market accounts, which are liquid in nature and for which fair value equals the carrying value; such assets are considered Level 1. Restricted cash includes cash held in a segregated account for which fair value equals the carrying value; such assets are considered Level 1. Due from brokers and Due to brokers include collateral transferred to or received from counterparties, along with receivables and payables for open and/or closed derivative positions. These receivables and payables are short term in nature and any collateral transferred consists primarily of cash; fair value of these items is approximated by carrying value and such items are considered Level 1. The Company's reverse repurchase agreements, repurchase agreements, and other secured borrowings are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to their short term nature. Reverse repurchase agreements, repurchase agreements, and other secured borrowings are classified as Level 2 based on the adequacy of the collateral and their short term nature. The Senior notes are considered Level 3 liabilities given the relative unobservability of the most significant inputs to valuation estimation as well as the lack of trading activity of these instruments. Valuation The table below reflects the value of the Company's Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 financial instruments at December 31, 2018: Description Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In thousands) Assets: Cash equivalents $ 12,460 $ — $ — $ 12,460 Investments, at fair value- Agency residential mortgage-backed securities $ — $ 1,442,924 $ 7,293 $ 1,450,217 U.S. Treasury securities — 76 — 76 Private label residential mortgage-backed securities — 211,348 91,291 302,639 Private label commercial mortgage-backed securities — 33,105 803 33,908 Commercial mortgage loans — — 211,185 211,185 Residential mortgage loans — — 496,830 496,830 Collateralized loan obligations — 108,978 14,915 123,893 Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans — — 206,761 206,761 Corporate debt — 16,074 6,318 22,392 Secured notes — — 10,917 10,917 Real estate owned — — 34,500 34,500 Common stock 2,200 — — 2,200 Corporate equity investments — — 43,793 43,793 Total investments, at fair value 2,200 1,812,505 1,124,606 2,939,311 Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities — — 1,472 1,472 Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices — 733 — 733 Credit default swaps on corporate bonds — 2,473 — 2,473 Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices — 8,092 — 8,092 Total return swaps — 1 — 1 Interest rate swaps — 7,224 — 7,224 Forwards — 6 — 6 Total financial derivatives–assets, at fair value — 18,529 1,472 20,001 Repurchase agreements, at fair value — 61,274 — 61,274 Total investments, financial derivatives–assets, and repurchase agreements, at fair value $ 2,200 $ 1,892,308 $ 1,126,078 $ 3,020,586 Liabilities: Investments sold short, at fair value- Agency residential mortgage-backed securities $ — $ (772,964 ) $ — $ (772,964 ) Government debt — (54,151 ) — (54,151 ) Corporate debt — (6,529 ) — (6,529 ) Common stock (16,933 ) — — (16,933 ) Total investments sold short, at fair value (16,933 ) (833,644 ) — (850,577 ) Description Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (continued) (In thousands) Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices $ — $ (11,557 ) $ — $ (11,557 ) Credit default swaps on corporate bonds — (3,246 ) — (3,246 ) Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices — (2,125 ) — (2,125 ) Interest rate swaps — (3,397 ) — (3,397 ) Total return swaps — (6 ) — (6 ) Futures (355 ) — — (355 ) Forwards — (120 ) — (120 ) Total financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value (355 ) (20,451 ) — (20,806 ) Other secured borrowings, at fair value — — (297,948 ) (297,948 ) Total investments sold short, financial derivatives–liabilities, and other secured borrowings, at fair value $ (17,288 ) $ (854,095 ) $ (297,948 ) $ (1,169,331 ) The following table identifies the significant unobservable inputs that affect the valuation of the Company's Level 3 assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2018: Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Weighted Average Description Min Max (In thousands) Private label residential mortgage-backed securities $ 36,945 Market Quotes Non Binding Third-Party Valuation $ 17.42 $ 178.00 $ 78.31 Collateralized loan obligations 5,828 Market Quotes Non Binding Third-Party Valuation 2.64 375.00 167.78 Corporate debt, non-exchange traded corporate equity, and secured notes 13,976 Market Quotes Non Binding Third-Party Valuation 9.69 91.00 59.18 Private label commercial mortgage-backed securities 576 Market Quotes Non Binding Third-Party Valuation 5.93 6.36 6.14 Agency interest only residential mortgage-backed securities 744 Market Quotes Non Binding Third-Party Valuation 1.70 9.12 5.64 Private label residential mortgage-backed securities 54,346 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 3.5 % 66.1 % 10.7 % Projected Collateral Prepayments 16.0 % 92.1 % 50.4 % Projected Collateral Losses 0.0 % 23.1 % 8.7 % Projected Collateral Recoveries 1.5 % 14.6 % 7.3 % Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization 6.1 % 61.8 % 33.6 % 100.0 % Private label commercial mortgage-backed securities 227 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 3.4 % 3.4 % 3.4 % Projected Collateral Losses 2.0 % 2.0 % 2.0 % Projected Collateral Recoveries 6.6 % 6.6 % 6.6 % Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization 91.4 % 91.4 % 91.4 % 100.0 % Corporate debt and non-exchange traded corporate equity 4,793 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 17.5 % 17.5 % 17.5 % (continued) Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Weighted Average Description Min Max (In thousands) Collateralized loan obligations $ 9,087 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 12.6 % 103.1 % 26.7 % Projected Collateral Prepayments 8.1 % 88.4 % 65.2 % Projected Collateral Losses 3.7 % 40.8 % 13.5 % Projected Collateral Recoveries 4.2 % 38.0 % 11.9 % Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization 3.5 % 13.5 % 9.4 % 100.0 % Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans 206,761 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 7.0 % 18.3 % 8.5 % Projected Collateral Prepayments 0.0 % 45.9 % 33.5 % Projected Collateral Losses 2.6 % 84.8 % 9.1 % Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization 15.2 % 96.6 % 57.4 % 100.0 % Performing commercial mortgage loans 163,876 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 8.0 % 22.5 % 9.6 % Non-performing commercial mortgage loans and commercial real estate owned 80,513 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 9.6 % 27.4 % 13.2 % Months to Resolution 3.0 16.0 7.9 Performing residential mortgage loans 171,367 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 2.7 % 12.9 % 6.0 % Securitized residential mortgage loans (1) 314,202 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 4.3 % 4.6 % 4.6 % Non-performing residential mortgage loans and residential real estate owned 12,557 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 4.3 % 25.1 % 11.3 % Months to Resolution (2) 1.9 42.2 27.8 Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities 1,472 Net Discounted Cash Flows Projected Collateral Prepayments 33.6 % 42.0 % 36.5 % Projected Collateral Losses 11.1 % 15.6 % 12.8 % Projected Collateral Recoveries 10.3 % 18.7 % 15.8 % Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization 32.0 % 36.5 % 34.9 % 100.0 % Agency interest only residential mortgage-backed securities 6,549 Option Adjusted Spread ("OAS") LIBOR OAS (3) 211 3,521 677 Projected Collateral Prepayments 37.7 % 100.0 % 66.2 % Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization 0.0 % 62.3 % 33.8 % 100.0 % Non-exchange traded common equity investment in mortgage-related entity 6,750 Enterprise Value Equity Price-to-Book (4) 3.3x 3.3x 3.3x Non-exchange traded preferred equity investment in mortgage-related entity 27,317 Enterprise Value Equity Price-to-Book (4) 1.1x 1.1x 1.1x Non-exchange traded preferred equity investment in loan origination entity 3,000 Recent Transactions Transaction Price N/A N/A N/A Non-controlling equity interest in limited liability company 5,192 Discounted Cash Flows Yield (5) 12.9% 16.1% 15.4% Other secured borrowings, at fair value (1) (297,948 ) Discounted Cash Flows Yield 3.9% 4.4% 4.3% (1) Securitized residential mortgage loans and Other secured borrowings, at fair value, represent financial assets and liabilities of the Company's CFE as discussed in Note 2. (2) Excludes certain loans that are re-performing. (3) Shown in basis points. (4) Represent an estimation of where market participants might value an enterprise on a price-to-book basis. (5) Represents the significant unobservable inputs used to fair value the financial instruments of the limited liability company. The fair value of such financial instruments is the largest component of the valuation of the limited liability company as a whole. Third-party non-binding valuations are validated by comparing such valuations to internally generated prices based on the Company's models and to recent trading activity in the same or similar instruments. For those instruments valued using discounted and net discounted cash flows, collateral prepayments, losses, recoveries, and scheduled amortization are projected over the remaining life of the collateral and expressed as a percentage of the collateral's current principal balance. Averages are weighted based on the fair value of the related instrument. In the case of credit default swaps on asset-backed securities, averages are weighted based on each instrument's bond equivalent value. Bond equivalent value represents the investment amount of a corresponding position in the reference obligation, calculated as the difference between the outstanding principal balance of the underlying reference obligation and the fair value, inclusive of accrued interest, of the derivative contract. For those assets valued using the LIBOR Option Adjusted Spread ("OAS") valuation methodology, cash flows are projected using the Company's models over multiple interest rate scenarios, and these projected cash flows are then discounted using the LIBOR rates implied by each interest rate scenario. The LIBOR OAS of an asset is then computed as the unique constant yield spread that, when added to all LIBOR rates in each interest rate scenario generated by the model, will equate (a) the expected present value of the projected asset cash flows over all model scenarios to (b) the actual current market price of the asset. LIBOR OAS is therefore model-dependent. Generally speaking, LIBOR OAS measures the additional yield spread over LIBOR that an asset provides at its current market price after taking into account any interest rate options embedded in the asset. The Company considers the expected timeline to resolution in the determination of fair value for its non-performing commercial and residential mortgage loans. Material changes in any of the inputs above in isolation could result in a significant change to reported fair value measurements. Additionally, fair value measurements are impacted by the interrelationships of these inputs. For example, for instruments subject to prepayments and credit losses, such as non-Agency RMBS and consumer loans and ABS backed by consumer loans, a higher expectation of collateral prepayments will generally be accompanied by a lower expectation of collateral losses. Conversely, higher losses will generally be accompanied by lower prepayments. Because the Company's credit default swaps on asset-backed security holdings represent credit default swap contracts whereby the Company has purchased credit protection, such credit default swaps on asset-backed securities generally have the directionally opposite sensitivity to prepayments, losses, and recoveries as compared to the Company's long securities holdings. Prepayments do not represent a significant input for the Company's commercial mortgage-backed securities and commercial mortgage loans. Losses and recoveries do not represent a significant input for the Company's Agency RMBS interest only securities, given the guarantee of the issuing government agency or government-sponsored enterprise. The tables below include a roll-forward of the Company's financial instruments for the three- and six-month period ended June 30, 2018 (including the change in fair value), for financial instruments classified by the Company within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 3—Fair Value Measurement Using Significant Unobservable Inputs: Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 (In thousands) Ending Accreted Net Realized Change in Net Purchases/ Sales/ Transfers Into Level 3 Transfers Out of Level 3 Ending Assets: Investments, at fair value- Agency residential mortgage-backed securities $ 6,128 $ (547 ) $ 18 $ (41 ) $ 1,533 $ (569 ) $ — $ (633 ) $ 5,889 Private label residential mortgage-backed securities 111,862 (1,889 ) 211 (1,845 ) 13,596 (10,999 ) 3,073 (17,613 ) 96,396 Private label commercial mortgage-backed securities 13,709 28 (104 ) 784 — (4,194 ) — (1,462 ) 8,761 Commercial mortgage loans 109,294 226 553 610 20,132 (25,864 ) — — 104,951 Residential mortgage loans 240,781 (464 ) 637 (267 ) 76,785 (24,000 ) — — 293,472 Collateralized loan obligations 27,479 (377 ) 2 300 11,442 (7,889 ) — (24,848 ) 6,109 Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans 148,422 (6,955 ) 450 3,782 83,069 (29,514 ) — — 199,254 Corporate debt 18,000 59 96 (761 ) 448 (1,944 ) — (7,048 ) 8,850 Secured notes — 92 — (234 ) 11,268 — — — 11,126 Real estate owned 29,110 — 10 (1 ) 5,472 (252 ) — — 34,339 Corporate equity investments 50,869 — 1,182 (1 ) — (7,282 ) — — 44,768 Total investments, at fair value 755,654 (9,827 ) 3,055 2,326 223,745 (112,507 ) 3,073 (51,604 ) 813,915 Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities 3,069 — 161 (478 ) 22 (183 ) — — 2,591 Total financial derivatives– assets, at fair value 3,069 — 161 (478 ) 22 (183 ) — — 2,591 Total investments and financial derivatives–assets, at fair value $ 758,723 $ (9,827 ) $ 3,216 $ 1,848 $ 223,767 $ (112,690 ) $ 3,073 $ (51,604 ) $ 816,506 Liabilities: Other secured borrowings, at fair value $ (113,775 ) $ — $ — $ 414 $ 12,261 $ — $ — $ — $ (101,100 ) Total other secured borrowings, at fair value $ (113,775 ) $ — $ — $ 414 $ 12,261 $ — $ — $ — $ (101,100 ) All amounts of net realized and change in net unrealized gain (loss) in the table above are reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. The table above incorporates changes in net unrealized gain (loss) for both Level 3 financial instruments held by the Company at June 30, 2018, as well as Level 3 financial instruments disposed of by the Company during the three-month period ended June 30, 2018. For Level 3 financial instruments held by the Company at June 30, 2018, change in net unrealized gain (loss) of $1.6 million , $(0.5) million , and $0.4 million , for the three-month period ended June 30, 2018 relate to investments, financial derivatives–assets, and other secured borrowings, at fair value, respectively. As of June 30, 2017, the Company modified its procedures to determine the level within the hierarchy for certain financial instruments. Under the revised procedures, the Company examines financial instruments individually rather than in cohorts of like instruments as it had previously. As of June 30, 2018, the Company transferred $51.6 million of securities from Level 3 to Level 2 and $3.1 million from Level 2 to Level 3. Transfers between these hierarchy levels were based on the availability of sufficient observable inputs to meet Level 2 versus Level 3 criteria. The leveling of each financial instrument is reassessed at the end of each period, and is based on pricing information received from third party pricing sources. Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 (In thousands) Ending Accreted Discounts / (Amortized Premiums) Net Realized Gain/ (Loss) Change in Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) Purchases/ Sale

Investment in Securities

Investment in Securities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investment in Securities	Investment in Securities The Company's securities portfolio primarily consists of Agency RMBS, non-Agency RMBS, CMBS, CLOs, ABS backed by consumer loans, and corporate debt and equity. The following table details the Company's investment in securities as of June 30, 2019 . Gross Unrealized Weighted Average ($ in thousands) Current Principal Unamortized Premium (Discount) Amortized Cost Gains Losses Fair Value Coupon (1) Yield Life (Years) (2) Long: Agency RMBS: 15-year fixed-rate mortgages 133,432 3,326 136,758 1,158 (503 ) 137,413 3.29 % 2.56 % 3.87 20-year fixed-rate mortgages 839 57 896 — — 896 4.50 % 3.03 % 5.00 30-year fixed-rate mortgages 997,663 44,210 1,041,873 11,186 (5,057 ) 1,048,002 4.14 % 3.29 % 6.72 Adjustable rate mortgages 8,887 334 9,221 81 (111 ) 9,191 4.02 % 3.06 % 2.85 Reverse mortgages 109,314 8,157 117,471 1,334 (311 ) 118,494 4.50 % 3.08 % 6.74 Interest only securities n/a n/a 24,346 1,125 (566 ) 24,905 3.36 % 7.90 % 3.46 Non-Agency RMBS 281,461 (118,422 ) 163,039 19,690 (1,398 ) 181,331 3.78 % 6.57 % 4.84 CMBS 68,412 (37,571 ) 30,841 3,089 — 33,930 3.21 % 9.59 % 8.10 Non-Agency interest only securities n/a n/a 5,443 1,970 — 7,413 1.02 % 21.44 % 3.28 CLOs n/a n/a 77,992 697 (2,478 ) 76,211 3.14 % 15.27 % 5.61 ABS backed by consumer loans 30,892 (6,541 ) 24,351 978 (310 ) 25,019 14.61 % 14.37 % 1.15 Corporate debt 25,057 (20,938 ) 4,119 26 (64 ) 4,081 12.51 % 17.63 % 0.90 Corporate equity n/a n/a 1,445 347 (1 ) 1,791 n/a n/a n/a Total Long 1,655,957 (127,388 ) 1,637,795 41,681 (10,799 ) 1,668,677 4.14 % 4.55 % 6.07 Short: Corporate debt (450 ) (6 ) (456 ) — (14 ) (470 ) 5.42 % 5.21 % 5.39 U.S. Treasury securities (37,900 ) (492 ) (38,392 ) — (582 ) (38,974 ) 2.34 % 2.19 % 8.13 European sovereign bonds (9,895 ) 239 (9,656 ) — (483 ) (10,139 ) 0.75 % 0.12 % 2.08 Total Short (48,245 ) (259 ) (48,504 ) — (1,079 ) (49,583 ) 2.06 % 1.80 % 6.87 Total 1,607,712 (127,647 ) 1,589,291 41,681 (11,878 ) 1,619,094 4.21 % 4.47 % 6.05 (1) Weighted average coupon represents the weighted average coupons of the securities, rather than, in the case of collateralized securities, the coupon rates or loan rates on the underlying collateral. (2) Average lives of MBS are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Average lives are affected by the contractual maturities of the underlying mortgages, scheduled periodic payments of principal, and unscheduled prepayments of principal. The following table details weighted average life of the Company's Agency RMBS as of June 30, 2019 . ($ in thousands) Agency RMBS Agency Interest Only Securities Estimated Weighted Average Life (1) Fair Value Amortized Cost Weighted Average Coupon (2) Fair Value Amortized Cost Weighted Average Coupon (2) Less than three years 52,440 51,998 4.86 % 8,248 8,047 3.27 % Greater than three years less than seven years 597,007 594,329 4.13 % 16,657 16,299 3.41 % Greater than seven years less than eleven years 664,549 659,892 3.97 % — — — % Total 1,313,996 1,306,219 4.08 % 24,905 24,346 3.36 % (1) Average lives of RMBS are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Average lives are affected by the contractual maturities of the underlying mortgages, scheduled periodic payments of principal, and unscheduled prepayments of principal. (2) Weighted average coupon represents the weighted average coupons of the securities, rather than the coupon rates or loan rates on the underlying collateral. The following table details weighted average life of the Company's long non-Agency RMBS, CMBS, and CLOs and other securities as of June 30, 2019 . ($ in thousands) Non-Agency RMBS and CMBS Non-Agency IOs CLOs and Other Securities (2) Estimated Weighted Average Life (1) Fair Value Amortized Cost Weighted Average Coupon (3) Fair Value Amortized Cost Weighted Average Coupon (3) Fair Value Amortized Cost Weighted Average Coupon (3) Less than three years 81,826 66,955 2.59 % 3,625 2,062 0.12 % 32,566 31,927 12.98 % Greater than three years less than seven years 63,052 61,152 5.43 % 3,788 3,381 1.57 % 71,122 73,126 3.25 % Greater than seven years less then eleven years 49,899 45,239 3.95 % — — — % — — — % Greater than eleven years 20,484 20,534 1.50 % — — — % 1,623 1,409 — % Total 215,261 193,880 3.69 % 7,413 5,443 1.02 % 105,311 106,462 6.12 % (1) Average lives of MBS are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Average lives are affected by the contractual maturities of the underlying mortgages, scheduled periodic payments of principal, and unscheduled prepayments of principal. (2) Other Securities includes asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans, corporate debt, and U.S. Treasury securities. (3) Weighted average coupon represents the weighted average coupons of the securities, rather than the coupon rates or loan rates on the underlying collateral. The following table details the components of interest income by security type for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 : (In thousands) Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2019 Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2019 Security Type Coupon Interest Net Amortization Interest Income Coupon Interest Net Amortization Interest Income Agency RMBS 14,466 (4,965 ) 9,501 26,656 (9,593 ) 17,063 Non-Agency RMBS and CMBS 3,282 689 3,971 7,131 1,236 8,367 CLOs 3,666 (576 ) 3,090 7,910 (511 ) 7,399 Other securities (1) 1,443 (355 ) 1,088 3,036 (917 ) 2,119 Total 22,857 (5,207 ) 17,650 44,733 (9,785 ) 34,948 (1) Other securities includes asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans, corporate debt, and U.S. Treasury securities. For the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 the Catch-Up Premium Amortization Adjustment was $(0.9) million and $(1.4) million , respectively. The following table presents proceeds from sales and the resulting realized gains and (losses) of the Company's securities for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 . (In thousands) Three-Month Period Ended Six-Month Period Ended Security Type Proceeds Gross Realized Gains Gross Realized Losses Net Realized Gain (Loss) Proceeds Gross Realized Gains Gross Realized Losses Net Realized Gain (Loss) Agency RMBS 259,207 1,872 (1,565 ) 307 387,511 2,578 (3,238 ) (660 ) Non-Agency RMBS and CMBS 19,139 825 (1,536 ) (711 ) 148,684 2,092 (4,975 ) (2,883 ) CLOs 11,275 54 (3,109 ) (3,055 ) 56,097 152 (4,002 ) (3,850 ) Other securities (1) 76,440 127 (808 ) (681 ) 479,428 744 (1,851 ) (1,107 ) Total 366,061 2,878 (7,018 ) (4,140 ) 1,071,720 5,566 (14,066 ) (8,500 ) (1) Other securities includes asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans, corporate debt and equity, exchange-traded equity, and U.S. Treasury securities. The following table presents the fair value and gross unrealized losses of our long securities by length of time that such securities have been in an unrealized loss position at June 30, 2019 . (In thousands) Less than 12 Months Greater than 12 Months Total Security Type Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Agency RMBS 79,449 (637 ) 312,905 (5,911 ) 392,354 (6,548 ) Non-Agency RMBS and CMBS 42,088 (604 ) 54,549 (794 ) 96,637 (1,398 ) CLOs 42,086 (2,172 ) 5,161 (306 ) 47,247 (2,478 ) Other securities (1) 6,157 (145 ) 2,027 (230 ) 8,184 (375 ) Total 169,780 (3,558 ) 374,642 (7,241 ) 544,422 (10,799 ) (1) Other securities includes asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans, corporate debt and equity, and U.S. Treasury securities. As described in Note 2, the Company evaluates the cost basis of its securities for impairment on at least a quarterly basis. For the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 , the Company recognized an impairment charge of $4.7 million and $6.0 million , respectively, on the cost basis of its securities, which is included in Realized gains (losses) on securities and loans, net, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. For each of the remaining securities in a loss position at June 30, 2019 , the unrealized loss is due to market conditions and not to a change in the credit quality of the securities. In addition, any unrealized losses on the Company’s Agency RMBS accounted for under ASC 320 are not due to credit losses given their explicit guarantee of principal and interest by the issuing government agency or government-sponsored enterprise, but rather are due to changes in interest rates and prepayment expectations.

Investment in Loans

Investment in Loans	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Receivables [Abstract]
Investment in Loans	Investment in Loans The Company invests in various types of loans, such as residential mortgage, commercial mortgage, consumer loans, and corporate loans. As discussed in Note 2, the Company has elected the FVO for its investments in loans. The following table is a summary of the Company's investments in loans as of June 30, 2019 : Loan Type Unpaid Principal Balance Fair Value (In thousands) Residential mortgage loans $ 652,119 $ 663,880 Commercial mortgage loans 285,169 260,034 Consumer loans 157,774 162,609 Corporate loans 5,000 5,000 Total $ 1,100,062 $ 1,091,523 The Company is subject to credit risk in connection with its investments in loans. The two primary components of credit risk are default risk, which is the risk that a borrower fails to make scheduled principal and interest payments, and severity risk, which is the risk of loss upon a borrower default on a mortgage loan or other secured or unsecured loan. Severity risk includes the risk of loss of value of the property or other asset, if any, securing the loan, as well as the risk of loss associated with taking over the property or other asset, if any, including foreclosure costs. The following table provides details, by accrual status, for loans that are 90 days or more past due as of June 30, 2019 : (In thousands) Unpaid Principal Balance Fair Value 90 days or more past due—non-accrual status Residential mortgage loans $ 20,984 $ 18,895 Commercial mortgage loans 77,276 53,324 Consumer loans 1,915 1,893 Residential Mortgage Loans The table below details certain information regarding the Company's residential mortgage loans as of June 30, 2019 : Gross Unrealized Weighted Average ($ in thousands) Unpaid Principal Balance Premium (Discount) Amortized Cost Gains Losses Fair Value Coupon Yield Life (Years) (1) Residential mortgage loans, held-for-investment (2) $ 652,119 $ 5,258 $ 657,377 $ 7,681 $ (1,178 ) $ 663,880 6.49 % 5.12 % 5.48 (1) Average lives of loans are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Average lives are affected by scheduled periodic payments of principal and unscheduled prepayments of principal. (2) Includes $503.1 million of non-QM loans that have been securitized and are held in consolidated securitization trusts; see Note 10. The table below summarizes the geographic distribution of the real estate collateral underlying the Company's residential mortgage loans as of June 30, 2019 : Property Location by State Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance California 48.8 % Florida 12.9 % Texas 12.6 % Colorado 3.8 % Arizona 3.0 % Oregon 2.3 % Nevada 1.9 % New York 1.8 % Utah 1.8 % Washington 1.8 % Maryland 1.2 % Illinois 1.0 % Other 7.1 % 100.0 % The following table presents information on the Company's residential mortgage loans by re-performing or non-performing status, as of June 30, 2019 . (In thousands) Unpaid Principal Balance Fair Value Re-performing $ 15,923 $ 13,866 Non-performing 18,641 16,996 As described in Note 2, the Company evaluates the cost basis of its residential mortgage loans for impairment on at least a quarterly basis. For the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 , the Company recognized an impairment charge of $0.3 million and $0.4 million , respectively, on the cost basis of its residential mortgage loans, which is included in Realized gains (losses) on securities and loans, net, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. The impairment charge recognized for the three-month period ended June 30, 2019 , where the fair value of the residential mortgage loans was less than their carrying amount, related to residential mortgage loans with an aggregate unpaid principal balance of $5.4 million and fair value of $4.6 million . As of June 30, 2019 , the Company had residential mortgage loans that were in the process of foreclosure with a fair value of $8.4 million . Commercial Mortgage Loans The table below details certain information regarding the Company's commercial mortgage loans as of June 30, 2019 : Gross Unrealized Weighted Average ($ in thousands) Unpaid Principal Balance Premium (Discount) Amortized Cost Gains Losses Fair Value Coupon Yield (1) Life (Years) (2) Commercial mortgage loans $ 285,169 $ (25,057 ) $ 260,112 $ 479 $ (557 ) $ 260,034 8.72 % 9.98 % 1.05 (1) Excludes commercial mortgage loans, held at par in non-accrual status, with a fair value of $25.7 million . (2) Average lives of loans are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Average lives are affected by scheduled periodic payments of principal and unscheduled prepayments of principal. The table below summarizes the geographic distribution of the real estate collateral underlying the Company's commercial mortgage loans as of June 30, 2019 : Property Location by State Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance Florida 19.7 % Connecticut 16.6 % New York 15.7 % New Jersey 13.0 % North Carolina 6.8 % Virginia 6.6 % Massachusetts 4.6 % Arizona 3.7 % Kentucky 3.5 % Indiana 2.1 % Pennsylvania 1.6 % Nevada 1.4 % Tennessee 1.4 % Louisiana 1.3 % Georgia 1.0 % Other 1.0 % 100.0 % As of June 30, 2019 , the Company had seven non-performing commercial mortgage loans with an unpaid principal balance and fair value of $77.3 million and $53.3 million , respectively. The Company evaluates the cost basis of its commercial mortgage loans for impairment on at least a quarterly basis. As of June 30, 2019 , the Company did not have any commercial mortgage loans that were in the process of foreclosure. Consumer Loans The table below details certain information regarding the Company's consumer loans as of June 30, 2019 : Gross Unrealized Weighted Average ($ in thousands) Unpaid Principal Balance Premium (Discount) Amortized Cost Gains Losses Fair Value Life (Years) (1) Delinquency (Days) Consumer loans $ 157,774 $ 2,947 $ 160,721 $ 2,520 $ (632 ) $ 162,609 0.76 4 (1) Average lives of loans are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Average lives are affected by scheduled periodic payments of principal and unscheduled prepayments of principal. The table below provides details on the delinquency status of the Company's consumer loans, which the Company uses as an indicator of credit quality, as of June 30, 2019 : Days Past Due Delinquency Status (1) Current 95.3 % 30-59 Days 2.0 % 60-89 Days 1.5 % 90-119 Days 1.2 % 100.0 % (1) As a percentage of total unpaid principal balance. As described in Note 2, the Company evaluates the cost basis of its pools of consumer loans for impairments on at least a quarterly basis. For the three- and six-month period ended June 30, 2019 , the Company recognized an impairment charge of $1.4 million and $3.5 million , respectively, on the cost basis of its consumer loan pools, which is included in Realized gains (losses) on securities and loans, net, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. The impairment charge recognized for the three-month period ended June 30, 2019 , where the fair value of the consumer loan pools was less than their carrying amount, related to consumer loan pools with an aggregate unpaid principal balance of $62.8 million and fair value of $64.7 million . Corporate Loans As of June 30, 2019, the Company held a $5.0 million corporate loan with an interest rate of 15% per annum and a maturity date in May 2020. The borrower is a mortgage originator in which the Company also holds an equity investment. See Note 13 for additional details.

Investments in Unconsolidated E

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities	Investments in Unconsolidated Entities As of June 30, 2019 the Company had various equity investments in entities where the Company has the ability to exert significant influence over such entity, but does not control such entity. In these cases the criteria for consolidation have not been met and the Company is required to account for such investments under ASC 323-10; the Company has elected the FVO for its investments in unconsolidated entities. As of June 30, 2019 , the Company's investments in unconsolidated entities had an aggregate fair value of $69.7 million , which is included on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet in Investments in unconsolidated entities, at fair value. For the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 the Company recognized $2.4 million and $4.2 million , respectively, in Earnings from investments in unconsolidated entities, on its Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. Certain of the entities that the Company accounts for under ASC 323-10 are deemed to be VIEs, and the maximum amount at risk is generally limited to the Company's investment in the VIE. As of June 30, 2019 , the fair value of the Company's investments in unconsolidated entities that have been deemed to be VIEs was $33.5 million . The following table provides details about the Company's investments in unconsolidated entities as of June 30, 2019 : Investment in Unconsolidated Entity Form of Investment Percentage Ownership of Unconsolidated Entity Longbridge Financial, LLC (1) Preferred shares 49.7% LendSure Mortgage Corp. (1) Common shares 45.0% Jepson Holdings Limited (1)(2) Membership Interest 30.1% Elizon AFG 2018-1 LLC (1)(2) Membership Interest 12.8% Elizon DB 2015-1 LLC (1)(2) Membership Interest 4.7% Other Various 9.9%–55.0% (1) See Note 13 for additional details on the Company's related party transactions. (2) The Company has evaluated this entity and determined that it meets the definition of a VIE. The Company evaluated its interest in the VIE and determined that the Company does not have the power to direct the activities of the VIE and does not have control of the underlying assets, where applicable. As a result, the Company determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of this VIE and therefore has not consolidated the VIE.

Real Estate Owned

Real Estate Owned	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Real Estate Owned, Disclosure of Detailed Components [Abstract]
Real Estate Owned	Real Estate Owned As discussed in Note 2, the Company obtains possession of REO as a result of foreclosures on the associated mortgage loans. The following table details activity in the Company's carrying value of REO for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 . Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2019 Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2019 Number of Properties Carrying Value Number of Properties Carrying Value (In thousands) (In thousands) Beginning Balance (3/31/2019 and 1/1/2019, respectively) 21 $ 31,003 20 $ 30,778 Transfers from mortgage loans 2 17,414 4 17,713 Capital expenditures and other adjustments to cost — 240 Adjustments to record at the lower of cost or fair value (13 ) (263 ) Disposals (3 ) (783 ) (4 ) (847 ) Ending Balance (6/30/2019) 20 $ 47,621 20 $ 47,621 During the three-month period ended June 30, 2019 , the Company sold three REO properties, realizing a net gain (loss) of approximately $98 thousand . During the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 , the Company sold four REO properties, realizing a net gain (loss) of approximately $40 thousand . Such realized gains (losses) are included in R ealized gains (losses) on real estate owned, net, on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. As of June 30, 2019 all of the Company's REO had been obtained as a result of obtaining physical possession through foreclosure. As of June 30, 2019 , the Company had REO measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis of $20.2 million .

To Be Announced RMBS

To Be Announced RMBS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
To Be Announced RMBS [Abstract]
To Be Announced RMBS	To Be Announced RMBS In addition to investing in pools of Agency RMBS, the Company transacts in the forward settling TBA market. Pursuant to these TBA transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell, for future delivery, Agency RMBS with certain principal and interest terms and certain types of underlying collateral, but the particular Agency RMBS to be delivered is not identified until shortly before the TBA settlement date. TBAs are liquid and have quoted market prices and represent the most actively traded class of MBS. The Company accounts for its TBAs as purchases and sales and uses TBAs primarily for hedging purposes, typically in the form of short positions. However, the Company may also invest in TBAs for speculative purposes, including holding long positions. Overall, the Company typically holds a net short position. The Company does not generally take delivery of TBAs; rather, it settles the associated receivable and payable with its trading counterparties on a net basis. Transactions with the same counterparty for the same TBA that result in a reduction of the position are treated as extinguished. The fair value of the Company's long positions in TBA contracts are reflected on the Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments under TBA–Fixed-Rate Agency Securities and the fair value of the Company's positions in TBA contracts sold short are reflected on the Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments under TBA–Fixed-Rate Agency Securities Sold Short. The payables and receivables related to the Company's TBA securities are included on the Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity in Payable for securities purchased and Receivable for securities sold, respectively. The below table details TBA assets, liabilities, and the respective related payables and receivables as of December 31, 2018: (In thousands) As of December 31, 2018 Assets: TBA securities, at fair value (Current principal: $460,037) $ 474,860 Receivable for securities sold relating to unsettled TBA sales 766,574 Liabilities: TBA securities sold short, at fair value (Current principal: -$753,697) $ (772,964 ) Payable for securities purchased relating to unsettled TBA purchases (473,386 ) Net short TBA securities, at fair value (298,104 )

Financial Derivatives

Financial Derivatives	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Financial Derivatives	Financial Derivatives The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company manages certain risks associated with its investments and borrowings, including interest rate, credit, liquidity, and foreign exchange rate risk primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its investments and borrowings, and through the use of derivative financial instruments. The Company's derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of its known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments principally related to its investments and borrowings. The following table details the fair value of the Company's holdings of financial derivatives as of June 30, 2019 : June 30, 2019 (In thousands) Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value: TBA securities purchase contracts $ 121 TBA securities sale contracts 19 Fixed payer interest rate swaps 31 Fixed receiver interest rate swaps 1,403 Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities 1,090 Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices 2,164 Credit default swaps on corporate bonds 521 Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices 5,714 Total return swaps 87 Total financial derivatives–assets, at fair value $ 11,150 Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value: TBA securities sale contracts $ (2,443 ) Fixed payer interest rate swaps (7,658 ) Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices (202 ) Credit default swaps on corporate bonds (686 ) Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices (14,113 ) Total return swaps (58 ) Futures (2,380 ) Forwards (265 ) Total financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value $ (27,805 ) Total $ (16,655 ) Interest Rate Swaps The following table provides information about the Company's fixed payer interest rate swaps as of June 30, 2019 : Weighted Average Maturity Notional Amount Fair Value Pay Rate Receive Rate Remaining Years to Maturity (In thousands) 2020 $ 68,607 $ (69 ) 1.74 % 2.38 % 0.75 2021 124,050 (576 ) 2.03 2.03 1.93 2023 101,012 (1,124 ) 2.06 2.48 3.79 2024 2,900 (274 ) 2.60 2.60 4.51 2026 1,512 (53 ) 2.28 2.31 6.75 2028 32,942 (1,493 ) 2.40 2.41 8.84 2029 44,494 (2,904 ) 2.64 2.55 9.60 2030 685 (26 ) 2.38 2.52 11.40 2049 7,020 (1,108 ) 2.89 2.60 29.53 Total $ 383,222 $ (7,627 ) 2.11 % 2.32 % 4.25 The following table provides information about the Company's fixed receiver interest rate swaps as of June 30, 2019 : Weighted Average Maturity Notional Amount Fair Value Pay Rate Receive Rate Remaining Years to Maturity (In thousands) 2022 $ 53,974 $ 354 2.52 % 1.85 % 2.67 2023 48,657 677 2.39 2.00 3.76 2024 11,342 372 2.60 2.33 4.73 Total $ 113,973 $ 1,403 2.47 % 1.96 % 3.34 Credit Default Swaps The following table provides information about the Company's credit default swaps as of June 30, 2019 : Type (1) Notional Fair Value Weighted Average Remaining Term (Years) (In thousands) Asset: Long: Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices $ 794 $ 9 23.58 Credit default swaps on corporate bonds 430 2 0.98 Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices 140,543 5,714 3.08 Short: Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities (2,775 ) 1,090 16.15 Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices (24,492 ) 2,155 37.01 Credit default swaps on corporate bonds (3,033 ) 519 1.74 Liability: Long: Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices 376 (164 ) 29.89 Credit default swaps on corporate bonds 2,980 (501 ) 1.72 Short: Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices (2,500 ) (38 ) 38.33 Credit default swaps on corporate bonds (10,245 ) (185 ) 0.70 Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices (238,213 ) (14,113 ) 2.77 $ (136,135 ) $ (5,512 ) 9.19 (1) Long notional represents contracts where the Company has written protection and short notional represents contracts where the Company has purchased protection. Futures The following table provides information about the Company's short positions in futures as of June 30, 2019 : Description Notional Amount Fair Value Remaining Months to Expiration (In thousands) U.S. Treasury futures $ (111,200 ) $ (2,218 ) 2.83 Eurodollar futures (28,000 ) (82 ) 7.15 Currency futures (12,653 ) (80 ) 2.60 Total $ (151,853 ) $ (2,380 ) 3.61 TBAs The Company transacts in the forward settling TBA market. Pursuant to these TBA transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell, for future delivery, Agency RMBS with certain principal and interest terms and certain types of underlying collateral, but the particular Agency RMBS to be delivered is not identified until shortly before the TBA settlement date. TBAs are generally liquid, have quoted market prices, and represent the most actively traded class of MBS. The Company uses TBAs to mitigate interest rate risk, usually by taking short positions. The Company also invests in TBAs as a means of acquiring additional exposure to Agency RMBS, or for speculative purposes, including holding long positions. The Company does not generally take delivery of TBAs; rather, it settles the associated receivable and payable with its trading counterparties on a net basis. Transactions with the same counterparty for the same TBA that result in a reduction of the position are treated as extinguished. As of June 30, 2019 , the Company had outstanding TBA purchase and sale contracts as follows: TBA Securities Notional Amount (1) Cost Basis (2) Market Value (3) Net Carrying Value (4) (In thousands) Purchase contracts: Assets $ 107,101 $ 110,827 $ 110,948 $ 121 107,101 110,827 110,948 121 Sale contracts: Assets (7,100 ) (7,278 ) (7,259 ) 19 Liabilities (653,238 ) (674,925 ) (677,368 ) (2,443 ) (660,338 ) (682,203 ) (684,627 ) (2,424 ) Total TBA securities, net $ (553,237 ) $ (571,376 ) $ (573,679 ) $ (2,303 ) (1) Notional amount represents the principal balance of the underlying Agency RMBS. (2) Cost basis represents the forward price to be paid (received) for the underlying Agency RMBS. (3) Market value represents the current market value of the underlying Agency RMBS (on a forward delivery basis) as of period end. (4) Net carrying value represents the difference between the market value of the TBA contract as of period end and the cost basis, and is reported in Financial derivatives-assets, at fair value and Financial derivatives-liabilities, at fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Gains and losses on the Company's derivative contracts for the three-month period ended June 30, 2019 are summarized in the table below: Derivative Type Primary Risk Exposure Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Financial Derivatives Other Than Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps (1) Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Financial Derivatives (1) Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Accrued Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Financial Derivatives Other Than on Accrued Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps (2) Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Financial Derivatives (2) (In thousands) Interest rate swaps Interest Rate $ 52 $ (2,609 ) $ (2,557 ) $ 45 $ (3,545 ) $ (3,500 ) Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities Credit 129 129 (143 ) (143 ) Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices Credit (239 ) (239 ) (203 ) (203 ) Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices Credit (761 ) (761 ) 471 471 Credit default swaps on corporate bonds Credit (80 ) (80 ) 77 77 Total return swaps Equity Market/Credit 1 1 (94 ) (94 ) TBAs Interest Rate (5,681 ) (5,681 ) 241 241 Futures Interest Rate/Currency (2,381 ) (2,381 ) (1,226 ) (1,226 ) Forwards Currency 657 657 (574 ) (574 ) Options Interest Rate (2 ) (2 ) 1 1 Total $ 52 $ (10,966 ) $ (10,914 ) $ 45 $ (4,995 ) $ (4,950 ) (1) Includes gain/(loss) on foreign currency transactions on financial derivatives in the amount of $6 thousand for the three-month period ended June 30, 2019 , which is included on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations in Other, net. (2) Includes foreign currency remeasurement on financial derivatives in the amount of $(29) thousand for the three-month period ended June 30, 2019 , which is included on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations in Other, net. Gains and losses on the Company's derivative contracts for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 are summarized in the table below: Derivative Type Primary Risk Exposure Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Financial Derivatives Other Than Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps (1) Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Financial Derivatives (1) Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Accrued Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Financial Derivatives Other Than on Accrued Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps (2) Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Financial Derivatives (2) (In thousands) Interest rate swaps Interest Rate $ 770 $ (1,151 ) $ (381 ) $ (231 ) $ (9,317 ) $ (9,548 ) Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities Credit 403 403 (382 ) (382 ) Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices Credit (984 ) (984 ) (751 ) (751 ) Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices Credit (3,274 ) (3,274 ) (1,936 ) (1,936 ) Credit default swaps on corporate bonds Credit (505 ) (505 ) 842 842 Total return swaps Equity Market/Credit (1,297 ) (1,297 ) 35 35 TBAs Interest Rate (12,115 ) (12,115 ) 2,139 2,139 Futures Interest Rate/Currency (4,814 ) (4,814 ) (867 ) (867 ) Forwards Currency 543 543 (151 ) (151 ) Options Interest Rate (35 ) (35 ) 1 1 Total $ 770 $ (23,229 ) $ (22,459 ) $ (231 ) $ (10,387 ) $ (10,618 ) (1) Includes gain/(loss) on foreign currency transactions on financial derivatives in the amount of $31 thousand for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 , which is included on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations in Other, net. (2) Includes foreign currency remeasurement on financial derivatives in the amount of $(8) thousand for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 , which is included on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations in Other, net. The table below details the average notional values of the Company's financial derivatives, using absolute value of month end notional values, for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 : Derivative Type Six-Month Period Ended (In thousands) Interest rate swaps $ 774,539 TBAs 1,201,858 Credit default swaps 409,549 Total return swaps 38,507 Futures 239,826 Options 36,818 Forwards 35,530 Warrants 2,281 From time to time the Company enters into credit derivative contracts for which the Company sells credit protection ("written credit derivatives"). As of June 30, 2019 , all of the Company's open written credit derivatives were credit default swaps on either mortgage/asset-backed indices (ABX and CMBX indices) or corporate bond indices (CDX), collectively referred to as credit indices, or on individual corporate bonds, for which the Company receives periodic payments at fixed rates from credit protection buyers, and is obligated to make payments to the credit protection buyer upon the occurrence of a "credit event" with respect to underlying reference assets. Written credit derivatives held by the Company at June 30, 2019 are summarized below: Credit Derivatives June 30, 2019 (In thousands) Fair Value of Written Credit Derivatives, Net $ 5,060 Fair Value of Purchased Credit Derivatives Offsetting Written Credit Derivatives with Third Parties (1) (2,663 ) Notional Value of Written Credit Derivatives (2) 145,123 Notional Value of Purchased Credit Derivatives Offsetting Written Credit Derivatives with Third Parties (1) 88,825 (1) Offsetting transactions with third parties include purchased credit derivatives which have the same reference obligation. (2) The notional value is the maximum amount that a seller of credit protection would be obligated to pay, and a buyer of credit protection would receive, upon occurrence of a "credit event." Movements in the value of credit default swap transactions may require the Company or the counterparty to post or receive collateral. Amounts due or owed under credit derivative contracts with an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, or "ISDA," counterparty may be offset against amounts due or owed on other credit derivative contracts with the same ISDA counterparty. As a result, the notional value of written credit derivatives involving a particular underlying reference asset or index has been reduced (but not below zero) by the notional value of any contracts where the Company has purchased credit protection on the same reference asset or index with the same ISDA counterparty. A credit default swap on a credit index or a corporate bond typically terminates at the stated maturity date in the case of corporate indices or bonds, or, in the case of ABX and CMBX indices, the date that all of the reference assets underlying the index are paid off in full, retired, or otherwise cease to exist. Implied credit spreads may be used to determine the market value of such contracts and are reflective of the cost of buying/selling credit protection. Higher spreads would indicate a greater likelihood that a seller will be obligated to perform ( i.e. , make protection payments) under the contract. In situations where the credit quality of the underlying reference assets has deteriorated, the percentage of notional values that would be paid up front to enter into a new such contract ("points up front") is frequently used as an indication of credit risk. Credit protection sellers entering the market in such situations would expect to be paid points up front corresponding to the approximate fair value of the contract. For the Company's written credit derivatives that were outstanding at June 30, 2019 , implied credit spreads on such contracts ranged between 26.2 and 460.6 basis points. Excluded from these spread ranges are contracts outstanding for which the individual spread is greater than 2,000 basis points. The Company believes that these contracts would be quoted based on estimated points up front. The total fair value of contracts with individual implied credit spreads in excess of 2,000 basis points was $(0.6) million as of June 30, 2019 . Estimated points up front on these contracts as of June 30, 2019 ranged between 48.5 and 82.3 points. Total net up-front payments (paid) or received relating to written credit derivatives outstanding at June 30, 2019 were $(3.6) million . Financial Derivatives Gains and losses on the Company's derivative contracts for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018 are summarized in the table below: Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 Derivative Type Primary Risk Exposure Net Realized (1) Change in Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) (2) Net Realized (1) Change in Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) (2) (In thousands) Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities Credit $ 161 $ (477 ) $ 247 $ (549 ) Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices Credit (204 ) 1 (2,046 ) 1,453 Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices Credit (675 ) 866 (2,237 ) 2,428 Credit default swaps on corporate bonds Credit (1,472 ) 3,063 2,996 (792 ) Total return swaps Equity Market/Credit 257 (331 ) 423 (313 ) Interest rate swaps Interest Rate (677 ) 2,091 (1,500 ) 7,130 Futures Interest Rate/Currency 1,684 1,542 923 981 Forwards Currency 1,104 100 (69 ) 485 Options Interest Rate/ Equity Market (1 ) — (62 ) 76 Total $ 177 $ 6,855 $ (1,325 ) $ 10,899 (1) Includes gain/(loss) on foreign currency transactions on derivatives in the amount of $22 thousand and $(0.2) million , for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018, respectively, which is included on the Consolidated Statement of Operations in Realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions. (2) Includes foreign currency translation on derivatives in the amount of $0.2 million and $0.3 million , for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018, respectively, which is included on the Consolidated Statement of Operations in Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation. The table below details the average notional values of the Company's financial derivatives, using absolute value of month end notional values, for the year ended December 31, 2018: Derivative Type Year Ended (In thousands) Interest rate swaps $ 1,059,756 Credit default swaps 566,805 Total return swaps 53,603 Futures 201,295 Options 99,891 Forwards 45,522 From time to time the Company enters into credit derivative contracts for which the Company sells credit protection ("written credit derivatives"). As of December 31, 2018 all of the Company's open written credit derivatives were credit default swaps on either mortgage/asset-backed indices (ABX and CMBX indices) or corporate bond indices (CDX), collectively referred to as credit indices, or on individual corporate bonds, for which the Company receives periodic payments at fixed rates from credit protection buyers, and is obligated to make payments to the credit protection buyer upon the occurrence of a "credit event" with respect to underlying reference assets. Written credit derivatives held by the Company at December 31, 2018 are summarized below: Credit Derivatives December 31, 2018 (In thousands) Fair Value of Written Credit Derivatives, Net $ (4,339 ) Fair Value of Purchased Credit Derivatives Offsetting Written Credit Derivatives with Third Parties (1) (284 ) Notional Value of Written Credit Derivatives (2) 98,586 Notional Value of Purchased Credit Derivatives Offsetting Written Credit Derivatives with Third Parties (1) 41,134 (1) Offsetting transactions with third parties include purchased credit derivatives which have the same reference obligation. (2) The notional value is the maximum amount that a seller of credit protection would be obligated to pay, and a buyer of credit protection would receive, upon occurrence of a "credit event." Movements in the value of credit default swap transactions may require the Company or the counterparty to post or receive collateral. Amounts due or owed under credit derivative contracts with an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, or "ISDA," counterparty may be offset against amounts due or owed on other credit derivative contracts with the same ISDA counterparty. As a result, the notional value of written credit derivatives involving a particular underlying reference asset or index has been reduced (but not below zero) by the notional value of any contracts where the Company has purchased credit protection on the same reference asset or index with the same ISDA counterparty. A credit default swap on a credit index or a corporate bond typically terminates at the stated maturity date in the case of corporate indices or bonds, or, in the case of ABX and CMBX indices, the date that all of the reference assets underlying the index are paid off in full, retired, or otherwise cease to exist. Implied credit spreads may be used to determine the market value of such contracts and are reflective of the cost of buying/selling credit protection. Higher spreads would indicate a greater likelihood that a seller will be obligated to perform ( i.e. , make protection payments) under the contract. In situations where the credit quality of the underlying reference assets has deteriorated, the percentage of notional values that would be paid up front to enter into a new such contract ("points up front") is frequently used as an indication of credit risk. Credit protection sellers entering the market in such situations would expect to be paid points up front corresponding to the approximate fair value of the contract. For the Company's written credit derivatives that were outstanding at December 31, 2018, implied credit spreads on such contracts ranged between 42.6 and 815.1 basis points. Excluded from this spread range are contracts outstanding for which the individual spread is greater than 2,000 basis points. The Company believes that these contracts would be quoted based on estimated points up front. The total fair value of contracts with individual implied credit spreads in excess of 2,000 basis points was $(1.0) million as of December 31, 2018. Estimated points up front on these contracts as of December 31, 2018 ranged between 36.9 and 75.2 points. Total net up-front payments (paid) or received relating to written credit derivatives outstanding at December 31, 2018 were $(2.0) million .

Consolidated VIEs

Consolidated VIEs	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Consolidated VIEs	Consolidated VIEs As discussed in Note 2, the Company has interests in entities that it has determined to be VIEs. The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities of the Company's consolidated VIEs that are included on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2019 . (In thousands) June 30, 2019 (1) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,214 Restricted cash 175 Loans, at fair value 1,078,023 Investments in unconsolidated entities, at fair value 6,413 Real estate owned 47,621 Due from brokers 190 Investment related receivables 26,928 Other assets 2,027 Total Assets $ 1,166,591 Liabilities Repurchase agreements $ 270,817 Investment related payables 271 Other secured borrowings 101,925 Other secured borrowings, at fair value 475,816 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,378 Interest payable 1,391 Other liabilities 262 Total Liabilities 851,860 Total Stockholders' Equity 298,080 Non-controlling interests 16,651 Total Equity 314,731 Total Liabilities and Equity $ 1,166,591 (1) See Note 10 and Note 13 for additional information on the Company's consolidated VIEs.

Securitization Transactions

Securitization Transactions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Securitization Transactions [Abstract]
Securitization Transactions	Securitization Transactions Participation in Multi-Seller Consumer Loan Securitization In August 2016, the Company participated in a securitization transaction whereby the Company, together with another entity managed by Ellington (the "co-participant"), sold consumer loans with an aggregate unpaid principal balance of approximately $124 million to a newly formed securitization trust (the "Issuer"). Of the $124 million in loans sold to the Issuer, the Company's share was 51% while the co-participant's share was 49% . The transfer was accounted for as a sale in accordance with ASC 860-10. Pursuant to the securitization, the Issuer issued senior and subordinated notes in the principal amount of $87.0 million and $18.7 million, respectively. Trust certificates representing beneficial ownership of the Issuer were also issued. In connection with the transaction, and through a jointly owned newly formed entity (the "Acquiror"), the Company and the co-participant acquired all of the subordinated notes as well as the trust certificates in the Issuer. The Company and the co-participant acquired 51% and 49% , respectively, of the interests in the Acquiror. Subsequently, at the direction of the Company and the co-participant, the Acquiror sold the subordinated notes to a third party; such sales occurred prior to January 1, 2019. As of June 30, 2019 , the Company's total interest in the Acquiror was approximately 49.3% . The Company's interest in the Acquiror, for which the Company has elected the FVO, is included on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet in Investments in unconsolidated entities, at fair value. The notes and trust certificates issued by the Issuer are backed by the cash flows from the underlying consumer loans. If there are breaches of representations and warranties with respect to any underlying consumer loans, the Company could, under certain circumstances, be required to repurchase or replace such loans. Absent such breaches, the Company has no obligation to repurchase or replace any underlying consumer loans that become delinquent or otherwise default. Cash flows collected on the underlying consumer loans are distributed to service providers to the trust, noteholders, and trust certificate holders in accordance with the contractual priority of payments. In addition, another affiliate of Ellington (the "Administrator"), acts as the administrator for the securitization and is paid a monthly fee for its services. The Issuer and the Aquiror are each deemed to be a VIE. The Company has evaluated its interest in the Issuer under ASC 810, and while the Company retains credit risk in the securitization trust through its beneficial ownership of most of the subordinated interests of the securitization trust, which are the first to absorb credit losses on the securitized assets, the Company does not retain control of these assets or the power to direct the activities of the Issuer that most significantly impact the Issuer's economic performance. As a result the Company determined that neither the Company nor the Aquiror is the primary beneficiary of the Issuer, and therefore the Company has not consolidated the Issuer. Additionally, the Company evaluated its interest in the Aquiror and determined that is does not have the power to direct the activities of the Aquiror that most significantly impact the Aquiror's economic performance. As a result, the Company determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of the Aquiror, and therefore the Company has not consolidated the Aquiror. The maximum amount at risk related to the Company's investment in the Aquiror is limited to the fair value of such investment, which was $2.7 million as of June 30, 2019 . Participation in CLO Transactions Since June 2017, an affiliate of Ellington has sponsored four CLO securitization transactions (the "CLO I Securitization," the "CLO II Securitization," the "CLO III Securitization," and the "CLO IV Securitization"; collectively, the "Ellington-sponsored CLO Securitizations"), collateralized by corporate loans and managed by an affiliate of Ellington (the "CLO Manager"). Ellington, the Company, several other affiliates of Ellington, and in the case of the CLO II Securitization, the CLO III Securitization, and the CLO IV Securitization, several third parties, participated in the Ellington-sponsored CLO Securitizations (collectively, the "CLO Co-Participants"). Pursuant to each Ellington-sponsored CLO Securitization, a newly formed securitization trust (the "CLO I Issuer," the "CLO II Issuer," the "CLO III Issuer," and the "CLO IV Issuer"; collectively, the "CLO Issuers") issued various classes of notes, which were in turn sold to unrelated third parties and the applicable CLO Co-Participants. The notes issued by each CLO Issuer are backed by the cash flows from the underlying corporate loans (including loans to be purchased during a reinvestment period), which are applied in accordance with the contractual priority of payments. For each of the Ellington-sponsored CLO Securitizations, with the exception of the CLO I Securitization, the Company, along with certain other CLO Co-Participants, advanced funds in the form of loans (the "Advances") to the applicable CLO Issuers prior to the CLO pricing date to enable it to establish warehouse facilities for the purpose of acquiring the assets to be securitized. Pursuant to their terms, the Advances are required to be repaid at the closing of the respective securitization. In each Ellington-sponsored CLO Securitization, the Company and each of the applicable CLO Co-Participants purchased various classes of notes issued by the corresponding CLO Issuer. In accordance with the Company's accounting policy for recording certain investment transactions on trade date, these purchases were recorded on the CLO pricing date rather than on the CLO closing date. The CLO Issuers are each deemed to be VIEs. The Company evaluates its interests in the CLO Issuers under ASC 810, and while the Company retains credit risk in each of the securitization trusts through its beneficial ownership of most of the subordinated interests of each of the securitization trusts, which are the first to absorb credit losses on the securitized assets, the Company does not retain control of these assets or the power to direct the activities of the CLO Issuers that most significantly impact the CLO Issuers' economic performance. As a result, the Company determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of the CLO Issuers, and therefore the Company has not consolidated the CLO Issuers. The Company's maximum amount at risk is limited to the Company's investment in each of the CLO Issuers. The following table details the Company's investments in notes issued by the Ellington-sponsored CLO Securitizations: Securitization Transaction CLO Issuer (1) CLO Pricing Date CLO Closing Date Total Face Amount of Notes Issued Face Amount of Notes Initially Purchased Aggregate Purchase Price of Notes Initially Purchased Fair Value of Notes Held as of June 30, 2019 (In thousands) CLO I Securitization CLO I Issuer 8/18 8/18 $ 461,840 $ 36,579 (2) $ 25,622 $ 16,090 (3) CLO II Securitization CLO II Issuer 12/17 1/18 452,800 18,223 (4) 16,621 13,871 (3) CLO III Securitization CLO III Issuer 6/18 7/18 407,100 35,480 (4) 32,394 15,941 (5) CLO IV Securitization CLO IV Issuer 2/19 3/19 478,488 12,700 (4) 10,618 10,110 (5) (1) The Company is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the CLO Issuers, which are deemed to be VIEs, as discussed above. (2) The Company purchased secured and unsecured subordinated notes. (3) Includes secured and unsecured subordinated notes. (4) The Company purchased secured senior and secured and unsecured subordinated notes. (5) Includes secured senior and secured and unsecured subordinated notes. See Note 13 for further details on the Company's participation in CLO transactions. Residential Mortgage Loan Securitizations Since November 2017, the Company, through certain wholly owned subsidiaries (each, a "Sponsor"), has sponsored three securitizations of non-QM loans. In each case, the applicable Sponsor transferred a pool of non-QM loans (each, a Collateral Pool") to a wholly owned entity (each, a "Depositor") and on the closing date such loans were deposited into newly created securitization trusts (collectively, the "Issuing Entities"). Pursuant to the securitizations, the Issuing Entities issued various classes of mortgage pass-through certificates (the "Certificates") which are backed by the cash flows from the underlying non-QM loans. Under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, sponsors of securitizations are generally required to retain at least 5% of the economic interest in the credit risk of the securitized assets (the "Risk Retention Rules"). In order to comply with the Risk Retention Rules, in each securitization, the applicable Sponsor purchased the two most subordinated classes of Certificates and the excess cash flow certificates. The applicable Sponsor also purchased the Certificates entitled to excess servicing fees in each securitization, while the remaining classes of Certificates were purchased by unrelated parties. Notwithstanding that the Certificates carry final scheduled distribution dates of October 25, 2047 or later, the applicable Depositor may, at its sole option, purchase all of the outstanding Certificates (an "Optional Redemption") following the earlier of (1) the two year anniversary of the closing date of the applicable securitization or (2) the date on which the aggregate unpaid principal balance of the applicable Collateral Pool has declined below 30% of the aggregate unpaid principal balance of the applicable Collateral Pool as of the date as of which such loans were originally transferred to the applicable Issuing Entity. The purchase price that the Depositor is required to pay in connection with an Optional Redemption is equal to the sum of the unpaid principal balance of each class of Certificates as of the redemption date and any accrued and unpaid interest thereon. In light of these Optional Redemption rights held by the Depositor, the transfers of non-QM loans to each of the Issuing Entities do not qualify as sales under ASC 860-10. In the event that certain breaches of representations or warranties are discovered with respect to any underlying non-QM loans, the Company could be required to repurchase or replace such loans. Each Sponsor also serves as the servicing administrator of its respective securitization, for which it is entitled to receive a monthly fee equal to one-twelfth of the product of (a) 0.03% and (b) the unpaid principal balance of the underlying non-QM loans as of the first day of the related due period. Each Sponsor in its role as servicing administrator provides direction and consent for certain loss mitigation activities to the third-party servicer of the underlying non-QM loans. In certain circumstances, the servicing administrator will be required to reimburse the servicer for principal and interest advances and servicing advances made by the servicer. In light of the Company's retained interests in each of the securitizations, together with the Optional Redemption rights and the Company's ability to direct the third-party servicer regarding certain loss mitigation activities, the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the Issuing Entities, which are VIEs, and has consolidated the Issuing Entities. Interest income from these loans and the expenses related to the servicing of these loans are included in Interest income and Investment related expenses—Servicing expense, respectively, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Issuing Entities each meet the definition of a CFE as defined in Note 2, and as a result the assets of each of the Issuing Entities have been valued using the fair value of the liabilities of the respective Issuing Entity, as such liabilities have been assessed to be more observable than such assets. The debt of the Issuing Entities is included in Other secured borrowings, at fair value, on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and is shown net of the Certificates held by the Company. The following table details the Company's consolidated residential mortgage loan securitizations: Issuing Entity Closing Date Principal Balance of Loans Transferred to the Depositor Total Face Amount of Certificates Issued (In thousands) Ellington Financial Mortgage Trust 2017-1 11/17 $ 141,233 $ 141,233 (1) Ellington Financial Mortgage Trust 2018-1 11/18 232,518 232,518 (2) Ellington Financial Mortgage Trust 2019-1 6/19 226,913 226,913 (3) (1) In order to comply with the Risk Retention Rules, the Sponsor purchased the two most subordinated classes of Certificates and the excess cash flow certificates, with an aggregate value equal to 5.1% of the fair value of all Certificates issued. The Sponsor also purchased, for an aggregate purchase price of $0.7 million , the Certificates entitled to excess servicing fees, while the remaining classes of Certificates were purchased by unrelated third parties. (2) In order to comply with the Risk Retention Rules, the Sponsor purchased the two most subordinated classes of Certificates and the excess cash flow certificates, with an aggregate value equal to 5.7% of the fair value of all Certificates issued. The Sponsor also purchased, for an aggregate purchase price of $1.3 million , the Certificates entitled to excess servicing fees, while the remaining classes of Certificates were purchased by unrelated third parties. (3) In order to comply with the Risk Retention Rules, the Sponsor purchased the two most subordinated classes of Certificates and the excess cash flow certificates, with an aggregate value equal to 6.1% of the fair value of all Certificates issued. The Sponsor also purchased, for an aggregate purchase price of $1.2 million , the Certificates entitled to excess servicing fees, while the remaining classes of Certificates were purchased by unrelated third parties. The following table details the assets and liabilities of the consolidated securitization trusts included in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2019 : (In thousands) June 30, 2019 Assets: Loans, at fair value $ 503,090 Investment related receivables 6,026 Liabilities: Interest payable 91 Other secured borrowings, at fair value 475,816 Securitization Transactions Participation in Multi-Seller Consumer Loan Securitization In August 2016, the Company participated in a securitization transaction whereby the Company, together with another entity managed by Ellington (the "co-participant"), sold consumer loans with an aggregate unpaid principal balance of approximately $124 million to a newly formed securitization trust (the "Issuer"). Of the $124 million in loans sold to the Issuer, the Company's share was 51% while the co-participant's share was 49% . The transfer was accounted for as a sale in accordance with ASC 860-10. As a result of the sale the Company recognized a realized loss in the amount of $(0.1) million . Pursuant to the securitization, the Issuer issued senior and subordinated notes in the principal amount of $87 million and $18.7 million , respectively. Trust certificates representing beneficial ownership of the Issuer were also issued. In connection with the transaction, and through a jointly owned newly formed entity (the "Acquiror"), the Company and the co-participant acquired all of the subordinated notes as well as the trust certificates in the Issuer. The Company and the co-participant acquired 51% and 49% , respectively, of the interests in the Acquiror. During 2017, at the co-participant's direction, the Acquiror sold the portion of the subordinated notes beneficially owned by the co-participant, and in 2018, the Acquiror sold the remaining portion of the subordinated notes which were beneficially owned by the Company, and as a result as of December 31, 2018, the Company's total interest in the Acquiror was approximately 62% . The Company's interest in the Acquiror is accounted for as a beneficial interest and is included on the Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments in Corporate Equity Investments . The notes and trust certificates issued by the Issuer are backed by the cash flows from the underlying consumer loans. If there are breaches of representations and warranties with respect to any underlying consumer loans, the Company could, under certain circumstances, be required to purchase or replace such loans. Absent such breaches, the Company has no obligation to repurchase or replace any underlying consumer loans that become delinquent or otherwise default. Cash flows collected on the underlying consumer loans are distributed to service providers to the trust, noteholders, and trust certificate holders in accordance with the contractual priority of payments. In addition, another affiliate of Ellington (the "Administrator"), acts as the administrator for the securitization and is paid a monthly fee for its services. While the Company retains credit risk in the securitization trust through its beneficial ownership of the most subordinated interests of the securitization trust, which are the first to absorb credit losses on the securitized assets, the Company does not retain control of these assets or the power to direct the activities of the Issuer that most significantly impact the Issuer's economic performance. See Note 9 for further details on the Company’s participation in the multi-seller consumer loan securitization. Participation in CLO Transactions Since June 2017, an affiliate of Ellington sponsored three CLO securitization transactions (the "CLO I Securitization," the "CLO II Securitization," and the "CLO III Securitization"; collectively, the "Ellington-sponsored CLO Securitizations"), collateralized by corporate loans and managed by an affiliate of Ellington (the "CLO Manager"). Ellington, the Company, several other affiliates of Ellington, and, in the case of the CLO II Securitization and the CLO III Securitization, several third parties, participated in the Ellington-sponsored CLO Securitizations (collectively, the "CLO Co-Participants"). Pursuant to each Ellington-sponsored CLO Securitization, a newly formed securitization trust (the "CLO I Issuer," the "CLO II Issuer," and the "CLO III Issuer"; collectively, the "CLO Issuers") issued various classes of notes, which were in turn sold to unrelated third parties and the applicable CLO Co-Participants. The notes issued by each CLO Issuer are backed by the cash flows from the underlying corporate loans (including loans to be purchased during a reinvestment period); these cash flows are applied in accordance with the contractual priority of payments. In the case of the CLO I Securitization, the Company and one CLO Co-Participant transferred corporate loans with a fair value of approximately $62.0 million and $141.7 million , respectively, to the CLO I Issuer in exchange for cash. The Company has no obligation to repurchase or replace securitized corporate loans that subsequently become delinquent or are otherwise in default, and the transfer by the Company was accounted for as a sale in accordance with ASC 860-10. As a result of the sale, the Company recognized a realized gain in the amount of $0.2 million . In the case of the CLO II Securitization and the CLO III Securitization, the Company, along with certain other CLO Co-Participants, advanced funds in the form of loans (the "Advances") to the applicable CLO Issuers prior to the CLO pricing date to enable it to establish warehouse facilities for the purpose of acquiring the assets to be securitized. Pursuant to their terms, the Advances are required to be repaid at the closing of the respective securitization. In each Ellington-sponsored CLO Securitization, the Company and each of the applicable CLO Co-Participants purchased various classes of notes issued by the corresponding CLO Issuer. In accordance with the Company's accounting policy for recording certain investment transactions on trade date, these purchases were recorded on the CLO pricing date rather than the CLO closing date. In addition, in the case of each of the CLO I Securitization and the CLO II Securitization, the Company and the CLO Co-Participants also funded a newly formed entity (the "CLO I Risk Retention Vehicle" and the "CLO II Risk Retention Vehicle") to purchase a sufficient portion of the unsecured subordinated notes issued by the applicable CLO Issuer so as to comply with risk retention rules (the "Risk Retention Rules") under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, as further described below. With respect to each Ellington-sponsored CLO Securitization, the Company subsequently sold a portion of the notes that it had originally purchased. As of December 31, 2018, the Company did not have an ownership interest in the CLO I Risk Retention Vehicle. Under the Risk Retention Rules, sponsors of securitizations are generally required to retain at least 5% of the economic interest in the credit risk of the securitized assets. However, in February 2018, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, or the "Court of Appeals," ruled that open-market CLO securitizations are exempt from the Risk Retention Rules, as long as certain requirements are met, and in April 2018 the Court of Appeals gave effect to this ruling. As a result, Risk Retention Rules no longer apply to managers of open-market CLOs, and those managers are now permitted to sell the interests in existing open-market CLOs that were originally retained in order to comply with the Risk Retention Rules, as long as those securitizations meet the requirements for exemption. After the decision by the Court of Appeals, the CLO Manager determined that the CLO II Securitization met the requirements for exemption from the Risk Retention Rules and subsequently distributed, in-kind, the subordinated notes held in the CLO II Risk Retention Vehicle to the CLO Co-Participants pro rata based on each CLO Co-Participant's respective ownership percentage of the CLO II Risk Retention Vehicle. The subordinated notes distributed to the Company from the CLO II Risk Retention Vehicle had a face amount of $5.6 million . Such notes had a fair value of $4.3 million as of December 31, 2018 and are included on the Company's Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments in Collateralized Loan Obligations and in the table below. The Manager of CLO III Securitization was not required to establish a risk retention vehicle because the transaction closed subsequent to the effectiveness of the ruling by the Court of Appeals. In August 2018, the CLO I Issuer optionally redeemed all of the notes issued by the CLO I Securitization. Simultaneously with this optional redemption, the CLO I Issuer issued various classes of new notes, which were in turn sold to unrelated third parties and to the applicable CLO Co-Participants ("the Reset CLO I Securitization"). These new notes are backed by the cash flows from the underlying corporate loans (including loans to be purchased during a reinvestment period); these cash flows are applied in accordance with the contractual priority of payments. The CLO Manager determined that the Reset CLO I Securitization met the requirements for exemption from the Risk Retention Rules. As a result, the CLO Manager commenced liquidation of the CLO I Risk Retention Vehicle, and all of the liquidation proceeds have been distributed to the applicable CLO Co-Participants. As of December 31, 2018, the Company has received $5.7 million in liquidation proceeds from the CLO I Risk Retention Vehicle. While the Company retains credit risk in each of the Ellington-sponsored CLO Securitizations through its beneficial ownership of the most subordinated interests of each of the securitization trusts, which are the first to absorb credit losses on the securitized assets, the Company does not retain control of these assets nor does it have the power to direct the activities of the CLO Issuers that most significantly impact the CLO Issuers' economic performance. The following table details the Company’s investments in notes issued by the Ellington-sponsored CLO Securitizations: CLO Issuer (1) CLO Pricing Date CLO Closing Date Total Face Amount of Notes Issued Face Amount of Notes Initially Purchased Aggregate Purchase Price Notes Held (2) as of December 31, 2018 ($ in thousands) CLO I Issuer (3)(4) 5/17 6/17 $ 373,550 $ 36,606 (5) $ 35,926 $ — CLO I Issuer (4) 8/18 8/18 461,840 36,579 (5) 25,622 16,973 (6) CLO II Issuer 12/17 1/18 452,800 18,223 (7) 16,621 14,721 (6) CLO III Issuer 6/18 7/18 407,100 35,480 (7) 32,394 19,071 (8) (1) The Company does not have the power to direct the activities of the CLO Issuers that most significantly impact their economic performance. (2) Included on the Company's Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments in Collateralized Loan Obligations. (3) Excludes the Company's equity investment in the CLO I Risk Retention Vehicle, as discussed above. (4) In August 2018, the notes originally issued by the CLO I Issuer in 2017 were fully redeemed, and the CLO I Issuer simultaneously issued new notes in conjunction with this full redemption. (5) The Company purchased secured and unsecured subordinated notes. (6) Includes secured and unsecured subordinated notes. (7) The Company purchased secured senior and secured and unsecured subordinated notes. (8) Includes secured senior and secured and unsecured subordinated notes. See Note 9 for further details on the Company’s participation in CLO transactions. Residential Mortgage Loan Securitizations Since November 2017, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Ellington Financial REIT TRS LLC (the "Sponsor"), has sponsored two securitizations of non-QM loans. In each case, the Sponsor transferred non-QM loans to a wholly owned, newly created entity (the "Depositor") and on the closing date such loans were deposited into newly created securitization trusts (Ellington Financial Mortgage Trust 2017-1 and Ellington Financial Mortgage Trust 2018-1, collectively the "Issuing Entities"). Pursuant to the securitizations, the Issuing Entities issued various classes of mortgage pass-through certificates (the "Certificates") which are backed by the cash flows from the underlying non-QM loans. As detailed further in the table below, in order to comply with the Risk Retention Rules, in each securitization the Sponsor purchased the two most subordinated classes of Certificates and the excess cash flow certificates. The Sponsor also purchased the Certificates entitled to excess servicing fees in each securitization, while the remaining classes of Certificates were purchased by unrelated parties. The Certificates issued in November 2017 and 2018 have final scheduled distribution dates of October 25, 2047 and October 25, 2058, respectively. However, the Depositor may, with respect to each securitization, at its sole option, purchase all of the outstanding Certificates (an "Optional Redemption") following the earlier of (1) the two year anniversary of the closing date of such securitization or (2) the date on which the aggregate unpaid principal balance of the underlying non-QM loans has declined below 30% of the aggregate unpaid principal balance of the underlying non-QM loans as of the date as of which such loans were originally transferred to the applicable Issuing Entity. The purchase price that the Depositor is required to pay in connection with an Optional Redemption is equal to the sum of the unpaid principal balance of each class of Certificates as of the redemption date and any accrued and unpaid interest thereon. In light of these Optional Redemption rights held by the Depositor, the transfers of non-QM loans to each of the Issuing Entities do not qualify as sales under ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing. In the event that certain breaches of representations or warranties are discovered with respect to any underlying non-QM loans, the Company could be required to repurchase or replace such loans. The Sponsor also serves as the servicing administrator of each securitization and as such, is entitled to receive a monthly fee equal to one-twelfth of the product of (a) 0.03% and (b) the unpaid principal balance of the underlying non-QM loans as of the first day of the related due period. The Sponsor in its role as servicing administrator provides direction and consent for certain loss mitigation activities to the third-party servicer of the underlying non-QM loans. In certain circumstances, the servicing administrator will be required to reimburse the servicer for principal and interest advances and servicing advances made by the servicer. In light of the Company’s retained interests in each of the securitizations, together with the Optional Redemption rights and the Company's ability to direct the third-party servicer regarding certain loss mitigation activities, the Issuing Entities are deemed to be an extension of the Company's business. The non-QM loans held by the Issuing Entities are included on the Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments in Mortgage Loans. Interest income from these loans and the expenses related to the servicing of these loans are included in Interest income and Other investment related expenses—Servicing expense, respectively, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Issuing Entities each meet the definition of a CFE as defined in Note 2, and as a result the assets of the Issuing Entities have been valued using the fair value of the liabilities of the Issuing Entities, as such liabilities have been assessed to be more observable than such assets. The debt of the Issuing Entities is included in Other secured borrowings, at fair value on the Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity and is shown net of the Certificates held by the Company. The following table details the residential mortgage loan securitizations: Issuing Entity Closing Date Principal Balance of Loans Transferred to the Depositor Total Face Amount of Certificates Issued (In thousands) Ellington Financial Mortgage Trust 2017-1 11/15/2017 $ 141,233 $ 141,233 (1) Ellington Financial Mortgage Trust 2018-1 11/13/2018 232,518 232,518 (2) (1) In order to comply with the Risk Retention Rules, the Sponsor purchased the two most subordinated classes of Certificates and the excess cash flow certificates, with an aggregate value equal to 5.1% of the fair value of all Certificates issued. The Sponsor also purchased, for an aggregate purchase price of $0.7 million , the Certificates entitled to excess servicing fees, while the remaining classes of Certificates were purchased by unrelated third parties. (2) In order to comply with the Risk Retention Rules, the Sponsor purchased the two most subordinated classes of Certificates and the excess cash flow certificates, with an aggregate value equal to 5.7% of the fair value of all Certificates issued. The Sponsor also purchased, for an aggregate purchase price of $1.3 million , the Certificates entitled to excess servicing fees, while the remaining classes of Certificates were purchased by unrelated third parties. The following table details the assets and liabilities of the consolidated securitization trusts included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity as of December 31, 2018: As of (In thousands) December 31, 2018 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ — Investments, at fair value 314,202 Interest and dividends receivable 3,527 Liabilities: Interest and dividends payable 103 Other secured borrowings, at fair value 297,948

Borrowings

Borrowings	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Borrowings	360 Days 140,306 5.15 % 636 Total Credit Assets 581,314 3.98 % 240 U.S. Treasury Securities: 30 Days or Less 273 3.10 % 2 Total U.S. Treasury Securities 273 3.10 % 2 Total $ 1,498,849 3.13 % 122 Reverse repurchase agreements involving underlying investments that the Company sold prior to period end, for settlement following period end, are shown using their original maturity dates even though such reverse repurchase agreements may be expected to be terminated early upon settlement of the sale of the underlying investment. As of December 31, 2018, the fair value of investments transferred as collateral under outstanding borrowings under reverse repurchase agreements was $1.79 billion . Collateral transferred under outstanding borrowings as of December 31, 2018 include investments in the amount of $86.7 million that were sold prior to period end but for which such sale had not yet settled. In addition the Company posted net cash collateral of $17.0 million and additional securities with a fair value of $0.2 million as of December 31, 2018 to its counterparties. As of December 31, 2018, there were no counterparties for which the amount at risk relating to our repurchase agreements was greater than 10% of total equity. Other Secured Borrowings In February 2018, the Company entered into agreements to finance a portfolio of unsecured loans through a recourse secured borrowing facility. The facility includes a one year revolving period (or earlier following an early amortization event or event of default), whereby the Company can vary its borrowings based on the size of its portfolio, subject to certain maximum limits. After the revolving period ends, the facility has a two-year term ending in February 2021. The facility accrues interest on a floating rate basis. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had outstanding borrowings under this facility in the amount of $13.2 million which is included under the caption Other secured borrowings, on the Company's Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity, and the effective interest rate, inclusive of related deferred financing costs, was 4.72% . As of December 31, 2018, the fair value of unsecured loans collateralizing this borrowing was $20.3 million . In December 2017, the Company amended its non-recourse secured borrowing facility that is used to finance a portfolio of unsecured loans. The facility includes a reinvestment period ending in December 2019 (or earlier following an early amortization event), whereby the Company can vary its borrowings based on the size of its portfolio, subject to certain maximum limits. Following the reinvestment period, the facility will begin to amortize based on the collections from the underlying loans. The facility accrues interest on a floating rate basis. As of December 31, 2018 the Company had outstanding borrowings under this facility in the amount of $101.0 million which is included under the caption Other secured borrowings, on the Company's Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity, and the effective interest rate on this facility, inclusive of related deferred financing costs, was 4.68% as of December 31, 2018. As of December 31, 2018 the fair value of unsecured loans collateralizing this borrowing was $149.0 million . The Company has completed securitization transactions, as discussed in Note 6, whereby it financed portfolios of non-QM loans. As of December 31, 2018 the fair value of the Company’s outstanding liabilities associated with these securitization transactions were $297.9 million , representing the fair value of the securitization trust certificates held by third parties as of such date, and is included on Company's Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity in Other Secured Borrowings, at fair value. The weighted average coupon on the Certificates held by third parties was 3.72% as of December 31, 2018. As of December 31, 2018 the fair value of non-QM loans held in the securitization trusts were $314.2 million . Unsecured Borrowings Senior Notes On August 18, 2017, the Company issued $86.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes. The total net proceeds to the Company from the issuance of the Senior Notes was approximately $84.7 million , after deducting debt issuance costs. The Senior Notes bear an interest rate of 5.25% , subject to adjustment based on changes in the ratings, if any, of the Senior Notes. Interest on the Senior notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year. The Senior Notes mature on September 1, 2022 . The Company may redeem the Senior Notes, at its option, in whole or in part, prior to March 1, 2022 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus the applicable "make-whole" premium as of the applicable date of redemption. At any time on or after March 1, 2022, the Company may redeem the Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Senior Notes are carried at amortized cost. There are a number of covenants, including several financial covenants, associated with the Senior Notes. As of December 31, 2018 the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants. The Company amortizes debt issuance costs over the life of the associated debt; the amortized portion of debt issuance costs is included in Interest expense on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Senior Notes have an effective interest rate of 5.55% , inclusive of debt issuance costs. The Senior Notes are unsecured and are effectively subordinated to secured indebtedness of the Company, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness. Schedule of Principal Repayments The following table details the Company's principal repayment schedule for outstanding borrowings as of December 31, 2018: Year Reverse Repurchase Agreements (1) Other Secured Borrowings (2) Senior Notes (1) Total (In thousands) 2019 $ 1,358,542 $ 194,135 $ — $ 1,552,677 2020 78,530 205,198 — 283,728 2021 61,776 13,150 — 74,926 2022 — — 86,000 86,000 2023 — — — — Total $ 1,498,848 $ 412,483 $ 86,000 $ 1,997,331 (1) Reflects the Company's contractual principal repayment dates. (2) Reflects the Company's expected principal repayment dates." id="sjs-B4">Borrowings Secured Borrowings The Company's secured borrowings consist of repurchase agreements, Other secured borrowings, and Other secured borrowings, at fair value. As of June 30, 2019 , the Company's total secured borrowings were $2.293 billion . Repurchase Agreements The Company enters into repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement involves the sale of an asset to a counterparty together with a simultaneous agreement to repurchase the transferred asset or similar asset from such counterparty at a future date. The Company accounts for its repurchase agreements as collateralized borrowings, with the transferred assets effectively serving as collateral for the related borrowing. The Company's repurchase agreements typically range in term from 30 to 180 days, although the Company also has repurchase agreements that provide for longer or shorter terms. The principal economic terms of each repurchase agreement—such as loan amount, interest rate, and maturity date—are typically negotiated on a transaction-by-transaction basis. Other terms and conditions, such as those relating to events of default, are typically governed under the Company's master repurchase agreements. Absent an event of default, the Company maintains beneficial ownership of the transferred securities during the term of the repurchase agreement and receives the related principal and interest payments. Interest rates on these borrowings are generally fixed based on prevailing rates corresponding to the terms of the borrowings, and for most repurchase agreements, interest is generally paid at the termination of the repurchase agreement, at which time the Company may enter into a new repurchase agreement at prevailing market rates with the same counterparty, repay that counterparty and possibly negotiate financing terms with a different counterparty, or choose to no longer finance the related asset. Some repurchase agreements provide for periodic payments of interest, such as monthly payments. In response to a decline in the fair value of the transferred securities, whether as a result of changes in market conditions, security paydowns, or other factors, repurchase agreement counterparties will typically make a margin call, whereby the Company will be required to post additional securities and/or cash as collateral with the counterparty in order to re-establish the agreed-upon collateralization requirements. In the event of increases in fair value of the transferred securities, the Company can generally require the counterparty to post collateral with it in the form of cash or securities. The Company is generally permitted to sell or re-pledge any securities posted by the counterparty as collateral; however, upon termination of the repurchase agreement, or other circumstance in which the counterparty is no longer required to post such margin, the Company must return to the counterparty the same security that had been posted. At any given time, the Company seeks to have its outstanding borrowings under repurchase agreements with several different counterparties in order to reduce the exposure to any single counterparty. The Company had outstanding borrowings under repurchase agreements with 24 counterparties as of June 30, 2019 . As of June 30, 2019 remaining days to maturity on the Company's open repurchase agreements ranged from 1 day to 874 days. Interest rates on the Company's open repurchase agreements ranged from 0.24% to 5.60% as of June 30, 2019 . The following table details the Company's outstanding borrowings under repurchase agreements for Agency RMBS, credit assets (which include non-Agency RMBS, CMBS, CLOs, consumer loans, corporate debt, residential mortgage loans, and commercial mortgage loans and REO), and U.S. Treasury securities, by remaining maturity as of June 30, 2019 : (In thousands) June 30, 2019 Weighted Average Remaining Maturity Outstanding Borrowings Interest Rate Remaining Days to Maturity Agency RMBS: 30 Days or Less $ 283,477 2.64 % 19 31-60 Days 441,099 2.62 % 48 61-90 Days 386,366 2.57 % 76 91-120 Days 102,410 2.60 % 103 121-150 Days 27,374 2.59 % 137 Total Agency RMBS 1,240,726 2.61 % 57 Credit: 30 Days or Less 142 4.57 % 1 31-60 Days 107,370 3.52 % 50 61-90 Days 80,450 3.60 % 77 91-120 Days 100,032 4.56 % 117 121-150 Days 612 3.92 % 150 151-180 Days 9,118 4.32 % 168 181-360 Days 89,488 4.60 % 205 > 360 Days 86,881 5.09 % 848 Total Credit Assets 474,093 4.26 % 246 U.S. Treasury Securities: 30 Days or Less 687 3.10 % 1 Total U.S. Treasury Securities 687 3.10 % 1 Total $ 1,715,506 3.06 % 109 Repurchase agreements involving underlying investments that the Company sold prior to period end, for settlement following period end, are shown using their original maturity dates even though such repurchase agreements may be expected to be terminated early upon settlement of the sale of the underlying investment. As of June 30, 2019 , the fair value of investments transferred as collateral under outstanding borrowings under repurchase agreements was $2.013 billion . Collateral transferred under outstanding borrowings under repurchase agreements as of June 30, 2019 include investments in the amount of $36.3 million that were sold prior to period end but for which such sale had not yet settled. In addition the Company posted net cash collateral of $16.2 million and additional securities with a fair value of $0.2 million as of June 30, 2019 to its counterparties. As of June 30, 2019 , there were no counterparties for which the amount at risk relating to our repurchase agreements was greater than 10% of total equity. Other Secured Borrowings In February 2018, the Company entered into agreements to finance a portfolio of unsecured loans through a recourse secured borrowing facility. The facility has a two-year term ending in February 2021. The facility accrues interest on a floating-rate basis. As of June 30, 2019 , the Company had outstanding borrowings under this facility in the amount of $14.3 million which is included under the caption Other secured borrowings, on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, and the effective interest rate, inclusive of related deferred financing costs, was 4.56% . As of June 30, 2019 , the fair value of unsecured loans collateralizing this borrowing was $21.1 million . In December 2017, the Company amended its non-recourse secured borrowing facility that is used to finance a portfolio of unsecured loans. The facility includes a reinvestment period ending in December 2019 (or earlier following an early amortization event), whereby the Company can vary its borrowings based on the size of its portfolio, subject to certain maximum limits. Following the reinvestment period, the facility will begin to amortize based on the collections from the underlying loans. The facility accrues interest on a floating rate basis. As of June 30, 2019 , the Company had outstanding borrowings under this facility in the amount of $87.7 million , which is included under the caption Other secured borrowings, on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, and the effective interest rate on this facility, inclusive of related deferred financing costs, was 4.49% . As of June 30, 2019 , the fair value of unsecured loans collateralizing this borrowing was $125.8 million . The Company has completed securitization transactions, as discussed in Note 10, whereby it financed portfolios of non-QM loans. As of June 30, 2019 , the fair value of the Company's outstanding liabilities associated with these securitization transactions was $475.8 million , representing the fair value of the securitization trust certificates held by third parties as of such date, and is included on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet in Other secured borrowings, at fair value. The weighted average coupon of the Certificates held by third parties was 3.76% as of June 30, 2019 . As of June 30, 2019 , the fair value of non-QM loans held in the consolidated securitization trusts was $503.1 million . Unsecured Borrowings Senior Notes On August 18, 2017, the Company issued $86.0 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes (the "Old Senior Notes"). The total net proceeds to the Company from the issuance of the Old Senior Notes was approximately $84.7 million , after deducting debt issuance costs. The Old Senior Notes had an interest rate of 5.25% , subject to adjustment based on changes in the ratings, if any, of the Old Senior Notes. On February 13, 2019, in connection with the REIT Election, the Company exchanged all $86.0 million in principal amount of the Old Senior Notes for new unsecured long-term debt jointly and severally co-issued by certain of its consolidated subsidiaries and fully guaranteed by the Company (the "Senior Notes"). At any time, the Company is permitted to add others of its consolidated subsidiaries as co-issuers of the Senior Notes. The Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.50% , subject to adjustment based on changes, if any, in the ratings of the Senior Notes. Interest on the Senior Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year. The Senior Notes mature on September 1, 2022 . The Company may redeem the Senior Notes, at its option, in whole or in part, prior to March 1, 2022 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus the applicable "make-whole" premium as of the applicable date of redemption. At any time on or after March 1, 2022, the Company may redeem the Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Senior Notes are carried at amortized cost. There are a number of covenants, including several financial covenants, associated with the Senior Notes. As of June 30, 2019 , the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants. The Company amortizes debt issuance costs over the life of the associated debt; the amortized portion of debt issuance costs is included in Interest expense on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Senior Notes have an effective interest rate of 5.80% , inclusive of debt issuance costs. The Senior Notes are unsecured and are effectively subordinated to secured indebtedness of the Company, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness. Schedule of Principal Repayments The following table details the Company's principal repayment schedule for outstanding borrowings as of June 30, 2019 : Year Repurchase Agreements (1) Other Secured Borrowings (2) Senior Notes (1) Total (In thousands) 2019 $ 1,539,137 $ 161,059 $ — $ 1,700,196 2020 93,995 283,639 — 377,634 2021 82,374 153,089 — 235,463 2022 — — 86,000 86,000 2023 — — — — Total $ 1,715,506 $ 597,787 $ 86,000 2,399,293 (1) Reflects the Company's contractual principal repayment dates. (2) Reflects the Company's expected principal repayment dates. Borrowings Secured Borrowings The Company's secured borrowings consist of reverse repurchase agreements, Other secured borrowings, and Other secured borrowings, at fair value. As of December 31, 2018 the Company's total secured borrowings were $1.911 billion . Reverse Repurchase Agreements The Company enters into reverse repurchase agreements. A reverse repurchase agreement involves the sale of an asset to a counterparty together with a simultaneous agreement to repurchase the transferred asset or similar asset from such counterparty at a future date. The Company accounts for its reverse repurchase agreements as collateralized borrowings, with the transferred assets effectively serving as collateral for the related borrowing. The Company's reverse repurchase agreements typically range in term from 30 to 180 days, although the Company also has reverse repurchase agreements that provide for longer or shorter terms. The principal economic terms of each reverse repurchase agreement—such as loan amount, interest rate, and maturity date—are typically negotiated on a transaction-by-transaction basis. Other terms and conditions, such as those relating to events of default, are typically governed under the Company's master repurchase agreements. Absent an event of default, the Company maintains beneficial ownership of the transferred securities during the term of the reverse repurchase agreement and receives the related principal and interest payments. Interest rates on these borrowings are generally fixed based on prevailing rates corresponding to the terms of the borrowings, and for most reverse repurchase agreements, interest is generally paid at the termination of the reverse repurchase agreement, at which time the Company may enter into a new reverse repurchase agreement at prevailing market rates with the same counterparty, repay that counterparty and possibly negotiate financing terms with a different counterparty, or choose to no longer finance the related asset. Some reverse repurchase agreements provide for periodic payments of interest, such as monthly payments. In response to a decline in the fair value of the transferred securities, whether as a result of changes in market conditions, security paydowns, or other factors, reverse repurchase agreement counterparties will typically make a margin call, whereby the Company will be required to post additional securities and/or cash as collateral with the counterparty in order to re-establish the agreed-upon collateralization requirements. In the event of increases in fair value of the transferred securities, the Company can generally require the counterparty to post collateral with it in the form of cash or securities. The Company is generally permitted to sell or re-pledge any securities posted by the counterparty as collateral; however, upon termination of the reverse repurchase agreement, or other circumstance in which the counterparty is no longer required to post such margin, the Company must return to the counterparty the same security that had been posted. At any given time, the Company seeks to have its outstanding borrowings under reverse repurchase agreements with several different counterparties in order to reduce the exposure to any single counterparty. The Company had outstanding borrowings under reverse repurchase agreements with 23 counterparties as of December 31, 2018. At December 31, 2018, approximately 21% of open reverse repurchase agreements were with one counterparty. As of December 31, 2018 remaining days to maturity on the Company's open reverse repurchase agreements ranged from 2 days to 871 days. Interest rates on the Company's open reverse repurchase agreements ranged from 0.23% to 6.07% as of December 31, 2018. The following table details the Company's outstanding borrowings under reverse repurchase agreements for Agency RMBS, credit assets (which include non-Agency MBS, CLOs, consumer loans, corporate debt, residential mortgage loans, and commercial mortgage loans and REO), and U.S. Treasury securities, by remaining maturity as of December 31, 2018: (In thousands) December 31, 2018 Weighted Average Remaining Maturity Outstanding Borrowings Interest Rate Remaining Days to Maturity Agency RMBS: 30 Days or Less $ 245,956 2.46 % 17 31-60 Days 415,379 2.58 % 46 61-90 Days 255,421 2.74 % 76 91-120 Days 506 3.31 % 91 Total Agency RMBS 917,262 2.59 % 47 Credit: 30 Days or Less 30,426 2.55 % 22 31-60 Days 189,937 3.32 % 48 61-90 Days 93,202 3.21 % 74 121-150 Days 26,222 4.60 % 123 151-180 Days 9,491 4.64 % 166 181-360 Days 91,730 4.54 % 316 > 360 Days 140,306 5.15 % 636 Total Credit Assets 581,314 3.98 % 240 U.S. Treasury Securities: 30 Days or Less 273 3.10 % 2 Total U.S. Treasury Securities 273 3.10 % 2 Total $ 1,498,849 3.13 % 122 Reverse repurchase agreements involving underlying investments that the Company sold prior to period end, for settlement following period end, are shown using their original maturity dates even though such reverse repurchase agreements may be expected to be terminated early upon settlement of the sale of the underlying investment. As of December 31, 2018, the fair value of investments transferred as collateral under outstanding borrowings under reverse repurchase agreements was $1.79 billion . Collateral transferred under outstanding borrowings as of December 31, 2018 include investments in the amount of $86.7 million that were sold prior to period end but for which such sale had not yet settled. In addition the Company posted net cash collateral of $17.0 million and additional securities with a fair value of $0.2 million as of December 31, 2018 to its counterparties. As of December 31, 2018, there were no counterparties for which the amount at risk relating to our repurchase agreements was greater than 10% of total equity. Other Secured Borrowings In February 2018, the Company entered into agreements to finance a portfolio of unsecured loans through a recourse secured borrowing facility. The facility includes a one year revolving period (or earlier following an early amortization event or event of default), whereby the Company can vary its borrowings based on the size of its portfolio, subject to certain maximum limits. After the revolving period ends, the facility has a two-year term ending in February 2021. The facility accrues interest on a floating rate basis. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had outstanding borrowings under this facility in the amount of $13.2 million which is included under the caption Other secured borrowings, on the Company's Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity, and the effective interest rate, inclusive of related deferred financing costs, was 4.72% . As of December 31, 2018, the fair value of unsecured loans collateralizing this borrowing was $20.3 million . In December 2017, the Company amended its non-recourse secured borrowing facility that is used to finance a portfolio of unsecured loans. The facility includes a reinvestment period ending in December 2019 (or earlier following an early amortization event), whereby the Company can vary its borrowings based on the size of its portfolio, subject to certain maximum limits. Following the reinvestment period, the facility will begin to amortize based on the collections from the underlying loans. The facility accrues interest on a floating rate basis. As of December 31, 2018 the Company had outstanding borrowings under this facility in the amount of $101.0 million which is included under the caption Other secured borrowings, on the Company's Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity, and the effective interest rate on this facility, inclusive of related deferred financing costs, was 4.68% as of December 31, 2018. As of December 31, 2018 the fair value of unsecured loans collateralizing this borrowing was $149.0 million . The Company has completed securitization transactions, as discussed in Note 6, whereby it financed portfolios of non-QM loans. As of December 31, 2018 the fair value of the Company’s outstanding liabilities associated with these securitization transactions were $297.9 million , representing the fair value of the securitization trust certificates held by third parties as of such date, and is included on Company's Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity in Other Secured Borrowings, at fair value. The weighted average coupon on the Certificates held by third parties was 3.72% as of December 31, 2018. As of December 31, 2018 the fair value of non-QM loans held in the securitization trusts were $314.2 million . Unsecured Borrowings Senior Notes On August 18, 2017, the Company issued $86.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes. The total net proceeds to the Company from the issuance of the Senior Notes was approximately $84.7 million , after deducting debt issuance costs. The Senior Notes bear an interest rate of 5.25% , subject to adjustment based on changes in the ratings, if any, of the Senior Notes. Interest on the Senior notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year. The Senior Notes mature on September 1, 2022 . The Company may redeem the Senior Notes, at its option, in whole or in part, prior to March 1, 2022 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus the applicable "make-whole" premium as of the applicable date of redemption. At any time on or after March 1, 2022, the Company may redeem the Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Senior Notes are carried at amortized cost. There are a number of covenants, including several financial covenants, associated with the Senior Notes. As of December 31, 2018 the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants. The Company amortizes debt issuance costs over the life of the associated debt; the amortized portion of debt issuance costs is included in Interest expense on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Senior Notes have an effective interest rate of 5.55% , inclusive of debt issuance costs. The Senior Notes are unsecured and are effectively subordinated to secured indebtedness of the Company, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness. Schedule of Principal Repayments The following table details the Company's principal repayment schedule for outstanding borrowings as of December 31, 2018: Year Reverse Repurchase Agreements (1) Other Secured Borrowings (2) Senior Notes (1) Total (In thousands) 2019 $ 1,358,542 $ 194,135 $ — $ 1,552,677 2020 78,530 205,198 — 283,728 2021 61,776 13,150 — 74,926 2022 — — 86,000 86,000 2023 — — — — Total $ 1,498,848 $ 412,483 $ 86,000 $ 1,997,331 (1) Reflects the Company's contractual principal repayment dates. (2) Reflects the Company's expected principal repayment dates.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Income Tax [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company intends to qualify and will elect to be taxed as a REIT beginning with its taxable year ending December 31, 2019. A REIT is generally not subject to U.S. federal, state, and local income tax on that portion of its income that is distributed to its owners if it distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income within the prescribed timeframes, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gains. The Company intends to operate in a manner which will allow it to qualify as a REIT. Accordingly, the Company does not believe that it will be subject to U.S. federal, state, and local income tax on the portion of its net taxable income that is distributed to its stockholders as long as certain asset, income, and share ownership tests are met. Certain foreign and domestic subsidiaries of the Company have elected to be treated as TRSs and therefore are taxed as corporations for U.S. federal, state, and local income tax purposes. To the extent that those entities incur U.S. federal, state, or local income taxes, such taxes are recorded in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes . Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences that may exist between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities under U.S. GAAP and the carrying amounts used for income tax purposes. For the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019, the Company accrued income tax expense of $0.4 million . Income Taxes The Company has certain subsidiaries that have elected to be treated as corporations for U.S. federal, state, and local income tax purposes.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions The Company is party to the Management Agreement (which may be amended from time to time), pursuant to which the Manager manages the assets, operations, and affairs of the Company, in consideration of which the Company pays the Manager management and incentive fees. The descriptions of the Base Management Fees and Incentive Fees are detailed below. Base Management Fees The Operating Partnership pays the Manager 1.50% per annum of total equity of the Operating Partnership calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP as of the end of each fiscal quarter (before deductions for base management fees and incentive fees payable with respect to such fiscal quarter), provided that total equity is adjusted to exclude one-time events pursuant to changes in U.S. GAAP, as well as non-cash charges after discussion between the Manager and the Company's independent directors, and approval by a majority of the Company's independent directors in the case of non-cash charges. Pursuant to the Management Agreement, if the Company invests at issuance in the equity of any collateralized debt obligation that is managed, structured, or originated by Ellington or one of its affiliates, or if the Company invests in any other investment fund or other investment for which Ellington or one of its affiliates receives management, origination, or structuring fees, then, unless agreed otherwise by a majority of the Company's independent directors, the base management and incentive fees payable by the Company to its Manager will be reduced by an amount equal to the applicable portion (as described in the Management Agreement) of any such management, origination, or structuring fees. Summary information —For the three-month period ended June 30, 2019 , the total base management fee incurred was $1.7 million , consisting of $2.2 million of total gross base management fee incurred, less $0.5 million of management fee rebates. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 , the total base management fee incurred was $3.4 million , consisting of $4.4 million of total gross base management fee incurred, less $1.0 million of management fee rebates. See "— Participation in CLO Transactions below for details on management fee rebates. Incentive Fees The Manager is entitled to receive a quarterly incentive fee equal to the positive excess, if any, of (i) the product of (A) 25% and (B) the excess of (1) Adjusted Net Income (described below) for the Incentive Calculation Period (which means such fiscal quarter and the immediately preceding three fiscal quarters) over (2) the sum of the Hurdle Amounts (described below) for the Incentive Calculation Period, over (ii) the sum of the incentive fees already paid or payable for each fiscal quarter in the Incentive Calculation Period preceding such fiscal quarter. For purposes of calculating the incentive fee, "Adjusted Net Income" for the Incentive Calculation Period means the net increase in equity from operations of the Operating Partnership, after all base management fees but before any incentive fees for such period, and excluding any non-cash equity compensation expenses for such period, as reduced by any Loss Carryforward (as described below) as of the end of the fiscal quarter preceding the Incentive Calculation Period. For purposes of calculating the incentive fee, the "Loss Carryforward" as of the end of any fiscal quarter is calculated by determining the excess, if any, of (1) the Loss Carryforward as of the end of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter over (2) the Company's net increase in equity from operations (expressed as a positive number) or net decrease in equity from operations (expressed as a negative number) of the Operating Partnership for such fiscal quarter. As of June 30, 2019 , there was no Loss Carryforward. For purposes of calculating the incentive fee, the "Hurdle Amount" means, with respect to any fiscal quarter, the product of (i) one-fourth of the greater of (A) 9% and (B) 3% plus the 10-year U.S. Treasury rate for such fiscal quarter, (ii) the sum of (A) the weighted average gross proceeds per share of all common stock and OP Unit issuances since inception of the Company and up to the end of such fiscal quarter, with each issuance weighted by both the number of shares of common stock and OP Units issued in such issuance and the number of days that such issued shares of common stock and OP Units were outstanding during such fiscal quarter, using a first-in first-out basis of accounting ( i.e. attributing any share of common stock and OP Unit repurchases to the earliest issuances first) and (B) the result obtained by dividing (I) retained earnings attributable to shares of common stock and OP Units at the beginning of such fiscal quarter by (II) the average number of shares of common stock and OP Units outstanding for each day during such fiscal quarter, (iii) the sum of (x) the average number of shares of common stock and long term incentive plan units of the Company outstanding for each day during such fiscal quarter, and (y) the average number of Convertible Non-controlling Interests outstanding for each day during such fiscal quarter. For purposes of determining the Hurdle Amount, issuances of common stock, and Convertible Non-controlling Interests (a) as equity incentive awards, (b) to the Manager as part of its base management fee or incentive fee and (c) to the Manager or any of its affiliates in privately negotiated transactions, are excluded from the calculation. The payment of the incentive fee will be in a combination of shares of common stock and cash, provided that at least 10% of any quarterly payment will be made in shares of common stock. Summary information —The Company did not accrue an incentive fee for either of the three- or six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 , since on a rolling four quarter basis, the Company's income did not exceed the prescribed hurdle amount. Termination Fees The Management Agreement requires the Company to pay a termination fee to the Manager in the event of (1) the Company's termination or non-renewal of the Management Agreement without cause or (2) the Company's termination of the Management Agreement based on unsatisfactory performance by the Manager that is materially detrimental to the Company or (3) the Manager's termination of the Management Agreement upon a default by the Company in the performance of any material term of the Management Agreement. Such termination fee will be equal to the amount of three times the sum of (i) the average annual quarterly base management fee amounts paid or payable with respect to the two 12 -month periods ending on the last day of the latest fiscal quarter completed on or prior to the date of the notice of termination or non-renewal and (ii) the average annual quarterly incentive fee amounts paid or payable with respect to the two 12 -month periods ending on the last day of the latest fiscal quarter completed on or prior to the date of the notice of termination or non-renewal. Expense Reimbursement Under the terms of the Management Agreement the Company is required to reimburse the Manager for operating expenses related to the Company that are incurred by the Manager, including expenses relating to legal, accounting, due diligence, other services, and all other costs and expenses. The Company's reimbursement obligation is not subject to any dollar limitation. Expenses will be reimbursed in cash within 60 days following delivery of the expense statement by the Manager; provided, however, that such reimbursement may be offset by the Manager against amounts due to the Company from the Manager. The Company will not reimburse the Manager for the salaries and other compensation of the Manager's personnel except that the Company will be responsible for expenses incurred by the Manager in employing certain dedicated or partially dedicated personnel as further described below. The Company reimburses the Manager for the allocable share of the compensation, including, without limitation, wages, salaries, and employee benefits paid or reimbursed, as approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors to certain dedicated or partially dedicated personnel who spend all or a portion of their time managing the Company's affairs, based upon the percentage of time devoted by such personnel to the Company's affairs. In their capacities as officers or personnel of the Manager or its affiliates, such personnel will devote such portion of their time to the Company's affairs as is necessary to enable the Company to operate its business. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 , the Company reimbursed the Manager $6.0 million for previously incurred operating and compensation expenses. As of June 30, 2019 , the outstanding payable to the Manager for operating and compensation expenses was $2.0 million , which are included in Accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Transactions Involving Certain Loan Originators As of June 30, 2019 , the loan originators in which the Company holds equity investments represent related parties. Transactions that have been entered into with these related party mortgage originators are summarized below. The Company is a party to a mortgage loan purchase and sale flow agreement, with a mortgage originator in which the Company holds an investment in common stock, whereby the Company purchases residential mortgage loans that satisfy certain specified criteria. The Company has also provided a $5.0 million line of credit to the mortgage originator. Under the terms of this line of credit, the Company has agreed to make advances to the mortgage originator solely for the purpose of funding specifically identified residential mortgage loans designated for sale to the Company. To the extent the advances are drawn by the mortgage originator, it must pay interest, at a rate of 15% per annum, on the outstanding balance of each advance from the date the advance is made until such advance is repaid in full. The mortgage originator is required to repay advances in full no later than two business days following the date that the Company purchases the related residential mortgage loans from the mortgage originator. As of June 30, 2019 , there were no advances outstanding. The Company has also entered into two agreements whereby it guarantees the performance of such mortgage originator under third-party master repurchase agreements. See Note 21, Commitments and Contingencies, for further information on the Company's guarantees of the third-party borrowing arrangements. The Company, through a related party of Ellington, or the "Loan Purchaser," is a party to a consumer loan purchase and sale flow agreement with a consumer loan originator in which the Company holds an investment in preferred stock and warrants to purchase additional preferred stock, whereby the Loan Purchaser purchases consumer loans that satisfy certain specified criteria. The Company has investments in participation certificates related to consumer loans titled in the name of the Loan Purchaser. Through its participation certificates, the Company has beneficial interests in the loan cash flows, net of servicing-related fees and expenses. The total fair value of the Company's participation certificates was $24.3 million as of June 30, 2019 . In May 2019 the Company entered into a note purchase agreement whereby it agreed to lend up to $5.0 million to a mortgage originator in which the Company also holds an equity investment. The note carries an interest rate of 15% per annum on the outstanding balance and has a maturity date in May 2020. As of June 30, 2019, the outstanding balance on the note was $5.0 million and is classified as Corporate loans and included in Loans, at fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Consumer, Residential, and Commercial Loan Transactions with Affiliates The Company purchases certain of its consumer loans through an affiliate, or the "Purchasing Entity." The Purchasing Entity has entered into purchase agreements, open-ended in duration, with third party consumer loan originators whereby it has agreed to purchase eligible consumer loans. The amount of loans purchased under these purchase agreements is dependent on, among other factors, the amount of loans originated in any given period by the selling originators. The Company and other affiliates of Ellington have entered into agreements with the Purchasing Entity whereby the Company and each of the affiliates of Ellington have agreed to purchase their allocated portion (subject to monthly determination based on available capital and other factors) of the eligible loans acquired by the Purchasing Entity under each purchase agreement. Immediately after the Purchasing Entity purchases beneficial interests in the loans, the Company and other affiliates of Ellington purchase such beneficial interests from the Purchasing Entity, at the same price paid by the Purchasing Entity. During the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 , the Company purchased loans under these agreements with an aggregate principal balance of $51.5 million . As of June 30, 2019 , the estimated remaining contingent purchase obligations of the Company under these purchase agreements was approximately $133.3 million in principal balance. The Company's beneficial interests in the consumer loans purchased through the Purchasing Entity are evidenced by participation certificates issued by trusts that hold legal title to the loans. These trusts are owned by a related party of Ellington and were established to hold such loans. Through its participation certificates, the Company participates in the cash flows of the underlying loans held by each trust. The total amount of consumer loans underlying the Company's participation certificates and held in the related party trusts was $160.5 million as of June 30, 2019 . The Company has beneficial interests in residential mortgage loans and REO held in a trust owned by another related party of Ellington. Through these beneficial interests, the Company participates in the cash flows of the underlying loans held by such trust. The total amount of residential mortgage loans and REO underlying the Company's beneficial interests and held in the related party trust was $162.0 million as of June 30, 2019 . The Company is a co-investor in certain small balance commercial mortgage loans and REO with several other investors, including an unrelated third party and various affiliates of Ellington. These loans are beneficially owned by a consolidated subsidiary of the Company. As of June 30, 2019 , the aggregate fair value of the small balance commercial loans was $8.9 million and the carrying value of the REO was $17.0 million . The non-controlling interests held by the unrelated third party and the Ellington affiliates were $1.5 million and $4.2 million , respectively. The Company is also a co-investor in certain small balance commercial mortgage loans with other investors, including various unrelated third parties and various affiliates of Ellington. Each co-investor in a particular loan has an interest in the limited liability company that owns such loan. As of June 30, 2019 , the aggregate fair value of the Company's investments in the jointly owned limited liability companies was approximately $18.0 million . Such investments are included in Investments in unconsolidated entities, on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The consumer, residential mortgage, and commercial mortgage loans that are the subject of the foregoing loan transactions are held in trusts, each of which the Company has determined to be a VIE. The Company has evaluated each of these VIEs and determined that the Company has the power to direct the activities of each VIE that most significantly impact such VIE's economic performance and the Company has the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. As a result the Company has determined it is the primary beneficiary of each of these VIEs and has consolidated each VIE. Equity Investment in Unconsolidated Entity The Company was a co-investor, together with other affiliates of Ellington, in Jepson Holdings Limited, the parent of an entity (the "Right Holder Entity") that held a call right (the "Call Right") to a European mortgage loan securitization (the "Initial Securitization"). The Right Holder Entity issued notes (the "Right Holder Notes") to the Company and its affiliates, and to an unrelated third party. In March 2019, the Right Holder Entity assigned the Call Right to a newly formed entity, which exercised the Call Right and re-securitized the underlying European mortgage loan assets of the Initial Securitization through a new securitization trust (the "New Securitization"). In exchange for assigning the Call Right, the Right Holder Entity received a combination of (i) cash and (ii) certain notes issued by the New Securitization (the "New Securitization Notes"). The Right Holder Entity fully repaid the unrelated third party’s Right Holder Note with a combination of cash and New Securitization Notes. The Right Holder Notes held by the Company and its affiliates were also fully repaid with cash and New Securitization Notes. Certain of the New Securitization Notes were distributed to the Company and its affiliates on a pro rata basis. The Right Holder Entity is expected to continue to hold certain of the New Securitization Notes in order to comply with European risk retention rules. As of June 30, 2019 , the Company’s equity investment in Jepson Holdings Limited had a fair value of $1.8 million . The Company's investment in the New Securitization Notes had a fair value of $4.9 million as of June 30, 2019 and is included in Securities, at fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. See Note 6 for additional details on this equity investment. Participation in Multi-Borrower Financing Facilities The Company is a co-participant with certain other entities managed by Ellington or its affiliates (the "Affiliated Entities") in various entities (each, a "Joint Entity"), which were formed in order to facilitate the financing of small balance commercial mortgage loans, residential mortgage loans, and REO (collectively, the "Mortgage Loan and REO Assets"), through repurchase agreements. Each Joint Entity has a master repurchase agreement with a particular financing counterparty. In connection with the financing of the Mortgage Loan and REO Assets under repurchase agreements, each of the Company and the Affiliated Entities transferred certain of their respective Mortgage Loan and REO Assets to one of the Joint Entities in exchange for its pro rata share of the financing proceeds that the respective Joint Entity received from the financing counterparty. While the Company's Mortgage Loan and REO Assets were transferred to the Joint Entity, the Company's Mortgage Loan and REO Assets and the related debt were not derecognized for financial reporting purposes, in accordance with ASC 860-10, because the Company continued to retain the risks and rewards of ownership of its Mortgage Loan and REO Assets. As of June 30, 2019 , the Joint Entities had aggregate outstanding issued debt under the repurchase agreements in the amount of $333.6 million . The Company's segregated portion of this debt as of June 30, 2019 , was $182.7 million , and is included under the caption Repurchase agreements on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. To the extent that there is a default under the repurchase agreements, all of the assets of each respective Joint Entity, including those beneficially owned by any non-defaulting owners of such Joint Entity, could be used to satisfy the outstanding obligations under such repurchase agreement. As of June 30, 2019 , no party to any of the repurchase agreements was in default. Each of the Joint Entities has been determined to be a VIE. The Company has evaluated each of these VIEs and determined that it continued to retain the risks and rewards of ownership of its Mortgage Loan and REO Assets. Such Mortgage Loan and REO Assets and the related debt are segregated for the Company and each of the Affiliated Entities. On account of the segregation of each of the co-participant's assets and liabilities within each of the Joint Entities, as well as the retention by each co-participant of control over its specific Mortgage Loan and REO Assets within the Joint Entities, the Company has determined that it is the primary beneficiary of, and has consolidated its segregated portion of assets and liabilities within, each of the Joint Entities. See Note 9 and Note 11 for additional information. Participation in CLO Transactions As discussed in Note 10, the Company participated in a number of CLO securitization transactions, all managed by the CLO Manager. The CLO Manager is entitled to receive management and incentive fees in accordance with the respective management agreements between the CLO Manager and the respective CLO Issuers. In accordance with the Management Agreement, the Manager rebates to the Company the portion of the management fees payable by each CLO Issuer to the CLO Manager that are allocable to the Company's participating interest in the unsecured subordinated notes issued by such CLO Issuer. For the three-and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 , the amount of such management fee rebates was $0.5 million and $1.0 million , respectively. In addition, from time to time, the Company along with various other affiliates of Ellington, and in certain cases various third parties, advance funds in the form of loans ("Initial Funding Loans") to securitization vehicles to enable them to establish warehouse facilities for the purpose of acquiring the assets to be securitized. Pursuant to the terms of the warehouse facilities and the Initial Funding Loans, the applicable securitization trust is required, at the closing of each respective CLO securitization, first to repay the warehouse facility, then to repay the Initial Funding Loans, and then to distribute interest earned, net of any necessary reserves and/or interest expense, and the aggregate realized or unrealized gains, if any, on assets purchased into the warehouse facility. In the event that such CLO securitization fails to close, the assets held by the respective securitization vehicle would, subject to a cure period, be liquidated. As of June 30, 2019 , the Company's investments in such warehouse facilities was $10.9 million , which are included on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet in Investments in unconsolidated entities. Related Party Transactions The Company is party to a Management Agreement (which may be amended from time to time), pursuant to which the Manager manages the assets, operations, and affairs of the Company, in consideration of which the Company pays the Manager management and incentive fees. Effective March 13, 2018, the Board of Directors approved a Seventh Amended and Restated Management Agreement between the Company and the Manager. The descriptions of the Base Management Fees and Incentive Fees are detailed below. Base Management Fees The Operating Partnership pays the Manager 1.50% per annum of total equity of the Operating Partnership calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP as of the end of each fiscal quarter (before deductions for base management fees and incentive fees payable with respect to such fiscal quarter), provided that total equity is adjusted to exclude one-time events pursuant to changes in U.S. GAAP, as well as non-cash charges after discussion between the Manager and the Company's independent directors, and approval by a majority of the Company's independent directors in the case of non-cash charges. Pursuant to the Company's management agreement, if the Company invests at issuance in the equity of any collateralized debt obligation that is managed, structured, or originated by Ellington or one of its affiliates, or if the Company invests in any other investment fund or other investment for which Ellington or one of its affiliates receives management, origination, or structuring fees, then, unless agreed otherwise by a majority of the Company's independent directors, the base management and incentive fees payable by the Company to its Manager will be reduced by an amount equal to the applicable portion (as described in the management agreement) of any such management, origination, or structuring fees. Summary information —For the three- and six- month periods ended June 30, 2018 the total base management fee incurred, net of fee rebates, was $2.0 million and $4.0 million . Incentive Fees The Manager is entitled to receive a quarterly incentive fee equal to the positive excess, if any, of (i) the product of (A) 25% and (B) the excess of (1) Adjusted Net Income (described below) for the Incentive Calculation Period (which means such fiscal quarter and the immediately preceding three fiscal quarters) over (2) the sum of the Hurdle Amounts (described below) for the Incentive Calculation Period, over (ii) the sum of the incentive fees already paid or payable for each fiscal quarter in the Incentive Calculation Period preceding such fiscal quarter. For purposes of calculating the incentive fee, "Adjusted Net Income" for the Incentive Calculation Period means the net increase in equity from operations of the Operating Partnership, after all base management fees but before any incentive fees for such period, and excluding any non-cash equity compensation expenses for such period, as reduced by any Loss Carryforward (as described below) as of the end of the fiscal quarter preceding the Incentive Calculation Period. For purposes of calculating the incentive fee, the "Loss Carryforward" as of the end of any fiscal quarter is calculated by determining the excess, if any, of (1) the Loss Carryforward as of the end of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter over (2) the Company's net increase in equity from operations (expressed as a positive number) or net decrease in equity from operations (expressed as a negative number) of the Operating Partnership for such fiscal quarter. As of December 31, 2018, there was a Loss Carryforward of $2.1 million . For purposes of calculating the incentive fee, the "Hurdle Amount" means, with respect to any fiscal quarter, the product of (i) one-fourth of the greater of (A) 9% and (B) 3% plus the 10-year U.S. Treasury rate for such fiscal quarter, (ii) the sum of (A) the weighted average gross proceeds per share of all common share and OP Unit issuances since inception of the Company and up to the end of such fiscal quarter, with each issuance weighted by both the number of shares and OP Units issued in such issuance and the number of days that such issued shares and OP Units were outstanding during such fiscal quarter, using a first-in first-out basis of accounting ( i.e. attributing any share and OP Unit repurchases to the earliest issuances first) and (B) the result obtained by dividing (I) retained earnings attributable to common shares and OP Units at the beginning of such fiscal quarter by (II) the average number of common shares and OP Units outstanding for each day during such fiscal quarter, (iii) the sum of (x) the average number of common shares and LTIP Units outstanding for each day during such fiscal quarter, and (y) the average number of OP Units and OP LTIP Units outstanding for each day during such fiscal quarter. For purposes of determining the Hurdle Amount, issuances of common shares, OP LTIP Units, and OP Units (a) as equity incentive awards, (b) to the Manager as part of its base management fee or incentive fee and (c) to the Manager or any of its affiliates in privately negotiated transactions, are excluded from the calculation. The payment of the incentive fee will be in a combination of common shares and cash, provided that at least 10% of any quarterly payment will be made in common shares. Summary information —Total incentive fee incurred for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018 was $0.3 million . Termination Fees The Management Agreement requires the Company to pay a termination fee to the Manager in the event of (1) the Company's termination or non-renewal of the Management Agreement without cause or (2) the Company's termination of the Management Agreement based on unsatisfactory performance by the Manager that is materially detrimental to the Company or (3) the Manager's termination of the Management Agreement upon a default by the Company in the performance of any material term of the Management Agreement. Such termination fee will be equal to the amount of three times the sum of (i) the average annual Quarterly Base Management Fee Amounts paid or payable with respect to the two 12 -month periods ending on the last day of the latest fiscal quarter completed on or prior to the date of the notice of termination or non-renewal and (ii) the average annual Quarterly Incentive Fee Amounts paid or payable with respect to the two 12 -month periods ending on the last day of the latest fiscal quarter completed on or prior to the date of the notice of termination or non-renewal. Expense Reimbursement Under the terms of the Management Agreement the Company is required to reimburse the Manager for operating expenses related to the Company that are incurred by the Manager, including expenses relating to legal, accounting, due diligence, other services, and all other costs and expenses. The Company's reimbursement obligation is not subject to any dollar limitation. Expenses will be reimbursed in cash within 60 days following delivery of the expense statement by the Manager; provided, however, that such reimbursement may be offset by the Manager against amounts due to the Company from the Manager. The Company will not reimburse the Manager for the salaries and other compensation of the Manager's personnel except that the Company will be responsible for expenses incurred by the Manager in employing certain dedicated or partially dedicated personnel as further described below. The Company reimburses the Manager for the allocable share of the compensation, including, without limitation, wages, salaries, and employee benefits paid or reimbursed, as approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors to certain dedicated or partially dedicated personnel who spend all or a portion of their time managing the Company's affairs, based upon the percentage of time devoted by such personnel to the Company's affairs. In their capacities as officers or personnel of the Manager or its affiliates, such personnel will devote such portion of their time to the Company's affairs as is necessary to enable the Company to operate its business. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2018 the Company reimbursed the Manager $3.8 million for previously incurred operating and compensation expenses. Equity Investments in Certain Mortgage Originators As of December 31, 2018, the mortgage originators in which the Company holds equity investments represent related parties. Transactions that have been entered into with these related party mortgage originators are summarized below. The Company is a party to a mortgage loan purchase and sale flow agreement, with a mortgage originator in which the Company holds an investment in common stock, whereby the Company purchases residential mortgage loans that satisfy certain specified criteria. The Company has also provided a $5.0 million line of credit to the mortgage originator. Under the terms of this line of credit, the Company has agreed to make advances to the mortgage originator solely for the purpose of funding specifically identified residential mortgage loans designated for sale to the Company. To the extent the advances are drawn by the mortgage originator, it must pay interest, at a rate of 15% per annum, on the outstanding balance of each advance from the date the advance is made until such advance is repaid in full. The mortgage originator is required to repay advances in full no later than two business days following the date the Company purchases the related residential mortgage loans from the mortgage originator. As of December 31, 2018, there were no advances outstanding. The Company has also entered into two agreements whereby it guarantees the performance of such mortgage originator under third-party borrowing arrangements. See Note 17, Commitments and Contingencies, for further information on the Company's guarantees of the third-party borrowing arrangements. Consumer, Residential, and Comme

Long-Term Incentive Plan Units

Long-Term Incentive Plan Units	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Long-Term Incentive Plan Units	Long-Term Incentive Plan Units OP LTIP Units subject to the Company's incentive plans are generally exercisable by the holder at any time after vesting. Each OP LTIP Unit is convertible into an OP Unit on a one-for-one basis. Subject to certain conditions, the OP Units are redeemable by the holder for an equivalent number of shares of common stock of the Company or for the cash value of such shares of common stock, at the Company's election. Costs associated with the OP LTIP Units issued under the Company's incentive plans are measured as of the grant date and expensed ratably over the vesting period. Total expense associated with OP LTIP Units issued under the Company's incentive plans for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 was $0.1 million and $0.2 million , respectively. The below table details unvested OP LTIP Units as of June 30, 2019 : Grant Recipient Number of OP LTIP Units Granted Grant Date Vesting Date (1) Directors: 14,440 September 12, 2018 September 11, 2019 Partially dedicated employees: 8,692 December 11, 2018 December 11, 2019 8,691 December 11, 2018 December 11, 2020 5,886 December 12, 2017 December 12, 2019 Total unvested OP LTIP Units at June 30, 2019 37,709 (1) Date at which such OP LTIP Units will vest and become non-forfeitable. The following table summarizes issuance and exercise activity of OP LTIP Units for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 : Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2019 Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2019 Manager Director/ Employee Total Manager Director/ Employee Total OP LTIP Units Outstanding (3/31/2019 and 1/1/19, respectively) 375,000 146,371 521,371 375,000 146,371 521,371 Granted — — — — — — Exercised — — — — — — OP LTIP Units Outstanding (6/30/19) 375,000 146,371 521,371 375,000 146,371 521,371 OP LTIP Units Unvested and Outstanding (6/30/19) — 37,709 37,709 — 37,709 37,709 OP LTIP Units Vested and Outstanding (6/30/19) 375,000 108,662 483,662 375,000 108,662 483,662 As of June 30, 2019 , there were an aggregate of 1,874,223 shares of common stock of the Company underlying awards, including OP LTIP Units, available for future issuance under the Company's 2017 Equity Incentive Plan. Long-Term Incentive Plan Units LTIP Units and OP LTIP Units held pursuant to the Company's incentive plans are generally exercisable by the holder at any time after vesting. Each LTIP Unit is convertible into one common share. Each OP LTIP Unit is convertible into an OP Unit on a one-for-one basis. Subject to certain conditions, the OP Units are redeemable by the holder for an equivalent number of common shares of the Company or for the cash value of such common shares, at the Company's election. Costs associated with the LTIP Units and the OP LTIP Units issued under the Company's incentive plans are measured as of the grant date and expensed ratably over the vesting period. Total expense associated with LTIP Units and OP LTIP Units issued under the Company's incentive plans for each of the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018 was $0.1 million and $0.2 million , respectively. On March 7, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the issuance of 1,723 LTIP Units to certain of its partially dedicated employees pursuant to the Company's 2017 Equity Incentive Plan. These LTIP Units will vest and become non-forfeitable on March 7, 2019. On September 12, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the issuance of 14,440 LTIP Units to certain of its directors pursuant to the Company's 2017 Equity Incentive Plan. These LTIP Units will vest and become non-forfeitable on September 11, 2019. On December 11, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the issuance of 17,383 OP LTIP Units to certain of its partially dedicated employees pursuant to the Company's 2017 Equity Incentive Plan. These OP LTIP Units will vest and become non-forfeitable on December 11, 2019 with respect to 8,692 OP LTIP Units and December 11, 2020 with respect to 8,691 OP LTIP Units. On December 31, 2018, the Company redeemed all 503,988 outstanding LTIP Units which it had originally issued under its incentive plans, with each LTIP unitholder receiving in exchange an equal number of OP LTIP Units (the "Redemption Transaction"). The below table details unvested OP LTIP Units as of December 31, 2018: Grant Recipient Number of OP LTIP Units Grant Date Vesting Date (1) Directors: 14,440 September 12, 2018 September 11, 2019 Partially dedicated employees: 8,692 December 11, 2018 December 11, 2019 8,691 December 11, 2018 December 11, 2020 1,723 March 7, 2018 March 7, 2019 5,886 December 12, 2017 December 12, 2019 Total unvested OP LTIP Units at December 31, 2018 39,432 (1) Date at which such OP LTIP Units will vest and become non-forfeitable. The following table summarizes issuance and exercise activity of LTIP Units and OP LTIP Units for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018: Three-Month Period Ended Six-Month Period Ended Manager Director/ Employee Total Manager Director/ Employee Total LTIP Units and OP LTIP Units Outstanding (3/31/2018 and 12/31/2017, respectively) 375,000 117,882 492,882 375,000 116,159 491,159 Granted — — — — 1,723 1,723 Exercised — — — — — — LTIP Units and OP LTIP Units Outstanding (3/31/2018) 375,000 117,882 492,882 375,000 117,882 492,882 LTIP Units and OP LTIP Units Vested and Outstanding (6/30/2018) 375,000 86,155 461,155 375,000 86,155 461,155 As of December 31, 2018, there were an aggregate of 1,874,223 common shares underlying awards, including OP LTIP Units, available for future issuance under the Company's 2017 Equity Incentive Plan.

Non-controlling Interests

Non-controlling Interests	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Non-controlling Interests	Non-controlling Interests Operating Partnership Non-controlling interests include the Convertible Non-controlling Interests in the Operating Partnership owned by an affiliate of our Manager, our directors, and certain current and former Ellington employees and their related parties. On December 31, 2018, the Company redeemed 503,988 outstanding long term incentive plan units of the Company and exchanged them on a one-for-one basis for OP LTIP Units. Income allocated to Convertible Non-controlling Interests is based on the non-controlling interest owners' ownership percentage of the Operating Partnership during the quarter, calculated using a daily weighted average of all shares of common stock of the Company and Convertible Non-controlling Interests outstanding during the quarter. Holders of Convertible Non-controlling Interests are entitled to receive the same distributions that holders of shares of common stock of the Company receive. Convertible Non-controlling Interests are non-voting with respect to matters as to which holders of common stock of the Company are entitled to vote. As June 30, 2019 , the Convertible Non-controlling Interests consisted of the outstanding 521,371 OP LTIP Units and 212,000 OP Units, and represented an interest of approximately 2.4% in the Operating Partnership. As of June 30, 2019 , non-controlling interests related to the outstanding 521,371 OP LTIP Units and the outstanding 212,000 OP Units was $13.9 million . Joint Venture Interests Non-controlling interests also include the interests of joint venture partners in various consolidated subsidiaries of the Company. The subsidiaries hold the Company's investments in certain commercial mortgage loans and REO. These joint venture partners participate in the income, expense, gains and losses of such subsidiaries as set forth in the related operating agreements of the subsidiaries. These joint venture partners make capital contributions to the subsidiaries as new approved investments are purchased by the subsidiaries, and are generally entitled to distributions when investments are sold or otherwise disposed of. As of June 30, 2019 , these joint venture partners' interests in subsidiaries of the Company were $16.7 million . These joint venture partners' interests are not convertible into shares of common stock of the Company or OP Units, nor are these joint venture partners entitled to receive distributions that holders of shares of common stock of the Company receive. Non-controlling Interests Operating Partnership Non-controlling interests include the Convertible Non-controlling Interests in the Operating Partnership owned by an affiliate of our Manager, our directors, and certain current and former Ellington employees and their related parties. These interests consist of OP Units and OP LTIP Units. On January 1, 2013, 212,000 OP Units were purchased by the initial non-controlling interest member. On December 11, 2018, the Company issued 17,383 OP LTIP Units to certain officers of the Company. On December 31, 2018, the Company redeemed 503,988 LTIP Units and distributed 503,988 OP LTIP Units to non-controlling interest members pursuant to the Redemption Transaction. Income allocated to these non-controlling interests is based on the non-controlling interest owners' ownership percentage of the Operating Partnership during the quarter, calculated using a daily weighted average of all common shares and convertible units outstanding during the quarter. Holders of OP Units and OP LTIP Units are entitled to receive the same distributions that holders of common shares receive, and OP Units are convertible into common shares on a one-for-one basis, subject to specified limitations. Each OP LTIP Unit is convertible into an OP Unit on a one-for-one basis. OP Units and OP LTIP Units are non-voting with respect to matters as to which common shareholders are entitled to vote. As December 31, 2018, the Convertible Non-controlling Interests consisted of the outstanding 521,371 OP LTIP Units and 212,000 OP Units, and represented an interest of approximately 2.4% in the Operating Partnership. As of December 31, 2018 non-controlling interests related to the outstanding 521,371 OP LTIP Units and the outstanding 212,000 OP Units was $13.9 million . Joint Venture Interests Non-controlling interests also include the interests of joint venture partners in various consolidated subsidiaries of the Company. The subsidiaries hold the Company's investments in certain commercial mortgage loans and REO. These joint venture partners participate in the income, expense, gains and losses of such subsidiaries as set forth in the related operating agreements of the subsidiaries. These joint venture partners make capital contributions to the subsidiaries as new approved investments are purchased by the subsidiaries, and are generally entitled to distributions when investments are sold or otherwise disposed of. As of December 31, 2018 these joint venture partners' interests in subsidiaries of the Company were $17.3 million . These joint venture partners' interests are not convertible into common shares of the Company or OP Units, nor are these joint venture partners entitled to receive distributions that holders of common shares of the Company receive.

Common Stock Capitalization

Common Stock Capitalization	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Common Stock Capitalization	Common Stock Capitalization The Company has authorized 100,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share. The Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of additional shares, subject to the approval of the holders of at least a majority of the shares of common stock then outstanding present in person or represented by proxy at a meeting of the stockholders. As of June 30, 2019 , there were 29,745,776 shares of common stock outstanding. During the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 , the Board of Directors authorized dividends totaling $0.42 and $0.97 , respectively, per share. Total dividends declared during the three- and six-month period ended June 30, 2019 were $12.8 million and $29.6 million , respectively. The following table summarizes issuance, repurchase, and other activity with respect to the Company's common stock for the three- and six-month period ended June 30, 2019 : Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2019 Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2019 Shares of Common Stock Outstanding (3/31/2019 and 1/1/19, respectively) 29,745,776 29,796,601 Share Activity: Shares of common stock repurchased — (50,825 ) Director OP LTIP Units exercised — — Shares of Common Stock Outstanding (6/30/19) 29,745,776 29,745,776 If all Convertible Non-controlling Interests that have been previously issued were to become fully vested and exchanged for shares of common stock as of June 30, 2019 , the Company's issued and outstanding shares of common stock would increase to 30,479,147 shares. On June 13, 2018, the Board of Directors approved the adoption of a share repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to 1.55 million shares of common stock. The program, which is open-ended in duration, allows the Company to make repurchases from time to time on the open market or in negotiated transactions, including under Rule 10b5-1 plans. Repurchases are at the Company's discretion, subject to applicable law, share availability, price and financial performance, among other considerations. During the three-month period ended June 30, 2019 the Company did not repurchase any shares. During the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 , the Company repurchased 50,825 shares at an average price per share of $15.39 and a total cost of $0.8 million . From inception of the current repurchase plan through June 30, 2019 , the Company repurchased 411,915 shares at an average price per share of $15.34 and a total cost of $6.3 million . Common Share Capitalization During the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018 the Board of Directors authorized dividends totaling $0.41 per share and $0.82 per share, respectively. Total dividends paid during the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018 were $12.7 million and $25.5 million , respectively. The following table summarizes issuance, repurchase, and other activity with respect to the Company's common shares for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018: Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 Six-Month Period Ended Common Shares Outstanding (3/31/2018 and 12/31/2017, respectively) 30,392,041 31,335,938 Share Activity: Shares repurchased (242,161 ) (1,186,058 ) Director LTIP Units exercised — — Common Shares Outstanding (6/30/2018) 30,149,880 30,149,880 If all LTIP Units, OP LTIP Units, and OP Units that have been previously issued were to become fully vested and exchanged for common shares as of June 30, 2018 the Company's issued and outstanding common shares would increase to 30,854,762 . On June 13, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors approved the adoption of a share repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to 1.55 million ccommon shares. The program, which is open-ended in duration, allows the Company to make repurchases from time to time on the open market or in negotiated transactions, including under Rule 10b5-1 plans. Repurchases are at the Company's discretion, subject to applicable law, share availability, price and its financial performance, among other considerations. This program superseded the program that was previously adopted on February 6, 2018. During the three-month period ended June 30, 2018, the Company repurchased 242,161 common shares at an average price per share of $14.98 and a total cost of $3.6 million . During the six-month period ended June 30, 2018, the Company repurchased 1,186,058 common shares at an average price per share of $14.83 and a total cost of $17.6 million . As of June 30, 2018, the Company had not repurchased shares under the current share repurchase program.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share The components of the computation of basic and diluted EPS are as follows: Three-Month Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2019 (In thousands except share amounts) Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ 12,644 $ 28,052 Add: Net income (loss) attributable to Convertible Non-controlling Interests (1) 312 692 Net income (loss) related to common stockholders and Convertible Non-controlling Interests 12,956 28,744 Dividends Paid: Common stockholders (12,493 ) (28,853 ) Convertible Non-controlling Interests (308 ) (712 ) Total dividends paid to common stockholders and Convertible Non-controlling Interests (12,801 ) (29,565 ) Undistributed (Distributed in excess of) earnings: Common stockholders 151 (801 ) Convertible Non-controlling Interests 4 (20 ) Total undistributed (distributed in excess of) earnings attributable to common stockholders and Convertible Non-controlling Interests 155 (821 ) Weighted average shares outstanding (basic and diluted): Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding 29,745,776 29,746,652 Weighted average Convertible Non-controlling Interest Units outstanding 733,371 733,371 Weighted average shares of common stock and Convertible Non-controlling Interest Units outstanding 30,479,147 30,480,023 Basic earnings per share of common stock and Convertible Non-controlling Interest Unit: Distributed $ 0.42 $ 0.97 Undistributed (Distributed in excess of) 0.01 (0.03 ) $ 0.43 $ 0.94 Diluted earnings per share of common stock and Convertible Non-controlling Interest Unit: Distributed $ 0.42 $ 0.97 Undistributed (Distributed in excess of) 0.01 (0.03 ) $ 0.43 $ 0.94 (1) For the three- and six- month periods ended June 30, 2019 , excludes net income (loss) of $0.7 million and $1.4 million , respectively, attributable to joint venture partners, which have non-participating interests as described in Note 15. Earnings Per Share The components of the computation of basic and diluted EPS were as follows: Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 (In thousands except share amounts) Net increase in shareholders' equity resulting from operations $ 21,193 $ 42,232 Add: Net increase in equity resulting from operations attributable to the participating non-controlling interest (1) 146 289 Net increase in equity resulting from operations related to common shares, LTIP Unit holders, and participating non-controlling interest 21,339 42,521 Net increase in shareholders' equity resulting from operations available to common share and LTIP Unit holders: Net increase in shareholders' equity resulting from operations– common shares 20,853 41,561 Net increase in shareholders' equity resulting from operations– LTIP Units 340 671 Dividends Paid (2) : Common shareholders (12,361 ) (24,923 ) LTIP Unit holders (202 ) (404 ) Non-controlling interest (87 ) (174 ) Total dividends paid to common shareholders, LTIP Unit holders, and non-controlling interest (12,650 ) (25,501 ) Undistributed (Distributed in excess of) earnings: Common shareholders 8,492 16,638 LTIP Unit holders 138 267 Non-controlling interest 59 115 Total undistributed (distributed in excess of) earnings attributable to common shareholders, LTIP Unit holders, and non-controlling interest $ 8,689 $ 17,020 Weighted average shares outstanding (basic and diluted): Weighted average common shares outstanding 30,202,262 30,514,702 Weighted average participating LTIP Units 492,882 492,263 Weighted average non-controlling interest units 212,000 212,000 Basic earnings per common share: Distributed $ 0.41 $ 0.82 Undistributed (Distributed in excess of) 0.28 0.54 $ 0.69 $ 1.36 Diluted earnings per common share: Distributed $ 0.41 $ 0.82 Undistributed (Distributed in excess of) 0.28 0.54 $ 0.69 $ 1.36 (1) For the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018, excludes net increase (decrease) in equity resulting from operations of $0.8 million and $1.0 million attributable to joint venture partners, which have non-participating interests as described in Note 11. (2) The Company pays quarterly dividends in arrears, so a portion of the dividends paid in each calendar year relate to the prior year's earnings.

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash The Company is required to maintain a specific cash balance in a segregated account pursuant to a flow consumer loan purchase and sale agreement. As of June 30, 2019 , the Company's restricted cash balance related to the flow consumer loan purchase and sale agreement was $0.2 million . Restricted Cash The Company is required to maintain certain cash balances with counterparties and/or unrelated third parties for various activities and transactions. The Company is required to maintain a specific cash balance in a segregated account pursuant to a flow consumer loan purchase and sale agreement. The Company is also required to maintain a specific minimum cash balance in connection with its subsidiary that holds various state mortgage origination licenses. The below table details the Company's restricted cash balances included in Restricted cash on the Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity as of December 31, 2018. December 31, 2018 (In thousands) Restricted cash balance related to: Minimum account balance required for regulatory purposes $ 250 Flow consumer loan purchase and sale agreement 175 Total $ 425

Offsetting of Assets and Liabil

Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities	Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities The Company generally records financial instruments at fair value as described in Note 2. All financial instruments are recorded on a gross basis on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. In connection with the vast majority of its derivative, reverse repurchase and repurchase agreements, and the related trading agreements, the Company and its counterparties are required to pledge collateral. Cash or other collateral is exchanged as required with each of the Company's counterparties in connection with open derivative positions, and reverse repurchase and repurchase agreements. The following table presents information about certain assets and liabilities representing financial instruments as of June 30, 2019 . The Company has not entered into master netting agreements with any of its counterparties. Certain of the Company's reverse repurchase and repurchase agreements and financial derivative transactions are governed by underlying agreements that generally provide a right of offset in the event of default or in the event of a bankruptcy of either party to the transaction. June 30, 2019 : Description Amount of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (1) Financial Instruments Available for Offset Financial Instruments Transferred or Pledged as Collateral (2)(3) Cash Collateral (Received) Pledged (2)(3) Net Amount (In thousands) Assets Financial derivatives–assets $ 11,150 $ (7,170 ) $ — $ (1,217 ) $ 2,763 Reverse repurchase agreements 49,641 (49,641 ) — — — Liabilities Financial derivatives–liabilities (27,805 ) 7,170 — 16,372 (4,263 ) Repurchase agreements (1,715,506 ) 49,641 1,649,709 16,156 — (1) In the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, all balances associated with repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, and financial derivatives are presented on a gross basis. (2) For the purpose of this presentation, for each row the total amount of financial instruments transferred or pledged and cash collateral (received) or pledged may not exceed the applicable gross amount of assets or (liabilities) as presented here. Therefore, the Company has reduced the amount of financial instruments transferred or pledged as collateral related to the Company's reverse repurchase agreements and cash collateral pledged on the Company's financial derivative liabilities. Total financial instruments transferred or pledged as collateral on the Company's reverse repurchase agreements as of June 30, 2019 was $2.01 billion . As of June 30, 2019 , total cash collateral on financial derivative assets and liabilities excludes excess net cash collateral pledged of $2.0 million and $17.2 million , respectively. (3) When collateral is pledged to or pledged by a counterparty, it is often pledged or posted with respect to all positions with such counterparty, and in such cases such collateral cannot be specifically identified as relating to a specific asset or liability. As a result, in preparing the above tables, the Company has made assumptions in allocating pledged or posted collateral among the various rows. Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities The Company records financial instruments at fair value as described in Note 2. All financial instruments are recorded on a gross basis on the Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity. In connection with the vast majority of its derivative, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and the related trading agreements, the Company and its counterparties are required to pledge collateral. Cash or other collateral is exchanged as required with each of the Company's counterparties in connection with open derivative positions, and repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements. The following tables present information about certain assets and liabilities representing financial instruments as of December 31, 2018. The Company has not entered into master netting agreements with any of its counterparties. Certain of the Company's repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements and financial derivative transactions are governed by underlying agreements that generally provide a right of offset in the event of default or in the event of a bankruptcy of either party to the transaction. December 31, 2018: Description Amount of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity (1) Financial Instruments Available for Offset Financial Instruments Transferred or Pledged as Collateral (2)(3) Cash Collateral (Received) Pledged (2)(3) Net Amount (In thousands) Assets Financial derivatives–assets $ 20,001 $ (10,910 ) $ — $ (2,514 ) $ 6,577 Repurchase agreements 61,274 (61,274 ) — — — Liabilities Financial derivatives–liabilities (20,806 ) 10,910 — 9,896 — Reverse repurchase agreements (1,498,849 ) 61,274 1,420,601 16,974 — (1) In the Company's Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity, all balances associated with repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, and financial derivatives are presented on a gross basis. (2) For the purpose of this presentation, for each row the total amount of financial instruments transferred or pledged and cash collateral (received) or pledged may not exceed the applicable gross amount of assets or (liabilities) as presented here. Therefore, the Company has reduced the amount of financial instruments transferred or pledged as collateral related to the Company's reverse repurchase agreements and cash collateral pledged on the Company's financial derivative liabilities. Total financial instruments transferred or pledged as collateral on the Company's reverse repurchase agreements as of December 31, 2018 were $1.79 billion . As of December 31, 2018 total cash collateral on financial derivative assets excludes excess net cash collateral pledged of $0.1 million . As of December 31, 2018 total cash collateral on financial derivative liabilities excludes excess cash collateral pledged of $16.4 million . (3) When collateral is pledged to or pledged by a counterparty, it is often pledged or posted with respect to all positions with such counterparty, and in such cases such collateral cannot be specifically identified as relating to a specific asset or liability. As a result, in preparing the above tables, the Company has made assumptions in allocating pledged or posted collateral among the various rows.

Counterparty Risk

Counterparty Risk	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Counterparty Risk	Counterparty Risk The Company is exposed to concentrations of counterparty risk. It seeks to mitigate such risk by diversifying its exposure among various counterparties, when appropriate. The following table summarizes the Company's exposure to counterparty risk as of June 30, 2019 . Amount of Exposure Number of Counterparties with Exposure Maximum Percentage of Exposure to a Single Counterparty (1) (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 42,671 10 70.7 % Collateral on repurchase agreements held by dealers (2) 2,029,073 24 15.0 % Due from brokers 65,083 21 26.5 % Receivable for securities sold (3) 38,705 5 40.6 % (1) Each counterparty is a large creditworthy financial institution. (2) Includes securities and loans as well as cash posted as collateral for repurchase agreements. (3) Included in Investment related receivables on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Counterparty Risk As of December 31, 2018, investments with an aggregate value of approximately $1.79 billion were held with dealers as collateral for various reverse repurchase agreements. The investments held as collateral include securities in the amount of $86.7 million that were sold prior to period end but for which such sale had not yet settled as of December 31, 2018. The following table details the percentage of such collateral held by counterparties who hold greater than 15% of the aggregate $1.79 billion in collateral for various reverse repurchase agreements as of December 31, 2018. In addition to the below, unencumbered investments, on a settlement date basis, of approximately $13.3 million were held in custody at the Bank of New York Mellon Corporation as of December 31, 2018. Dealer % of Total Collateral on Reverse Repurchase Agreements Royal Bank of Canada 19% The following table details the percentage of collateral amounts held by dealers who hold greater than 15% of the Company's Due from Brokers, included as of December 31, 2018: Dealer % of Total Due from Brokers Morgan Stanley 37% J.P. Morgan Securities LLC 30% The following table details the percentage of amounts held by dealers who hold greater than 15% of the Company's Receivable for securities sold as of December 31, 2018: Dealer % of Total Receivable for Securities Sold J.P. Morgan Securities LLC 25% Bank of America Securities 26% CS First Boston Limited 34% In addition, the Company held cash and cash equivalents of $44.7 million as of December 31, 2018. The below table details the concentration of cash and cash equivalents held by each counterparty: Counterparty As of December 31, 2018 Bank of New York Mellon Corporation 64% Deutsche Bank Securities 5% Bank of America Securities 2% Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Fund—Government Portfolio 10% BlackRock Liquidity Funds FedFund Portfolio 9% Goldman Sachs Financial Square Funds—Government Fund 9% Lakeland Bank Inc. 1%

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies and Commitments	Commitments and Contingencies The Company provides current directors and officers with a limited indemnification against liabilities arising in connection with the performance of their duties to the Company. In the normal course of business the Company may also enter into contracts that contain a variety of representations, warranties, and general indemnifications. The Company's maximum exposure under these arrangements, including future claims that may be made against the Company that have not yet occurred, is unknown. The Company has not incurred any costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these indemnification agreements. As of June 30, 2019 the Company has no liabilities recorded for these agreements. The Company's maximum risk of loss from credit events on its securities (excluding Agency securities, which are guaranteed by the issuing government agency or government-sponsored enterprise), loans, and investments in unconsolidated entities is limited to the amount paid for such investment. Commitments and Contingencies Related to Investments in Residential Mortgage Loans In connection with certain of the Company's investments in residential mortgage loans, the Company has unfunded commitments in the amount of $1.8 million as of June 30, 2019 . Commitments and Contingencies Related to Investments in Mortgage Loan Originators In connection with certain of its investments in mortgage originators, the Company has outstanding commitments and contingencies as described below. As described in Note 13, the Company is party to a flow mortgage loan purchase and sale agreement with a mortgage loan originator. The Company has entered into two agreements whereby it guarantees the performance of this mortgage loan originator under master repurchase agreements. The Company's maximum guarantees are capped at $25.0 million . As of June 30, 2019 the mortgage loan originator had $15.8 million of outstanding borrowings under the agreements guaranteed by the Company. The Company's obligations under these arrangements are deemed to be guarantees under ASC 460-10. The Company has elected the FVO for its guarantees, which are included in Other Liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of June 30, 2019 , the estimated fair value of such guarantees was insignificant. Commitments and Contingencies The Company provides current directors and officers with a limited indemnification against liabilities arising in connection with the performance of their duties to the Company. In the normal course of business the Company may also enter into contracts that contain a variety of representations, warranties, and general indemnifications. The Company's maximum exposure under these arrangements, including future claims that may be made against the Company that have not yet occurred, is unknown. The Company has not incurred any costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these indemnification agreements. As of December 31, 2018, the Company has no liabilities recorded for these agreements. Commitments and Contingencies Related to Investments in Residential Mortgage Loans In connection with certain of the Company's investments in residential mortgage loans, the Company has unfunded commitments in the amount of $1.0 million as of December 31, 2018. Commitments and Contingencies Related to Investments in Mortgage Originators In connection with certain of its investments in mortgage originators, the Company has outstanding commitments and contingencies as described below. As described in Note 9, Related Party Transactions, the Company is party to a flow mortgage loan purchase and sale agreement with a mortgage originator. The Company has entered into two agreements whereby it guarantees the performance of this mortgage originator under master repurchase agreements. The Company's maximum guarantees are capped at $25.0 million . As of December 31, 2018 the mortgage originator had $2.9 million outstanding borrowings under these agreements guaranteed by the Company. The Company's obligation under these arrangements are deemed to be guarantees under ASC 460-10 and are carried at fair value and included in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity. As of December 31, 2018 the estimated fair value of such guarantees was zero .

Financial Highlights

Financial Highlights	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Investment Company, Financial Highlights [Abstract]
Financial Highlights	Financial Highlights Results of Operations for a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods: Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 Beginning Shareholders' Equity Per Share (3/31/2018 and 12/31/2017, respectively) $ 19.56 $ 19.15 Net Investment Income 0.36 0.70 Net Realized/Unrealized Gains (Losses) 0.37 0.72 Results of Operations Attributable to Equity 0.73 1.42 Less: Results of Operations Attributable to Non-controlling Interests (0.03 ) (0.04 ) Results of Operations Attributable to Shareholders' Equity (1) 0.70 1.38 Dividends Paid to Common Shareholders (0.41 ) (0.82 ) Weighted Average Share Impact on Dividends Paid (2) (0.01 ) (0.02 ) Accretive (Dilutive) Effect of Share Issuances (Net of Offering Costs), Share Repurchases, and Adjustments to Non-controlling Interest 0.05 0.20 Ending Shareholders' Equity Per Share (6/30/2018) (3) $ 19.89 $ 19.89 Shares Outstanding, end of period 30,149,880 30,149,880 (1) Calculated based on average common shares outstanding and can differ from the calculation for EPS (See Note 13). (2) Per share impact on dividends paid relating to share issuances/repurchases during the period as well as dividends paid to LTIP and OP Unit holders. (3) If all LTIP Units and OP Units previously issued were vested and exchanged for common shares as of June 30, 2018 shareholders' equity per share would be $19.57 . Total Return: The Company calculates its total return two ways, one based on its reported net asset value and the other based on its publicly traded share price. The following table illustrates the Company's total return for the periods presented based on net asset value: Net Asset Value Based Total Return for a Shareholder: (1) Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 Total Return 3.78% 8.24% (1) Total return is calculated assuming reinvestment of distributions at shareholders' equity per share during the period. Market Based Total Return for a Shareholder: For the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018 the Company's market based total return based on the closing price as reported by the New York Stock Exchange was 8.11% and 13.55% , respectively. Calculation of market based total return assumes the reinvestment of dividends at the closing price as reported by the New York Stock Exchange as of the ex-date. Net Investment Income Ratio to Average Equity: (1)(2) Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 Net Investment Income 7.34% 7.01% (1) Average equity is calculated using month end values. (2) Includes all items of income and expense on an annualized basis except for incentive fee expense which is included on a non-annualized basis. Expense Ratios to Average Equity: (1)(2) Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 Operating expenses, before interest expense and other investment related expenses (3.01)% (2.84)% Incentive fee (0.05)% (0.05)% Interest expense and other investment related expenses (11.23)% (10.39)% Total Expenses (14.29)% (13.28)% (1) Average equity is calculated using month end values. (2) Ratios are annualized except for the incentive fee which is not annualized.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events On July 8, 2019 , the Board of Directors approved a dividend in the amount of $0.14 per share payable on August 26, 2019 to stockholders of record as of July 31, 2019 . On July 22, 2019, the Company completed a follow-on offering of 3.5 million shares of its common stock, which generated net proceeds, after underwriters' discount and offering costs, of $60.7 million . On July 25, 2019, the Company issued an additional 525,000 shares of its common stock in connection with the exercise of the underwriters' option granted in the initial offering. The exercise of the underwriters' option resulted in net proceeds to the Company of an additional $9.1 million , after underwriters' discount and offering costs. On August 7, 2019 , the Board of Directors approved a dividend in the amount of $0.14 per share payable on September 25, 2019 to stockholders of record as of August 30, 2019 . Subsequent Events On February 13, 2019, the Company announced that it will elect to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes for the taxable year ending December 31, 2019. To facilitate this planned election, it has elected to be taxed as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes effective January 1, 2019. Also on February 13, 2019, the Company exchanged $86 million of 5.50% Senior Notes due 2022 (the "New Senior Notes") for its existing 5.25% senior notes due 2022 (the "Existing Senior Notes"). The New Senior Notes were jointly and severally issued by two of the Company's subsidiaries and fully guaranteed by the Company. The indenture governing the New Senior Notes contains a number of covenants, including several financial covenants. On February 14, 2019, the Company's Board of Directors approved a dividend in the amount of $0.41 per share payable on March 15, 2019 to shareholders of record as of March 1, 2019. On February 28, 2019, the Company filed a certificate of conversion with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the "Secretary of State") to convert from a Delaware limited liability company to a Delaware corporation (the "Conversion") and change its name to Ellington Financial Inc. (the "Corporation"). The Conversion became effective on March 1, 2019, and upon effectiveness, each of the Company's existing common shares representing limited liability company interests, no par value, converted into one issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of the Corporation. In connection with the Conversion, the Board approved the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, which the Company also filed with the Secretary of State, and the Company's Bylaws. On March 11, 2019, the Company's Board of Directors approved a dividend in the amount of $0.14 per share payable on April 25, 2019 to stockholders of record as of March 29, 2019. In connection with the Conversion and the Company's plan to qualify as a REIT for the year ending December 31, 2019, effective January 1, 2019 the Company no longer qualifies for investment company accounting in accordance with ASC 946 and will discontinue its use prospectively. The Company will continue to measure its qualifying assets and liabilities at fair value by electing the fair value option where applicable.

Significant Accounting Polici_2

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation : The Company's unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, or "U.S. GAAP," and Regulation S-X. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, the Operating Partnership, its subsidiaries, and variable interest entities, or "VIEs," for which the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In management's opinion, all material adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of the Company's interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been included and are only of a normal recurring nature. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year. The information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. The Company adopted ASC 946, Financial Services—Investment Companies ("ASC 946") upon its commencement of operations in August 2007, and applied U.S. GAAP for investment companies. In connection with the Company's internal restructuring and the Company's intention to qualify as a REIT for the year ending December 31, 2019, the Company has determined that, effective January 1, 2019, it no longer qualifies for investment company accounting in accordance with ASC 946-10-25, and has prospectively discontinued its use. The Company will elect the fair value option, or "FVO," for, and therefore the Company will continue to measure at fair value, those of its assets and liabilities it had previously measured at fair value and for which such election is permitted, as provided for under ASC 825, Financial Instruments ("ASC 825"). Due to the prospective application of a change in accounting as required under ASC 946-10-25-2, the Company has determined that the presentation of its condensed consolidated financial statements for periods beginning after December 31, 2018 are not comparable to the consolidated financial statements previously prepared for prior periods for which the Company applied ASC 946. As a result, the Company has provided separate consolidated financial statements for applicable prior periods in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Basis of Presentation : The Company's unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, or "U.S. GAAP," for investment companies, ASC 946, Financial Services—Investment Companies ("ASC 946"). The Company has determined that it meets the definition of an investment company under ASC 946 . ASC 946 requires, among other things, that investments be reported at fair value in the financial statements. Additionally under ASC 946 the Company generally will not consolidate its interest in any company other than in its subsidiaries that qualify as investment companies under ASC 946. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, the Operating Partnership, and its subsidiaries. They also include certain securitization trusts which are designed to facilitate specific financing activities of the Company and represent a direct extension of the Company's business activities. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be material. In management's opinion, all material adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of the Company's interim consolidated financial statements have been included and are only of a normal recurring nature. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year. The information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Reclassification and Presentation	Reclassification and Presentation Effective January 1, 2019, the Company prospectively discontinued its application of ASC 946. Upon its change in status, the following significant changes and elections were made: • Investments in securities are now accounted for in accordance with ASC 320, Investments—Debt and Equity Securities ("ASC 320"); • The Company elected the FVO as provided for under ASC 825-10-25-4 for all eligible financial instruments for which the Company had previously measured at fair value, including investments in securities, loans, financial derivatives, and certain of the Company's secured borrowings. As a result, all changes in the fair value of such financial instruments will continue to be recorded in earnings on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations; • Real estate owned, or "REO," is not eligible for the FVO election. As a result, REO is carried at the lower of cost or fair value. The Company's cost basis in any REO that was previously measured at fair value under ASC 946 was adjusted on January 1, 2019 to equal the fair value of such investment as of December 31, 2018; • The Company elected not to designate its financial derivatives as hedging instruments in accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815"). As a result, all changes in the fair value of financial derivatives will continue to be recorded in earnings on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations; • Forward settling to-be-announced mortgage-backed-securities, or "TBAs," are no longer classified as investments. TBAs will be classified as financial derivatives, with the difference between the forward contract price and the market value of the TBA position as of the reporting date included in Unrealized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations; and • The Company is required to account for certain of its equity investments under ASC 323-10, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures ("ASC 323-10"). The Company has elected the FVO for such equity investments and changes in fair value will be reported in Earnings from investments in unconsolidated entities, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. The discontinuation of the Company's application of ASC 946 prospectively changed the presentation of the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. The most significant changes are: • The Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity has been changed to a Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet; • The Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments has been removed; • The Consolidated Statement of Operations is no longer presented in the format required under ASC 946. The Company will present the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations as required under U.S. GAAP for operating companies. A Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) will be presented, if and when applicable; • The Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows has been changed, and now includes a section for investing activities; • Certain footnotes have been changed to reflect conformity with applicable U.S. GAAP for operating companies; • The Company re-evaluated its interests in all entities to determine whether they are variable interests, and re-evaluated its investments, including it investments in partially owned entities, to determine if they are VIEs, as required under ASC 810, Consolidation ("ASC 810"). The Company also re-evaluated consolidation considerations for all of its investments in VIEs and partially owned entities, as required under ASC 810. Applicable disclosures related to VIEs have been included in these notes to condensed consolidated financial statements; • Securities/loans sold under agreements to be repurchased at an agreed-upon price and date, which were formerly referred to as "reverse repurchase agreements," are now referred to as "repurchase agreements"; • Securities/loans purchased under agreements to resell at an agreed-upon price and date, which were formerly referred to as "repurchase agreements," are now referred to as "reverse repurchase agreements"; and • The financial highlights disclosures, which are not required under U.S. GAAP for operating companies, have been removed.
Valuation	Valuation : The Company applies ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurement ("ASC 820") to its holdings of financial instruments. ASC 820 establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the observability of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows: • Level 1—inputs to the valuation methodology are observable and reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Currently, the types of financial instruments the Company generally includes in this category are listed equities and exchange-traded derivatives; • Level 2—inputs to the valuation methodology other than quoted prices included in Level 1 are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Currently, the types of financial instruments that the Company generally includes in this category are RMBS for which the principal and interest payments are guaranteed by a U.S. government agency or a U.S. government-sponsored entity, or "Agency RMBS," U.S. Treasury securities and sovereign debt, certain non-Agency RMBS, CMBS, CLOs, corporate debt, and actively traded derivatives such as interest rate swaps, foreign currency forwards, and other over-the-counter derivatives; and • Level 3—inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. The types of financial instruments that the Company generally includes in this category are certain RMBS, CMBS, CLOs, ABS, and credit default swaps, or "CDS," on individual ABS, in each case where there is less price transparency. Also included in this category are residential and commercial mortgage loans, consumer loans, and private corporate debt and equity investments. For certain financial instruments, the various inputs that management uses to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. For each such financial instrument, the determination of which category within the fair value hierarchy is appropriate is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. ASC 820 prioritizes the various inputs that management uses to measure fair value, with the highest priority given to inputs that are observable and reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets (Level 1), and the lowest priority given to inputs that are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement (Level 3). The assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument. The Company may use valuation techniques consistent with the market and income approaches to measure the fair value of its financial instruments. The market approach uses third-party valuations and information obtained from market transactions involving identical or similar financial instruments. The income approach uses projections of the future economic benefit of an instrument to determine its fair value, such as in the discounted cash flow methodology. The inputs or methodology used for valuing financial instruments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in these financial instruments. The leveling of each financial instrument is reassessed at the end of each period. Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are assumed to occur at the end of the reporting period. Summary Valuation Techniques For financial instruments that are traded in an "active market," the best measure of fair value is the quoted market price. However, many of the Company's financial instruments are not traded in an active market. Therefore, management generally uses third-party valuations when available. If third-party valuations are not available, management uses other valuation techniques, such as the discounted cash flow methodology. The following are summary descriptions, for various categories of financial instruments, of the valuation methodologies management uses in determining fair value of the Company's financial instruments in such categories. Management utilizes such methodologies to assign a fair value (the estimated price that, in an orderly transaction at the valuation date, would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, as the case may be) to each such financial instrument. For mortgage-backed securities, or "MBS," TBAs, CLOs, and corporate debt and equity, management seeks to obtain at least one third-party valuation, and often obtains multiple valuations when available. Management has been able to obtain third-party valuations on the vast majority of these instruments and expects to continue to solicit third-party valuations in the future. Management generally values each financial instrument at the average of third-party valuations received and not rejected as described below. Third-party valuations are not binding, management may adjust the valuations it receives (e.g., downward adjustments for odd lots), and management may challenge or reject a valuation when, based on its validation criteria, management determines that such valuation is unreasonable or erroneous. Furthermore, based on its validation criteria, management may determine that the average of the third-party valuations received for a given financial instrument does not result in what management believes to be the fair value of such instrument, and in such circumstances management may override this average with its own good faith valuation. The validation criteria may take into account output from management's own models, recent trading activity in the same or similar instruments, and valuations received from third parties. The use of proprietary models requires the use of a significant amount of judgment and the application of various assumptions including, but not limited to, assumptions concerning future prepayment rates and default rates. Given their relatively high level of price transparency, Agency RMBS pass-throughs are typically classified as Level 2. Non-Agency RMBS, CMBS, Agency interest only and inverse interest only RMBS, CLOs, and corporate bonds are generally classified as either Level 2 or Level 3 based on analysis of available market data and/or third-party valuations. Private equity investments are generally classified as Level 3. Furthermore, the methodology used by the third-party valuation providers is reviewed at least annually by management, so as to ascertain whether such providers are utilizing observable market data to determine the valuations that they provide. For residential and commercial mortgage loans and consumer loans, management determines fair value by taking into account both external pricing data, which includes third-party valuations, and internal pricing models. Management has obtained third-party valuations on the majority of these investments and expects to continue to solicit third-party valuations in the future. In determining fair value for non-performing mortgage loans, management evaluates third-party valuations, if applicable, as well as management's estimates of the value of the underlying real estate, using information including general economic data, broker price opinions, or "BPOs," recent sales, property appraisals, and bids. In determining fair value for performing mortgage loans and consumer loans, management evaluates third-party valuations, if applicable, as well as discounted cash flows of the loans based on market assumptions. Cash flow assumptions typically include projected default and prepayment rates and loss severities, and may include adjustments based on appraisals and BPOs. Mortgage and consumer loans are classified as Level 3. The Company has securitized certain mortgage loans that are not deemed "qualified mortgage," or "QM," loans under the rules of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or "non-QM loans." The Company's securitized non-QM loans are held as part of a collateralized financing entity, or "CFE." A CFE is a VIE that holds financial assets, issues beneficial interests in those assets, and has no more than nominal equity, and for which the issued beneficial interests have contractual recourse only to the related assets of the CFE. ASC 810 allows the Company to elect to measure both the financial assets and financial liabilities of the CFE using the more observable of the fair value of the financial assets and the fair value of the financial liabilities of the CFE. The Company has elected the FVO for initial and subsequent recognition of the debt issued by its consolidated securitization trusts and has determined that each consolidated securitization trust meets the definition of a CFE; see Note 10 " Securitization Transactions — Residential Mortgage Loan Securitizations " for further discussion on the Company's securitization trusts. The Company has determined the inputs to the fair value measurement of the financial liabilities of each of its CFEs to be more observable than those of the financial assets and, as a result, has used the fair value of the financial liabilities of each of the CFEs to measure the fair value of the financial assets of each of the CFEs. The fair value of the debt issued by each CFE is typically valued using discounted cash flows and other market data. The securitized non-QM loans, which are assets of the CFEs, are included in Loans, at fair value, on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The debt issued by the CFEs is included in Other secured borrowings, at fair value, on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Unrealized gains (losses) from changes in fair value of Other secured borrowings, at fair value, are included in Other, net, on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. The securitized non-QM loans and the debt issued by the Company's CFEs are both classified as Level 3. For financial derivatives with greater price transparency, such as CDS on asset-backed indices, CDS on corporate indices, certain options on the foregoing, and total return swaps on publicly traded equities or indices, market-standard pricing sources are used to obtain valuations; these financial derivatives are generally classified as Level 2. Interest rate swaps, swaptions, and foreign currency forwards are typically valued based on internal models that use observable market data, including applicable interest rates and foreign currency rates in effect as of the measurement date; the model-generated valuations are then typically compared to counterparty valuations for reasonableness. These financial derivatives are also generally classified as Level 2. Financial derivatives with less price transparency, such as CDS on individual ABS, are generally valued based on internal models, and are classified as Level 3. In the case of CDS on individual ABS, the valuation process typically starts with an estimation of the value of the underlying ABS. In valuing its financial derivatives, the Company also considers the creditworthiness of both the Company and its counterparties, along with collateral provisions contained in each financial derivative agreement. Investments in private operating entities, such as loan originators, are valued based on available metrics, such as relevant market multiples and comparable company valuations, company specific-financial data including actual and projected results, and independent third party valuation estimates. These investments are classified as Level 3. The Company's repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are classified as Level 2, based on the adequacy of the collateral and their short term nature. The Company's valuation process, including the application of validation criteria, is overseen by the Manager's Valuation Committee (the "Valuation Committee"). The Valuation Committee includes senior level executives from various departments within the Manager, and each quarter, the Valuation Committee reviews and approves the valuations of the Company's financial instruments. The valuation process also includes a monthly review by the Company's third-party administrator. The goal of this review is to replicate various aspects of the Company's valuation process based on the Company's documented procedures. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, the estimated fair value of the Company's financial instruments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the financial instruments existed, and the differences could be material to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. Valuation : The Company applies ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurement ("ASC 820-10"), to its holdings of financial instruments. ASC 820-10 establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the observability of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows: • Level 1—inputs to the valuation methodology are observable and reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Currently, the types of financial instruments the Company generally includes in this category are listed equities, exchange-traded derivatives, and cash equivalents; • Level 2—inputs to the valuation methodology other than quoted prices included in Level 1 are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Currently, the types of financial instruments that the Company generally includes in this category are Agency RMBS, U.S. Treasury securities and sovereign debt, certain non-Agency RMBS and CMBS, CLOs, and corporate debt, and actively traded derivatives, such as interest rate swaps and foreign currency forwards, and certain other over-the-counter derivatives; and • Level 3—inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. The types of financial instruments that the Company generally includes in this category are certain RMBS, CMBS, and CLOs, ABS, credit default swaps, or "CDS," on individual ABS, distressed corporate debt, and total return swaps on distressed corporate debt, in each case where there is less price transparency. Also included in this category are residential and commercial mortgage loans, consumer loans, non-listed equities, private corporate debt and equity investments, secured notes, and Other secured borrowings, at fair value. For certain financial instruments, the various inputs that management uses to measure fair value for such financial instrument may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the determination of which category within the fair value hierarchy is appropriate for such financial instrument is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. ASC 820 prioritizes the various inputs that management uses to measure fair value with the highest priority to inputs that are observable and reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets (Level 1) and the lowest priority to inputs that are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement (Level 3). The assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument. The Company may use valuation techniques consistent with the market and income approaches to measure the fair value of its assets and liabilities. The market approach uses third-party valuations and information obtained from market transactions involving identical or similar assets or liabilities. The income approach uses projections of the future economic benefit of an instrument to determine its fair value, such as in the discounted cash flow methodology. The inputs or methodology used for valuing financial instruments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in these financial instruments. The leveling of each financial instrument is reassessed at the end of each period. Summary Valuation Techniques For financial instruments that are traded in an "active market," the best measure of fair value is the quoted market price. However, many of the Company's financial instruments are not traded in an active market. Therefore, management generally uses third-party valuations when available. If third-party valuations are not available, management uses other valuation techniques, such as the discounted cash flow methodology. The following are summary descriptions, for various categories of financial instruments, of the valuation methodologies management uses in determining fair value of the Company's financial instruments in such categories. Management utilizes such methodologies to assign a good faith fair value (the estimated price that, in an orderly transaction at the valuation date, would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, as the case may be) to each such financial instrument. For mortgage-backed securities, or "MBS," including To Be Announced MBS, or "TBAs," CLOs, and distressed and non-distressed corporate debt and equity, management seeks to obtain at least one third-party valuation, and often obtains multiple valuations when available. Management has been able to obtain third-party valuations on the vast majority of these instruments and expects to continue to solicit third-party valuations in the future. Management generally values each financial instrument at the average of third-party valuations received and not rejected as described below. Third-party valuations are not binding, and while management generally does not adjust the valuations it receives, management may challenge or reject a valuation when, based on its validation criteria, management determines that such valuation is unreasonable or erroneous. Furthermore, based on its validation criteria, management may determine that the average of the third-party valuations received for a given instrument does not result in what management believes to be the fair value of such instrument, and in such circumstances management may override this average with its own good faith valuation. The validation criteria may take into account output from management's own models, recent trading activity in the same or similar instruments, and valuations received from third parties. The use of proprietary models requires the use of a significant amount of judgment and the application of various assumptions including, but not limited to, assumptions concerning future prepayment rates and default rates. Valuations for fixed-rate RMBS pass-throughs issued by a U.S. government agency or government-sponsored enterprise are typically based on observable pay-up data (pay-ups are price premiums for specified categories of fixed-rate pools relative to their TBA counterparts) or models that use observable market data, such as interest rates and historical prepayment speeds, and are validated against third-party valuations. Given their relatively high level of price transparency, Agency RMBS pass-throughs are typically designated as Level 2 assets. Non-Agency MBS, Agency interest only and inverse interest only RMBS, and CLOs are generally classified as either Level 2 or Level 3 based on analysis of available market data and/or third-party valuations. The Company's investments in distressed corporate debt can be in the form of loans as well as total return swaps on loans. These investments, as well as related non-listed equity investments, are generally designated as Level 3 assets. Valuations for total return swaps are typically based on prices of the underlying loans received from widely used third-party pricing services. Investments in non-distressed corporate bonds are generally also valued based on prices received from third-party pricing services, and many of these bonds, because they are very liquid with readily observable data, are generally classified as Level 2 holdings. Furthermore, the methodology used by the third-party valuation providers is reviewed at least annually by management, so as to ascertain whether such providers are utilizing observable market data to determine the valuations that they provide. For residential and commercial mortgage loans, consumer loans, and real estate owned properties, or "REO," management determines fair value by taking into account both external pricing data, when available, and internal pricing models. Non-performing mortgage loans and REO are typically valued based on management's estimates of the value of the underlying real estate, using information including general economic data, broker price opinions, or "BPOs," recent sales, property appraisals, and bids. Performing mortgage loans and consumer loans are typically valued using discounted cash flows based on market assumptions. Cash flow assumptions typically include projected default and prepayment rates and loss severities, and may include adjustments based on appraisals and BPOs. Mortgage and consumer loans and REO properties are classified as Level 3 assets. Securitized mortgage loans that are not deemed "qualified mortgage," or "QM," loans under the rules of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or "non-QM loans," are held as part of a collateralized financing entity, or "CFE." A CFE is a variable interest entity, or "VIE," that holds financial assets, issues beneficial interests in those assets, and has no more than nominal equity, and for which the issued beneficial interests have contractual recourse only to the related assets of the CFE. ASC 810, Consolidation ("ASC 810"), allows the Company to elect to measure both the financial assets and financial liabilities of the CFE using the more observable of the fair value of the financial assets and the fair value of the financial liabilities of the CFE. The Company has elected the fair value option for initial and subsequent recognition of the debt issued by its consolidated securitization trust and has determined such trust meets the definition of a CFE; see Note 6 for further discussion on the Company's securitization trusts. The Company has determined the inputs to the fair value measurement of the financial liabilities of its CFE to be more observable than those of the financial assets and, as a result, has used the fair value of the financial liabilities of the CFE to measure the fair value of the financial assets of the CFE. The fair value of the debt issued by the CFE is typically valued using discounted cash flows and other market data. The securitized non-QM loans, which are assets of the CFE, are included in Investments, at fair value on the Company's Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity. The debt issued by the CFE is included in Other secured borrowings, at fair value, on the Company's Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity. The securitized non-QM loans and the debt issued by the Company's CFE are both designated as Level 3 financial instruments. For financial derivatives with greater price transparency, such as CDS on asset-backed indices, CDS on corporate indices, certain options on the foregoing, and total return swaps on publicly traded equities, market-standard pricing sources are used to obtain valuations; these financial derivatives are generally designated as Level 2 instruments. Interest rate swaps, swaptions, and foreign currency forwards are typically valued based on internal models that use observable market data, including applicable interest rates and foreign currency rates in effect as of the measurement date; the model-generated valuations are then typically compared to counterparty valuations for reasonableness. These financial derivatives are also generally designated as Level 2 instruments. Financial derivatives with less price transparency, such as CDS on individual ABS, are generally valued based on internal models, and are typically designated as Level 3 instruments. In the case of CDS on individual ABS, the valuation process typically starts with an estimation of the value of the underlying ABS. In valuing its derivatives, the Company also considers the creditworthiness of both the Company and its counterparties, along with collateral provisions contained in each derivative agreement. Investments in private operating entities, such as loan originators, are valued based on available metrics, such as relevant market multiples and comparable company valuations, company specific-financial data including actual and projected results and independent third party valuation estimates. These investments are designated as Level 3 assets. The Company's repurchase agreements are carried at fair value based on their contractual amounts as the debt is short-term in nature. The Company's reverse repurchase agreements are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are classified as Level 2 assets and liabilities based on the adequacy of the collateral and their short term nature. The Company's valuation process, including the application of validation criteria, is overseen by the Manager's Valuation Committee ("Valuation Committee"). The Valuation Committee includes senior level executives from various departments within the Manager, and each quarter, the Valuation Committee reviews and approves the valuations of the Company's investments. The valuation process also includes a monthly review by the Company's third-party administrator. The goal of this review is to replicate various aspects of the Company's valuation process based on the Company's documented procedures. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, the estimated fair value of the Company's financial instruments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the financial instruments existed, and the differences could be material to the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Accounting for Securities	Accounting for Securities : Purchases and sales of investments in securities are generally recorded on trade date, and realized and unrealized gains and losses are calculated based on identified cost. Investments in securities are recorded in accordance with ASC 320 or ASC 325-40, Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets ("ASC 325-40"). The Company generally classifies its securities as available-for-sale. The Company has chosen to elect the FVO pursuant to ASC 825 for its investments in securities. Electing the FVO allows the Company to record changes in fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations, as a component of Unrealized gains (losses) on securities and loans, net, which, in management's view, more appropriately reflects the results of operations for a particular reporting period as all investment activities will be recorded in a similar manner. Many of the Company's investments in securities, such as MBS and CLOs, are issued by entities that are deemed to be VIEs. For the majority of such investments, the Company has determined it is not the primary beneficiary of such VIEs and therefore has not consolidated such VIEs. The Company's maximum risk of loss in these unconsolidated VIEs is generally limited to the fair value of the Company's investment in the VIE. The Company evaluates its investments in interest only securities to determine whether they meet the requirements for classification as financial derivatives under ASC 815. For interest only securities, where the holder is entitled only to a portion of the interest payments made on the mortgages underlying certain MBS, and inverse interest only securities, which are interest only securities whose coupon has an inverse relationship to its benchmark rate, such as LIBOR, the Company has determined that such investments do not meet the requirements for treatment as financial derivatives and are classified as securities. The Company evaluates the cost basis of its investments in securities for other-than-temporary impairment, or "OTTI," on at least a quarterly basis. The determination of whether a security is other-than-temporarily impaired requires judgments, estimates, and assumptions based on subjective and objective factors. As a result, the timing and amount of an OTTI constitutes an accounting estimate that may change materially over time. When the fair value of a security is less than its amortized cost basis as of the balance sheet date, the security's cost basis is considered impaired, and the impairment is designated as either temporary or other-than-temporary. When a security's cost basis is impaired, an OTTI is considered to have occurred if (i) the Company intends to sell the security (i.e., a decision has been made as of the reporting date), (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, or (iii) the Company does not expect to recover the security's amortized cost basis, even if the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security. Additionally, for securities accounted for under ASC 325-40, an impairment of the cost basis is recorded when there is an adverse change in the expected cash flows to be received and the fair value of the security is less than its carrying amount. In determining whether an adverse change in cash flows has occurred, the present value of the remaining cash flows, as estimated at the initial transaction date (or the last date previously revised), is compared to the present value of the expected cash flows at the current reporting date. The estimated cash flows reflect those that a "market participant" would use and include observations of current information and events, and assumptions related to fluctuations in interest rates, prepayment speeds and the timing and amount of potential credit losses. Cash flows are discounted at a rate equal to the current yield used to accrete interest income. Any resulting OTTI adjustments made to the cost basis of the security are reflected in Realized gains (losses) on securities and loans, net, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Accounting for Loans	Accounting for Loans : The Company's loan portfolio generally consists of residential mortgage, commercial mortgage, and consumer loans. The Company's loans are accounted for under ASC 310-10, Receivables , and are classified as held-for-investment when the Company has the intent and ability to hold such loans for the foreseeable future or to maturity/payoff. When the Company has the intent to sell loans, such loans will be classified as held-for-sale. Mortgage loans held-for-sale are accounted for under ASC 948-310, Financial services—mortgage banking. The Company may aggregate its loans into pools based on common risk characteristics at purchase. Once a pool of loans is assembled, its composition is maintained. The Company has chosen to elect the FVO pursuant to ASC 825 for its loan portfolios. Loans are recorded at fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and changes in fair value are recorded in earnings on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations as a component of Unrealized gains (losses) on securities and loans, net. Transfers between held-for-investment and held-for-sale occur once the Company's intent to sell the loans changes. For residential and commercial mortgage loans, the Company generally accrues interest payments. Such loans are typically moved to non-accrual status if the loan becomes 90 days or more delinquent. The Company does not accrue interest payments on its consumer loans; interest payments are recorded upon receipt. The Company evaluates the collectability of both interest and principal on each of its loan investments and whether the cost basis of the loan is impaired. A loan's cost basis is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the existing contractual terms. When a loan's cost basis is impaired, the Company does not record an allowance for loan loss as it has elected the FVO on all of its loan investments. The Company will recognize impairments through an adjustment to the amortized cost basis and recognize a realized loss in the period such adjustment was made, which is included in Realized gains (losses) on securities and loans, net, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Interest Income	Interest Income : The Company amortizes premiums and accretes discounts on its debt securities. Coupon interest income on fixed-income investments is generally accrued based on the outstanding principal balance or notional value and the current coupon interest rate. For debt securities that are deemed to be of high credit quality at the time of purchase (generally Agency RMBS, exclusive of interest only securities), premiums and discounts are amortized/accreted into interest income over the life of such securities using the effective interest method. For such securities whose cash flows vary depending on prepayments, an effective yield retroactive to the time of purchase is periodically recomputed based on actual prepayments and changes in projected prepayment activity, and a catch-up adjustment, or "Catch-up Premium Amortization Adjustment," is made to amortization to reflect the cumulative impact of the change in effective yield. For debt securities (generally non-Agency RMBS, CMBS, ABS, CLOs, and interest only securities) that are deemed not to be of high credit quality at the time of purchase, interest income is recognized based on the effective interest method. When the fair value of a debt security is less than its amortized cost basis as of the balance sheet date, the security's cost basis is considered impaired. The Company will adjust such impaired cost basis to the present value of the estimated future cash flows. This adjustment to the cost basis is reported in Realized gains (losses) on securities and loans, net, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. For purposes of estimating the future expected cash flows, management uses assumptions including, but not limited to, assumptions for future prepayment rates, default rates, and loss severities (each of which may in turn incorporate various macro-economic assumptions, such as future housing prices). These assumptions are re-evaluated not less than quarterly. Changes in projected cash flows will result in prospective changes in the yield/interest income recognized on such securities based on the updated expected future cash flows. For each loan purchased with the expectation that both interest and principal will be paid in full, the Company generally amortizes or accretes any premium or discount over the life of the loan utilizing the effective interest method. However, based on current information and events, the Company re-assesses the collectability of interest and principal, and generally designates a loan as in non-accrual status either when any payments have become 90 or more days past due, or when, in the opinion of management, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect either interest or principal in full. Once a loan is designated as in non-accrual status, as long as principal is still expected to be collectible in full, interest payments are recorded as interest income only when received (i.e., under the cash basis method); accruals of interest income are only resumed when the loan becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to be resumed. However, if principal is not expected to be collectible in full, the cost recovery method is used (i.e., no interest income is recognized, and all payments received—whether contractually interest or principal—are applied to cost). For each loan purchased with evidence of credit deterioration since origination and the expectation that either principal or interest will not be paid in full, interest income is generally recognized using the effective interest method for as long as the cash flows can be reasonably estimated. Here, instead of amortizing the purchase discount (i.e., the excess of the unpaid principal balance over the purchase price) over the life of the loan, the Company effectively amortizes the accretable yield (i.e., the excess of the Company's estimate of the total cash flows to be collected over the life of the loan over the purchase price). Not less than quarterly, the Company updates its estimate of the cash flows expected to be collected over the life of the loan, and revised yields are prospectively applied. For certain groups of consumer loans that the Company considers as having sufficiently homogeneous characteristics, the Company aggregates such loans into pools, and accounts for each such pool as a single unit of account. The pool is then treated analogously to a debt security deemed not to be of high credit quality, in that (i) the aggregate premium or discount for the pool is amortized or accreted into interest income based on the pool's effective interest rate; (ii) the effective interest rate is determined based on the net expected cash flows of the pool, taking into account estimates of prepayments, defaults, and loss severities; and (iii) estimates are updated not less than quarterly and revised yields are prospectively applied. In estimating future cash flows on the Company's debt securities, there are a number of assumptions that will be subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, including, in the case of MBS, assumptions relating to prepayment rates, default rates, loan loss severities, and loan repurchases. These estimates require the use of a significant amount of judgment.
Securities Transactions And Investment Income Policy [Policy Text Block]	Purchase and Sales of Investments and Investment Income : Purchases and sales of investments are generally recorded on trade date, and realized and unrealized gains and losses are calculated based on identified cost. The Company amortizes premiums and accretes discounts on its debt investments. Coupon interest income on fixed-income investments is generally accrued based on the outstanding principal balance or notional value and the current coupon interest rate. For Agency RMBS and debt securities that are deemed to be of high credit quality at the time of purchase, premiums and discounts are amortized into interest income over the life of such securities using the effective interest method. For securities whose cash flows vary depending on prepayments, an effective yield retroactive to the time of purchase is periodically recomputed based on actual prepayments and changes in projected prepayment activity, and a catch-up adjustment is made to amortization to reflect the cumulative impact of the change in effective yield. For debt securities (including non-Agency MBS) that are deemed not to be of high credit quality at the time of purchase, interest income is recognized based on the effective interest method. For purposes of determining the effective interest rate, management estimates the future expected cash flows of its investment holdings based on assumptions including, but not limited to, assumptions for future prepayment rates, default rates, and loss severities (each of which may in turn incorporate various macro-economic assumptions, such as future housing prices). These assumptions are re-evaluated not less than quarterly. Principal write-offs are generally treated as realized losses. Changes in projected cash flows, as applied to the current amortized cost of the security, may result in a prospective change in the yield/interest income recognized on such securities. For each loan purchased with the expectation that both interest and principal will be paid in full, the Company generally amortizes or accretes any premium or discount over the life of the loan utilizing the effective interest method. However, on at least a quarterly basis based on current information and events, the Company re-assesses the collectibility of interest and principal, and designates a loan as impaired either when any payments have become 90 or more days past due, or when, in the opinion of management, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect either interest or principal in full. Once a loan is designated as impaired, as long as principal is still expected to be collectible in full, interest payments are recorded as interest income only when received (i.e., under the cash basis method); accruals of interest income are only resumed when the loan becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to be resumed. However, if principal is not expected to be collectible in full, the cost recovery method is used (i.e., no interest income is recognized, and all payments received—whether contractually interest or principal—are applied to cost). For each loan purchased with evidence of credit deterioration since origination and the expectation that either principal or interest will not be paid in full, interest income is generally recognized using the effective interest method for as long as the cash flows can be reasonably estimated. Here, instead of amortizing the purchase discount (i.e., the excess of the unpaid principal balance over the purchase price) over the life of the loan, the Company effectively amortizes the accretable yield (i.e., the excess of the Company's estimate of the total cash flows to be collected over the life of the loan over the purchase price). Not less than quarterly, the Company updates its estimate of the cash flows expected to be collected over the life of the loan, and revised yields are prospectively applied. To the extent that cash flows cannot be reasonably estimated, these loans are generally accounted for under the cost recovery method. For certain groups of consumer loans that the Company considers as having sufficiently homogeneous characteristics, the Company aggregates such loans into pools, and accounts for each such pool as a single asset. The pool is then treated analogously to a debt security deemed not to be of high credit quality, in that (i) the aggregate premium or discount for the pool is amortized or accreted into interest income based on the pool's effective interest rate; (ii) the effective interest rate is determined based on the net expected cash flows of the pool, taking into account estimates of prepayments, defaults, and loss severities; and (iii) estimates are updated not less than quarterly and revised yields are prospectively applied. In estimating future cash flows on the Company's debt investments, there are a number of assumptions that will be subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, including, in the case of MBS, assumptions relating to prepayment rates, default rates, loan loss severities, and loan repurchases. These estimates require the use of a significant amount of judgment. The Company receives dividend income on certain of its equity investments and rental income on certain of its REO properties. These items of income are included on the Consolidated Statement of Operations in, "Other income."
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities	Investments in unconsolidated entities : The Company has made and may in the future make non-controlling equity investments in various entities, such as loan originators. Such investments are generally in the form of preferred and/or common equity, or membership interests. In certain cases, the Company can exercise significant influence over the entity (e.g. by having representation on the entity's board of directors) but the requirements for consolidation under ASC 810 are not met; in such cases the Company is required to account for such equity investments under ASC 323-10. The Company has chosen to elect the FVO pursuant to ASC 825 for its investments in unconsolidated entities, which, in management's view, more appropriately reflects the results of operations for a particular reporting period, as all investment activities will be recorded in a similar manner. The period change in fair value of the Company's investments in unconsolidated entities is recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations in Earnings from investments in unconsolidated entities.
REO	REO : When the Company obtains possession of real property in connection with a foreclosure or similar action, the Company de-recognizes the associated mortgage loan according to ASU 2014-04, Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure ("ASU 2014-04"). Under the provisions of ASU 2014-04, the Company is deemed to have received physical possession of real estate property collateralizing a mortgage loan when it obtains legal title to the property upon completion of a foreclosure or when the borrower conveys all interest in the property to it through a deed in lieu of foreclosure or similar legal agreement. The Company's cost basis in REO is equal to the fair value of the associated mortgage loan at the time the Company obtains possession. REO valuations are reflected at the lower of cost or fair value. The fair value of such REO is typically based on management's estimates which generally use information including general economic data, BPOs, recent sales, property appraisals, and bids, and takes into account the expected costs to sell the property. REO recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis are classified as Level 3. REO : When the Company obtains possession of real property in connection with a foreclosure or similar action, the Company de-recognizes the associated mortgage loan according to ASU 2014-04, Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure ("ASU 2014-04"). Under the provisions of ASU 2014-04, the Company is deemed to have received physical possession of real estate property collateralizing a mortgage loan when it obtains legal title to the property upon completion of a foreclosure or when the borrower conveys all interest in the property to it through a deed in lieu of foreclosure or similar legal agreement. The Company holds all REO at fair value.
Securities Sold Short	Securities Sold Short : The Company may purchase or engage in short sales of U.S. Treasury securities and sovereign debt to mitigate the potential impact of changes in interest rates and/or foreign exchange rates on the performance of its portfolio. When the Company sells securities short, it typically satisfies its security delivery settlement obligation by borrowing or purchasing the security sold short from the same or a different counterparty. When borrowing a security sold short from a counterparty, the Company generally is required to deliver cash or securities to such counterparty as collateral for the Company's obligation to return the borrowed security. The Company has chosen to elect the FVO pursuant to ASC 825 for its securities sold short. Electing the FVO allows the Company to record changes in fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations, which, in management's view, more appropriately reflects the results of operations for a particular reporting period as all securities activities will be recorded in a similar manner. As such, securities sold short are recorded at fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and the period change in fair value is recorded in current period earnings on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations as a component of Unrealized gains (losses) on securities and loans, net. A realized gain or loss will be recognized upon the termination of a short sale if the market price is less or greater than the original sale price. Such realized gain or loss is recorded on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations in Realized gains (losses) on securities and loans, net. Investments Sold Short : When the Company sells securities short, it typically satisfies its security delivery settlement obligation by obtaining the security sold short from the same or a different counterparty. The Company generally is required to deliver cash or securities as collateral to the counterparty for the Company's obligation to return the borrowed security. The amount by which the market value of the obligation falls short of or exceeds the proceeds from the short sale is treated as an unrealized gain or loss, respectively. A realized gain or loss will be recognized upon the termination of a short sale if the market price is less or greater than the proceeds originally received.
Financial Derivatives	Financial Derivatives : The Company enters into various types of financial derivatives subject to its investment guidelines, which include restrictions associated with qualifying and maintaining qualification as a REIT. The Company's financial derivatives are predominantly subject to bilateral collateral arrangements or clearing in accordance with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010. The Company may be required to deliver or receive cash or securities as collateral upon entering into derivative transactions. In addition, changes in the relative value of derivative transactions may require the Company or the counterparty to post or receive additional collateral. In the case of cleared derivatives, the clearinghouse becomes the Company's counterparty and a futures commission merchant acts as an intermediary between the Company and the clearinghouse with respect to all facets of the related transaction, including the posting and receipt of required collateral. Cash collateral received by the Company is included in Due to brokers, on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Conversely, cash collateral posted by the Company is included in Due from brokers, on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The types of derivatives primarily utilized by the Company are swaps, TBAs, futures, options, and forwards. Swaps : The Company may enter into various types of swaps, including interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, and total return swaps. The primary risk associated with the Company's interest rate swap activity is interest rate risk. The primary risk associated with the Company's credit default swaps and total return swaps is credit risk. The Company is subject to interest rate risk exposure in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. Primarily to help mitigate interest rate risk, the Company enters into interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps are contractual agreements whereby one party pays a floating interest rate on a notional principal amount and receives a fixed-rate payment on the same notional principal, or vice versa, for a fixed period of time. Interest rate swaps change in value with movements in interest rates. The Company also enters into interest rate swaps whereby the Company pays one floating rate and receives a different floating rate, or "basis swaps." The Company enters into credit default swaps. A credit default swap is a contract under which one party agrees to compensate another party for the financial loss associated with the occurrence of a "credit event" in relation to a "reference amount" or notional value of a "reference asset" (usually a bond, loan, or an index or basket of bonds or loans). The definition of a credit event may vary from contract to contract. A credit event may occur (i) when the reference asset (or underlying asset, in the case of a reference asset that is an index or basket) fails to make scheduled principal or interest payments to its holders, (ii) with respect to credit default swaps referencing mortgage/asset-backed securities and indices, when the reference asset (or underlying asset, in the case of a reference asset that is an index or basket) is downgraded below a certain rating level, or (iii) with respect to credit default swaps referencing corporate entities and indices, upon the bankruptcy of the obligor of the reference asset (or underlying obligor, in the case of a reference asset that is an index). The Company typically writes (sells) protection to take a "long" position with respect to the underlying reference assets, or purchases (buys) protection to take a "short" position with respect to the underlying reference assets or to hedge exposure to other investment holdings. The Company enters into total return swaps in order to take a "long" or "short" position with respect to an underlying reference asset. The Company is subject to market price volatility of the underlying reference asset. A total return swap involves commitments to pay interest in exchange for a market-linked return based on a notional value. To the extent that the total return of the corporate debt, security, group of securities or index underlying the transaction exceeds or falls short of the offsetting interest obligation, the Company will receive a payment from or make a payment to the counterparty. Swaps change in value with movements in interest rates, credit quality, or total return of the reference securities. During the term of swap contracts, changes in value are recognized as unrealized gains or losses on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. When a contract is terminated, the Company realizes a gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing transaction and the Company's basis in the contract, if any. Periodic payments or receipts required by swap agreements are recorded as unrealized gains or losses when accrued and realized gains or losses when received or paid. Upfront payments paid and/or received by the Company to open swap contracts are recorded as an asset and/or liability on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and are recorded as a realized gain or loss on the termination date. TBA Securities : The Company transacts in the forward settling TBA market. A TBA position is a forward contract for the purchase ("long position") or sale ("short position") of Agency RMBS at a predetermined price, face amount, issuer, coupon, and maturity on an agreed-upon future delivery date. For each TBA contract and delivery month, a uniform settlement date for all market participants is determined by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association. The specific Agency RMBS to be delivered into the contract at the settlement date are not known at the time of the transaction. The Company typically does not take delivery of TBAs, but rather enters into offsetting transactions and settles the associated receivable and payable balances with its counterparties. The Company uses TBAs to mitigate interest rate risk, usually by taking short positions. The Company also invests in TBAs as a means of acquiring additional exposure to Agency RMBS, or for speculative purposes, including holding long positions. TBAs are accounted for by the Company as financial derivatives. The difference between the forward contract price and the market value of the TBA position as of the reporting date is included in Unrealized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. Futures Contracts : A futures contract is an exchange-traded agreement to buy or sell an asset for a set price on a future date. The Company enters into Eurodollar and/or U.S. Treasury security futures contracts to hedge its interest rate risk. The Company may also enter into various other futures contracts, including equity index futures and foreign currency futures. Initial margin deposits are made upon entering into futures contracts and can generally be either in the form of cash or securities. During the period the futures contract is open, changes in the value of the contract are recognized as unrealized gains or losses by marking-to-market to reflect the current market value of the contract. Variation margin payments are made or received periodically, depending upon whether unrealized losses or gains are incurred. When the contract is closed, the Company records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds of the closing transaction and the Company's basis in the contract. Options : The Company may purchase or write put or call options contracts or enter into swaptions. The Company enters into options contracts typically to help mitigate overall market, credit, or interest rate risk depending on the type of options contract. However, the Company also enters into options contracts from time to time for speculative purposes. When the Company purchases an options contract, the option asset is initially recorded at an amount equal to the premium paid, if any, and is subsequently marked-to-market. Premiums paid for purchasing options contracts that expire unexercised are recognized on the expiration date as realized losses. If an options contract is exercised, the premium paid is subtracted from the proceeds of the sale or added to the cost of the purchase to determine whether the Company has realized a gain or loss on the related transaction. When the Company writes an options contract, the option liability is initially recorded at an amount equal to the premium received, if any, and is subsequently marked-to-market. Premiums received for writing options contracts that expire unexercised are recognized on the expiration date as realized gains. If an options contract is exercised, the premium received is subtracted from the cost of the purchase or added to the proceeds of the sale to determine whether the Company has realized a gain or loss on the related investment transaction. When the Company enters into a closing transaction, the Company will realize a gain or loss depending upon whether the amount from the closing transaction is greater or less than the premiums paid or received. The Company may also enter into options contracts that contain forward-settling premiums. In this case, no money is exchanged upfront. Instead, the agreed-upon premium is paid by the buyer upon expiration of the option, regardless of whether or not the option is exercised. Forward Currency Contracts : A forward currency contract is an agreement between two parties to purchase or sell a specific quantity of currency with the delivery and settlement at a specific future date and exchange rate. During the period the forward currency contract is open, changes in the value of the contract are recognized as unrealized gains or losses. When the contract is settled, the Company records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds of the closing transaction and the Company's basis in the contract. Financial derivative assets are included in Financial derivatives—assets, at fair value, on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Financial derivative liabilities are included in Financial derivatives—liabilities, at fair value, on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company has chosen to elect the FVO pursuant to ASC 825 for its financial derivatives. Electing the FVO allows the Company to record changes in fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations, which, in management's view, more appropriately reflects the results of operations for a particular reporting period as all securities activities will be recorded in a similar manner. Changes in unrealized gains and losses on financial derivatives are included in Unrealized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. Realized gains and losses on financial derivatives are included in Realized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. Financial Derivatives : The Company enters into various types of financial derivatives. The Company's financial derivatives are predominantly subject to bilateral collateral arrangements or clearing in accordance with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010. The Company may be required to deliver or receive cash or securities as collateral upon entering into derivative transactions. In addition, changes in the relative value of derivative transactions may require the Company or the counterparty to post or receive additional collateral. In the case of cleared derivatives, the clearinghouse becomes the Company's counterparty and a futures commission merchant acts as an intermediary between the Company and the clearinghouse with respect to all facets of the related transaction, including the posting and receipt of required collateral. Cash collateral received by the Company is reflected on the Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity as "Due to Brokers." Conversely, cash collateral posted by the Company is reflected as "Due from Brokers" on the Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity. The major types of derivatives utilized by the Company are swaps, futures, options, and forwards. Swaps : The Company may enter into various types of swaps, including interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, and total return swaps. The primary risk associated with the Company's interest rate swap activity is interest rate risk. The primary risk associated with the Company's credit default swaps is credit risk and the primary risks associated with the Company's total return swap activity are equity market risk and credit risk. The Company is subject to interest rate risk exposure in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. Primarily to help mitigate interest rate risk, the Company enters into interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps are contractual agreements whereby one party pays a floating interest rate on a notional principal amount and receives a fixed-rate payment on the same notional principal, or vice versa, for a fixed period of time. Interest rate swaps change in value with movements in interest rates. The Company enters into credit default swaps. A credit default swap is a contract under which one party agrees to compensate another party for the financial loss associated with the occurrence of a "credit event" in relation to a "reference amount" or notional value of a credit obligation (usually a bond, loan, or a basket of bonds or loans). The definition of a credit event may vary from contract to contract. A credit event may occur (i) when the underlying reference asset(s) fails to make scheduled principal or interest payments to its holders, (ii) with respect to credit default swaps referencing mortgage/asset-backed securities and indices, when the underlying reference obligation is downgraded below a certain rating level, or (iii) with respect to credit default swaps referencing corporate entities and indices, upon the bankruptcy of the underlying reference obligor. The Company typically writes (sells) protection to take a "long" position or purchases (buys) protection to take a "short" position with respect to underlying reference assets or to hedge exposure to other investment holdings. The Company enters into total return swaps in order to take a "long" or "short" position with respect to an underlying reference asset. The Company is subject to market price volatility of the underlying reference asset. A total return swap involves commitments to pay interest in exchange for a market-linked return based on a notional value. To the extent that the total return of the corporate debt, security, group of securities or index underlying the transaction exceeds or falls short of the offsetting interest obligation, the Company will receive a payment from or make a payment to the counterparty. Swaps change in value with movements in interest rates, credit quality, or total return of the reference securities. During the term of swap contracts, changes in value are recognized as unrealized gains or losses. When a contract is terminated, the Company realizes a gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing transaction and the Company's basis in the contract, if any. Periodic payments or receipts required by swap agreements are recorded as unrealized gains or losses when accrued and realized gains or losses when received or paid. Upfront payments paid and/or received by the Company to open swap contracts are recorded as an asset and/or liability on the Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity and are recorded as a realized gain or loss on the termination date. Futures Contracts : A futures contract is an exchange-traded agreement to buy or sell an asset for a set price on a future date. The Company enters into Eurodollar and/or U.S. Treasury security futures contracts to hedge its interest rate risk. The Company may also enter into various other futures contracts, including equity index futures and foreign currency futures. Initial margin deposits are made upon entering into futures contracts and can generally be either in the form of cash or securities. During the period the futures contract is open, changes in the value of the contract are recognized as unrealized gains or losses by marking-to-market to reflect the current market value of the contract. Variation margin payments are made or received periodically, depending upon whether unrealized losses or gains are incurred. When the contract is closed, the Company records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds of the closing transaction and the Company's basis in the contract. Options : The Company may purchase or write put or call options contracts or enter into swaptions. The Company enters into options contracts typically to help mitigate overall market, credit, or interest rate risk depending on the type of options contract. However, the Company also enters into options contracts from time to time for speculative purposes. When the Company purchases an options contract, the option asset is initially recorded at an amount equal to the premium paid, if any, and is subsequently marked-to-market. Premiums paid for purchasing options contracts that expire unexercised are recognized on the expiration date as realized losses. If an options contract is exercised, the premium paid is subtracted from the proceeds of the sale or added to the cost of the purchase to determine whether the Company has realized a gain or loss on the related transaction. When the Company writes an options contract, the option liability is initially recorded at an amount equal to the premium received, if any, and is subsequently marked-to-market. Premiums received for writing options contracts that expire unexercised are recognized on the expiration date as realized gains. If an options contract is exercised, the premium received is subtracted from the cost of the purchase or added to the proceeds of the sale to determine whether the Company has realized a gain or loss on the related investment transaction. When the Company enters into a closing transaction, the Company will realize a gain or loss depending upon whether the amount from the closing transaction is greater or less than the premiums paid or received. The Company may also enter into options contracts that contain forward-settling premiums. In this case, no money is exchanged upfront. Instead the agreed-upon premium is paid by the buyer upon expiration of the option, regardless of whether or not the option is exercised. Forward Currency Contracts : A forward currency contract is an agreement between two parties to purchase or sell a specific quantity of currency with the delivery and settlement at a specific future date and exchange rate. During the period the forward currency contract is open, changes in the value of the contract are recognized as unrealized gains or losses. When the contract is settled, the Company records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds of the closing transaction and the Company's basis in the contract. Commitments to Purchase Residential Mortgage Loans : The Company has entered into forward purchase commitments under flow agreements, whereby the Company commits to purchasing the loans based on pre-defined underwriting guidelines and at stated interest rates. Actual loan purchases are contingent upon successful loan closings. These commitments to purchase mortgage loans are classified as derivatives on the Company's Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity and are, therefore, recorded as assets or liabilities measured at fair value. Until the purchase commitment expires or the underlying loan closes, changes in the estimated fair value of such commitments are recognized as unrealized gains or losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Financial derivatives disclosed on the Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments include: credit default swaps on asset-backed securities, credit default swaps on asset-backed indices, credit default swaps on corporate bond indices, credit default swaps on corporate bonds, interest rate swaps, total return swaps, futures contracts, foreign currency forwards, options contracts. Financial derivative assets are included in Financial derivatives—assets, at fair value on the Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity. Financial derivative liabilities are included in Financial derivatives—liabilities, at fair value on the Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity. In addition, financial derivative contracts are summarized by type on the Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents : Cash and cash equivalents include cash and short term investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition. Cash and cash equivalents typically include amounts held in an interest bearing overnight account and amounts held in money market funds, and these balances generally exceed insured limits. The Company holds its cash at institutions that it believes to be highly creditworthy. Restricted cash represents cash that the Company can use only for specific purposes. See Note 18 for further discussion of restricted cash balances. Cash and Cash Equivalents : Cash and cash equivalents include cash and short term investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition. Cash and cash equivalents typically include amounts held in an interest bearing overnight account and amounts held in money market funds, and these balances generally exceed insured limits. The Company holds its cash at institutions that it believes to be highly creditworthy. Restricted cash represents cash that the Company can use only for specific purposes. The Company's investments in money market funds are included in the Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments. See Note 15 for further discussion of restricted cash balances.
Transfers of Financial Assets	Transfers of Financial Assets : The Company enters into transactions whereby it transfers financial assets to third parties. Upon such a transfer of financial assets, the Company will sometimes retain or acquire interests in the related assets. The Company evaluates transferred assets pursuant to ASC 860-10, Transfers of Financial Assets , or "ASC 860-10," which requires that a determination be made as to whether a transferor has surrendered control over transferred financial assets. That determination must consider the transferor's continuing involvement in the transferred financial asset, including all arrangements or agreements made contemporaneously with, or in contemplation of, the transfer, even if they were not entered into at the time of the transfer. When a transfer of financial assets does not qualify as a sale, ASC 860-10 requires the transfer to be accounted for as a secured borrowing with a pledge of collateral. ASC 860-10 is a standard that requires the Company to exercise significant judgment in determining whether a transaction should be recorded as a "sale" or a "financing." Transfers of Financial Assets : The Company enters into transactions whereby it transfers financial assets to third parties. Upon such a transfer of financial assets, the Company will sometimes retain or acquire interests in the related assets. The Company evaluates transferred assets pursuant to ASC 860-10, Transfers of Financial Assets , or "ASC 860-10," which requires that a determination be made as to whether a transferor has surrendered control over transferred financial assets. That determination must consider the transferor's continuing involvement in the transferred financial asset, including all arrangements or agreements made contemporaneously with, or in contemplation of, the transfer, even if they were not entered into at the time of the transfer. When a transfer of financial assets does not qualify as a sale, ASC 860-10 requires the transfer to be accounted for as a secured borrowing with a pledge of collateral. ASC 860-10 is a standard that requires the Company to exercise significant judgment in determining whether a transaction should be recorded as a "sale" or a "financing."
Variable Interest Entities	Variable Interest Entities : VIEs are entities in which: (i) the equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, or (ii) there is insufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. Consolidation of a VIE is required by the entity that is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The Company evaluates all of its interests in VIEs for consolidation under ASC 810. The primary beneficiary is generally the party with both (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance, and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses and the right to receive benefits from the VIE which could be potentially significant to the VIE. When the Company has an interest in an entity that has been determined to be a VIE, the Company assesses whether it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The Company will only consolidate a VIE for which it has concluded it is the primary beneficiary. To assess whether the Company has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance, the Company considers all facts and circumstances, including its role in establishing the VIE and its ongoing rights and responsibilities. This assessment includes (i) identifying the activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance; and (ii) identifying which party, if any, has power over those activities. To assess whether the Company has the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE, it considers all of its economic interests, including debt and/or equity investments, as well as other arrangements deemed to be variable interests in the VIE. These assessments to determine whether the Company is the primary beneficiary require significant judgment. In instances where the Company and its related parties have interests in a VIE, the Company considers whether there is a single party in the related party group that meets the criteria to be deemed the primary beneficiary. If one party within the related party group meets such criteria, that reporting entity would be deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE and no further analysis is needed. If no party within the related party group on its own meets the criteria to be deemed the primary beneficiary, but the related party group as a whole meets such criteria, the determination of the primary beneficiary within the related party group requires significant judgment. The Company performs analysis which is based upon qualitative as well as quantitative factors, such as the relationship of the VIE to each of the members of the related party group, as well as the significance of the VIE's activities to those members, with the objective of determining which party is most closely associated with the VIE. The Company performs ongoing reassessments of (i) whether any entities previously evaluated have become VIEs, based on certain events, and therefore subject to assessment to determine whether consolidation is appropriate, and (ii) whether changes in the facts and circumstances regarding the Company's involvement with a VIE causes its consolidation conclusion regarding the VIE to change. See Note 9 and Note 13 for further information on the Company's consolidated VIEs. The Company's maximum amount at risk is generally limited to the Company's investment in the VIE. The Company is generally not contractually required to provide and has not provided any form of financial support to the VIEs. The Company holds beneficial interests in certain securitization trusts that are considered VIEs. The beneficial interests in these securitization trusts are represented by certificates issued by the trusts. The securitization trusts have been structured as pass-through entities that receive principal and interest payments on the underlying collateral and distribute those payments to the certificate holders, which include both third-party investors and the Company. The certificates held by the Company typically include some or all of the most subordinated tranches. The assets held by the trusts are restricted in that they can only be used to fulfill the obligations of the related trust. In certain cases, the design and structure of the securitization trust is such that the Company effectively retains control of the assets as well as the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the trust. In such cases, the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary, and the Company consolidates the trust and all intercompany transactions are eliminated in consolidation. In cases where the Company does not effectively retain control of the assets of, or have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of, the related trust, it does not consolidate the trust. See Note 10 for further discussion of the Company's securitization trusts. Variable Interest Entities : VIEs are entities in which: (i) the equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, or (ii) there is insufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. The Company holds beneficial interests in securitization trusts that are considered VIEs. The beneficial interests in these securitization trusts are represented by certificates issued by the trusts. The securitization trusts have been structured as pass-through entities that receive principal and interest payments on the underlying collateral and distribute those payments to the certificate holders, which include both third-party investors and the Company. The certificates held by the Company typically include some or all of the most subordinated tranches. The assets held by the trusts are restricted in that they can only be used to fulfill the obligations of the related trust. In certain cases the design and structure of the securitization trust is such that the Company effectively retains control of the assets as well as the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the trust; in such cases the trust is considered a direct extension of the Company's business, and the Company consolidates the trust. In cases where the Company does not effectively retain control of the assets of, or the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of, the related trust, it does not consolidate the trust. See Note 6 for further discussion of the Company's securitization trusts.
When-Issued/Delayed Delivery Securities	When-Issued/Delayed Delivery Securities : The Company may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis. Securities purchased or sold on a when-issued basis are traded for delivery beyond the normal settlement date at a stated price or yield, and no income accrues to the purchaser prior to settlement. Purchasing or selling securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis involves the risk that the market price or yield at the time of settlement may be lower or higher than the agreed-upon price or yield, in which case a realized loss may be incurred. The Company transacts in the forward settling TBA market. The Company typically does not take delivery of TBAs, but rather settles the associated receivable and payable with its trading counterparties on a net basis. Transactions with the same counterparty for the same TBA that result in a reduction of the position are treated as extinguished. The market value of the securities that the Company is required to purchase pursuant to a TBA transaction may decline below the agreed-upon purchase price. Conversely, the market value of the securities that the Company is required to sell pursuant to a TBA transaction may increase above the agreed upon sale price. As part of its TBA activities, the Company may "roll" its TBA positions, whereby the Company may sell (buy) securities for delivery (receipt) in an earlier month and simultaneously contract to repurchase (sell) similar, but not identical, securities at an agreed-upon price on a fixed date in a later month (with the later-month price typically lower than the earlier-month price). The Company accounts for its TBA transactions (including those related to TBA rolls) as purchases and sales.
Investments in Operating Entities	Investments in Operating Entities : The Company has made and may in the future make non-controlling investments in operating entities such as loan originators. Investments in such operating entities may be in the form of preferred and/or common equity, debt, or some other form of investment. The Company carries its investments in such entities at fair value. In cases where the operating entity provides services to the Company, the Company is required to use the equity method of accounting.
Offering Costs/Underwriters' Discount	Offering Costs/Underwriters' Discount : Offering costs and underwriters' discount are charged against stockholders' equity as incurred. Offering costs typically include legal, accounting, and other fees associated with the cost of raising capital. Offering Costs/Underwriters' Discount : Offering costs and underwriters' discount are charged against shareholders' equity. Offering costs typically include legal, accounting, printing, and other fees associated with the cost of raising capital.
Debt Issuance Costs	Debt Issuance Costs : Debt issuance costs associated with debt for which the Company has elected the FVO are expensed at the issuance of the debt, and are included in Investment related expenses—Other on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. Costs associated with the issuance of debt for which the Company has not elected the FVO are deferred and amortized over the life of the debt, which approximates the effective interest rate method, and are included in Interest expense on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. Deferred debt issuance costs are presented on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability, unless such deferred debt issuance costs are associated with borrowing facilities that are expected to have a future benefit, such as giving the Company the ability to access additional borrowings over the contractual term of the debt, in which case such deferred debt issuance costs are included in Other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Debt issuance costs include legal and accounting fees, purchasers' or underwriters' discount, as well as other fees associated with the cost of the issuance of the related debt. Debt Issuance Costs : Debt issuance costs associated with debt for which the Company has elected the fair value option are expensed at the issuance of the debt, and are included in Other investment related expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Costs associated with the issuance of debt for which the Company has not elected the fair value option are amortized over the life of the debt, which approximates the effective interest rate method, and are included in Interest expense on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Deferred debt issuance costs are presented on the Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity as a direct deduction from the related debt liability, unless such deferred debt issuance costs are associated with borrowing facilities that are expected to have a future benefit, such as giving the Company the ability to access additional borrowings over the contractual term of the debt, in which case such deferred debt issuance costs are included in Other Assets on Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity. Debt issuance costs include legal and accounting fees, purchasers' or underwriters' discount, as well as other fees associated with the cost of the issuance of the related debt.
Expenses	Expenses : Expenses are recognized as incurred on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. Expenses : Expenses are recognized as incurred on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Investment Related Expenses	Investment Related Expenses : Investment related expenses consist of expenses directly related to specific financial instruments. Such expenses generally include dividend expense on common stock sold short, servicing fees and corporate and escrow advances on mortgage and consumer loans, and various other expenses and fees related directly to the Company's financial instruments. The Company has elected the FVO for its investments, and as a result all investment related expenses are expensed as incurred and included in Investment related expenses on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. Other Investment Related Expenses : Other investment related expenses consist of expenses directly related to specific financial instruments. Such expenses generally include dividend expense on common stock sold short, servicing fees and corporate and escrow advances on mortgage and consumer loans, and various other expenses and fees related directly to the Company's financial instruments. Other investment related expenses are recognized as incurred on the Consolidated Statement of Operations; dividend expense on common stock sold short is recognized on the ex-dividend date.
LTIP Units	Long term incentive plan units : Long term incentive plan units of the Operating Partnership ("OP LTIP Units") have been issued to the Company's dedicated or partially dedicated personnel and certain of its directors as well as the Manager. Costs associated with OP LTIP Units issued to dedicated or partially dedicated personnel, or to the Company's directors, are measured as of the grant date based on the closing stock price on the New York Stock Exchange and are amortized over the vesting period in accordance with ASC 718-10, Compensation—Stock Compensation . The vesting periods for OP LTIP Units are typically one year from issuance for non-executive directors, and are typically one year to two years from issuance for dedicated or partially dedicated personnel. LTIP Units : Long term incentive plan units of the Company ("LTIP Units") and long term incentive plan units of the Operating Partnership ("OP LTIP Units") have been issued to the Company's dedicated or partially dedicated personnel and certain of its directors as well as the Manager. Costs associated with LTIP Units and OP LTIP Units issued to dedicated or partially dedicated personnel, or to its directors, are measured as of the grant date based on the closing stock price on the New York Stock Exchange and are amortized over the vesting period in accordance with ASC 718-10, Compensation—Stock Compensation . The vesting periods for LTIP Units and OP LTIP Units are typically one year from issuance for directors, and are typically one year to two years from issuance for dedicated or partially dedicated personnel.
Non-controlling interest	Non-controlling interests : Non-controlling interests include interests in the Operating Partnership represented by units convertible into shares of the Company's common stock ("Convertible Non-controlling Interests"). Convertible Non-controlling Interests include both the OP LTIP Units and those common units ("OP Units") of the Operating Partnership not held by the Company (collectively, the "Convertible Non-controlling Interest Units"). Non-controlling interests also include the interests of joint venture partners in certain of our consolidated subsidiaries. The joint venture partners' interests are not convertible into shares of the Company's common stock. The Company adjusts the Convertible Non-controlling Interests to align their carrying value with their share of total outstanding Operating Partnership units, including both the OP Units held by the Company and the Convertible Non-controlling Interests. Any such adjustments are reflected in Adjustment to non-controlling interests, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity. See Note 15 for further discussion of non-controlling interests. Non-controlling interests : Non-controlling interests include interests in the Operating Partnership represented by units convertible into the Company's common shares (“Convertible Non-controlling Interests”). Convertible Non-controlling Interests include both the OP LTIP Units and those common units ("OP Units") of the Operating Partnership not held by the Company. Non-controlling interests also include the interests of joint venture partners in certain of our consolidated subsidiaries. The joint venture partners' interests are not convertible into the Company's common shares. The Company adjusts the Convertible Non-controlling Interests to align their carrying value with their share of total outstanding Operating Partnership units, including both the OP Units held by the Company and the Convertible Non-controlling Interests. Any such adjustments are reflected in "Adjustment to non-controlling interest" on the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity. See Note 11 for further discussion of non-controlling interests.
Dividends	Dividends : Dividends payable are recorded on the declaration date. Dividends : Dividends payable by the Company are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends are typically declared and paid on a quarterly basis in arrears.
Shares Repurchased	Shares Repurchased : Shares of common stock that are repurchased by the Company subsequent to issuance are immediately retired upon settlement and decrease the total number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding. The cost of such repurchases is charged against Additional paid-in-capital on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Shares Repurchased : Common shares that are repurchased by the Company subsequent to issuance are immediately retired upon settlement and decrease the total number of shares outstanding and issued.
Earnings Per Share ("EPS")	Earnings Per Share ("EPS") : Basic EPS is computed using the two class method by dividing net income (loss) after adjusting for the impact of Convertible Non-controlling Interests which are participating securities, by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding calculated including Convertible Non-controlling Interests. Because the Company's Convertible Non-controlling Interests are participating securities, they are included in the calculation of both basic and diluted EPS. Earnings Per Share ("EPS") : Basic EPS is computed using the two class method by dividing net increase (decrease) in shareholders' equity resulting from operations after adjusting for the impact of LTIP Units which are participating securities, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding calculated including LTIP Units. Because the Company's LTIP Units are participating securities, they are included in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS. Convertible Non-controlling Interests are also participating securities and, accordingly, are included in the calculation of both basic and diluted EPS.
Foreign Currency	Foreign Currency : The functional currency of the Company is U.S. dollars. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are remeasured into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates at the following dates: (i) assets, liabilities, and unrealized gains/losses—at the valuation date; and (ii) income, expenses, and realized gains/losses—at the accrual/transaction date. The Company isolates the portion of realized and change in unrealized gain (loss) resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates on investments and financial derivatives from the fluctuations arising from changes in fair value of investments and financial derivatives held. Changes in realized and change in unrealized gain (loss) due to foreign currency are included in Other, net, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. Our reporting currency is U.S. Dollars. If the Company has investments in unconsolidated entities that have a functional currency other than U.S. Dollars, the fair value is translated to U.S. dollars using the current exchange rate at the valuation date. The cumulative translation adjustment, if any, associated with the Company's investments in unconsolidated entities is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of consolidated stockholders' equity. Foreign Currency : Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates at the following dates: (i) assets, liabilities, and unrealized gains/losses—at the valuation date; and (ii) income, expenses, and realized gains/losses—at the accrual/transaction date. The Company isolates the portion of realized and change in unrealized gain (loss) resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates on investments and financial derivatives from the fluctuations arising from changes in fair value of investments and financial derivatives held. Changes in realized and change in unrealized gain (loss) due to foreign currency are included in Foreign currency transactions and Foreign currency translation, respectively, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes : The Company intends to elect to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code. As a REIT, the Company is generally not subject to corporate-level federal and state income tax on net income it distributes to its stockholders within the prescribed timeframes. To qualify as a REIT, the Company must meet a number of organizational and operational requirements, including distributing at least 90% of its annual taxable income to stockholders. Even if the Company qualifies as a REIT, it may be subject to certain federal, state, local and foreign taxes on its income and property, and to federal income and excise taxes on its undistributed taxable income. If the Company fails to qualify as a REIT, and does not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, it will be subject to U.S. federal, state, and local income taxes and may be precluded from qualifying as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year in which the Company fails to qualify as a REIT. The Company believes that it will operate in a manner that will allow it to qualify for taxation as a REIT. As a result of the Company's expected REIT qualification and expected distributions, it does not generally expect to pay federal or state corporate income taxes. Many of the REIT requirements, however, are highly technical and complex. As a REIT, if the Company fails to distribute in any calendar year (subject to specific timing rules for certain dividends paid in January) at least the sum of (i) 85% of its ordinary income for such year, (ii) 95% of its capital gain net income for such year, and (iii) any undistributed taxable income from the prior year, the Company would be subject to a non-deductible 4% excise tax on the excess of such required distribution over the sum of (i) the amounts actually distributed and (ii) the amounts of income retained and on which the Company has paid corporate income tax. The Company elected to treat certain domestic and foreign subsidiaries as TRSs, and may in the future elect to treat other current or future subsidiaries as TRSs. In general, a TRS may hold assets and engage in activities that the Company cannot hold or engage in directly and generally may engage in any real estate or non-real estate-related business. A domestic TRS may, but is not required to, declare dividends to the Company; such dividends will be included in the Company's taxable income/(loss) and may necessitate a distribution to the Company's stockholders. Conversely, if the Company retains earnings at the level of a domestic TRS, such earnings will increase the book equity of the consolidated entity. A domestic TRS is subject to U.S. federal, state, and local corporate income taxes. The Company has elected and may elect in the future to treat certain of its foreign corporate subsidiaries as TRSs and, accordingly, taxable income generated by these TRSs may not be subject to U.S. federal, state, and local corporate income taxation, but generally will be included in the Company's income on a current basis as Subpart F income, whether or not distributed. However, certain of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries may be subject to income taxes in the relevant foreign jurisdictions. The Company's financial results are generally not expected to reflect provisions for current or deferred income taxes, except for any activities conducted through one or more TRSs that are subject to corporate income taxation. The Company follows the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty on tax positions, which requires management to determine whether a tax position of the Company is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. For uncertain tax positions, the tax benefit to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits resulting from tax positions related to the current period or to 2018, 2017, 2016, or 2015 (its open tax years). In the normal course of business, the Company may be subject to examination by federal, state, local, and foreign jurisdictions, where applicable, for the current period, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015 (its open tax years). Income Taxes : The Company is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Certain of the Company's subsidiaries are not consolidated for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but are also treated as partnerships. In general, partnerships are not subject to entity-level tax on their income, but the income of a partnership is taxable to its owners on a flow-through basis. In addition, certain subsidiaries of the Company have elected to be treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and one has elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust, or "REIT." The Company follows the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty on tax positions, which requires management to determine whether a tax position of the Company is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. For uncertain tax positions, the tax benefit to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company did not have any additions to unrecognized tax benefits resulting from tax positions related either to the current period or to 2017, 2016, or 2015 (its open tax years), and no reductions resulting from tax positions of prior years or due to settlements, and thus had no unrecognized tax benefits or reductions since inception. The Company does not expect any change in unrecognized tax benefits within the next fiscal year. There were no amounts accrued for tax penalties or interest as of or during the periods presented in these consolidated financial statements. The Company may take positions with respect to certain tax issues which depend on legal interpretation of facts or applicable tax regulations. Should the relevant tax regulators successfully challenge any of such positions, the Company might be found to have a tax liability that has not been recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Also, management's conclusions regarding ASC 740-10 may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, further implementation guidance from the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or "FASB," and ongoing analyses of tax laws, regulations and interpretations thereof.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements : In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or "FASB," issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement—Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement ("ASU 2018-13"). This amends ASC 820 to remove or modify various current disclosure requirements related to fair value measurement. Additionally, ASU 2018-13 requires certain additional disclosures around fair value measurement. ASU 2018-13 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. Entities are permitted to early adopt any removed or modified disclosures and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until their effective date. The Company has elected to early adopt the removal and modification of various disclosure requirements in accordance with ASU 2018-13; early adoption has not had a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company has elected not to early adopt the additional disclosure requirements. The adoption of the additional disclosure requirements, as required under ASU 2018-13, is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses ("ASU 2016-13"). ASU 2016-13 introduces a new model related to the accounting for credit losses on financial assets subject to credit losses and measured at amortized cost and certain off-balance sheet credit exposures. ASU 2016-13 amends the current guidance, which requires an OTTI charge only when fair value is below the amortized cost of an asset. The length of time the fair value of an available-for-sale debt security has been below the amortized cost will no longer impact the determination of whether a credit loss exists. As a result, it is no longer an other-than-temporary model. In addition, credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities will now be limited to the difference between the security's amortized cost basis and its fair value. The new debt security model will also require the use of an allowance to record estimated credit losses. The new guidance also expands the disclosure requirements regarding an entity's assumptions and models. In addition, public entities will need to disclose the amortized cost balance for each class of financial asset by credit quality indicator, disaggregated by the year of origination (i.e., by vintage year). ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating its method of adoption and the impact this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements. Recent Accounting Pronouncements : In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or "FASB," issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement—Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement ("ASU 2018-13"). This amends ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement , to remove or modify various current disclosure requirements related to fair value measurement. Additionally ASU 2018-13 requires certain additional disclosures around fair value measurement. ASU 2018-13 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. Entities are permitted to early adopt any removed or modified disclosures and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until their effective date. The Company has elected to early adopt the removal and modification of various disclosure requirements in accordance with ASU 2018-13; early adoption has not had a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company has elected not to early adopt the additional disclosure requirements. The adoption of additional disclosures, as required under ASU 2018-13, is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation—Stock Compensation—Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting ("ASU 2018-07"). This amends ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation , to simplify several aspects of accounting for nonemployee share-based payment transactions. ASU 2018-07 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2018-07 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows—Restricted Cash ("ASU 2016-18"). This amends ASC 230, Statement of Cash Flows , to require that the statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 became effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of ASU 2016-18 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Financial Assets Sold under Agreement to Repurchase [Member]
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]
Repurchase and Resale Agreements	Repurchase Agreements : The Company enters into repurchase agreements with third-party broker-dealers whereby it sells securities under agreements to be repurchased at an agreed-upon price and date. The Company accounts for repurchase agreements as collateralized borrowings, with the initial sale price representing the amount borrowed, and with the future repurchase price consisting of the amount borrowed plus interest, at the implied interest rate of the repurchase agreement, on the amount borrowed over the term of the repurchase agreement. The interest rate on a repurchase agreement is based on competitive rates (or competitive market spreads, in the case of agreements with floating interest rates) at the time such agreement is entered into. When the Company enters into a repurchase agreement, the lender establishes and maintains an account containing cash and/or securities having a value not less than the repurchase price, including accrued interest, of the repurchase agreement. Repurchase agreements are carried at their contractual amounts, which approximate fair value as the debt is short-term in nature. Reverse Repurchase Agreements : The Company enters into reverse repurchase agreements with third-party broker-dealers whereby it sells securities under agreements to be repurchased at an agreed-upon price and date. The Company accounts for reverse repurchase agreements as collateralized borrowings, with the initial sale price representing the amount borrowed, and with the future repurchase price consisting of the amount borrowed plus interest, at the implied interest rate of the reverse repurchase agreement, on the amount borrowed over the term of the reverse repurchase agreement. The interest rate on a reverse repurchase agreement is based on competitive rates (or competitive market spreads, in the case of agreements with floating interest rates) at the time such agreement is entered into. When the Company enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, the lender establishes and maintains an account containing cash and/or securities having a value not less than the repurchase price, including accrued interest, of the reverse repurchase agreement. Reverse repurchase agreements are carried at their contractual amounts, which approximate fair value as the debt is short-term in nature.
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell [Member]
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]
Repurchase and Resale Agreements	Reverse Repurchase Agreements : The Company enters into reverse repurchase agreement transactions whereby it purchases securities under agreements to resell at an agreed-upon price and date. In general, securities received pursuant to reverse repurchase agreements are delivered to counterparties of short sale transactions. The interest rate on a reverse repurchase agreement is based on competitive rates (or competitive market spreads, in the case of agreements with floating interest rates) at the time such agreement is entered into. Assets held pursuant to reverse repurchase agreements are reflected as assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Reverse repurchase agreements are carried at their contractual amounts, which approximates fair value due to their short-term nature. Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements that are conducted with the same counterparty may be reported on a net basis if they meet the requirements of ASC 210-20, Balance Sheet Offsetting . There are no repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements reported on a net basis in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. Repurchase Agreements : The Company enters into repurchase agreement transactions whereby it purchases securities under agreements to resell at an agreed-upon price and date. In general, securities received pursuant to repurchase agreements are delivered to counterparties of short sale transactions. The interest rate on a repurchase agreement is based on competitive rates (or competitive market spreads, in the case of agreements with floating interest rates) at the time such agreement is entered into. Assets held pursuant to repurchase agreements are reflected as assets on the Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity. Repurchase agreements are carried at fair value based on their contractual amounts as the debt is short-term in nature. Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements that are conducted with the same counterparty may be reported on a net basis if they meet the requirements of ASC 210-20, Balance Sheet Offsetting . There are no repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements reported on a net basis in the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Valuation (Tables)

Valuation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	The table below reflects the value of the Company's Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2019 : Description Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In thousands) Assets: Securities, at fair value: Agency RMBS $ — $ 1,327,867 $ 11,034 $ 1,338,901 Non-Agency RMBS — 88,226 96,790 185,016 CMBS — 31,380 6,278 37,658 CLOs — 58,989 17,222 76,211 Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans — — 25,019 25,019 Corporate debt securities — — 4,081 4,081 Corporate equity securities — — 1,791 1,791 Loans, at fair value: Residential mortgage loans — — 663,880 663,880 Commercial mortgage loans — — 260,034 260,034 Consumer loans — — 162,609 162,609 Corporate loans — — 5,000 5,000 Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value — — 69,676 69,676 Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value: Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities — — 1,090 1,090 Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices — 2,164 — 2,164 Credit default swaps on corporate bonds — 521 — 521 Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices — 5,714 — 5,714 Interest rate swaps — 1,434 — 1,434 TBAs — 140 — 140 Total return swaps — — 87 87 Total assets $ — $ 1,516,435 $ 1,324,591 $ 2,841,026 Description Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (continued) (In thousands) Liabilities: Securities sold short, at fair value: Government debt $ — $ (49,113 ) $ — $ (49,113 ) Corporate debt securities — (470 ) — (470 ) Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value: Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices — (202 ) — (202 ) Credit default swaps on corporate bonds — (686 ) — (686 ) Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices — (14,113 ) — (14,113 ) Interest rate swaps — (7,658 ) — (7,658 ) TBAs — (2,443 ) — (2,443 ) Futures (2,380 ) — — (2,380 ) Forwards — (265 ) — (265 ) Total return swaps — (58 ) — (58 ) Other secured borrowings, at fair value — — (475,816 ) (475,816 ) Total liabilities $ (2,380 ) $ (75,008 ) $ (475,816 ) $ (553,204 ) The table below reflects the value of the Company's Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 financial instruments at December 31, 2018: Description Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In thousands) Assets: Cash equivalents $ 12,460 $ — $ — $ 12,460 Investments, at fair value- Agency residential mortgage-backed securities $ — $ 1,442,924 $ 7,293 $ 1,450,217 U.S. Treasury securities — 76 — 76 Private label residential mortgage-backed securities — 211,348 91,291 302,639 Private label commercial mortgage-backed securities — 33,105 803 33,908 Commercial mortgage loans — — 211,185 211,185 Residential mortgage loans — — 496,830 496,830 Collateralized loan obligations — 108,978 14,915 123,893 Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans — — 206,761 206,761 Corporate debt — 16,074 6,318 22,392 Secured notes — — 10,917 10,917 Real estate owned — — 34,500 34,500 Common stock 2,200 — — 2,200 Corporate equity investments — — 43,793 43,793 Total investments, at fair value 2,200 1,812,505 1,124,606 2,939,311 Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities — — 1,472 1,472 Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices — 733 — 733 Credit default swaps on corporate bonds — 2,473 — 2,473 Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices — 8,092 — 8,092 Total return swaps — 1 — 1 Interest rate swaps — 7,224 — 7,224 Forwards — 6 — 6 Total financial derivatives–assets, at fair value — 18,529 1,472 20,001 Repurchase agreements, at fair value — 61,274 — 61,274 Total investments, financial derivatives–assets, and repurchase agreements, at fair value $ 2,200 $ 1,892,308 $ 1,126,078 $ 3,020,586 Liabilities: Investments sold short, at fair value- Agency residential mortgage-backed securities $ — $ (772,964 ) $ — $ (772,964 ) Government debt — (54,151 ) — (54,151 ) Corporate debt — (6,529 ) — (6,529 ) Common stock (16,933 ) — — (16,933 ) Total investments sold short, at fair value (16,933 ) (833,644 ) — (850,577 ) Description Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (continued) (In thousands) Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices $ — $ (11,557 ) $ — $ (11,557 ) Credit default swaps on corporate bonds — (3,246 ) — (3,246 ) Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices — (2,125 ) — (2,125 ) Interest rate swaps — (3,397 ) — (3,397 ) Total return swaps — (6 ) — (6 ) Futures (355 ) — — (355 ) Forwards — (120 ) — (120 ) Total financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value (355 ) (20,451 ) — (20,806 ) Other secured borrowings, at fair value — — (297,948 ) (297,948 ) Total investments sold short, financial derivatives–liabilities, and other secured borrowings, at fair value $ (17,288 ) $ (854,095 ) $ (297,948 ) $ (1,169,331 )
Schedule of Financial Instruments	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of all other financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2019 : (In thousands) Fair Value Carrying Value Other financial instruments Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 42,671 $ 42,671 Restricted cash 175 175 Due from brokers 65,083 65,083 Reverse repurchase agreements 49,641 49,641 Liabilities: Repurchase agreements 1,715,506 1,715,506 Other secured borrowings 101,925 101,925 Senior notes, net 85,166 85,166 Due to brokers 9,951 9,951 Cash and cash equivalents includes cash held in an interest bearing overnight account, for which fair value equals the carrying value, and cash held in money market accounts, which are liquid in nature and for which fair value equals the carrying value; such assets are considered Level 1. Restricted cash includes cash held in a segregated account for which fair value equals the carrying value; such assets are considered Level 1. Due from brokers and Due to brokers include collateral transferred to or received from counterparties, along with receivables and payables for open and/or closed derivative positions. These receivables and payables are short term in nature and any collateral transferred consists primarily of cash; fair value of these items is approximated by carrying value and such items are considered Level 1. The Company's reverse repurchase agreements, repurchase agreements, and other secured borrowings are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to their short term nature. Reverse repurchase agreements, repurchase agreements, and other secured borrowings are classified as Level 2 based on the adequacy of the collateral and their short term nature. The Senior notes are considered Level 3 liabilities given the relative unobservability of the most significant inputs to valuation estimation as well as the lack of trading activity of these instruments.
Schedule of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Qualitative Information	The following table identifies the significant unobservable inputs that affect the valuation of the Company's Level 3 assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2019 : Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Weighted Average Description Min Max (In thousands) Non-Agency RMBS $ 40,642 Market Quotes Non Binding Third-Party Valuation $ 65.77 $ 163.50 $ 84.87 CMBS 5,201 Market Quotes Non Binding Third-Party Valuation 5.87 79.27 67.48 CLOs 9,174 Market Quotes Non Binding Third-Party Valuation 27.65 276.53 73.75 Agency interest only RMBS 935 Market Quotes Non Binding Third-Party Valuation 1.84 17.07 7.42 Total return swaps 87 Market Quotes Non Binding Third-Party Valuation 89.5 89.9 89.7 Non-Agency RMBS 56,148 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 0.4 % 27.7 % 10.0 % Projected Collateral Prepayments 5.9 % 71.5 % 51.5 % Projected Collateral Losses 0.1 % 14.9 % 7.1 % Projected Collateral Recoveries 1.5 % 18.3 % 9.5 % Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization 17.8 % 77.8 % 31.9 % 100.0 % Non-Agency CMBS 1,077 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 21.5 % 21.5 % 21.5 % Projected Collateral Losses 1.1 % 1.1 % 1.1 % Projected Collateral Recoveries 2.3 % 2.3 % 2.3 % Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization 96.6 % 96.6 % 96.6 % 100.0 % Corporate debt and equity 5,872 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 10.0 % 22.9 % 18.9 % (continued) Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Weighted Average Description Min Max (In thousands) CLOs 8,048 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 11.2 % 60.7 % 13.0 % Projected Collateral Prepayments 9.0 % 87.1 % 49.6 % Projected Collateral Losses 2.9 % 33.4 % 15.0 % Projected Collateral Recoveries 3.8 % 13.0 % 8.8 % Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization — % 77.3 % 26.6 % 100.0 % ABS backed by consumer loans 25,019 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 12.0 % 20.1 % 12.2 % Projected Collateral Prepayments 0.0 % 10.8 % 9.3 % Projected Collateral Losses 0.8 % 36.0 % 15.0 % Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization 64.0 % 99.2 % 75.7 % 100.0 % Consumer loans 162,609 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 7.0 % 10.0 % 8.0 % Projected Collateral Prepayments 0.0 % 56.7 % 42.5 % Projected Collateral Losses 1.9 % 86.3 % 8.0 % Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization 13.7 % 98.1 % 49.5 % 100.0 % Corporate loans 5,000 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 15.0 % 15.0 % 15.0 % Performing commercial mortgage loans 206,710 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 7.9 % 12.0 % 8.8 % Non-performing commercial mortgage loans 53,324 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 10.8 % 25.4 % 15.5 % Months to Resolution 2.0 6.0 3.0 Performing and re-performing residential mortgage loans 147,108 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 3.9 % 29.3 % 6.5 % Securitized residential mortgage loans (1) 503,090 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 3.8 % 5.1 % 4.4 % Non-performing residential mortgage loans 13,682 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 3.6 % 56.0 % 12.3 % Months to Resolution 0.0 102.7 45.7 Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities 1,090 Net Discounted Cash Flows Projected Collateral Prepayments 34.6 % 44.4 % 37.6 % Projected Collateral Losses 11.4 % 18.7 % 13.7 % Projected Collateral Recoveries 13.7 % 18.1 % 16.2 % Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization 23.4 % 36.1 % 32.5 % 100.0 % Agency interest only RMBS 10,099 Option Adjusted Spread ("OAS") LIBOR OAS (2) 93 3,527 581 Projected Collateral Prepayments 29.1 % 100.0 % 71.9 % Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization 0.0 % 70.9 % 28.1 % 100.0 % (continued) Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Weighted Average Description Min Max (In thousands) Investment in unconsolidated entities 32,588 Enterprise Value Equity Price-to-Book (3) 1.0x 3.1x 1.4x Investment in unconsolidated entities 3,000 Recent Transactions Transaction Price n/a n/a n/a Investment in unconsolidated entities 34,088 Discounted Cash Flows Yield (4) 3.1% 15.6% 9.1% Other secured borrowings, at fair value (1) (475,816 ) Discounted Cash Flows Yield 3.1% 4.5% 3.8% (1) Securitized residential mortgage loans and Other secured borrowings, at fair value, represent financial assets and liabilities of the Company's CFE as discussed in Note 2. (2) Shown in basis points. (3) Represent an estimation of where market participants might value an enterprise on a price-to-book basis. (4) Represents the significant unobservable inputs used to fair value the financial instruments of the unconsolidated entity. The fair value of such financial instruments is the largest component of the valuation of such entity as a whole. The following table identifies the significant unobservable inputs that affect the valuation of the Company's Level 3 assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2018: Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Weighted Average Description Min Max (In thousands) Private label residential mortgage-backed securities $ 36,945 Market Quotes Non Binding Third-Party Valuation $ 17.42 $ 178.00 $ 78.31 Collateralized loan obligations 5,828 Market Quotes Non Binding Third-Party Valuation 2.64 375.00 167.78 Corporate debt, non-exchange traded corporate equity, and secured notes 13,976 Market Quotes Non Binding Third-Party Valuation 9.69 91.00 59.18 Private label commercial mortgage-backed securities 576 Market Quotes Non Binding Third-Party Valuation 5.93 6.36 6.14 Agency interest only residential mortgage-backed securities 744 Market Quotes Non Binding Third-Party Valuation 1.70 9.12 5.64 Private label residential mortgage-backed securities 54,346 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 3.5 % 66.1 % 10.7 % Projected Collateral Prepayments 16.0 % 92.1 % 50.4 % Projected Collateral Losses 0.0 % 23.1 % 8.7 % Projected Collateral Recoveries 1.5 % 14.6 % 7.3 % Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization 6.1 % 61.8 % 33.6 % 100.0 % Private label commercial mortgage-backed securities 227 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 3.4 % 3.4 % 3.4 % Projected Collateral Losses 2.0 % 2.0 % 2.0 % Projected Collateral Recoveries 6.6 % 6.6 % 6.6 % Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization 91.4 % 91.4 % 91.4 % 100.0 % Corporate debt and non-exchange traded corporate equity 4,793 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 17.5 % 17.5 % 17.5 % (continued) Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Weighted Average Description Min Max (In thousands) Collateralized loan obligations $ 9,087 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 12.6 % 103.1 % 26.7 % Projected Collateral Prepayments 8.1 % 88.4 % 65.2 % Projected Collateral Losses 3.7 % 40.8 % 13.5 % Projected Collateral Recoveries 4.2 % 38.0 % 11.9 % Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization 3.5 % 13.5 % 9.4 % 100.0 % Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans 206,761 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 7.0 % 18.3 % 8.5 % Projected Collateral Prepayments 0.0 % 45.9 % 33.5 % Projected Collateral Losses 2.6 % 84.8 % 9.1 % Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization 15.2 % 96.6 % 57.4 % 100.0 % Performing commercial mortgage loans 163,876 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 8.0 % 22.5 % 9.6 % Non-performing commercial mortgage loans and commercial real estate owned 80,513 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 9.6 % 27.4 % 13.2 % Months to Resolution 3.0 16.0 7.9 Performing residential mortgage loans 171,367 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 2.7 % 12.9 % 6.0 % Securitized residential mortgage loans (1) 314,202 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 4.3 % 4.6 % 4.6 % Non-performing residential mortgage loans and residential real estate owned 12,557 Discounted Cash Flows Yield 4.3 % 25.1 % 11.3 % Months to Resolution (2) 1.9 42.2 27.8 Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities 1,472 Net Discounted Cash Flows Projected Collateral Prepayments 33.6 % 42.0 % 36.5 % Projected Collateral Losses 11.1 % 15.6 % 12.8 % Projected Collateral Recoveries 10.3 % 18.7 % 15.8 % Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization 32.0 % 36.5 % 34.9 % 100.0 % Agency interest only residential mortgage-backed securities 6,549 Option Adjusted Spread ("OAS") LIBOR OAS (3) 211 3,521 677 Projected Collateral Prepayments 37.7 % 100.0 % 66.2 % Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization 0.0 % 62.3 % 33.8 % 100.0 % Non-exchange traded common equity investment in mortgage-related entity 6,750 Enterprise Value Equity Price-to-Book (4) 3.3x 3.3x 3.3x Non-exchange traded preferred equity investment in mortgage-related entity 27,317 Enterprise Value Equity Price-to-Book (4) 1.1x 1.1x 1.1x Non-exchange traded preferred equity investment in loan origination entity 3,000 Recent Transactions Transaction Price N/A N/A N/A Non-controlling equity interest in limited liability company 5,192 Discounted Cash Flows Yield (5) 12.9% 16.1% 15.4% Other secured borrowings, at fair value (1) (297,948 ) Discounted Cash Flows Yield 3.9% 4.4% 4.3% (1) Securitized residential mortgage loans and Other secured borrowings, at fair value, represent financial assets and liabilities of the Company's CFE as discussed in Note 2. (2) Excludes certain loans that are re-performing. (3) Shown in basis points. (4) Represent an estimation of where market participants might value an enterprise on a price-to-book basis. (5) Represents the significant unobservable inputs used to fair value the financial instruments of the limited liability company. The fair value of such financial instruments is the largest component of the valuation of the limited liability company as a whole.
Fair Value Measurement Using Significant Unobservable Inputs	The tables below include a roll-forward of the Company's financial instruments for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 (including the change in fair value), for financial instruments classified by the Company within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 3—Fair Value Measurement Using Significant Unobservable Inputs: Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2019 (In thousands) Beginning Balance as of Accreted Discounts / (Amortized Premiums) Net Realized Gain/ (Loss) Change in Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) Purchases/ Sales/ Transfers Into Level 3 Transfers Out of Level 3 Ending Balance as of June 30, 2019 Assets: Securities, at fair value: Agency RMBS $ 6,389 $ (676 ) $ (450 ) $ 349 $ 1,594 $ (236 ) $ 4,889 $ (825 ) $ 11,034 Non-Agency RMBS 94,670 108 (384 ) 2,909 2,050 (3,294 ) 6,366 (5,635 ) 96,790 CMBS 5,137 25 50 363 — (374 ) 1,077 — 6,278 CLOs 21,438 165 (1,151 ) 772 — — 2,988 (6,990 ) 17,222 Asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans 24,108 (360 ) (152 ) 95 4,610 (3,282 ) — — 25,019 Corporate debt securities 5,737 6 (345 ) (1 ) 2,449 (3,765 ) — — 4,081 Corporate equity securities 1,469 — (142 ) 464 — — — — 1,791 Loans, at fair value: Residential mortgage loans 583,252 (1,347 ) 2,089 2,257 103,844 (26,215 ) — — 663,880 Commercial mortgage loans 239,623 834 1,413 (2,018 ) 47,555 (27,373 ) — — 260,034 Consumer loans 192,115 (7,386 ) (1,455 ) 857 16,626 (38,148 ) — — 162,609 Corporate loans — — — — 5,000 — — — 5,000 Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value 58,148 — 124 2,230 17,026 (7,852 ) — — 69,676 Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities 1,233 — 128 (143 ) 5 (133 ) — — 1,090 Total return swaps — — 17 87 — (17 ) — — 87 Total assets, at fair value $ 1,233,319 $ (8,631 ) $ (258 ) $ 8,221 $ 200,759 $ (110,689 ) $ 15,320 $ (13,450 ) $ 1,324,591 Liabilities: Other secured borrowings, at fair value $ (282,124 ) $ — $ — $ (17 ) $ 25,861 $ (219,536 ) $ — $ — $ (475,816 ) Total liabilities, at fair value $ (282,124 ) $ — $ — $ (17 ) $ 25,861 $ (219,536 ) $ — $ — $ (475,816 ) All amounts of net realized and change in net unrealized gain (loss) in the table above are reflected in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. The table above incorporates changes in net unrealized gain (loss) for both Level 3 financial instruments held by the Company at June 30, 2019 , as well as Level 3 financial instruments disposed of by the Company during the three-month period ended June 30, 2019 . For Level 3 financial instruments held by the Company at June 30, 2019 , change in net unrealized gain (loss) of $5.7 million , $3.8 million , $2.0 million , $(56) thousand , and $(17) thousand , for the three-month period ended June 30, 2019 relate to securities, loans, investments in unconsolidated entities, financial derivatives–assets, and other secured borrowings, at fair value, respectively. At June 30, 2019 , the Company transferred $13.5 million of assets from Level 3 to Level 2 and $15.3 million from Level 2 to Level 3. Transfers between these hierarchy levels were based on the availability of sufficient observable inputs to meet Level 2 versus Level 3 criteria. The leveling of each financial instrument is reassessed at the end of each period, and is based on pricing information received from third-party pricing sources. Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2019 (In thousands) Beginning Balance as of Accreted Discounts / (Amortized Premiums) Net Realized Gain/ (Loss) Change in Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) Purchases/ Sales/ Transfers Into Level 3 Transfers Out of Level 3 Ending Balance as of June 30, 2019 Assets: Securities, at fair value: Agency RMBS $ 7,293 $ (1,449 ) $ (1,075 ) $ 642 $ 1,600 $ (236 ) $ 5,596 $ (1,337 ) $ 11,034 Non-Agency RMBS 91,291 195 (650 ) 2,358 17,595 (20,220 ) 11,308 (5,087 ) 96,790 CMBS 803 (23 ) — (7 ) — — 5,505 — 6,278 CLOs 14,915 (483 ) (1,676 ) 1,660 831 — 1,975 — 17,222 Asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans 22,800 (969 ) (665 ) 857 9,551 (6,555 ) — — 25,019 Corporate debt securities 6,318 22 (345 ) (78 ) 2,832 (4,668 ) — — 4,081 Corporate equity securities 1,534 — (142 ) 399 — — — — 1,791 Loans, at fair value: Residential mortgage loans 496,829 (2,274 ) 1,954 4,158 261,446 (98,233 ) — — 663,880 Commercial mortgage loans 195,301 1,139 1,414 (2,352 ) 96,412 (31,880 ) — — 260,034 Consumer loans 183,961 (15,958 ) (3,510 ) 2,699 70,882 (75,465 ) — — 162,609 Corporate loan — — — — 5,000 — — — 5,000 Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value 72,298 276 1,684 2,190 30,454 (37,226 ) — — 69,676 Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities 1,472 — 403 (382 ) 8 (411 ) — — 1,090 Total return swaps — — 17 87 — (17 ) — — 87 Total assets, at fair value $ 1,094,815 $ (19,524 ) $ (2,591 ) $ 12,231 $ 496,611 $ (274,911 ) $ 24,384 $ (6,424 ) $ 1,324,591 Liabilities: Other secured borrowings, at fair value $ (297,948 ) $ — $ — $ 40 $ 41,628 $ (219,536 ) $ — $ — $ (475,816 ) Total liabilities, at fair value $ (297,948 ) $ — $ — $ 40 $ 41,628 $ (219,536 ) $ — $ — $ (475,816 ) All amounts of net realized and change in net unrealized gain (loss) in the table above are reflected in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. The table above incorporates changes in net unrealized gain (loss) for both Level 3 financial instruments held by the Company at June 30, 2019 , as well as Level 3 financial instruments disposed of by the Company during the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 . For Level 3 financial instruments held by the Company at June 30, 2019 , change in net unrealized gain (loss) of $6.1 million , $6.0 million , $(0.2) million , $(0.3) million , and $40 thousand , for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 relate to securities, loans, investments in unconsolidated entities, financial derivatives–assets, and other secured borrowings, at fair value, respectively. At June 30, 2019 , the Company transferred $6.4 million of assets from Level 3 to Level 2 and $24.4 million from Level 2 to Level 3. Transfers between these hierarchy levels were based on the availability of sufficient observable inputs to meet Level 2 versus Level 3 criteria. The leveling of each financial instrument is reassessed at the end of each period, and is based on pricing information received from third-party pricing sources. The tables below include a roll-forward of the Company's financial instruments for the three- and six-month period ended June 30, 2018 (including the change in fair value), for financial instruments classified by the Company within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 3—Fair Value Measurement Using Significant Unobservable Inputs: Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 (In thousands) Ending Accreted Net Realized Change in Net Purchases/ Sales/ Transfers Into Level 3 Transfers Out of Level 3 Ending Assets: Investments, at fair value- Agency residential mortgage-backed securities $ 6,128 $ (547 ) $ 18 $ (41 ) $ 1,533 $ (569 ) $ — $ (633 ) $ 5,889 Private label residential mortgage-backed securities 111,862 (1,889 ) 211 (1,845 ) 13,596 (10,999 ) 3,073 (17,613 ) 96,396 Private label commercial mortgage-backed securities 13,709 28 (104 ) 784 — (4,194 ) — (1,462 ) 8,761 Commercial mortgage loans 109,294 226 553 610 20,132 (25,864 ) — — 104,951 Residential mortgage loans 240,781 (464 ) 637 (267 ) 76,785 (24,000 ) — — 293,472 Collateralized loan obligations 27,479 (377 ) 2 300 11,442 (7,889 ) — (24,848 ) 6,109 Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans 148,422 (6,955 ) 450 3,782 83,069 (29,514 ) — — 199,254 Corporate debt 18,000 59 96 (761 ) 448 (1,944 ) — (7,048 ) 8,850 Secured notes — 92 — (234 ) 11,268 — — — 11,126 Real estate owned 29,110 — 10 (1 ) 5,472 (252 ) — — 34,339 Corporate equity investments 50,869 — 1,182 (1 ) — (7,282 ) — — 44,768 Total investments, at fair value 755,654 (9,827 ) 3,055 2,326 223,745 (112,507 ) 3,073 (51,604 ) 813,915 Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities 3,069 — 161 (478 ) 22 (183 ) — — 2,591 Total financial derivatives– assets, at fair value 3,069 — 161 (478 ) 22 (183 ) — — 2,591 Total investments and financial derivatives–assets, at fair value $ 758,723 $ (9,827 ) $ 3,216 $ 1,848 $ 223,767 $ (112,690 ) $ 3,073 $ (51,604 ) $ 816,506 Liabilities: Other secured borrowings, at fair value $ (113,775 ) $ — $ — $ 414 $ 12,261 $ — $ — $ — $ (101,100 ) Total other secured borrowings, at fair value $ (113,775 ) $ — $ — $ 414 $ 12,261 $ — $ — $ — $ (101,100 ) All amounts of net realized and change in net unrealized gain (loss) in the table above are reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. The table above incorporates changes in net unrealized gain (loss) for both Level 3 financial instruments held by the Company at June 30, 2018, as well as Level 3 financial instruments disposed of by the Company during the three-month period ended June 30, 2018. For Level 3 financial instruments held by the Company at June 30, 2018, change in net unrealized gain (loss) of $1.6 million , $(0.5) million , and $0.4 million , for the three-month period ended June 30, 2018 relate to investments, financial derivatives–assets, and other secured borrowings, at fair value, respectively. As of June 30, 2017, the Company modified its procedures to determine the level within the hierarchy for certain financial instruments. Under the revised procedures, the Company examines financial instruments individually rather than in cohorts of like instruments as it had previously. As of June 30, 2018, the Company transferred $51.6 million of securities from Level 3 to Level 2 and $3.1 million from Level 2 to Level 3. Transfers between these hierarchy levels were based on the availability of sufficient observable inputs to meet Level 2 versus Level 3 criteria. The leveling of each financial instrument is reassessed at the end of each period, and is based on pricing information received from third party pricing sources. Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 (In thousands) Ending Accreted Discounts / (Amortized Premiums) Net Realized Gain/ (Loss) Change in Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) Purchases/ Sales/ Transfers Into Level 3 Transfers Out of Level 3 Ending Balance as of June 30, 2018 Assets: Investments, at fair value- Agency residential mortgage-backed securities $ 6,173 $ (1,172 ) $ 57 $ 229 $ 2,635 $ (957 ) $ — $ (1,076 ) $ 5,889 Private label residential mortgage-backed securities 101,297 156 2,719 (986 ) 24,623 (29,439 ) 9,301 (11,275 ) 96,396 Private label commercial mortgage-backed securities 12,347 (163 ) 1,618 1,043 8,046 (13,890 ) — (240 ) 8,761 Commercial mortgage loans 108,301 844 884 449 24,119 (29,646 ) — — 104,951 Residential mortgage loans 182,472 (1,179 ) 583 (920 ) 149,825 (37,309 ) — — 293,472 Collateralized loan obligations 24,911 78 3 527 21,537 (16,099 ) — (24,848 ) 6,109 Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans 135,258 (12,851 ) 950 7,585 125,203 (56,891 ) — — 199,254 Corporate debt 23,947 (56 ) 148 (396 ) 905 (8,650 ) — (7,048 ) 8,850 Secured notes — 92 — (234 ) 11,268 — — — 11,126 Real estate owned 26,277 — (447 ) 615 9,570 (1,676 ) — — 34,339 Corporate equity investments 37,465 — 1,182 4,325 9,078 (7,282 ) — — 44,768 Total investments, at fair value 658,448 (14,251 ) 7,697 12,237 386,809 (201,839 ) 9,301 (44,487 ) 813,915 Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities 3,140 — 247 (549 ) 45 (292 ) — — 2,591 Total financial derivatives– assets, at fair value 3,140 — 247 (549 ) 45 (292 ) — — 2,591 Total investments and financial derivatives–assets, at fair value $ 661,588 $ (14,251 ) $ 7,944 $ 11,688 $ 386,854 $ (202,131 ) $ 9,301 $ (44,487 ) $ 816,506 Liabilities: Other secured borrowings, at fair value $ (125,105 ) $ — $ — $ 1,198 $ 22,807 $ — $ — $ — $ (101,100 ) Total other secured borrowings, at fair value $ (125,105 ) $ — $ — $ 1,198 $ 22,807 $ — $ — $ — $ (101,100 ) All amounts of net realized and change in net unrealized gain (loss) in the table above are reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. The table above incorporates changes in net unrealized gain (loss) for both Level 3 financial instruments held by the Company at June 30, 2018, as well as Level 3 financial instruments disposed of by the Company during the six-month period ended June 30, 2018. For Level 3 financial instruments held by the Company at June 30, 2018, change in net unrealized gain (loss) of $10.5 million , $(0.5) million , and $1.2 million , for the six-month period ended June 30, 2018 relate to investments, financial derivatives–assets, and other secured borrowings, at fair value, respectively. At June 30, 2018, the Company transferred $44.5 million of securities from Level 3 to Level 2 and $9.3 million from Level 2 to Level 3. Transfers between these hierarchy levels were based on the availability of sufficient observable inputs to meet Level 2 versus Level 3 criteria. The leveling of each financial instrument is reassessed at the end of each period, and is based on pricing information received from third-party pricing sources.

Investment in Securities (Table

Investment in Securities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Summary of Investment Holdings	The following table details the Company's investment in securities as of June 30, 2019 . Gross Unrealized Weighted Average ($ in thousands) Current Principal Unamortized Premium (Discount) Amortized Cost Gains Losses Fair Value Coupon (1) Yield Life (Years) (2) Long: Agency RMBS: 15-year fixed-rate mortgages 133,432 3,326 136,758 1,158 (503 ) 137,413 3.29 % 2.56 % 3.87 20-year fixed-rate mortgages 839 57 896 — — 896 4.50 % 3.03 % 5.00 30-year fixed-rate mortgages 997,663 44,210 1,041,873 11,186 (5,057 ) 1,048,002 4.14 % 3.29 % 6.72 Adjustable rate mortgages 8,887 334 9,221 81 (111 ) 9,191 4.02 % 3.06 % 2.85 Reverse mortgages 109,314 8,157 117,471 1,334 (311 ) 118,494 4.50 % 3.08 % 6.74 Interest only securities n/a n/a 24,346 1,125 (566 ) 24,905 3.36 % 7.90 % 3.46 Non-Agency RMBS 281,461 (118,422 ) 163,039 19,690 (1,398 ) 181,331 3.78 % 6.57 % 4.84 CMBS 68,412 (37,571 ) 30,841 3,089 — 33,930 3.21 % 9.59 % 8.10 Non-Agency interest only securities n/a n/a 5,443 1,970 — 7,413 1.02 % 21.44 % 3.28 CLOs n/a n/a 77,992 697 (2,478 ) 76,211 3.14 % 15.27 % 5.61 ABS backed by consumer loans 30,892 (6,541 ) 24,351 978 (310 ) 25,019 14.61 % 14.37 % 1.15 Corporate debt 25,057 (20,938 ) 4,119 26 (64 ) 4,081 12.51 % 17.63 % 0.90 Corporate equity n/a n/a 1,445 347 (1 ) 1,791 n/a n/a n/a Total Long 1,655,957 (127,388 ) 1,637,795 41,681 (10,799 ) 1,668,677 4.14 % 4.55 % 6.07 Short: Corporate debt (450 ) (6 ) (456 ) — (14 ) (470 ) 5.42 % 5.21 % 5.39 U.S. Treasury securities (37,900 ) (492 ) (38,392 ) — (582 ) (38,974 ) 2.34 % 2.19 % 8.13 European sovereign bonds (9,895 ) 239 (9,656 ) — (483 ) (10,139 ) 0.75 % 0.12 % 2.08 Total Short (48,245 ) (259 ) (48,504 ) — (1,079 ) (49,583 ) 2.06 % 1.80 % 6.87 Total 1,607,712 (127,647 ) 1,589,291 41,681 (11,878 ) 1,619,094 4.21 % 4.47 % 6.05 (1) Weighted average coupon represents the weighted average coupons of the securities, rather than, in the case of collateralized securities, the coupon rates or loan rates on the underlying collateral. (2) Average lives of MBS are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Average lives are affected by the contractual maturities of the underlying mortgages, scheduled periodic payments of principal, and unscheduled prepayments of principal.
Securities by Weighted Average Life	The following table details weighted average life of the Company's Agency RMBS as of June 30, 2019 . ($ in thousands) Agency RMBS Agency Interest Only Securities Estimated Weighted Average Life (1) Fair Value Amortized Cost Weighted Average Coupon (2) Fair Value Amortized Cost Weighted Average Coupon (2) Less than three years 52,440 51,998 4.86 % 8,248 8,047 3.27 % Greater than three years less than seven years 597,007 594,329 4.13 % 16,657 16,299 3.41 % Greater than seven years less than eleven years 664,549 659,892 3.97 % — — — % Total 1,313,996 1,306,219 4.08 % 24,905 24,346 3.36 % (1) Average lives of RMBS are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Average lives are affected by the contractual maturities of the underlying mortgages, scheduled periodic payments of principal, and unscheduled prepayments of principal. (2) Weighted average coupon represents the weighted average coupons of the securities, rather than the coupon rates or loan rates on the underlying collateral. The following table details weighted average life of the Company's long non-Agency RMBS, CMBS, and CLOs and other securities as of June 30, 2019 . ($ in thousands) Non-Agency RMBS and CMBS Non-Agency IOs CLOs and Other Securities (2) Estimated Weighted Average Life (1) Fair Value Amortized Cost Weighted Average Coupon (3) Fair Value Amortized Cost Weighted Average Coupon (3) Fair Value Amortized Cost Weighted Average Coupon (3) Less than three years 81,826 66,955 2.59 % 3,625 2,062 0.12 % 32,566 31,927 12.98 % Greater than three years less than seven years 63,052 61,152 5.43 % 3,788 3,381 1.57 % 71,122 73,126 3.25 % Greater than seven years less then eleven years 49,899 45,239 3.95 % — — — % — — — % Greater than eleven years 20,484 20,534 1.50 % — — — % 1,623 1,409 — % Total 215,261 193,880 3.69 % 7,413 5,443 1.02 % 105,311 106,462 6.12 % (1) Average lives of MBS are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Average lives are affected by the contractual maturities of the underlying mortgages, scheduled periodic payments of principal, and unscheduled prepayments of principal. (2) Other Securities includes asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans, corporate debt, and U.S. Treasury securities. (3) Weighted average coupon represents the weighted average coupons of the securities, rather than the coupon rates or loan rates on the underlying collateral.
Investment Income	The following table details the components of interest income by security type for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 : (In thousands) Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2019 Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2019 Security Type Coupon Interest Net Amortization Interest Income Coupon Interest Net Amortization Interest Income Agency RMBS 14,466 (4,965 ) 9,501 26,656 (9,593 ) 17,063 Non-Agency RMBS and CMBS 3,282 689 3,971 7,131 1,236 8,367 CLOs 3,666 (576 ) 3,090 7,910 (511 ) 7,399 Other securities (1) 1,443 (355 ) 1,088 3,036 (917 ) 2,119 Total 22,857 (5,207 ) 17,650 44,733 (9,785 ) 34,948 (1) Other securities includes asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans, corporate debt, and U.S. Treasury securities.
Schedule of Realized Gain (Loss)	The following table presents proceeds from sales and the resulting realized gains and (losses) of the Company's securities for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 . (In thousands) Three-Month Period Ended Six-Month Period Ended Security Type Proceeds Gross Realized Gains Gross Realized Losses Net Realized Gain (Loss) Proceeds Gross Realized Gains Gross Realized Losses Net Realized Gain (Loss) Agency RMBS 259,207 1,872 (1,565 ) 307 387,511 2,578 (3,238 ) (660 ) Non-Agency RMBS and CMBS 19,139 825 (1,536 ) (711 ) 148,684 2,092 (4,975 ) (2,883 ) CLOs 11,275 54 (3,109 ) (3,055 ) 56,097 152 (4,002 ) (3,850 ) Other securities (1) 76,440 127 (808 ) (681 ) 479,428 744 (1,851 ) (1,107 ) Total 366,061 2,878 (7,018 ) (4,140 ) 1,071,720 5,566 (14,066 ) (8,500 ) (1) Other securities includes asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans, corporate debt and equity, exchange-traded equity, and U.S. Treasury securities.
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	The following table presents the fair value and gross unrealized losses of our long securities by length of time that such securities have been in an unrealized loss position at June 30, 2019 . (In thousands) Less than 12 Months Greater than 12 Months Total Security Type Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Agency RMBS 79,449 (637 ) 312,905 (5,911 ) 392,354 (6,548 ) Non-Agency RMBS and CMBS 42,088 (604 ) 54,549 (794 ) 96,637 (1,398 ) CLOs 42,086 (2,172 ) 5,161 (306 ) 47,247 (2,478 ) Other securities (1) 6,157 (145 ) 2,027 (230 ) 8,184 (375 ) Total 169,780 (3,558 ) 374,642 (7,241 ) 544,422 (10,799 ) (1) Other securities includes asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans, corporate debt and equity, and U.S. Treasury securities.

Investment in Loans (Tables)

Investment in Loans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Receivables [Abstract]
Summary of Investments in Loans	The following table is a summary of the Company's investments in loans as of June 30, 2019 : Loan Type Unpaid Principal Balance Fair Value (In thousands) Residential mortgage loans $ 652,119 $ 663,880 Commercial mortgage loans 285,169 260,034 Consumer loans 157,774 162,609 Corporate loans 5,000 5,000 Total $ 1,100,062 $ 1,091,523 The table below details certain information regarding the Company's residential mortgage loans as of June 30, 2019 : Gross Unrealized Weighted Average ($ in thousands) Unpaid Principal Balance Premium (Discount) Amortized Cost Gains Losses Fair Value Coupon Yield Life (Years) (1) Residential mortgage loans, held-for-investment (2) $ 652,119 $ 5,258 $ 657,377 $ 7,681 $ (1,178 ) $ 663,880 6.49 % 5.12 % 5.48 (1) Average lives of loans are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Average lives are affected by scheduled periodic payments of principal and unscheduled prepayments of principal. (2) Includes $503.1 million of non-QM loans that have been securitized and are held in consolidated securitization trusts; see Note 10. The table below details certain information regarding the Company's consumer loans as of June 30, 2019 : Gross Unrealized Weighted Average ($ in thousands) Unpaid Principal Balance Premium (Discount) Amortized Cost Gains Losses Fair Value Life (Years) (1) Delinquency (Days) Consumer loans $ 157,774 $ 2,947 $ 160,721 $ 2,520 $ (632 ) $ 162,609 0.76 4 (1) Average lives of loans are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Average lives are affected by scheduled periodic payments of principal and unscheduled prepayments of principal.
Past Due Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	The following table provides details, by accrual status, for loans that are 90 days or more past due as of June 30, 2019 : (In thousands) Unpaid Principal Balance Fair Value 90 days or more past due—non-accrual status Residential mortgage loans $ 20,984 $ 18,895 Commercial mortgage loans 77,276 53,324 Consumer loans 1,915 1,893
Schedules of Concentration of Risk, by Risk Factor [Table Text Block]	The table below summarizes the geographic distribution of the real estate collateral underlying the Company's commercial mortgage loans as of June 30, 2019 : Property Location by State Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance Florida 19.7 % Connecticut 16.6 % New York 15.7 % New Jersey 13.0 % North Carolina 6.8 % Virginia 6.6 % Massachusetts 4.6 % Arizona 3.7 % Kentucky 3.5 % Indiana 2.1 % Pennsylvania 1.6 % Nevada 1.4 % Tennessee 1.4 % Louisiana 1.3 % Georgia 1.0 % Other 1.0 % 100.0 % The table below summarizes the geographic distribution of the real estate collateral underlying the Company's residential mortgage loans as of June 30, 2019 : Property Location by State Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance California 48.8 % Florida 12.9 % Texas 12.6 % Colorado 3.8 % Arizona 3.0 % Oregon 2.3 % Nevada 1.9 % New York 1.8 % Utah 1.8 % Washington 1.8 % Maryland 1.2 % Illinois 1.0 % Other 7.1 % 100.0 % The following table summarizes the Company's exposure to counterparty risk as of June 30, 2019 . Amount of Exposure Number of Counterparties with Exposure Maximum Percentage of Exposure to a Single Counterparty (1) (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 42,671 10 70.7 % Collateral on repurchase agreements held by dealers (2) 2,029,073 24 15.0 % Due from brokers 65,083 21 26.5 % Receivable for securities sold (3) 38,705 5 40.6 % (1) Each counterparty is a large creditworthy financial institution. (2) Includes securities and loans as well as cash posted as collateral for repurchase agreements. (3) Included in Investment related receivables on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block]	The following table presents information on the Company's residential mortgage loans by re-performing or non-performing status, as of June 30, 2019 . (In thousands) Unpaid Principal Balance Fair Value Re-performing $ 15,923 $ 13,866 Non-performing 18,641 16,996
Consumer Loans, Delinquency Status [Table Text Block]	The table below provides details on the delinquency status of the Company's consumer loans, which the Company uses as an indicator of credit quality, as of June 30, 2019 : Days Past Due Delinquency Status (1) Current 95.3 % 30-59 Days 2.0 % 60-89 Days 1.5 % 90-119 Days 1.2 % 100.0 % (1) As a percentage of total unpaid principal balance.

Investments in Unconsolidated_2

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Schedule of Investments in Unconsolidated Entities	The following table provides details about the Company's investments in unconsolidated entities as of June 30, 2019 : Investment in Unconsolidated Entity Form of Investment Percentage Ownership of Unconsolidated Entity Longbridge Financial, LLC (1) Preferred shares 49.7% LendSure Mortgage Corp. (1) Common shares 45.0% Jepson Holdings Limited (1)(2) Membership Interest 30.1% Elizon AFG 2018-1 LLC (1)(2) Membership Interest 12.8% Elizon DB 2015-1 LLC (1)(2) Membership Interest 4.7% Other Various 9.9%–55.0% (1) See Note 13 for additional details on the Company's related party transactions. (2) The Company has evaluated this entity and determined that it meets the definition of a VIE. The Company evaluated its interest in the VIE and determined that the Company does not have the power to direct the activities of the VIE and does not have control of the underlying assets, where applicable. As a result, the Company determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of this VIE and therefore has not consolidated the VIE.

Real Estate Owned (Tables)

Real Estate Owned (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Real Estate Owned, Disclosure of Detailed Components [Abstract]
Schedule of Real Estate Owned	The following table details activity in the Company's carrying value of REO for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 . Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2019 Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2019 Number of Properties Carrying Value Number of Properties Carrying Value (In thousands) (In thousands) Beginning Balance (3/31/2019 and 1/1/2019, respectively) 21 $ 31,003 20 $ 30,778 Transfers from mortgage loans 2 17,414 4 17,713 Capital expenditures and other adjustments to cost — 240 Adjustments to record at the lower of cost or fair value (13 ) (263 ) Disposals (3 ) (783 ) (4 ) (847 ) Ending Balance (6/30/2019) 20 $ 47,621 20 $ 47,621

To Be Announced RMBS (Tables)

To Be Announced RMBS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
To Be Announced RMBS [Abstract]
To Be Announced RMBS	The below table details TBA assets, liabilities, and the respective related payables and receivables as of December 31, 2018: (In thousands) As of December 31, 2018 Assets: TBA securities, at fair value (Current principal: $460,037) $ 474,860 Receivable for securities sold relating to unsettled TBA sales 766,574 Liabilities: TBA securities sold short, at fair value (Current principal: -$753,697) $ (772,964 ) Payable for securities purchased relating to unsettled TBA purchases (473,386 ) Net short TBA securities, at fair value (298,104 )

Financial Derivatives (Tables)

Financial Derivatives (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	The following table details the fair value of the Company's holdings of financial derivatives as of June 30, 2019 : June 30, 2019 (In thousands) Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value: TBA securities purchase contracts $ 121 TBA securities sale contracts 19 Fixed payer interest rate swaps 31 Fixed receiver interest rate swaps 1,403 Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities 1,090 Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices 2,164 Credit default swaps on corporate bonds 521 Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices 5,714 Total return swaps 87 Total financial derivatives–assets, at fair value $ 11,150 Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value: TBA securities sale contracts $ (2,443 ) Fixed payer interest rate swaps (7,658 ) Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices (202 ) Credit default swaps on corporate bonds (686 ) Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices (14,113 ) Total return swaps (58 ) Futures (2,380 ) Forwards (265 ) Total financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value $ (27,805 ) Total $ (16,655 )
Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives [Table Text Block]	The following table provides information about the Company's fixed payer interest rate swaps as of June 30, 2019 : Weighted Average Maturity Notional Amount Fair Value Pay Rate Receive Rate Remaining Years to Maturity (In thousands) 2020 $ 68,607 $ (69 ) 1.74 % 2.38 % 0.75 2021 124,050 (576 ) 2.03 2.03 1.93 2023 101,012 (1,124 ) 2.06 2.48 3.79 2024 2,900 (274 ) 2.60 2.60 4.51 2026 1,512 (53 ) 2.28 2.31 6.75 2028 32,942 (1,493 ) 2.40 2.41 8.84 2029 44,494 (2,904 ) 2.64 2.55 9.60 2030 685 (26 ) 2.38 2.52 11.40 2049 7,020 (1,108 ) 2.89 2.60 29.53 Total $ 383,222 $ (7,627 ) 2.11 % 2.32 % 4.25 The following table provides information about the Company's fixed receiver interest rate swaps as of June 30, 2019 : Weighted Average Maturity Notional Amount Fair Value Pay Rate Receive Rate Remaining Years to Maturity (In thousands) 2022 $ 53,974 $ 354 2.52 % 1.85 % 2.67 2023 48,657 677 2.39 2.00 3.76 2024 11,342 372 2.60 2.33 4.73 Total $ 113,973 $ 1,403 2.47 % 1.96 % 3.34
Schedule of Credit Default Swaps [Table Text Block]	The following table provides information about the Company's credit default swaps as of June 30, 2019 : Type (1) Notional Fair Value Weighted Average Remaining Term (Years) (In thousands) Asset: Long: Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices $ 794 $ 9 23.58 Credit default swaps on corporate bonds 430 2 0.98 Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices 140,543 5,714 3.08 Short: Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities (2,775 ) 1,090 16.15 Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices (24,492 ) 2,155 37.01 Credit default swaps on corporate bonds (3,033 ) 519 1.74 Liability: Long: Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices 376 (164 ) 29.89 Credit default swaps on corporate bonds 2,980 (501 ) 1.72 Short: Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices (2,500 ) (38 ) 38.33 Credit default swaps on corporate bonds (10,245 ) (185 ) 0.70 Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices (238,213 ) (14,113 ) 2.77 $ (136,135 ) $ (5,512 ) 9.19 (1) Long notional represents contracts where the Company has written protection and short notional represents contracts where the Company has purchased protection.
Schedule of Futures Contracts [Table Text Block]	The following table provides information about the Company's short positions in futures as of June 30, 2019 : Description Notional Amount Fair Value Remaining Months to Expiration (In thousands) U.S. Treasury futures $ (111,200 ) $ (2,218 ) 2.83 Eurodollar futures (28,000 ) (82 ) 7.15 Currency futures (12,653 ) (80 ) 2.60 Total $ (151,853 ) $ (2,380 ) 3.61
Schedule of TBA securities [Table Text Block]	As of June 30, 2019 , the Company had outstanding TBA purchase and sale contracts as follows: TBA Securities Notional Amount (1) Cost Basis (2) Market Value (3) Net Carrying Value (4) (In thousands) Purchase contracts: Assets $ 107,101 $ 110,827 $ 110,948 $ 121 107,101 110,827 110,948 121 Sale contracts: Assets (7,100 ) (7,278 ) (7,259 ) 19 Liabilities (653,238 ) (674,925 ) (677,368 ) (2,443 ) (660,338 ) (682,203 ) (684,627 ) (2,424 ) Total TBA securities, net $ (553,237 ) $ (571,376 ) $ (573,679 ) $ (2,303 ) (1) Notional amount represents the principal balance of the underlying Agency RMBS. (2) Cost basis represents the forward price to be paid (received) for the underlying Agency RMBS. (3) Market value represents the current market value of the underlying Agency RMBS (on a forward delivery basis) as of period end. (4) Net carrying value represents the difference between the market value of the TBA contract as of period end and the cost basis, and is reported in Financial derivatives-assets, at fair value and Financial derivatives-liabilities, at fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Schedule of Gains and Losses on Derivative Contracts	Gains and losses on the Company's derivative contracts for the three-month period ended June 30, 2019 are summarized in the table below: Derivative Type Primary Risk Exposure Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Financial Derivatives Other Than Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps (1) Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Financial Derivatives (1) Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Accrued Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Financial Derivatives Other Than on Accrued Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps (2) Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Financial Derivatives (2) (In thousands) Interest rate swaps Interest Rate $ 52 $ (2,609 ) $ (2,557 ) $ 45 $ (3,545 ) $ (3,500 ) Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities Credit 129 129 (143 ) (143 ) Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices Credit (239 ) (239 ) (203 ) (203 ) Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices Credit (761 ) (761 ) 471 471 Credit default swaps on corporate bonds Credit (80 ) (80 ) 77 77 Total return swaps Equity Market/Credit 1 1 (94 ) (94 ) TBAs Interest Rate (5,681 ) (5,681 ) 241 241 Futures Interest Rate/Currency (2,381 ) (2,381 ) (1,226 ) (1,226 ) Forwards Currency 657 657 (574 ) (574 ) Options Interest Rate (2 ) (2 ) 1 1 Total $ 52 $ (10,966 ) $ (10,914 ) $ 45 $ (4,995 ) $ (4,950 ) (1) Includes gain/(loss) on foreign currency transactions on financial derivatives in the amount of $6 thousand for the three-month period ended June 30, 2019 , which is included on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations in Other, net. (2) Includes foreign currency remeasurement on financial derivatives in the amount of $(29) thousand for the three-month period ended June 30, 2019 , which is included on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations in Other, net. Gains and losses on the Company's derivative contracts for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 are summarized in the table below: Derivative Type Primary Risk Exposure Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Financial Derivatives Other Than Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps (1) Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Financial Derivatives (1) Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Accrued Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Financial Derivatives Other Than on Accrued Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps (2) Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Financial Derivatives (2) (In thousands) Interest rate swaps Interest Rate $ 770 $ (1,151 ) $ (381 ) $ (231 ) $ (9,317 ) $ (9,548 ) Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities Credit 403 403 (382 ) (382 ) Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices Credit (984 ) (984 ) (751 ) (751 ) Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices Credit (3,274 ) (3,274 ) (1,936 ) (1,936 ) Credit default swaps on corporate bonds Credit (505 ) (505 ) 842 842 Total return swaps Equity Market/Credit (1,297 ) (1,297 ) 35 35 TBAs Interest Rate (12,115 ) (12,115 ) 2,139 2,139 Futures Interest Rate/Currency (4,814 ) (4,814 ) (867 ) (867 ) Forwards Currency 543 543 (151 ) (151 ) Options Interest Rate (35 ) (35 ) 1 1 Total $ 770 $ (23,229 ) $ (22,459 ) $ (231 ) $ (10,387 ) $ (10,618 ) (1) Includes gain/(loss) on foreign currency transactions on financial derivatives in the amount of $31 thousand for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 , which is included on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations in Other, net. (2) Includes foreign currency remeasurement on financial derivatives in the amount of $(8) thousand for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 , which is included on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations in Other, net. Gains and losses on the Company's derivative contracts for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018 are summarized in the table below: Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 Derivative Type Primary Risk Exposure Net Realized (1) Change in Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) (2) Net Realized (1) Change in Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) (2) (In thousands) Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities Credit $ 161 $ (477 ) $ 247 $ (549 ) Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices Credit (204 ) 1 (2,046 ) 1,453 Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices Credit (675 ) 866 (2,237 ) 2,428 Credit default swaps on corporate bonds Credit (1,472 ) 3,063 2,996 (792 ) Total return swaps Equity Market/Credit 257 (331 ) 423 (313 ) Interest rate swaps Interest Rate (677 ) 2,091 (1,500 ) 7,130 Futures Interest Rate/Currency 1,684 1,542 923 981 Forwards Currency 1,104 100 (69 ) 485 Options Interest Rate/ Equity Market (1 ) — (62 ) 76 Total $ 177 $ 6,855 $ (1,325 ) $ 10,899 (1) Includes gain/(loss) on foreign currency transactions on derivatives in the amount of $22 thousand and $(0.2) million , for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018, respectively, which is included on the Consolidated Statement of Operations in Realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions. (2) Includes foreign currency translation on derivatives in the amount of $0.2 million and $0.3 million , for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018, respectively, which is included on the Consolidated Statement of Operations in Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation.
Derivative activity, volume	The table below details the average notional values of the Company's financial derivatives, using absolute value of month end notional values, for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 : Derivative Type Six-Month Period Ended (In thousands) Interest rate swaps $ 774,539 TBAs 1,201,858 Credit default swaps 409,549 Total return swaps 38,507 Futures 239,826 Options 36,818 Forwards 35,530 Warrants 2,281 The table below details the average notional values of the Company's financial derivatives, using absolute value of month end notional values, for the year ended December 31, 2018: Derivative Type Year Ended (In thousands) Interest rate swaps $ 1,059,756 Credit default swaps 566,805 Total return swaps 53,603 Futures 201,295 Options 99,891 Forwards 45,522
Schedule of Credit Derivatives	Written credit derivatives held by the Company at June 30, 2019 are summarized below: Credit Derivatives June 30, 2019 (In thousands) Fair Value of Written Credit Derivatives, Net $ 5,060 Fair Value of Purchased Credit Derivatives Offsetting Written Credit Derivatives with Third Parties (1) (2,663 ) Notional Value of Written Credit Derivatives (2) 145,123 Notional Value of Purchased Credit Derivatives Offsetting Written Credit Derivatives with Third Parties (1) 88,825 (1) Offsetting transactions with third parties include purchased credit derivatives which have the same reference obligation. (2) The notional value is the maximum amount that a seller of credit protection would be obligated to pay, and a buyer of credit protection would receive, upon occurrence of a "credit event." Movements in the value of credit default swap transactions may require the Company or the counterparty to post or receive collateral. Amounts due or owed under credit derivative contracts with an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, or "ISDA," counterparty may be offset against amounts due or owed on other credit derivative contracts with the same ISDA counterparty. As a result, the notional value of written credit derivatives involving a particular underlying reference asset or index has been reduced (but not below zero) by the notional value of any contracts where the Company has purchased credit protection on the same reference asset or index with the same ISDA counterparty. Written credit derivatives held by the Company at December 31, 2018 are summarized below: Credit Derivatives December 31, 2018 (In thousands) Fair Value of Written Credit Derivatives, Net $ (4,339 ) Fair Value of Purchased Credit Derivatives Offsetting Written Credit Derivatives with Third Parties (1) (284 ) Notional Value of Written Credit Derivatives (2) 98,586 Notional Value of Purchased Credit Derivatives Offsetting Written Credit Derivatives with Third Parties (1) 41,134 (1) Offsetting transactions with third parties include purchased credit derivatives which have the same reference obligation. (2) The notional value is the maximum amount that a seller of credit protection would be obligated to pay, and a buyer of credit protection would receive, upon occurrence of a "credit event." Movements in the value of credit default swap transactions may require the Company or the counterparty to post or receive collateral. Amounts due or owed under credit derivative contracts with an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, or "ISDA," counterparty may be offset against amounts due or owed on other credit derivative contracts with the same ISDA counterparty. As a result, the notional value of written credit derivatives involving a particular underlying reference asset or index has been reduced (but not below zero) by the notional value of any contracts where the Company has purchased credit protection on the same reference asset or index with the same ISDA counterparty.

Consolidated VIEs (Tables)

Consolidated VIEs (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Consolidated VIEs	The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities of the Company's consolidated VIEs that are included on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2019 . (In thousands) June 30, 2019 (1) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,214 Restricted cash 175 Loans, at fair value 1,078,023 Investments in unconsolidated entities, at fair value 6,413 Real estate owned 47,621 Due from brokers 190 Investment related receivables 26,928 Other assets 2,027 Total Assets $ 1,166,591 Liabilities Repurchase agreements $ 270,817 Investment related payables 271 Other secured borrowings 101,925 Other secured borrowings, at fair value 475,816 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,378 Interest payable 1,391 Other liabilities 262 Total Liabilities 851,860 Total Stockholders' Equity 298,080 Non-controlling interests 16,651 Total Equity 314,731 Total Liabilities and Equity $ 1,166,591 (1) See Note 10 and Note 13 for additional information on the Company's consolidated VIEs.

Securitization Transactions (Ta

Securitization Transactions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Securitization Transactions [Abstract]
Securitization Transactions	The following table details the Company's investments in notes issued by the Ellington-sponsored CLO Securitizations: Securitization Transaction CLO Issuer (1) CLO Pricing Date CLO Closing Date Total Face Amount of Notes Issued Face Amount of Notes Initially Purchased Aggregate Purchase Price of Notes Initially Purchased Fair Value of Notes Held as of June 30, 2019 (In thousands) CLO I Securitization CLO I Issuer 8/18 8/18 $ 461,840 $ 36,579 (2) $ 25,622 $ 16,090 (3) CLO II Securitization CLO II Issuer 12/17 1/18 452,800 18,223 (4) 16,621 13,871 (3) CLO III Securitization CLO III Issuer 6/18 7/18 407,100 35,480 (4) 32,394 15,941 (5) CLO IV Securitization CLO IV Issuer 2/19 3/19 478,488 12,700 (4) 10,618 10,110 (5) (1) The Company is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the CLO Issuers, which are deemed to be VIEs, as discussed above. (2) The Company purchased secured and unsecured subordinated notes. (3) Includes secured and unsecured subordinated notes. (4) The Company purchased secured senior and secured and unsecured subordinated notes. (5) Includes secured senior and secured and unsecured subordinated notes. The following table details the Company’s investments in notes issued by the Ellington-sponsored CLO Securitizations: CLO Issuer (1) CLO Pricing Date CLO Closing Date Total Face Amount of Notes Issued Face Amount of Notes Initially Purchased Aggregate Purchase Price Notes Held (2) as of December 31, 2018 ($ in thousands) CLO I Issuer (3)(4) 5/17 6/17 $ 373,550 $ 36,606 (5) $ 35,926 $ — CLO I Issuer (4) 8/18 8/18 461,840 36,579 (5) 25,622 16,973 (6) CLO II Issuer 12/17 1/18 452,800 18,223 (7) 16,621 14,721 (6) CLO III Issuer 6/18 7/18 407,100 35,480 (7) 32,394 19,071 (8) (1) The Company does not have the power to direct the activities of the CLO Issuers that most significantly impact their economic performance. (2) Included on the Company's Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments in Collateralized Loan Obligations. (3) Excludes the Company's equity investment in the CLO I Risk Retention Vehicle, as discussed above. (4) In August 2018, the notes originally issued by the CLO I Issuer in 2017 were fully redeemed, and the CLO I Issuer simultaneously issued new notes in conjunction with this full redemption. (5) The Company purchased secured and unsecured subordinated notes. (6) Includes secured and unsecured subordinated notes. (7) The Company purchased secured senior and secured and unsecured subordinated notes. (8) Includes secured senior and secured and unsecured subordinated notes.
Schedule of Residential Loan Securitizations	The following table details the Company's consolidated residential mortgage loan securitizations: Issuing Entity Closing Date Principal Balance of Loans Transferred to the Depositor Total Face Amount of Certificates Issued (In thousands) Ellington Financial Mortgage Trust 2017-1 11/17 $ 141,233 $ 141,233 (1) Ellington Financial Mortgage Trust 2018-1 11/18 232,518 232,518 (2) Ellington Financial Mortgage Trust 2019-1 6/19 226,913 226,913 (3) (1) In order to comply with the Risk Retention Rules, the Sponsor purchased the two most subordinated classes of Certificates and the excess cash flow certificates, with an aggregate value equal to 5.1% of the fair value of all Certificates issued. The Sponsor also purchased, for an aggregate purchase price of $0.7 million , the Certificates entitled to excess servicing fees, while the remaining classes of Certificates were purchased by unrelated third parties. (2) In order to comply with the Risk Retention Rules, the Sponsor purchased the two most subordinated classes of Certificates and the excess cash flow certificates, with an aggregate value equal to 5.7% of the fair value of all Certificates issued. The Sponsor also purchased, for an aggregate purchase price of $1.3 million , the Certificates entitled to excess servicing fees, while the remaining classes of Certificates were purchased by unrelated third parties. (3) In order to comply with the Risk Retention Rules, the Sponsor purchased the two most subordinated classes of Certificates and the excess cash flow certificates, with an aggregate value equal to 6.1% of the fair value of all Certificates issued. The Sponsor also purchased, for an aggregate purchase price of $1.2 million , the Certificates entitled to excess servicing fees, while the remaining classes of Certificates were purchased by unrelated third parties. The following table details the residential mortgage loan securitizations: Issuing Entity Closing Date Principal Balance of Loans Transferred to the Depositor Total Face Amount of Certificates Issued (In thousands) Ellington Financial Mortgage Trust 2017-1 11/15/2017 $ 141,233 $ 141,233 (1) Ellington Financial Mortgage Trust 2018-1 11/13/2018 232,518 232,518 (2) (1) In order to comply with the Risk Retention Rules, the Sponsor purchased the two most subordinated classes of Certificates and the excess cash flow certificates, with an aggregate value equal to 5.1% of the fair value of all Certificates issued. The Sponsor also purchased, for an aggregate purchase price of $0.7 million , the Certificates entitled to excess servicing fees, while the remaining classes of Certificates were purchased by unrelated third parties. (2) In order to comply with the Risk Retention Rules, the Sponsor purchased the two most subordinated classes of Certificates and the excess cash flow certificates, with an aggregate value equal to 5.7% of the fair value of all Certificates issued. The Sponsor also purchased, for an aggregate purchase price of $1.3 million , the Certificates entitled to excess servicing fees, while the remaining classes of Certificates were purchased by unrelated third parties.
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities of Consolidated Securitization Trusts	The following table details the assets and liabilities of the consolidated securitization trusts included in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2019 : (In thousands) June 30, 2019 Assets: Loans, at fair value $ 503,090 Investment related receivables 6,026 Liabilities: Interest payable 91 Other secured borrowings, at fair value 475,816 The following table details the assets and liabilities of the consolidated securitization trusts included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity as of December 31, 2018: As of (In thousands) December 31, 2018 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ — Investments, at fair value 314,202 Interest and dividends receivable 3,527 Liabilities: Interest and dividends payable 103 Other secured borrowings, at fair value 297,948

Borrowings (Tables)

Borrowings (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Repurchase Agreements [Table Text Block]	The following table details the Company's outstanding borrowings under repurchase agreements for Agency RMBS, credit assets (which include non-Agency RMBS, CMBS, CLOs, consumer loans, corporate debt, residential mortgage loans, and commercial mortgage loans and REO), and U.S. Treasury securities, by remaining maturity as of June 30, 2019 : (In thousands) June 30, 2019 Weighted Average Remaining Maturity Outstanding Borrowings Interest Rate Remaining Days to Maturity Agency RMBS: 30 Days or Less $ 283,477 2.64 % 19 31-60 Days 441,099 2.62 % 48 61-90 Days 386,366 2.57 % 76 91-120 Days 102,410 2.60 % 103 121-150 Days 27,374 2.59 % 137 Total Agency RMBS 1,240,726 2.61 % 57 Credit: 30 Days or Less 142 4.57 % 1 31-60 Days 107,370 3.52 % 50 61-90 Days 80,450 3.60 % 77 91-120 Days 100,032 4.56 % 117 121-150 Days 612 3.92 % 150 151-180 Days 9,118 4.32 % 168 181-360 Days 89,488 4.60 % 205 > 360 Days 86,881 5.09 % 848 Total Credit Assets 474,093 4.26 % 246 U.S. Treasury Securities: 30 Days or Less 687 3.10 % 1 Total U.S. Treasury Securities 687 3.10 % 1 Total $ 1,715,506 3.06 % 109 The following table details the Company's outstanding borrowings under reverse repurchase agreements for Agency RMBS, credit assets (which include non-Agency MBS, CLOs, consumer loans, corporate debt, residential mortgage loans, and commercial mortgage loans and REO), and U.S. Treasury securities, by remaining maturity as of December 31, 2018: (In thousands) December 31, 2018 Weighted Average Remaining Maturity Outstanding Borrowings Interest Rate Remaining Days to Maturity Agency RMBS: 30 Days or Less $ 245,956 2.46 % 17 31-60 Days 415,379 2.58 % 46 61-90 Days 255,421 2.74 % 76 91-120 Days 506 3.31 % 91 Total Agency RMBS 917,262 2.59 % 47 Credit: 30 Days or Less 30,426 2.55 % 22 31-60 Days 189,937 3.32 % 48 61-90 Days 93,202 3.21 % 74 121-150 Days 26,222 4.60 % 123 151-180 Days 9,491 4.64 % 166 181-360 Days 91,730 4.54 % 316 > 360 Days 140,306 5.15 % 636 Total Credit Assets 581,314 3.98 % 240 U.S. Treasury Securities: 30 Days or Less 273 3.10 % 2 Total U.S. Treasury Securities 273 3.10 % 2 Total $ 1,498,849 3.13 % 122
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	Schedule of Principal Repayments The following table details the Company's principal repayment schedule for outstanding borrowings as of June 30, 2019 : Year Repurchase Agreements (1) Other Secured Borrowings (2) Senior Notes (1) Total (In thousands) 2019 $ 1,539,137 $ 161,059 $ — $ 1,700,196 2020 93,995 283,639 — 377,634 2021 82,374 153,089 — 235,463 2022 — — 86,000 86,000 2023 — — — — Total $ 1,715,506 $ 597,787 $ 86,000 2,399,293 (1) Reflects the Company's contractual principal repayment dates. (2) Reflects the Company's expected principal repayment dates. The following table details the Company's principal repayment schedule for outstanding borrowings as of December 31, 2018: Year Reverse Repurchase Agreements (1) Other Secured Borrowings (2) Senior Notes (1) Total (In thousands) 2019 $ 1,358,542 $ 194,135 $ — $ 1,552,677 2020 78,530 205,198 — 283,728 2021 61,776 13,150 — 74,926 2022 — — 86,000 86,000 2023 — — — — Total $ 1,498,848 $ 412,483 $ 86,000 $ 1,997,331 (1) Reflects the Company's contractual principal repayment dates. (2) Reflects the Company's expected principal repayment dates.

Long-Term Incentive Plan Units

Long-Term Incentive Plan Units (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Unvested LTIP Units	The below table details unvested OP LTIP Units as of June 30, 2019 : Grant Recipient Number of OP LTIP Units Granted Grant Date Vesting Date (1) Directors: 14,440 September 12, 2018 September 11, 2019 Partially dedicated employees: 8,692 December 11, 2018 December 11, 2019 8,691 December 11, 2018 December 11, 2020 5,886 December 12, 2017 December 12, 2019 Total unvested OP LTIP Units at June 30, 2019 37,709 (1) Date at which such OP LTIP Units will vest and become non-forfeitable. The below table details unvested OP LTIP Units as of December 31, 2018: Grant Recipient Number of OP LTIP Units Grant Date Vesting Date (1) Directors: 14,440 September 12, 2018 September 11, 2019 Partially dedicated employees: 8,692 December 11, 2018 December 11, 2019 8,691 December 11, 2018 December 11, 2020 1,723 March 7, 2018 March 7, 2019 5,886 December 12, 2017 December 12, 2019 Total unvested OP LTIP Units at December 31, 2018 39,432 (1) Date at which such OP LTIP Units will vest and become non-forfeitable.
Roll-Forward of Company's LTIP Units Outstanding	The following table summarizes issuance and exercise activity of OP LTIP Units for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 : Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2019 Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2019 Manager Director/ Employee Total Manager Director/ Employee Total OP LTIP Units Outstanding (3/31/2019 and 1/1/19, respectively) 375,000 146,371 521,371 375,000 146,371 521,371 Granted — — — — — — Exercised — — — — — — OP LTIP Units Outstanding (6/30/19) 375,000 146,371 521,371 375,000 146,371 521,371 OP LTIP Units Unvested and Outstanding (6/30/19) — 37,709 37,709 — 37,709 37,709 OP LTIP Units Vested and Outstanding (6/30/19) 375,000 108,662 483,662 375,000 108,662 483,662 The following table summarizes issuance and exercise activity of LTIP Units and OP LTIP Units for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018: Three-Month Period Ended Six-Month Period Ended Manager Director/ Employee Total Manager Director/ Employee Total LTIP Units and OP LTIP Units Outstanding (3/31/2018 and 12/31/2017, respectively) 375,000 117,882 492,882 375,000 116,159 491,159 Granted — — — — 1,723 1,723 Exercised — — — — — — LTIP Units and OP LTIP Units Outstanding (3/31/2018) 375,000 117,882 492,882 375,000 117,882 492,882 LTIP Units and OP LTIP Units Vested and Outstanding (6/30/2018) 375,000 86,155 461,155 375,000 86,155 461,155

Common Stock Capitalization (Ta

Common Stock Capitalization (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Summary of Common Shares Outstanding	The following table summarizes issuance, repurchase, and other activity with respect to the Company's common stock for the three- and six-month period ended June 30, 2019 : Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2019 Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2019 Shares of Common Stock Outstanding (3/31/2019 and 1/1/19, respectively) 29,745,776 29,796,601 Share Activity: Shares of common stock repurchased — (50,825 ) Director OP LTIP Units exercised — — Shares of Common Stock Outstanding (6/30/19) 29,745,776 29,745,776 The following table summarizes issuance, repurchase, and other activity with respect to the Company's common shares for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018: Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 Six-Month Period Ended Common Shares Outstanding (3/31/2018 and 12/31/2017, respectively) 30,392,041 31,335,938 Share Activity: Shares repurchased (242,161 ) (1,186,058 ) Director LTIP Units exercised — — Common Shares Outstanding (6/30/2018) 30,149,880 30,149,880

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation Of Basic And Diluted EPS	The components of the computation of basic and diluted EPS are as follows: Three-Month Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2019 (In thousands except share amounts) Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ 12,644 $ 28,052 Add: Net income (loss) attributable to Convertible Non-controlling Interests (1) 312 692 Net income (loss) related to common stockholders and Convertible Non-controlling Interests 12,956 28,744 Dividends Paid: Common stockholders (12,493 ) (28,853 ) Convertible Non-controlling Interests (308 ) (712 ) Total dividends paid to common stockholders and Convertible Non-controlling Interests (12,801 ) (29,565 ) Undistributed (Distributed in excess of) earnings: Common stockholders 151 (801 ) Convertible Non-controlling Interests 4 (20 ) Total undistributed (distributed in excess of) earnings attributable to common stockholders and Convertible Non-controlling Interests 155 (821 ) Weighted average shares outstanding (basic and diluted): Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding 29,745,776 29,746,652 Weighted average Convertible Non-controlling Interest Units outstanding 733,371 733,371 Weighted average shares of common stock and Convertible Non-controlling Interest Units outstanding 30,479,147 30,480,023 Basic earnings per share of common stock and Convertible Non-controlling Interest Unit: Distributed $ 0.42 $ 0.97 Undistributed (Distributed in excess of) 0.01 (0.03 ) $ 0.43 $ 0.94 Diluted earnings per share of common stock and Convertible Non-controlling Interest Unit: Distributed $ 0.42 $ 0.97 Undistributed (Distributed in excess of) 0.01 (0.03 ) $ 0.43 $ 0.94 (1) For the three- and six- month periods ended June 30, 2019 , excludes net income (loss) of $0.7 million and $1.4 million , respectively, attributable to joint venture partners, which have non-participating interests as described in Note 15. The components of the computation of basic and diluted EPS were as follows: Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 (In thousands except share amounts) Net increase in shareholders' equity resulting from operations $ 21,193 $ 42,232 Add: Net increase in equity resulting from operations attributable to the participating non-controlling interest (1) 146 289 Net increase in equity resulting from operations related to common shares, LTIP Unit holders, and participating non-controlling interest 21,339 42,521 Net increase in shareholders' equity resulting from operations available to common share and LTIP Unit holders: Net increase in shareholders' equity resulting from operations– common shares 20,853 41,561 Net increase in shareholders' equity resulting from operations– LTIP Units 340 671 Dividends Paid (2) : Common shareholders (12,361 ) (24,923 ) LTIP Unit holders (202 ) (404 ) Non-controlling interest (87 ) (174 ) Total dividends paid to common shareholders, LTIP Unit holders, and non-controlling interest (12,650 ) (25,501 ) Undistributed (Distributed in excess of) earnings: Common shareholders 8,492 16,638 LTIP Unit holders 138 267 Non-controlling interest 59 115 Total undistributed (distributed in excess of) earnings attributable to common shareholders, LTIP Unit holders, and non-controlling interest $ 8,689 $ 17,020 Weighted average shares outstanding (basic and diluted): Weighted average common shares outstanding 30,202,262 30,514,702 Weighted average participating LTIP Units 492,882 492,263 Weighted average non-controlling interest units 212,000 212,000 Basic earnings per common share: Distributed $ 0.41 $ 0.82 Undistributed (Distributed in excess of) 0.28 0.54 $ 0.69 $ 1.36 Diluted earnings per common share: Distributed $ 0.41 $ 0.82 Undistributed (Distributed in excess of) 0.28 0.54 $ 0.69 $ 1.36 (1) For the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018, excludes net increase (decrease) in equity resulting from operations of $0.8 million and $1.0 million attributable to joint venture partners, which have non-participating interests as described in Note 11. (2) The Company pays quarterly dividends in arrears, so a portion of the dividends paid in each calendar year relate to the prior year's earnings.

Restricted Cash (Tables)

Restricted Cash (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]
Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents	The below table details the Company's restricted cash balances included in Restricted cash on the Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity as of December 31, 2018. December 31, 2018 (In thousands) Restricted cash balance related to: Minimum account balance required for regulatory purposes $ 250 Flow consumer loan purchase and sale agreement 175 Total $ 425

Offsetting of Assets and Liab_2

Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities	The following table presents information about certain assets and liabilities representing financial instruments as of June 30, 2019 . The Company has not entered into master netting agreements with any of its counterparties. Certain of the Company's reverse repurchase and repurchase agreements and financial derivative transactions are governed by underlying agreements that generally provide a right of offset in the event of default or in the event of a bankruptcy of either party to the transaction. June 30, 2019 : Description Amount of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (1) Financial Instruments Available for Offset Financial Instruments Transferred or Pledged as Collateral (2)(3) Cash Collateral (Received) Pledged (2)(3) Net Amount (In thousands) Assets Financial derivatives–assets $ 11,150 $ (7,170 ) $ — $ (1,217 ) $ 2,763 Reverse repurchase agreements 49,641 (49,641 ) — — — Liabilities Financial derivatives–liabilities (27,805 ) 7,170 — 16,372 (4,263 ) Repurchase agreements (1,715,506 ) 49,641 1,649,709 16,156 — (1) In the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, all balances associated with repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, and financial derivatives are presented on a gross basis. (2) For the purpose of this presentation, for each row the total amount of financial instruments transferred or pledged and cash collateral (received) or pledged may not exceed the applicable gross amount of assets or (liabilities) as presented here. Therefore, the Company has reduced the amount of financial instruments transferred or pledged as collateral related to the Company's reverse repurchase agreements and cash collateral pledged on the Company's financial derivative liabilities. Total financial instruments transferred or pledged as collateral on the Company's reverse repurchase agreements as of June 30, 2019 was $2.01 billion . As of June 30, 2019 , total cash collateral on financial derivative assets and liabilities excludes excess net cash collateral pledged of $2.0 million and $17.2 million , respectively. (3) When collateral is pledged to or pledged by a counterparty, it is often pledged or posted with respect to all positions with such counterparty, and in such cases such collateral cannot be specifically identified as relating to a specific asset or liability. As a result, in preparing the above tables, the Company has made assumptions in allocating pledged or posted collateral among the various rows. The following tables present information about certain assets and liabilities representing financial instruments as of December 31, 2018. The Company has not entered into master netting agreements with any of its counterparties. Certain of the Company's repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements and financial derivative transactions are governed by underlying agreements that generally provide a right of offset in the event of default or in the event of a bankruptcy of either party to the transaction. December 31, 2018: Description Amount of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity (1) Financial Instruments Available for Offset Financial Instruments Transferred or Pledged as Collateral (2)(3) Cash Collateral (Received) Pledged (2)(3) Net Amount (In thousands) Assets Financial derivatives–assets $ 20,001 $ (10,910 ) $ — $ (2,514 ) $ 6,577 Repurchase agreements 61,274 (61,274 ) — — — Liabilities Financial derivatives–liabilities (20,806 ) 10,910 — 9,896 — Reverse repurchase agreements (1,498,849 ) 61,274 1,420,601 16,974 — (1) In the Company's Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity, all balances associated with repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, and financial derivatives are presented on a gross basis. (2) For the purpose of this presentation, for each row the total amount of financial instruments transferred or pledged and cash collateral (received) or pledged may not exceed the applicable gross amount of assets or (liabilities) as presented here. Therefore, the Company has reduced the amount of financial instruments transferred or pledged as collateral related to the Company's reverse repurchase agreements and cash collateral pledged on the Company's financial derivative liabilities. Total financial instruments transferred or pledged as collateral on the Company's reverse repurchase agreements as of December 31, 2018 were $1.79 billion . As of December 31, 2018 total cash collateral on financial derivative assets excludes excess net cash collateral pledged of $0.1 million . As of December 31, 2018 total cash collateral on financial derivative liabilities excludes excess cash collateral pledged of $16.4 million . (3) When collateral is pledged to or pledged by a counterparty, it is often pledged or posted with respect to all positions with such counterparty, and in such cases such collateral cannot be specifically identified as relating to a specific asset or liability. As a result, in preparing the above tables, the Company has made assumptions in allocating pledged or posted collateral among the various rows.

Counterparty Risk (Tables)

Counterparty Risk (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Schedules of Exposure to Counterparty Risk	The table below summarizes the geographic distribution of the real estate collateral underlying the Company's commercial mortgage loans as of June 30, 2019 : Property Location by State Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance Florida 19.7 % Connecticut 16.6 % New York 15.7 % New Jersey 13.0 % North Carolina 6.8 % Virginia 6.6 % Massachusetts 4.6 % Arizona 3.7 % Kentucky 3.5 % Indiana 2.1 % Pennsylvania 1.6 % Nevada 1.4 % Tennessee 1.4 % Louisiana 1.3 % Georgia 1.0 % Other 1.0 % 100.0 % The table below summarizes the geographic distribution of the real estate collateral underlying the Company's residential mortgage loans as of June 30, 2019 : Property Location by State Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance California 48.8 % Florida 12.9 % Texas 12.6 % Colorado 3.8 % Arizona 3.0 % Oregon 2.3 % Nevada 1.9 % New York 1.8 % Utah 1.8 % Washington 1.8 % Maryland 1.2 % Illinois 1.0 % Other 7.1 % 100.0 % The following table summarizes the Company's exposure to counterparty risk as of June 30, 2019 . Amount of Exposure Number of Counterparties with Exposure Maximum Percentage of Exposure to a Single Counterparty (1) (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 42,671 10 70.7 % Collateral on repurchase agreements held by dealers (2) 2,029,073 24 15.0 % Due from brokers 65,083 21 26.5 % Receivable for securities sold (3) 38,705 5 40.6 % (1) Each counterparty is a large creditworthy financial institution. (2) Includes securities and loans as well as cash posted as collateral for repurchase agreements. (3) Included in Investment related receivables on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Schedule Of Percentage Of Total Collateral On Reverse Repurchase Agreements [Table Text Block]	The following table details the percentage of such collateral held by counterparties who hold greater than 15% of the aggregate $1.79 billion in collateral for various reverse repurchase agreements as of December 31, 2018. In addition to the below, unencumbered investments, on a settlement date basis, of approximately $13.3 million were held in custody at the Bank of New York Mellon Corporation as of December 31, 2018. Dealer % of Total Collateral on Reverse Repurchase Agreements Royal Bank of Canada 19%
% Of Total Deposits With Dealers Held As Collateral	The following table details the percentage of collateral amounts held by dealers who hold greater than 15% of the Company's Due from Brokers, included as of December 31, 2018: Dealer % of Total Due from Brokers Morgan Stanley 37% J.P. Morgan Securities LLC 30%
% Of Total Receivable For Securities Sold	The following table details the percentage of amounts held by dealers who hold greater than 15% of the Company's Receivable for securities sold as of December 31, 2018: Dealer % of Total Receivable for Securities Sold J.P. Morgan Securities LLC 25% Bank of America Securities 26% CS First Boston Limited 34%
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents	In addition, the Company held cash and cash equivalents of $44.7 million as of December 31, 2018. The below table details the concentration of cash and cash equivalents held by each counterparty: Counterparty As of December 31, 2018 Bank of New York Mellon Corporation 64% Deutsche Bank Securities 5% Bank of America Securities 2% Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Fund—Government Portfolio 10% BlackRock Liquidity Funds FedFund Portfolio 9% Goldman Sachs Financial Square Funds—Government Fund 9% Lakeland Bank Inc. 1%

Financial Highlights (Tables)

Financial Highlights (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Investment Company, Financial Highlights [Abstract]
Results of Operations For a Share Outstanding	Results of Operations for a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods: Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 Beginning Shareholders' Equity Per Share (3/31/2018 and 12/31/2017, respectively) $ 19.56 $ 19.15 Net Investment Income 0.36 0.70 Net Realized/Unrealized Gains (Losses) 0.37 0.72 Results of Operations Attributable to Equity 0.73 1.42 Less: Results of Operations Attributable to Non-controlling Interests (0.03 ) (0.04 ) Results of Operations Attributable to Shareholders' Equity (1) 0.70 1.38 Dividends Paid to Common Shareholders (0.41 ) (0.82 ) Weighted Average Share Impact on Dividends Paid (2) (0.01 ) (0.02 ) Accretive (Dilutive) Effect of Share Issuances (Net of Offering Costs), Share Repurchases, and Adjustments to Non-controlling Interest 0.05 0.20 Ending Shareholders' Equity Per Share (6/30/2018) (3) $ 19.89 $ 19.89 Shares Outstanding, end of period 30,149,880 30,149,880 (1) Calculated based on average common shares outstanding and can differ from the calculation for EPS (See Note 13). (2) Per share impact on dividends paid relating to share issuances/repurchases during the period as well as dividends paid to LTIP and OP Unit holders. (3) If all LTIP Units and OP Units previously issued were vested and exchanged for common shares as of June 30, 2018 shareholders' equity per share would be $19.57 .
Net Asset Value Based Total Return For a Shareholder	The following table illustrates the Company's total return for the periods presented based on net asset value: Net Asset Value Based Total Return for a Shareholder: (1) Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 Total Return 3.78% 8.24% (1) Total return is calculated assuming reinvestment of distributions at shareholders' equity per share during the period.
Net Investment Income Ratio to Average Equity	Net Investment Income Ratio to Average Equity: (1)(2) Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 Net Investment Income 7.34% 7.01% (1) Average equity is calculated using month end values. (2) Includes all items of income and expense on an annualized basis except for incentive fee expense which is included on a non-annualized basis.
Expense Ratios to Average Equity	Expense Ratios to Average Equity: (1)(2) Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2018 Operating expenses, before interest expense and other investment related expenses (3.01)% (2.84)% Incentive fee (0.05)% (0.05)% Interest expense and other investment related expenses (11.23)% (10.39)% Total Expenses (14.29)% (13.28)% (1) Average equity is calculated using month end values.

Organization and Investment O_2

Organization and Investment Objective (Details) - $ / shares	Jun. 30, 2019	Feb. 28, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Common shares	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Ellington Financial Operating Partnership LLC [Member] | Total Stockholders' Equity
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Line Items]
Ownership Percentage	97.60%

Significant Accounting Polici_3

Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of days to determine non-performance of loan	90 days	90 days
Long-Term Incentive Plan Units [Member] | Director [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Vesting period	1 year	1 year
Minimum | Long-Term Incentive Plan Units [Member] | Dedicated or partially dedicated personnel [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Vesting period	1 year	1 year
Maximum | Long-Term Incentive Plan Units [Member] | Dedicated or partially dedicated personnel [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Vesting period	2 years	2 years

Valuation (Schedule of Financia

Valuation (Schedule of Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jun. 30, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		$ 1,668,677
Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value	[1]	69,676
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		11,150		$ 20,001
Repurchase agreements, at fair value		49,641		61,274
Investments sold short, at fair value-		(49,583)		(850,577)
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		(27,805)		(20,806)
Other secured borrowings, at fair value		(475,816)	[1]	(297,948)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value		69,676
Total assets		2,841,026		3,020,586
Other secured borrowings, at fair value		(475,816)
Total liabilities		(553,204)		(1,169,331)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments Sold Short
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-				(850,577)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments Sold Short | Agency RMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-				(772,964)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments Sold Short | Corporate debt securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-		(470)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments Sold Short | Government debt
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-		(49,113)		(54,151)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments Sold Short | Corporate debt securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-				(6,529)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments Sold Short | Common stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-				(16,933)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-				(20,806)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		(14,113)		(11,557)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		(686)		(3,246)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		(202)		(2,125)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Interest rate swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		(7,658)		(3,397)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | TBA securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		(2,443)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Futures
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		(2,380)		(355)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Forwards
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		(265)		(120)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Total return swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		(58)		(6)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Other secured borrowings, at fair value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other secured borrowings, at fair value				(297,948)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Cash equivalents
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents				12,460
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Securities | Agency RMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		1,338,901
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Securities | Non-Agency RMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		185,016
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Securities | CMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		37,658
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Securities | CLOs
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		76,211
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Securities | Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		25,019
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Securities | Corporate debt securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		4,081
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Securities | Corporate equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		1,791
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				2,939,311
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments | Agency RMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				1,450,217
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments | Non-Agency RMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				302,639
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments | CMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				33,908
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments | CLOs
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				123,893
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments | Corporate debt securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				22,392
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments | Corporate equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				43,793
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments | Secured notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				10,917
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments | U.S. Treasury securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				76
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments | Residential mortgage loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				496,830
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments | Commercial mortgage loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				211,185
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments | Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				206,761
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments | Real estate owned
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				34,500
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments | Common stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				2,200
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Loans | Residential mortgage loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans, at fair value		663,880
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Loans | Commercial mortgage loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans, at fair value		260,034
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Loans | Consumer loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans, at fair value		162,609
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Loans | Corporate loan [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans, at fair value		5,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-				20,001
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		1,090		1,472
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		5,714		733
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		521		2,473
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		2,164		8,092
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Interest rate swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		1,434		7,224
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Assets | TBA securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		140
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Forwards
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-				6
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Total return swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		87		1
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Repurchase Agreements
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Repurchase agreements, at fair value				61,274
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value		0
Total assets		0		2,200
Other secured borrowings, at fair value		0
Total liabilities		(2,380)		(17,288)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments Sold Short
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-				(16,933)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments Sold Short | Agency RMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments Sold Short | Corporate debt securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments Sold Short | Government debt
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments Sold Short | Corporate debt securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments Sold Short | Common stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-				(16,933)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-				(355)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Interest rate swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | TBA securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Futures
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		(2,380)		(355)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Forwards
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Total return swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Other secured borrowings, at fair value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other secured borrowings, at fair value				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Cash equivalents
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents				12,460
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Securities | Agency RMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Securities | Non-Agency RMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Securities | CMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Securities | CLOs
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Securities | Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Securities | Corporate debt securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Securities | Corporate equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				2,200
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments | Agency RMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments | Non-Agency RMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments | CMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments | CLOs
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments | Corporate debt securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments | Corporate equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments | Secured notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments | U.S. Treasury securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments | Residential mortgage loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments | Commercial mortgage loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments | Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments | Real estate owned
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments | Common stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				2,200
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Loans | Residential mortgage loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans, at fair value		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Loans | Commercial mortgage loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans, at fair value		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Loans | Consumer loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans, at fair value		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Loans | Corporate loan [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans, at fair value		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Interest rate swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | TBA securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Forwards
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Total return swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Repurchase Agreements
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Repurchase agreements, at fair value				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value		0
Total assets		1,516,435		1,892,308
Other secured borrowings, at fair value		0
Total liabilities		(75,008)		(854,095)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments Sold Short
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-				(833,644)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments Sold Short | Agency RMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-				(772,964)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments Sold Short | Corporate debt securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-		(470)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments Sold Short | Government debt
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-		(49,113)		(54,151)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments Sold Short | Corporate debt securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-				(6,529)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments Sold Short | Common stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-				(20,451)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		(14,113)		(11,557)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		(686)		(3,246)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		(202)		(2,125)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Interest rate swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		(7,658)		(3,397)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | TBA securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		(2,443)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Futures
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Forwards
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		(265)		(120)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Total return swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		(58)		(6)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Other secured borrowings, at fair value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other secured borrowings, at fair value				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Cash equivalents
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Securities | Agency RMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		1,327,867
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Securities | Non-Agency RMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		88,226
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Securities | CMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		31,380
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Securities | CLOs
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		58,989
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Securities | Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Securities | Corporate debt securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Securities | Corporate equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				1,812,505
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments | Agency RMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				1,442,924
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments | Non-Agency RMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				211,348
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments | CMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				33,105
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments | CLOs
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				108,978
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments | Corporate debt securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				16,074
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments | Corporate equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments | Secured notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments | U.S. Treasury securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				76
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments | Residential mortgage loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments | Commercial mortgage loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments | Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments | Real estate owned
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments | Common stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Loans | Residential mortgage loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans, at fair value		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Loans | Commercial mortgage loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans, at fair value		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Loans | Consumer loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans, at fair value		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Loans | Corporate loan [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans, at fair value		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-				18,529
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		5,714		733
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		521		2,473
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		2,164		8,092
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Interest rate swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		1,434		7,224
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | TBA securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		140
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Forwards
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-				6
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Total return swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		0		1
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Repurchase Agreements
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Repurchase agreements, at fair value				61,274
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value		69,676
Total assets		1,324,591		1,126,078
Other secured borrowings, at fair value		(475,816)
Total liabilities		(475,816)		(297,948)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments Sold Short
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments Sold Short | Agency RMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments Sold Short | Corporate debt securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments Sold Short | Government debt
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments Sold Short | Corporate debt securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments Sold Short | Common stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Interest rate swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | TBA securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Futures
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Forwards
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Total return swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Other secured borrowings, at fair value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other secured borrowings, at fair value				(297,948)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Cash equivalents
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Securities | Agency RMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		11,034
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Securities | Non-Agency RMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		96,790
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Securities | CMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		6,278
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Securities | CLOs
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		17,222
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Securities | Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		25,019
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Securities | Corporate debt securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		4,081
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Securities | Corporate equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		1,791
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				1,124,606
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments | Agency RMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				7,293
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments | Non-Agency RMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				91,291
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments | CMBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				803
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments | CLOs
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				14,915
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments | Corporate debt securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				6,318
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments | Corporate equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				43,793
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments | Secured notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				10,917
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments | U.S. Treasury securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments | Residential mortgage loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				496,830
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments | Commercial mortgage loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				211,185
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments | Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				206,761
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments | Real estate owned
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				34,500
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments | Common stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Loans | Residential mortgage loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans, at fair value		663,880
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Loans | Commercial mortgage loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans, at fair value		260,034
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Loans | Consumer loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans, at fair value		162,609
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Loans | Corporate loan [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans, at fair value		5,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-				1,472
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		1,090		1,472
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Interest rate swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | TBA securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Forwards
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-				0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Total return swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		$ 87		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Repurchase Agreements
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Repurchase agreements, at fair value				$ 0
[1]	Ellington Financial Inc.'s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet includes assets and liabilities of variable interest entities it has consolidated. See Note 9 for additional details on Ellington Financial Inc.'s consolidated variable interest entities.

Valuation (Schedule of Signific

Valuation (Schedule of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Qualitative Information) (Details) - Level 3	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Corporate equity securities | Non-exchange traded preferred equity investment in loan origination entity
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value		$ 3,000,000
Valuation, Market Approach | Non-Agency RMBS
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 40,642,000	$ 36,945,000
Valuation, Market Approach | Non-Agency RMBS | Measurement Input, Quoted Price | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input		17.42
Securities, measurement input | $ / shares	65.77
Valuation, Market Approach | Non-Agency RMBS | Measurement Input, Quoted Price | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input		178
Securities, measurement input | $ / shares	163.50
Valuation, Market Approach | Non-Agency RMBS | Measurement Input, Quoted Price | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input		78.31
Securities, measurement input | $ / shares	84.87
Valuation, Market Approach | CMBS
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 5,201,000	$ 576,000
Valuation, Market Approach | CMBS | Measurement Input, Quoted Price | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input		5.93
Securities, measurement input | $ / shares	5.87
Valuation, Market Approach | CMBS | Measurement Input, Quoted Price | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input		6.36
Securities, measurement input | $ / shares	79.27
Valuation, Market Approach | CMBS | Measurement Input, Quoted Price | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input		6.14
Securities, measurement input | $ / shares	67.48
Valuation, Market Approach | Agency RMBS | Interest only securities
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 935,000	$ 744,000
Valuation, Market Approach | Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Measurement Input, Quoted Price | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input		1.70
Securities, measurement input | $ / shares	1.84
Valuation, Market Approach | Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Measurement Input, Quoted Price | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input		9.12
Securities, measurement input | $ / shares	17.07
Valuation, Market Approach | Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Measurement Input, Quoted Price | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input		5.64
Securities, measurement input | $ / shares	7.42
Valuation, Market Approach | Investment in unconsolidated entities
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 3,000,000
Valuation, Market Approach | CLOs
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 9,174,000	$ 5,828,000
Valuation, Market Approach | CLOs | Measurement Input, Quoted Price | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input		2.64
Securities, measurement input | $ / shares	27.65
Valuation, Market Approach | CLOs | Measurement Input, Quoted Price | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input		375
Securities, measurement input | $ / shares	276.53
Valuation, Market Approach | CLOs | Measurement Input, Quoted Price | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input		167.78
Securities, measurement input | $ / shares	73.75
Valuation, Market Approach | Corporate debt, non-exchange traded corporate equity, and secured notes [Member]
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value		$ 13,976,000
Valuation, Market Approach | Corporate debt, non-exchange traded corporate equity, and secured notes [Member] | Measurement Input, Quoted Price | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input		9.69
Valuation, Market Approach | Corporate debt, non-exchange traded corporate equity, and secured notes [Member] | Measurement Input, Quoted Price | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input		91
Valuation, Market Approach | Corporate debt, non-exchange traded corporate equity, and secured notes [Member] | Measurement Input, Quoted Price | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input		59.18
Valuation, Market Approach | Total return swaps
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 87,000
Valuation, Market Approach | Total return swaps | Measurement Input, Quoted Price | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Derivative asset, measurement input	89.50
Valuation, Market Approach | Total return swaps | Measurement Input, Quoted Price | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Derivative asset, measurement input	89.88
Valuation, Market Approach | Total return swaps | Measurement Input, Quoted Price | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Derivative asset, measurement input	89.7
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-Agency RMBS
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 56,148,000	$ 54,346,000
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-Agency RMBS | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total outstanding collateral	100.00%	100.00%
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-Agency RMBS | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		3.50%
Securities, measurement input	0.004
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-Agency RMBS | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		66.10%
Securities, measurement input	0.277
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-Agency RMBS | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		10.70%
Securities, measurement input	0.100
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-Agency RMBS | Measurement Input, Prepayment Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		16.00%
Securities, measurement input	0.059
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-Agency RMBS | Measurement Input, Prepayment Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		92.10%
Securities, measurement input	0.715
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-Agency RMBS | Measurement Input, Prepayment Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		50.40%
Securities, measurement input	0.515
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-Agency RMBS | Measurement Input, Default Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		0.00%
Securities, measurement input	0.001
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-Agency RMBS | Measurement Input, Default Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		23.10%
Securities, measurement input	0.149
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-Agency RMBS | Measurement Input, Default Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		8.70%
Securities, measurement input	0.071
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-Agency RMBS | Measurement Input, Projected Collateral Recoveries | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		1.50%
Securities, measurement input	0.015
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-Agency RMBS | Measurement Input, Projected Collateral Recoveries | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		14.60%
Securities, measurement input	0.183
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-Agency RMBS | Measurement Input, Projected Collateral Recoveries | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		7.30%
Securities, measurement input	0.095
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-Agency RMBS | Measurement input, Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		6.10%
Securities, measurement input	0.178
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-Agency RMBS | Measurement input, Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		61.80%
Securities, measurement input	0.778
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-Agency RMBS | Measurement input, Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		33.60%
Securities, measurement input	0.319
Valuation, Income Approach | CMBS
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 1,077,000	$ 227,000
Valuation, Income Approach | CMBS | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total outstanding collateral	100.00%	100.00%
Valuation, Income Approach | CMBS | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		3.40%
Securities, measurement input	0.215
Valuation, Income Approach | CMBS | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		3.40%
Securities, measurement input	0.215
Valuation, Income Approach | CMBS | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		3.40%
Securities, measurement input	0.215
Valuation, Income Approach | CMBS | Measurement Input, Default Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		2.00%
Securities, measurement input	0.011
Valuation, Income Approach | CMBS | Measurement Input, Default Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		2.00%
Securities, measurement input	0.011
Valuation, Income Approach | CMBS | Measurement Input, Default Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		2.00%
Securities, measurement input	0.011
Valuation, Income Approach | CMBS | Measurement Input, Projected Collateral Recoveries | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		6.60%
Securities, measurement input	0.023
Valuation, Income Approach | CMBS | Measurement Input, Projected Collateral Recoveries | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		6.60%
Securities, measurement input	0.023
Valuation, Income Approach | CMBS | Measurement Input, Projected Collateral Recoveries | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		6.60%
Securities, measurement input	0.023
Valuation, Income Approach | CMBS | Measurement input, Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		91.40%
Securities, measurement input	0.966
Valuation, Income Approach | CMBS | Measurement input, Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		91.40%
Securities, measurement input	0.966
Valuation, Income Approach | CMBS | Measurement input, Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		91.40%
Securities, measurement input	0.966
Valuation, Income Approach | Agency RMBS | Interest only securities
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 10,099,000	$ 6,549,000
Valuation, Income Approach | Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		2.11%
Valuation, Income Approach | Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		35.21%
Valuation, Income Approach | Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		6.77%
Total outstanding collateral	100.00%	100.00%
Valuation, Income Approach | Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Measurement Input, LIBOR OAS | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.0093
Valuation, Income Approach | Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Measurement Input, LIBOR OAS | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.3527
Valuation, Income Approach | Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Measurement Input, LIBOR OAS | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.0581
Valuation, Income Approach | Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Measurement Input, Prepayment Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		37.70%
Securities, measurement input	0.291
Valuation, Income Approach | Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Measurement Input, Prepayment Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		100.00%
Securities, measurement input	1
Valuation, Income Approach | Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Measurement Input, Prepayment Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		66.20%
Securities, measurement input	0.719
Valuation, Income Approach | Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Measurement input, Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		0.00%
Securities, measurement input	0
Valuation, Income Approach | Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Measurement input, Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		62.30%
Securities, measurement input	0.709
Valuation, Income Approach | Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Measurement input, Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		33.80%
Securities, measurement input	0.281
Valuation, Income Approach | Corporate Debt and non-exchange traded corporate equity [Member]
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value		$ 4,793,000
Valuation, Income Approach | Corporate Debt and non-exchange traded corporate equity [Member] | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		17.50%
Valuation, Income Approach | Corporate Debt and non-exchange traded corporate equity [Member] | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		17.50%
Valuation, Income Approach | Corporate Debt and non-exchange traded corporate equity [Member] | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		17.50%
Valuation, Income Approach | Corporate debt and equity
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 5,872,000
Valuation, Income Approach | Corporate debt and equity | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.100
Valuation, Income Approach | Corporate debt and equity | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.229
Valuation, Income Approach | Corporate debt and equity | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.189
Valuation, Income Approach | Investment in unconsolidated entities
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 34,088,000
Valuation, Income Approach | Investment in unconsolidated entities | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Equity method investment, measurement input	0.031
Valuation, Income Approach | Investment in unconsolidated entities | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Equity method investment, measurement input	0.156
Valuation, Income Approach | Investment in unconsolidated entities | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Equity method investment, measurement input	0.091
Valuation, Income Approach | CLOs
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 8,048,000	$ 9,087,000
Valuation, Income Approach | CLOs | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total outstanding collateral	100.00%	100.00%
Valuation, Income Approach | CLOs | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		12.60%
Securities, measurement input	0.112
Valuation, Income Approach | CLOs | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		103.10%
Securities, measurement input	0.607
Valuation, Income Approach | CLOs | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		26.70%
Securities, measurement input	0.130
Valuation, Income Approach | CLOs | Measurement Input, Prepayment Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		8.10%
Securities, measurement input	0.090
Valuation, Income Approach | CLOs | Measurement Input, Prepayment Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		88.40%
Securities, measurement input	0.871
Valuation, Income Approach | CLOs | Measurement Input, Prepayment Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		65.20%
Securities, measurement input	0.496
Valuation, Income Approach | CLOs | Measurement Input, Default Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		3.70%
Securities, measurement input	0.029
Valuation, Income Approach | CLOs | Measurement Input, Default Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		40.80%
Securities, measurement input	0.334
Valuation, Income Approach | CLOs | Measurement Input, Default Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		13.50%
Securities, measurement input	0.150
Valuation, Income Approach | CLOs | Measurement Input, Projected Collateral Recoveries | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		4.20%
Securities, measurement input	0.038
Valuation, Income Approach | CLOs | Measurement Input, Projected Collateral Recoveries | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		38.00%
Securities, measurement input	0.130
Valuation, Income Approach | CLOs | Measurement Input, Projected Collateral Recoveries | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		11.90%
Securities, measurement input	0.088
Valuation, Income Approach | CLOs | Measurement input, Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		3.50%
Securities, measurement input	0
Valuation, Income Approach | CLOs | Measurement input, Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		13.50%
Securities, measurement input	0.773
Valuation, Income Approach | CLOs | Measurement input, Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		9.40%
Securities, measurement input	0.266
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value		$ 206,761,000
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total outstanding collateral		100.00%
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		7.00%
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		18.30%
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		8.50%
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans | Measurement Input, Prepayment Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		0.00%
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans | Measurement Input, Prepayment Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		45.90%
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans | Measurement Input, Prepayment Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		33.50%
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans | Measurement Input, Default Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		2.60%
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans | Measurement Input, Default Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		84.80%
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans | Measurement Input, Default Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		9.10%
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans | Measurement input, Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		15.20%
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans | Measurement input, Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		96.60%
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans | Measurement input, Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		57.40%
Valuation, Income Approach | Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 25,019,000
Valuation, Income Approach | Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total outstanding collateral	100.00%
Valuation, Income Approach | Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.120
Valuation, Income Approach | Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.201
Valuation, Income Approach | Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.122
Valuation, Income Approach | Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans | Measurement Input, Prepayment Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0
Valuation, Income Approach | Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans | Measurement Input, Prepayment Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.108
Valuation, Income Approach | Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans | Measurement Input, Prepayment Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.093
Valuation, Income Approach | Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans | Measurement Input, Default Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.008
Valuation, Income Approach | Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans | Measurement Input, Default Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.360
Valuation, Income Approach | Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans | Measurement Input, Default Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.150
Valuation, Income Approach | Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans | Measurement input, Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.640
Valuation, Income Approach | Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans | Measurement input, Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.992
Valuation, Income Approach | Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans | Measurement input, Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.757
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 162,609,000
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total outstanding collateral	100.00%
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.070
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.100
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.080
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans | Measurement Input, Prepayment Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans | Measurement Input, Prepayment Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.567
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans | Measurement Input, Prepayment Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.425
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans | Measurement Input, Default Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.019
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans | Measurement Input, Default Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.863
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans | Measurement Input, Default Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.080
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans | Measurement input, Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.137
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans | Measurement input, Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.981
Valuation, Income Approach | Consumer loans | Measurement input, Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.495
Valuation, Income Approach | Corporate loan [Member]
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 5,000,000
Valuation, Income Approach | Corporate loan [Member] | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.150
Valuation, Income Approach | Corporate loan [Member] | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.150
Valuation, Income Approach | Corporate loan [Member] | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Securities, measurement input	0.150
Valuation, Income Approach | Performing commercial mortgage loans
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value		$ 163,876,000
Valuation, Income Approach | Performing commercial mortgage loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		8.00%
Valuation, Income Approach | Performing commercial mortgage loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		22.50%
Valuation, Income Approach | Performing commercial mortgage loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		9.60%
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-performing commercial mortgage loans and commercial real estate owned
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value		$ 80,513,000
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-performing commercial mortgage loans and commercial real estate owned | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, recovery time		3 months
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-performing commercial mortgage loans and commercial real estate owned | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, recovery time		16 months
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-performing commercial mortgage loans and commercial real estate owned | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, recovery time		7 months 27 days
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-performing commercial mortgage loans and commercial real estate owned | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		9.60%
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-performing commercial mortgage loans and commercial real estate owned | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		27.40%
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-performing commercial mortgage loans and commercial real estate owned | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		13.20%
Valuation, Income Approach | Performing residential mortgage loans
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value		$ 171,367,000
Valuation, Income Approach | Performing residential mortgage loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		2.70%
Valuation, Income Approach | Performing residential mortgage loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		12.90%
Valuation, Income Approach | Performing residential mortgage loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		6.00%
Valuation, Income Approach | Securitized residential mortgage loans
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value		$ 314,202,000
Valuation, Income Approach | Securitized residential mortgage loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		4.30%
Valuation, Income Approach | Securitized residential mortgage loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		4.60%
Valuation, Income Approach | Securitized residential mortgage loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		4.60%
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-performing residential mortgage loans and residential real estate owned
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value		$ 12,557,000
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-performing residential mortgage loans and residential real estate owned | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, recovery time		1 month 27 days
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-performing residential mortgage loans and residential real estate owned | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, recovery time		42 months 6 days
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-performing residential mortgage loans and residential real estate owned | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, recovery time		27 months 24 days
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-performing residential mortgage loans and residential real estate owned | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		4.30%
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-performing residential mortgage loans and residential real estate owned | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		25.10%
Valuation, Income Approach | Non-performing residential mortgage loans and residential real estate owned | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		11.30%
Valuation, Income Approach | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 1,090,000	$ 1,472,000
Valuation, Income Approach | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total outstanding collateral	100.00%	100.00%
Valuation, Income Approach | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities | Measurement Input, Prepayment Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		33.60%
Derivative asset, measurement input	0.346
Valuation, Income Approach | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities | Measurement Input, Prepayment Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		42.00%
Derivative asset, measurement input	0.444
Valuation, Income Approach | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities | Measurement Input, Prepayment Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		36.50%
Derivative asset, measurement input	0.376
Valuation, Income Approach | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities | Measurement Input, Default Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		11.10%
Derivative asset, measurement input	0.114
Valuation, Income Approach | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities | Measurement Input, Default Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		15.60%
Derivative asset, measurement input	0.187
Valuation, Income Approach | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities | Measurement Input, Default Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		12.80%
Derivative asset, measurement input	0.137
Valuation, Income Approach | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities | Measurement Input, Projected Collateral Recoveries | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		10.30%
Derivative asset, measurement input	0.137
Valuation, Income Approach | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities | Measurement Input, Projected Collateral Recoveries | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		18.70%
Derivative asset, measurement input	0.181
Valuation, Income Approach | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities | Measurement Input, Projected Collateral Recoveries | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		15.80%
Derivative asset, measurement input	0.162
Valuation, Income Approach | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities | Measurement input, Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		32.00%
Derivative asset, measurement input	0.234
Valuation, Income Approach | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities | Measurement input, Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		36.50%
Derivative asset, measurement input	0.361
Valuation, Income Approach | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities | Measurement input, Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		34.90%
Derivative asset, measurement input	0.325
Valuation, Income Approach | Investment in unconsolidated entities
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value		$ 5,192,000
Valuation, Income Approach | Investment in unconsolidated entities | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		12.90%
Valuation, Income Approach | Investment in unconsolidated entities | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		16.10%
Valuation, Income Approach | Investment in unconsolidated entities | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, percent		15.40%
Valuation, Income Approach | Other secured borrowings, at fair value
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value	$ (475,816,000)	$ (297,948,000)
Valuation, Income Approach | Other secured borrowings, at fair value | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt, measurement input		3.90%
Debt instrument, measurement input	0.031
Valuation, Income Approach | Other secured borrowings, at fair value | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt, measurement input		4.40%
Debt instrument, measurement input	0.045
Valuation, Income Approach | Other secured borrowings, at fair value | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Debt, measurement input		4.30%
Debt instrument, measurement input	0.038
Enterprise Value | Investment in unconsolidated entities
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 32,588,000
Enterprise Value | Investment in unconsolidated entities | Measurement Input, Equity Price-to-Book | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Equity method investment, measurement input	1
Enterprise Value | Investment in unconsolidated entities | Measurement Input, Equity Price-to-Book | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Equity method investment, measurement input	3.1
Enterprise Value | Investment in unconsolidated entities | Measurement Input, Equity Price-to-Book | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Equity method investment, measurement input	1.4
Enterprise Value | Corporate equity securities | Non-exchange traded common equity investment in mortgage-related entity
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value		$ 6,750,000
Enterprise Value | Corporate equity securities | Non-exchange traded common equity investment in mortgage-related entity | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input		3.3
Enterprise Value | Corporate equity securities | Non-exchange traded common equity investment in mortgage-related entity | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input		3.3
Enterprise Value | Corporate equity securities | Non-exchange traded common equity investment in mortgage-related entity | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input		3.3
Enterprise Value | Corporate equity securities | Non-exchange traded preferred equity investment in mortgage-related entity
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value		$ 27,317,000
Enterprise Value | Corporate equity securities | Non-exchange traded preferred equity investment in mortgage-related entity | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input		1.1
Enterprise Value | Corporate equity securities | Non-exchange traded preferred equity investment in mortgage-related entity | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input		1.1
Enterprise Value | Corporate equity securities | Non-exchange traded preferred equity investment in mortgage-related entity | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input		1.1
Performing and/or Re-performing | Residential mortgage loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Loans, Measurement Input	0.039
Performing and/or Re-performing | Residential mortgage loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Loans, Measurement Input	0.293
Performing and/or Re-performing | Residential mortgage loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Loans, Measurement Input	0.065
Performing and/or Re-performing | Valuation, Income Approach | Commercial mortgage loans
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 206,710,000
Performing and/or Re-performing | Valuation, Income Approach | Commercial mortgage loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Loans, Measurement Input	0.079
Performing and/or Re-performing | Valuation, Income Approach | Commercial mortgage loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Loans, Measurement Input	0.120
Performing and/or Re-performing | Valuation, Income Approach | Commercial mortgage loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Loans, Measurement Input	0.088
Performing and/or Re-performing | Valuation, Income Approach | Residential mortgage loans
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 147,108,000
Securitized loans [Member] | Valuation, Income Approach | Residential mortgage loans
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 503,090,000
Securitized loans [Member] | Valuation, Income Approach | Residential mortgage loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Loans, Measurement Input	0.038
Securitized loans [Member] | Valuation, Income Approach | Residential mortgage loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Loans, Measurement Input	0.051
Securitized loans [Member] | Valuation, Income Approach | Residential mortgage loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Loans, Measurement Input	0.044
Non-performing | Residential mortgage loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Loans, Measurement Input	0.036
Non-performing | Residential mortgage loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Loans, Measurement Input	0.560
Non-performing | Residential mortgage loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Loans, Measurement Input	0.123
Non-performing | Valuation, Income Approach | Commercial mortgage loans
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 53,324,000
Non-performing | Valuation, Income Approach | Commercial mortgage loans | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, recovery time	2 months
Non-performing | Valuation, Income Approach | Commercial mortgage loans | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, recovery time	6 months
Non-performing | Valuation, Income Approach | Commercial mortgage loans | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, recovery time	3 months
Non-performing | Valuation, Income Approach | Commercial mortgage loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Loans, Measurement Input	0.108
Non-performing | Valuation, Income Approach | Commercial mortgage loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Loans, Measurement Input	0.254
Non-performing | Valuation, Income Approach | Commercial mortgage loans | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Loans, Measurement Input	0.155
Non-performing | Valuation, Income Approach | Residential mortgage loans
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 13,682,000
Non-performing | Valuation, Income Approach | Residential mortgage loans | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, recovery time	0 days
Non-performing | Valuation, Income Approach | Residential mortgage loans | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, recovery time	102 months 22 days
Non-performing | Valuation, Income Approach | Residential mortgage loans | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investment, measurement input, recovery time	45 months 22 days

Valuation (Significant Unobserv

Valuation (Significant Unobservable Inputs Rollforward) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Transfers into Level 3				$ 3,100
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3				(51,600)
Other secured borrowings, at fair value
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Change in unrealized gains (losses), liabilities	$ (17)		$ 40
Securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Change in unrealized gain (loss), assets	5,700		6,100
Loans
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Change in unrealized gain (loss), assets	3,800		6,000
Investment in unconsolidated entities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Change in unrealized gain (loss), assets	2,000		(200)
Financial Derivatives - Assets
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Change in unrealized gain (loss), assets	(56)		(300)
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance	1,233,319	$ 758,723	1,094,815	661,588
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums	(8,631)	(9,827)	(19,524)	(14,251)
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)	(258)	3,216	(2,591)	7,944
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	8,221	1,848	12,231	11,688
Assets, Purchases	200,759	223,767	496,611	386,854
Assets, Sales	(110,689)	(112,690)	274,911	(202,131)
Assets, Transfers into Level 3	15,320	3,073	24,384	9,301
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3	13,450	(51,604)	6,424	(44,487)
Assets, Ending Balance	1,324,591	816,506	1,324,591	816,506
Liabilities, Begining Balance	282,124	(113,775)	(297,948)	(125,105)
Liabilities, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums	0	0	0	0
Liabilities, Realized Gain/(Loss)	0	0	0	0
Liabilities, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	(17)	414	40	1,198
Liabilities Purchases/Payments	25,861	12,261	41,628	22,807
Liabilities, Sales/Issuance	(219,536)	0	(219,536)	0
Liabilities, Transfers into Level 3	0	0	0	0
Liabilities, Transfers out of Level 3	0	0	0	0
Liabilities, Ending Balance	(475,816)	(101,100)	(475,816)	(101,100)
Level 3 | Other secured borrowings, at fair value
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Liabilities, Begining Balance	282,124	(113,775)	(297,948)	(125,105)
Liabilities, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums	0	0	0	0
Liabilities, Realized Gain/(Loss)	0	0	0	0
Liabilities, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	(17)	414	40	1,198
Liabilities, Payments	25,861	12,261	41,628	22,807
Liabilities, Issuances	(219,536)	0	(219,536)	0
Liabilities, Transfers into Level 3	0	0	0	0
Liabilities, Transfers out of Level 3	0	0	0	0
Liabilities, Ending Balance	(475,816)	(101,100)	(475,816)	(101,100)
Change in unrealized gains (losses), liabilities		400		1,200
Level 3 | Securities | Agency RMBS
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance	6,389		7,293
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums	(676)		(1,449)
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)	(450)		(1,075)
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	349		642
Assets, Purchases	1,594		1,600
Assets, Sales	(236)		236
Assets, Transfers into Level 3	4,889		5,596
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3	825		1,337
Assets, Ending Balance	11,034		11,034
Level 3 | Securities | Non-Agency RMBS
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance	94,670		91,291
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums	108		195
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)	(384)		(650)
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	2,909		2,358
Assets, Purchases	2,050		17,595
Assets, Sales	(3,294)		20,220
Assets, Transfers into Level 3	6,366		11,308
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3	5,635		5,087
Assets, Ending Balance	96,790		96,790
Level 3 | Securities | CMBS
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance	5,137		803
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums	25		(23)
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)	50		0
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	363		(7)
Assets, Purchases	0		0
Assets, Sales	(374)		0
Assets, Transfers into Level 3	1,077		5,505
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3	0		0
Assets, Ending Balance	6,278		6,278
Level 3 | Securities | CLOs
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance	21,438		14,915
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums	165		(483)
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)	(1,151)		(1,676)
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	772		1,660
Assets, Purchases	0		831
Assets, Sales	0		0
Assets, Transfers into Level 3	2,988		1,975
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3	6,990		0
Assets, Ending Balance	17,222		17,222
Level 3 | Securities | Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance	24,108		22,800
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums	(360)		(969)
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)	(152)		(665)
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	95		857
Assets, Purchases	4,610		9,551
Assets, Sales	(3,282)		6,555
Assets, Transfers into Level 3	0		0
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3	0		0
Assets, Ending Balance	25,019		25,019
Level 3 | Securities | Corporate debt securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance	5,737		6,318
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums	6		22
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)	(345)		(345)
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	(1)		(78)
Assets, Purchases	2,449		2,832
Assets, Sales	(3,765)		4,668
Assets, Transfers into Level 3	0		0
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3	0		0
Assets, Ending Balance	4,081		4,081
Level 3 | Securities | Corporate equity securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance	1,469		1,534
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums	0		0
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)	(142)		(142)
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	464		399
Assets, Purchases	0		0
Assets, Sales	0		0
Assets, Transfers into Level 3	0		0
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3	0		0
Assets, Ending Balance	1,791		1,791
Level 3 | Investments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance		755,654		658,448
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums		(9,827)		(14,251)
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)		3,055		7,697
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)		2,326		12,237
Assets, Purchases		223,745		386,809
Assets, Sales		(112,507)		(201,839)
Assets, Transfers into Level 3		3,073		9,301
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3		(51,604)		(44,487)
Assets, Ending Balance		813,915		813,915
Change in unrealized gain (loss), assets		1,600		10,500
Level 3 | Investments | Agency RMBS
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance		6,128		6,173
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums		(547)		(1,172)
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)		18		57
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)		(41)		229
Assets, Purchases		1,533		2,635
Assets, Sales		(569)		(957)
Assets, Transfers into Level 3		0		0
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3		(633)		(1,076)
Assets, Ending Balance		5,889		5,889
Level 3 | Investments | Non-Agency RMBS
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance		111,862		101,297
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums		(1,889)		156
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)		211		2,719
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)		(1,845)		(986)
Assets, Purchases		13,596		24,623
Assets, Sales		(10,999)		(29,439)
Assets, Transfers into Level 3		3,073		9,301
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3		(17,613)		(11,275)
Assets, Ending Balance		96,396		96,396
Level 3 | Investments | CMBS
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance		13,709		12,347
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums		28		(163)
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)		(104)		1,618
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)		784		1,043
Assets, Purchases		0		8,046
Assets, Sales		(4,194)		(13,890)
Assets, Transfers into Level 3		0		0
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3		(1,462)		(240)
Assets, Ending Balance		8,761		8,761
Level 3 | Investments | CLOs
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance		27,479		24,911
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums		(377)		78
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)		2		3
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)		300		527
Assets, Purchases		11,442		21,537
Assets, Sales		(7,889)		(16,099)
Assets, Transfers into Level 3		0		0
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3		(24,848)		(24,848)
Assets, Ending Balance		6,109		6,109
Level 3 | Investments | Corporate debt securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance		18,000		23,947
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums		59		(56)
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)		96		148
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)		(761)		(396)
Assets, Purchases		448		905
Assets, Sales		(1,944)		(8,650)
Assets, Transfers into Level 3		0		0
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3		(7,048)		(7,048)
Assets, Ending Balance		8,850		8,850
Level 3 | Investments | Secured notes
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance		0		0
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums		92		92
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)		0		0
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)		(234)		(234)
Assets, Purchases		11,268		11,268
Assets, Sales		0		0
Assets, Transfers into Level 3		0		0
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3		0		0
Assets, Ending Balance		11,126		11,126
Level 3 | Investments | Corporate equity securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance		50,869		37,465
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums		0		0
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)		1,182		1,182
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)		(1)		4,325
Assets, Purchases		0		9,078
Assets, Sales		(7,282)		(7,282)
Assets, Transfers into Level 3		0		0
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3		0		0
Assets, Ending Balance		44,768		44,768
Level 3 | Investments | Residential mortgage loans
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance		240,781		182,472
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums		(464)		(1,179)
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)		637		583
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)		(267)		(920)
Assets, Purchases		76,785		149,825
Assets, Sales		(24,000)		(37,309)
Assets, Transfers into Level 3		0		0
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3		0		0
Assets, Ending Balance		293,472		293,472
Level 3 | Investments | Commercial mortgage loans
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance		109,294		108,301
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums		226		844
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)		553		884
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)		610		449
Assets, Purchases		20,132		24,119
Assets, Sales		(25,864)		(29,646)
Assets, Transfers into Level 3		0		0
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3		0		0
Assets, Ending Balance		104,951		104,951
Level 3 | Investments | Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance		148,422		135,258
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums		(6,955)		(12,851)
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)		450		950
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)		3,782		7,585
Assets, Purchases		83,069		125,203
Assets, Sales		(29,514)		(56,891)
Assets, Transfers into Level 3		0		0
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3		0		0
Assets, Ending Balance		199,254		199,254
Level 3 | Investments | Real estate owned
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance		29,110		26,277
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums		0		0
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)		10		(447)
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)		(1)		615
Assets, Purchases		5,472		9,570
Assets, Sales		(252)		(1,676)
Assets, Transfers into Level 3		0		0
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3		0		0
Assets, Ending Balance		34,339		34,339
Level 3 | Loans | Residential mortgage loans
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance	583,252		496,829
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums	(1,347)		(2,274)
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)	2,089		1,954
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	2,257		4,158
Assets, Purchases	103,844		261,446
Assets, Sales	(26,215)		98,233
Assets, Transfers into Level 3	0		0
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3	0		0
Assets, Ending Balance	663,880		663,880
Level 3 | Loans | Commercial mortgage loans
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance	239,623		195,301
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums	834		1,139
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)	1,413		1,414
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	(2,018)		(2,352)
Assets, Purchases	47,555		96,412
Assets, Sales	(27,373)		31,880
Assets, Transfers into Level 3	0		0
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3	0		0
Assets, Ending Balance	260,034		260,034
Level 3 | Loans | Consumer loans
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance	192,115		183,961
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums	(7,386)		(15,958)
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)	(1,455)		(3,510)
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	857		2,699
Assets, Purchases	16,626		70,882
Assets, Sales	(38,148)		75,465
Assets, Transfers into Level 3	0		0
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3	0		0
Assets, Ending Balance	162,609		162,609
Level 3 | Loans | Corporate loan [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance	0		0
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums	0		0
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)	0		0
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	0		0
Assets, Purchases	5,000		5,000
Assets, Sales	0		0
Assets, Transfers into Level 3	0		0
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3	0		0
Assets, Ending Balance	5,000		5,000
Level 3 | Investment in unconsolidated entities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance	58,148		72,298
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums	0		276
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)	124		1,684
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	2,230		2,190
Assets, Purchases	17,026		30,454
Assets, Sales	(7,852)		37,226
Assets, Transfers into Level 3	0		0
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3	0		0
Assets, Ending Balance	69,676		69,676
Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Assets
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance		3,069		3,140
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums		0		0
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)		161		247
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)		(478)		(549)
Assets, Purchases		22		45
Assets, Sales		(183)		(292)
Assets, Transfers into Level 3		0		0
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3		0		0
Assets, Ending Balance		2,591		2,591
Change in unrealized gain (loss), assets		(500)		(500)
Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Total return swaps
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance	0		0
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums	0		0
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)	17		17
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	87		87
Assets, Purchases	0		0
Assets, Sales	(17)		17
Assets, Transfers into Level 3	0		0
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3	0		0
Assets, Ending Balance	87		87
Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Beginning Balance	1,233	3,069	1,472	3,140
Assets, Accreted Discounts/Amortized Premiums	0	0	0	0
Assets, Realized Gain (Loss)	128	161	403	247
Assets, Change In Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	(143)	(478)	(382)	(549)
Assets, Purchases	5	22	8	45
Assets, Sales	(133)	(183)	411	(292)
Assets, Transfers into Level 3	0	0	0	0
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3	0	0	0	0
Assets, Ending Balance	$ 1,090	$ 2,591	$ 1,090	$ 2,591

Valuation (Narrative) (Details)

Valuation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Valuation [Abstract]
Senior notes, estimated fair value					$ 86,000
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3				$ (51,600)
Assets, Transfers into Level 3				3,100
Securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Change in unrealized gains (losses)	$ 5,700		$ 6,100
Loans
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Change in unrealized gains (losses)	3,800		6,000
Investment in unconsolidated entities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Change in unrealized gains (losses)	2,000		(200)
Financial Derivatives - Assets
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Change in unrealized gains (losses)	(56)		(300)
Other secured borrowings, at fair value
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Change in unrealized gains (losses)	(17)		40
Level 3
Valuation [Abstract]
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3	13,450	$ (51,604)	6,424	(44,487)
Assets, Transfers into Level 3	15,320	3,073	24,384	9,301
Level 3 | Investment in unconsolidated entities
Valuation [Abstract]
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3	0		0
Assets, Transfers into Level 3	$ 0		$ 0
Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Assets
Valuation [Abstract]
Assets, Transfers out of Level 3		0		0
Assets, Transfers into Level 3		0		0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Change in unrealized gains (losses)		(500)		(500)
Level 3 | Other secured borrowings, at fair value
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Change in unrealized gains (losses)		$ 400		$ 1,200

Valuation (Fair Value of Other

Valuation (Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 42,671	[1]	$ 44,656
Restricted cash			425
Due from brokers	65,083	[1]	71,794
Repurchase agreements, at fair value	49,641		61,274
Liabilities:
Repurchase agreements	1,715,506	[1]	1,498,849
Other secured borrowings	101,925	[1]	114,100
Senior notes, net	85,166		85,035
Due to brokers	9,951		$ 5,553
Fair Value
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	42,671
Restricted cash	175
Due from brokers	65,083
Repurchase agreements, at fair value	49,641
Liabilities:
Repurchase agreements	1,715,506
Other secured borrowings	101,925
Senior notes, net	85,166
Due to brokers	9,951
Carrying Value
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	42,671
Restricted cash	175
Due from brokers	65,083
Repurchase agreements, at fair value	49,641
Liabilities:
Repurchase agreements	1,715,506
Other secured borrowings	101,925
Senior notes, net	85,166
Due to brokers	$ 9,951
[1]	Ellington Financial Inc.'s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet includes assets and liabilities of variable interest entities it has consolidated. See Note 9 for additional details on Ellington Financial Inc.'s consolidated variable interest entities.

Investment in Securities (Summa

Investment in Securities (Summary of Investment in Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Current Principal	$ 1,607,712
Unamortized Premium (Discount)	(127,647)
Amortized Cost	1,589,291
Gross Unrealized Gains	41,681
Gross Unrealized Losses	(11,878)
Investment Owned At Fair Value, Net	1,619,094
Securities, at fair value	1,668,677
Securities sold short, at fair value	$ 49,583	$ 850,577
Fair Value		$ 2,939,311
Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	4.21%
Weighted Average Yield	4.47%
Weighted average life	6 years 18 days
Long
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Current Principal	$ 1,655,957
Unamortized Premium (Discount)	(127,388)
Amortized Cost	1,637,795
Gross Unrealized Gains	41,681
Gross Unrealized Losses	(10,799)
Securities, at fair value	$ 1,668,677
Long | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	4.14%
Weighted Average Yield	4.55%
Weighted average life	6 years 26 days
Long | 15-year fixed-rate mortgages
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Current Principal	$ 133,432
Unamortized Premium (Discount)	3,326
Amortized Cost	136,758
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,158
Gross Unrealized Losses	(503)
Securities, at fair value	$ 137,413
Long | 15-year fixed-rate mortgages | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	3.29%
Weighted Average Yield	2.56%
Weighted average life	3 years 318 days
Long | 20-year fixed-rate mortgages
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Current Principal	$ 839
Unamortized Premium (Discount)	57
Amortized Cost	896
Gross Unrealized Gains	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0
Securities, at fair value	$ 896
Long | 20-year fixed-rate mortgages | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	4.50%
Weighted Average Yield	3.03%
Weighted average life	5 years
Long | 30-year fixed-rate mortgages
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Current Principal	$ 997,663
Unamortized Premium (Discount)	44,210
Amortized Cost	1,041,873
Gross Unrealized Gains	11,186
Gross Unrealized Losses	(5,057)
Securities, at fair value	$ 1,048,002
Long | 30-year fixed-rate mortgages | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	4.14%
Weighted Average Yield	3.29%
Weighted average life	6 years 263 days
Long | Adjustable rate mortgages
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Current Principal	$ 8,887
Unamortized Premium (Discount)	334
Amortized Cost	9,221
Gross Unrealized Gains	81
Gross Unrealized Losses	(111)
Securities, at fair value	$ 9,191
Long | Adjustable rate mortgages | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	4.02%
Weighted Average Yield	3.06%
Weighted average life	2 years 310 days
Long | Reverse mortgages
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Current Principal	$ 109,314
Unamortized Premium (Discount)	8,157
Amortized Cost	117,471
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,334
Gross Unrealized Losses	(311)
Securities, at fair value	$ 118,494
Long | Reverse mortgages | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	4.50%
Weighted Average Yield	3.08%
Weighted average life	6 years 270 days
Long | Interest only securities
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 24,346
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,125
Gross Unrealized Losses	(566)
Securities, at fair value	$ 24,905
Long | Interest only securities | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	3.36%
Weighted Average Yield	7.90%
Weighted average life	3 years 168 days
Long | Non-Agency RMBS
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Current Principal	$ 281,461
Unamortized Premium (Discount)	(118,422)
Amortized Cost	163,039
Gross Unrealized Gains	19,690
Gross Unrealized Losses	(1,398)
Securities, at fair value	$ 181,331
Long | Non-Agency RMBS | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	3.78%
Weighted Average Yield	6.57%
Weighted average life	4 years 307 days
Long | CMBS
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Current Principal	$ 68,412
Unamortized Premium (Discount)	(37,571)
Amortized Cost	30,841
Gross Unrealized Gains	3,089
Gross Unrealized Losses	0
Securities, at fair value	$ 33,930
Long | CMBS | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	3.21%
Weighted Average Yield	9.59%
Weighted average life	8 years 37 days
Long | Non-Agency IOs
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 5,443
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,970
Gross Unrealized Losses	0
Securities, at fair value	$ 7,413
Long | Non-Agency IOs | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	1.02%
Weighted Average Yield	21.44%
Weighted average life	3 years 102 days
Long | CLOs
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 77,992
Gross Unrealized Gains	697
Gross Unrealized Losses	(2,478)
Securities, at fair value	$ 76,211
Long | CLOs | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	3.14%
Weighted Average Yield	15.27%
Weighted average life	5 years 223 days
Long | Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Current Principal	$ 30,892
Unamortized Premium (Discount)	(6,541)
Amortized Cost	24,351
Gross Unrealized Gains	978
Gross Unrealized Losses	(310)
Securities, at fair value	$ 25,019
Long | Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	14.61%
Weighted Average Yield	14.37%
Weighted average life	1 year 55 days
Long | Corporate debt securities
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Current Principal	$ 25,057
Unamortized Premium (Discount)	(20,938)
Amortized Cost	4,119
Gross Unrealized Gains	26
Gross Unrealized Losses	(64)
Securities, at fair value	$ 4,081
Long | Corporate debt securities | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	12.51%
Weighted Average Yield	17.63%
Weighted average life	329 days
Long | Corporate equity securities
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 1,445
Securities, at fair value	1,791
Corporate equity, gross unrealized gains	347
Corporate equity, gross unrealized losses	(1)
Short
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Current Principal	(48,245)
Unamortized Premium (Discount)	259
Amortized Cost	48,504
Gross Unrealized Gains	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	(1,079)
Securities sold short, at fair value	$ 49,583
Short | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	2.06%
Weighted Average Yield	1.80%
Weighted average life	6 years 318 days
Short | Corporate debt securities
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Current Principal	$ (450)
Unamortized Premium (Discount)	6
Amortized Cost	456
Gross Unrealized Gains	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	(14)
Securities sold short, at fair value	$ 470
Short | Corporate debt securities | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	5.42%
Weighted Average Yield	5.21%
Weighted average life	5 years 142 days
Short | U.S. Treasury securities
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Current Principal	$ (37,900)
Unamortized Premium (Discount)	492
Amortized Cost	38,392
Gross Unrealized Gains	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	(582)
Securities sold short, at fair value	$ 38,974
Short | U.S. Treasury securities | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	2.34%
Weighted Average Yield	2.19%
Weighted average life	8 years 47 days
Short | European sovereign bonds
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Current Principal	$ (9,895)
Unamortized Premium (Discount)	(239)
Amortized Cost	9,656
Gross Unrealized Gains	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	(483)
Securities sold short, at fair value	$ 10,139
Short | European sovereign bonds | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	0.75%
Weighted Average Yield	0.12%
Weighted average life	2 years 29 days

Investment in Securities (Matur

Investment in Securities (Maturities of Securities) (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 1,668,677
Amortized Cost	$ 1,589,291
Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	4.21%
Long
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 1,668,677
Amortized Cost	$ 1,637,795
Long | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	4.14%
Long | Agency RMBS
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 1,313,996
Amortized Cost	$ 1,306,219
Long | Agency RMBS | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	4.08%
Long | Agency RMBS | Less than three years [Member]
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 52,440
Amortized Cost	$ 51,998
Long | Agency RMBS | Less than three years [Member] | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	4.86%
Long | Agency RMBS | Greater than three years less than seven years [Member]
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 597,007
Amortized Cost	$ 594,329
Long | Agency RMBS | Greater than three years less than seven years [Member] | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	4.13%
Long | Agency RMBS | Greater than seven years less than eleven [Member]
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 664,549
Amortized Cost	$ 659,892
Long | Agency RMBS | Greater than seven years less than eleven [Member] | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	3.97%
Long | Agency RMBS | Interest only securities
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 24,905
Amortized Cost	$ 24,346
Long | Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	3.36%
Long | Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Less than three years [Member]
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 8,248
Amortized Cost	$ 8,047
Long | Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Less than three years [Member] | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	3.27%
Long | Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Greater than three years less than seven years [Member]
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 16,657
Amortized Cost	$ 16,299
Long | Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Greater than three years less than seven years [Member] | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	3.41%
Long | Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Greater than seven years less than eleven [Member]
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 0
Amortized Cost	$ 0
Long | Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Greater than seven years less than eleven [Member] | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	0.00%
Long | Non-Agency RMBS and CMBS
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 215,261
Amortized Cost	$ 193,880
Long | Non-Agency RMBS and CMBS | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	3.69%
Long | Non-Agency RMBS and CMBS | Less than three years [Member]
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 81,826
Amortized Cost	$ 66,955
Long | Non-Agency RMBS and CMBS | Less than three years [Member] | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	2.59%
Long | Non-Agency RMBS and CMBS | Greater than three years less than seven years [Member]
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 63,052
Amortized Cost	$ 61,152
Long | Non-Agency RMBS and CMBS | Greater than three years less than seven years [Member] | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	5.43%
Long | Non-Agency RMBS and CMBS | Greater than seven years less than eleven [Member]
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 49,899
Amortized Cost	$ 45,239
Long | Non-Agency RMBS and CMBS | Greater than seven years less than eleven [Member] | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	3.95%
Long | Non-Agency RMBS and CMBS | Greater than eleven year [Member]
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 20,484
Amortized Cost	$ 20,534
Long | Non-Agency RMBS and CMBS | Greater than eleven year [Member] | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	1.50%
Long | Non-Agency RMBS
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 181,331
Amortized Cost	$ 163,039
Long | Non-Agency RMBS | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	3.78%
Long | Non-Agency RMBS | Interest only securities
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 7,413
Amortized Cost	$ 5,443
Long | Non-Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	1.02%
Long | Non-Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Less than three years [Member]
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 3,625
Amortized Cost	$ 2,062
Long | Non-Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Less than three years [Member] | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	0.12%
Long | Non-Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Greater than three years less than seven years [Member]
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 3,788
Amortized Cost	$ 3,381
Long | Non-Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Greater than three years less than seven years [Member] | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	1.57%
Long | Non-Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Greater than seven years less than eleven [Member]
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 0
Amortized Cost	$ 0
Long | Non-Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Greater than seven years less than eleven [Member] | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	0.00%
Long | Non-Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Greater than eleven year [Member]
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 0
Amortized Cost	$ 0
Long | Non-Agency RMBS | Interest only securities | Greater than eleven year [Member] | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	0.00%
Long | CLOs And Other Securities [Member]
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 105,311
Amortized Cost	$ 106,462
Long | CLOs And Other Securities [Member] | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	6.12%
Long | CLOs And Other Securities [Member] | Less than three years [Member]
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 32,566
Amortized Cost	$ 31,927
Long | CLOs And Other Securities [Member] | Less than three years [Member] | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	12.98%
Long | CLOs And Other Securities [Member] | Greater than three years less than seven years [Member]
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 71,122
Amortized Cost	$ 73,126
Long | CLOs And Other Securities [Member] | Greater than three years less than seven years [Member] | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	3.25%
Long | CLOs And Other Securities [Member] | Greater than seven years less than eleven [Member]
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 0
Amortized Cost	$ 0
Long | CLOs And Other Securities [Member] | Greater than seven years less than eleven [Member] | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	0.00%
Long | CLOs And Other Securities [Member] | Greater than eleven year [Member]
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 1,623
Amortized Cost	$ 1,409
Long | CLOs And Other Securities [Member] | Greater than eleven year [Member] | Weighted Average
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon	0.00%

Investment in Securities (Sum_2

Investment in Securities (Summary of Investment Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	[1]	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Net Amortization					$ (22,949)
Interest Income	$ 38,547	$ 31,941		$ 74,563	$ 60,033	[1]
Agency RMBS
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Coupon Interest	14,466			26,656
Net Amortization	(4,965)			(9,593)
Interest Income	9,501			17,063
Non-Agency RMBS and CMBS
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Coupon Interest	3,282			7,131
Net Amortization	689			1,236
Interest Income	3,971			8,367
CLOs
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Coupon Interest	3,666			7,910
Net Amortization	(576)			(511)
Interest Income	3,090			7,399
Other Securities
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Coupon Interest	1,443			3,036
Net Amortization	(355)			(917)
Interest Income	1,088			2,119
Securities Investment [Member]
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Coupon Interest	22,857			44,733
Net Amortization	(5,207)			(9,785)
Interest Income	$ 17,650			$ 34,948
[1]	Includes interest income and interest expense of a consolidated securitization trust of $1.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively, for the three-month period ended June 30, 2018. Includes interest income and interest expense of a consolidated securitization trust of $2.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively, for the six-month period ended June 30, 2018. See Note 6 for further details on the Company's consolidated securitization trust.

Investment in Securities (Proce

Investment in Securities (Proceeds, Realized Gains (Losses) on Sales) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Proceeds	$ 366,061	$ 1,071,720
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	2,878	5,566
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	7,018	14,066
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss)	(4,140)	(8,500)
Agency RMBS
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Proceeds	259,207	387,511
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	1,872	2,578
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	1,565	3,238
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss)	307	(660)
Non-Agency RMBS and CMBS
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Proceeds	19,139	148,684
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	825	2,092
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	1,536	4,975
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss)	(711)	(2,883)
CLOs
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Proceeds	11,275	56,097
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	54	152
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	3,109	4,002
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss)	(3,055)	(3,850)
Other Securities
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Proceeds	76,440	479,428
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	127	744
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	808	1,851
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss)	$ (681)	$ (1,107)

Investment in Securities (Unrea

Investment in Securities (Unrealized Loss Positions Securities) (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	$ 169,780
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	(3,558)
Fair Value, Greater than 12 Months	374,642
Unrealized Losses, Greater than 12 Months	(7,241)
Fair Value, Total	544,422
Unrealized Loss, Total	(10,799)
Agency RMBS
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	79,449
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	(637)
Fair Value, Greater than 12 Months	312,905
Unrealized Losses, Greater than 12 Months	(5,911)
Fair Value, Total	392,354
Unrealized Loss, Total	(6,548)
Non-Agency RMBS
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	42,088
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	(604)
Fair Value, Greater than 12 Months	54,549
Unrealized Losses, Greater than 12 Months	(794)
Fair Value, Total	96,637
Unrealized Loss, Total	(1,398)
CLOs
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	42,086
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	(2,172)
Fair Value, Greater than 12 Months	5,161
Unrealized Losses, Greater than 12 Months	(306)
Fair Value, Total	47,247
Unrealized Loss, Total	(2,478)
Other Securities
Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	6,157
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	(145)
Fair Value, Greater than 12 Months	2,027
Unrealized Losses, Greater than 12 Months	(230)
Fair Value, Total	8,184
Unrealized Loss, Total	$ (375)

Investment in Securities (Narra

Investment in Securities (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Catch-up premium amortization adjustment	$ (0.9)	$ (1.4)
OTTI charge on securities	$ 4.7	$ 6

Investment in Loans (Schedule o

Investment in Loans (Schedule of Investments in Loans) (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 1,100,062
Fair Value	1,091,523	[1]
Residential mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	652,119
Fair Value	663,880
Commercial mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	285,169
Fair Value	260,034
Consumer loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	157,774
Fair Value	162,609
Corporate loan [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	5,000
Fair Value	$ 5,000
[1]	Ellington Financial Inc.'s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet includes assets and liabilities of variable interest entities it has consolidated. See Note 9 for additional details on Ellington Financial Inc.'s consolidated variable interest entities.

Investment in Loans (Schedule_2

Investment in Loans (Schedule of 90 Days or More Past Due) (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	$ 1,100,062
Loans, at fair value	1,091,523	[1]
Commercial mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	285,169
Loans, at fair value	260,034
Residential mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	652,119
Loans, at fair value	663,880
Consumer loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	157,774
Loans, at fair value	162,609
Non-accrual status [Member] | Commercial mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, at fair value	25,700
Non-accrual status [Member] | Commercial mortgage loans | 90 Days or More Past Due [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	77,276
Loans, at fair value	53,324
Non-accrual status [Member] | Residential mortgage loans | 90 Days or More Past Due [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	20,984
Loans, at fair value	18,895
Non-accrual status [Member] | Consumer loans | 90 Days or More Past Due [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	1,915
Loans, at fair value	$ 1,893
[1]	Ellington Financial Inc.'s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet includes assets and liabilities of variable interest entities it has consolidated. See Note 9 for additional details on Ellington Financial Inc.'s consolidated variable interest entities.

Investment in Loans (Schedule_3

Investment in Loans (Schedule of Residential Mortgage Loans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance		$ 1,100,062
Unamortized Premium (Discount)		(127,647)
Amortized Cost			$ 2,970,306
Fair Value	[1]	$ 1,091,523
Weighted Average
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon		4.21%
Weighted Average Yield		4.47%
Weighted average life		6 years 18 days
Residential mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance		$ 652,119
Fair Value		663,880
Loans held-for-investment [Member] | Residential mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance		652,119
Unamortized Premium (Discount)		5,258
Amortized Cost		657,377
Gains		7,681
Losses		(1,178)
Fair Value		$ 663,880
Loans held-for-investment [Member] | Residential mortgage loans | Weighted Average
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon		6.49%
Weighted Average Yield		5.12%
Weighted average life		5 years 175 days
Non-QM loan securitization | Residential mortgage loans | Consolidated Entities [Member] | Securitized loans [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Fair Value		$ 503,090
[1]	Ellington Financial Inc.'s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet includes assets and liabilities of variable interest entities it has consolidated. See Note 9 for additional details on Ellington Financial Inc.'s consolidated variable interest entities.

Investment in Loans (Schedule_4

Investment in Loans (Schedule of Residential Mortgage Loans: Geographic Distribution) (Details) - Financing Receivables, Unpaid Principal Balance [Member] - Residential mortgage loans - Geographic Concentration Risk [Member]	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	100.00%
California [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	48.80%
Florida [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	12.90%
Texas [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	12.60%
Colorado [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	3.80%
Arizona [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	3.00%
Oregon [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	2.30%
New York [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	1.80%
Nevada [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	1.90%
Utah [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	1.80%
WASHINGTON
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	1.80%
Maryland [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	1.20%
ILLINOIS
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	1.00%
Other [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	7.10%

Investment in Loans Investment

Investment in Loans Investment in Loans (Schedule of Residential Mortgage Loans: Performance) (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	$ 1,100,062
Loans, at fair value	1,091,523	[1]
Residential mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	652,119
Loans, at fair value	663,880
Residential mortgage loans | Performing Financial Instruments [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	15,923
Loans, at fair value	13,866
Residential mortgage loans | Non-performing
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	18,641
Loans, at fair value	$ 16,996
[1]	Ellington Financial Inc.'s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet includes assets and liabilities of variable interest entities it has consolidated. See Note 9 for additional details on Ellington Financial Inc.'s consolidated variable interest entities.

Investment in Loans (Narrative)

Investment in Loans (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)loan	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)loan	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans in Process of Foreclosure, Amount				$ 9,100
Unpaid Principal Balance		$ 1,100,062	$ 1,100,062
Loans, at fair value	[1]	1,091,523	1,091,523
Residential mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impairment Losses, Recognized in Earnings		300	400
Unpaid Principal Balance, Impaired Loans		5,400	5,400
Fair Value, Impaired Loans		4,600	4,600
Mortgage Loans in Process of Foreclosure, Amount		8,400	8,400
Unpaid Principal Balance		652,119	652,119
Loans, at fair value		663,880	663,880
Residential mortgage loans | Non-performing
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance		18,641	18,641
Loans, at fair value		16,996	16,996
Commercial mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance		285,169	285,169
Loans, at fair value		$ 260,034	$ 260,034
Commercial mortgage loans | Non-performing
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Number of loans | loan		7	7
Unpaid Principal Balance		$ 77,300	$ 77,300
Loans, at fair value		53,300	53,300
Consumer loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impairment Losses, Recognized in Earnings		1,400	3,500
Unpaid Principal Balance, Impaired Loans		62,800	62,800
Fair Value, Impaired Loans		64,700	64,700
Unpaid Principal Balance		157,774	157,774
Loans, at fair value		162,609	162,609
Corporate loan [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance		5,000	5,000
Loans, at fair value		$ 5,000	$ 5,000
[1]	Ellington Financial Inc.'s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet includes assets and liabilities of variable interest entities it has consolidated. See Note 9 for additional details on Ellington Financial Inc.'s consolidated variable interest entities.

Investment in Loans (Schedule_5

Investment in Loans (Schedule of Commercial Mortgage Loans) (Details) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance		$ 1,100,062
Unamortized Premium (Discount)		(127,647)
Amortized Cost			$ 2,970,306
Loans, at fair value	[1]	$ 1,091,523
Weighted Average
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon		4.21%
Weighted Average Yield		4.47%
Weighted average life		6 years 18 days
Commercial mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance		$ 285,169
Unamortized Premium (Discount)		(25,057)
Amortized Cost		260,112
Gains		479
Losses		(557)
Loans, at fair value		$ 260,034
Commercial mortgage loans | Weighted Average
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Weighted Average Coupon		8.72%
Weighted Average Yield		9.98%
Weighted average life		1 year 18 days
Non-accrual status [Member] | Commercial mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, at fair value		$ 25,700
[1]	Ellington Financial Inc.'s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet includes assets and liabilities of variable interest entities it has consolidated. See Note 9 for additional details on Ellington Financial Inc.'s consolidated variable interest entities.

Investment in Loans (Schedule_6

Investment in Loans (Schedule of Commercial Loans: Geographic Distribution) (Details) - Financing Receivables, Unpaid Principal Balance [Member] - Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] - Commercial mortgage loans	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	100.00%
Florida [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	19.70%
Connecticut [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	16.60%
New York [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	15.70%
New Jersey [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	13.00%
North Carolina [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	6.80%
Virginia [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	6.60%
Massachusetts [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	4.60%
Arizona [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	3.70%
Indiana [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	2.10%
PENNSYLVANIA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	1.60%
Nevada [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	1.40%
Kentucky [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	3.50%
Tennessee [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	1.40%
Louisiana [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	1.30%
GEORGIA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	1.00%
Other [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	1.00%

Investment in Loans (Schedule_7

Investment in Loans (Schedule of Consumer Mortgage Loans) (Details) (Details) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance		$ 1,100,062
Unamortized Premium (Discount)		(127,647)
Amortized Cost			$ 2,970,306
Loans, at fair value	[1]	$ 1,091,523
Weighted Average
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Weighted average life		6 years 18 days
Consumer loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance		$ 157,774
Unamortized Premium (Discount)		2,947
Amortized Cost		160,721
Gains		2,520
Losses		(632)
Loans, at fair value		$ 162,609
Consumer loans | Weighted Average
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Weighted average life		277 days
Delinquency (Days)		4 days
[1]	Ellington Financial Inc.'s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet includes assets and liabilities of variable interest entities it has consolidated. See Note 9 for additional details on Ellington Financial Inc.'s consolidated variable interest entities.

Investment in Loans (Schedule_8

Investment in Loans (Schedule of Consumer Loans: Delinquency Status) (Details) - Consumer loans	Jun. 30, 2019
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Percent past due	100.00%
Financing Receivables, 1 to 29 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Percent past due	95.30%
30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Percent past due	2.00%
60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Percent past due	1.50%
90-119 Days or More Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Percent past due	1.20%

Investments in Unconsolidated_3

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)		Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value	$ 69,676	[1]	$ 69,676	[1]
Earnings from investments in unconsolidated entities	2,354		4,151
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value	$ 33,500		$ 33,500
Longbridge Financial LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage Ownership of Unconsolidated Entity	49.70%		49.70%
LendSure Mortgage Corp.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage Ownership of Unconsolidated Entity	45.00%		45.00%
Jepson Holdings Limited
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value	$ 1,800		$ 1,800
Percentage Ownership of Unconsolidated Entity	30.10%		30.10%
Elizon AFG 2018-1 LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage Ownership of Unconsolidated Entity	12.80%		12.80%
Elizon DB 2015-1 LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage Ownership of Unconsolidated Entity	4.70%		4.70%
Minimum | Other
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage Ownership of Unconsolidated Entity	9.90%		9.90%
Maximum | Other
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage Ownership of Unconsolidated Entity	55.00%		55.00%
[1]	Ellington Financial Inc.'s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet includes assets and liabilities of variable interest entities it has consolidated. See Note 9 for additional details on Ellington Financial Inc.'s consolidated variable interest entities.

Real Estate Owned (Details)

Real Estate Owned (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)property	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)property
Number of Properties
Beginning Balance | property	21	20
Transfers from mortgage loans | property	2	4
Disposals | property	3	4
Ending Balance | property	20	20
Carrying Value
Beginning Balance	$ 31,003	$ 30,778
Transfers from mortgage loans	17,414	17,713
Capital expenditures and other adjustments to cost	0	240
Adjustments to record at the lower of cost or fair value	13	263
Disposals	783	847
Ending Balance	47,621	47,621
Realized Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties	98	40
REO, fair value	$ 20,200	$ 20,200

To Be Announced RMBS (Details)

To Be Announced RMBS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018
To Be Announced Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value			$ 2,939,311
Unpaid Principal Balance	$ 1,100,062
Investments sold short, at fair value-	(49,583)		(850,577)
Payable for securities purchased relating to unsettled TBA purchases	(49,516)	[1]	(488,411)
Net short TBA securities, at fair value	$ (1,619,094)
To Be Announced Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member]
To Be Announced Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value			474,860
Unpaid Principal Balance			460,037
Receivable for securities sold relating to unsettled TBA sales			766,574
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member]
To Be Announced Securities [Line Items]
Investments sold short, at fair value-			(772,964)
Current Principal			(753,697)
Payable for securities purchased relating to unsettled TBA purchases			(473,386)
Net short TBA securities, at fair value			$ (298,104)
[1]	Ellington Financial Inc.'s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet includes assets and liabilities of variable interest entities it has consolidated. See Note 9 for additional details on Ellington Financial Inc.'s consolidated variable interest entities.

Financial Derivatives (Schedule

Financial Derivatives (Schedule of Financial Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 11,150	$ 20,001
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	(27,805)	$ (20,806)
Total	(16,655)
TBA Securities, Purchase Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	121
TBA Securities, Sale Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	19
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	(2,443)
Interest rate swaps | Short
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	31
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	(7,658)
Interest rate swaps | Long
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	1,403
Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	1,090
Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	2,164
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	(202)
Credit default swaps on corporate bonds
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	521
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	(686)
Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	5,714
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	(14,113)
Total return swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	87
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	(58)
Futures
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	(2,380)
Futures | Short
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total	(2,380)
Forwards
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	$ (265)

Financial Derivatives (Interest

Financial Derivatives (Interest Rate Swaps) (Details) - Interest rate swaps $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)
Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 113,973
Fair Value	1,403
Long | 2022 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	53,974
Fair Value	354
Long | 2023 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	48,657
Fair Value	677
Long | 2024 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	11,342
Fair Value	$ 372
Long | Weighted Average
Derivative [Line Items]
Pay Rate	1.96%
Receive Rate	2.47%
Remaining Years to Maturity	3 years 124 days
Long | Weighted Average | 2022 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Pay Rate	1.85%
Receive Rate	2.52%
Remaining Years to Maturity	2 years 245 days
Long | Weighted Average | 2023 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Pay Rate	2.00%
Receive Rate	2.39%
Remaining Years to Maturity	3 years 277 days
Long | Weighted Average | 2024 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Pay Rate	2.33%
Receive Rate	2.60%
Remaining Years to Maturity	4 years 266 days
Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 383,222
Fair Value	(7,627)
Short | 2020 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	68,607
Fair Value	(69)
Short | 2021 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	124,050
Fair Value	(576)
Short | 2023 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	101,012
Fair Value	(1,124)
Short | 2024 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	2,900
Fair Value	(274)
Short | 2026 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	1,512
Fair Value	(53)
Short | 2028 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	32,942
Fair Value	(1,493)
Short | 2029 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	44,494
Fair Value	(2,904)
Short | 2030 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	685
Fair Value	(26)
Short | 2049 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	7,020
Fair Value	$ (1,108)
Short | Weighted Average
Derivative [Line Items]
Pay Rate	2.11%
Receive Rate	2.32%
Remaining Years to Maturity	4 years 91 days
Short | Weighted Average | 2020 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Pay Rate	1.74%
Receive Rate	2.38%
Remaining Years to Maturity	274 days
Short | Weighted Average | 2021 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Pay Rate	2.03%
Receive Rate	2.03%
Remaining Years to Maturity	1 year 339 days
Short | Weighted Average | 2023 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Pay Rate	2.06%
Receive Rate	2.48%
Remaining Years to Maturity	3 years 288 days
Short | Weighted Average | 2024 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Pay Rate	2.60%
Receive Rate	2.60%
Remaining Years to Maturity	4 years 186 days
Short | Weighted Average | 2026 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Pay Rate	2.28%
Receive Rate	2.31%
Remaining Years to Maturity	6 years 274 days
Short | Weighted Average | 2028 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Pay Rate	2.40%
Receive Rate	2.41%
Remaining Years to Maturity	8 years 307 days
Short | Weighted Average | 2029 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Pay Rate	2.64%
Receive Rate	2.55%
Remaining Years to Maturity	9 years 219 days
Short | Weighted Average | 2030 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Pay Rate	2.38%
Receive Rate	2.52%
Remaining Years to Maturity	11 years 146 days
Short | Weighted Average | 2049 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Pay Rate	2.89%
Receive Rate	2.60%
Remaining Years to Maturity	29 years 193 days

Financial Derivatives (Credit D

Financial Derivatives (Credit Default Swaps) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 11,150	$ 20,001
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	(27,805)	$ (20,806)
Fair Value	(16,655)
Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	2,164
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	(202)
Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount, assets	794
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	9
Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount, assets	24,492
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	2,155
Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount, liabilities	(376)
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	164
Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount, liabilities	(2,500)
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	38
Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	1,090
Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount, assets	2,775
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	1,090
Credit default swaps on corporate bonds
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	521
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	(686)
Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount, assets	430
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	2
Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount, assets	3,033
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	519
Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount, liabilities	(2,980)
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	501
Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount, liabilities	(10,245)
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	185
Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	5,714
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	(14,113)
Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount, assets	140,543
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	5,714
Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount, liabilities	(238,213)
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	14,113
Credit default swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	136,135
Fair Value	$ (5,512)
Weighted Average | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Remaining Years to Maturity	23 years 212 days
Weighted Average | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Remaining Years to Maturity	37 years 4 days
Weighted Average | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Remaining Years to Maturity	29 years 325 days
Weighted Average | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Remaining Years to Maturity	38 years 120 days
Weighted Average | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Remaining Years to Maturity	16 years 55 days
Weighted Average | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Remaining Years to Maturity	358 days
Weighted Average | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Remaining Years to Maturity	1 year 270 days
Weighted Average | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Remaining Years to Maturity	1 year 263 days
Weighted Average | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Remaining Years to Maturity	256 days
Weighted Average | Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Remaining Years to Maturity	3 years 29 days
Weighted Average | Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Remaining Years to Maturity	2 years 281 days
Weighted Average | Credit default swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Remaining Years to Maturity	9 years 69 days

Financial Derivatives (Futures)

Financial Derivatives (Futures) (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ (16,655)
Short | U.S. Treasury futures
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	(111,200)
Fair Value	$ (2,218)
Remaining Years to Maturity	2 years 303 days
Short | Eurodollar futures
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ (28,000)
Fair Value	$ (82)
Remaining Years to Maturity	7 years 55 days
Short | Currency futures
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ (12,653)
Fair Value	$ (80)
Remaining Years to Maturity	2 years 219 days
Short | Futures
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ (151,853)
Fair Value	$ (2,380)
Remaining Years to Maturity	3 years 223 days

Financial Derivatives (TBAs) (D

Financial Derivatives (TBAs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 11,150	$ 20,001
Derivative Liability	27,805	$ 20,806
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	(16,655)
TBA securities
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	553,237
Derivative, Cost Basis	(571,376)
Market Value Underlying	(573,679)
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	(2,303)
TBA securities | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	107,101
Derivative, Cost Basis	110,827
Market Value Underlying	110,948
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	121
TBA securities | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	660,338
Derivative, Cost Basis	(682,203)
Market Value Underlying	(684,627)
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	(2,424)
Financial Derivatives - Assets | TBA securities | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount, assets	107,101
Derivative, Cost Basis	110,827
Market Value Underlying	110,948
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	121
Financial Derivatives - Assets | TBA securities | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount, assets	7,100
Derivative, Cost Basis	(7,278)
Market Value Underlying	(7,259)
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	19
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | TBA securities | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount, liabilities	(653,238)
Derivative, Cost Basis	(674,925)
Market Value Underlying	(677,368)
Derivative Liability	$ (2,443)

Financial Derivatives (Schedu_2

Financial Derivatives (Schedule of Gains and Losses on Derivative Contracts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Derivative [Line Items]
Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps	$ 52		$ 770
Net Realized Gains (Losses) Other Than Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps	(10,966)		(23,229)
Realized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net	(10,914)	$ 177	(22,459)	$ (1,325)
Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Accrued Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps	(45)		231
Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Other Than on Accrued Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps	4,995		10,387
Unrealized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net	(4,950)	6,855	(10,618)	10,899
Foreign currency transactions		(1,110)		658
Foreign currency translation		(1,964)		(1,863)
Derivative [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Foreign currency transactions	6	0	31	(200)
Foreign currency translation	(29)	200	(8)	300
Interest rate swaps | Interest Rate Risk [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Net Realized Gains (Losses) on Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps	52		770
Net Realized Gains (Losses) Other Than Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps	(2,609)		(1,151)
Realized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net	(2,557)	(677)	(381)	(1,500)
Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Accrued Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps	(45)		231
Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Other Than on Accrued Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps	3,545		9,317
Unrealized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net	(3,500)	2,091	(9,548)	7,130
Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities | Credit Risk [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Net Realized Gains (Losses) Other Than Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps	129		403
Realized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net	129	161	403	247
Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Other Than on Accrued Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps	143		382
Unrealized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net	(143)	(477)	(382)	(549)
Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices | Credit Risk [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Realized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net		(204)		(2,046)
Unrealized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net		1		1,453
Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices | Credit Risk [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Net Realized Gains (Losses) Other Than Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps	(239)		(984)
Realized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net	(239)		(984)
Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Other Than on Accrued Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps	203		751
Unrealized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net	(203)		(751)
Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices | Credit Risk [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Net Realized Gains (Losses) Other Than Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps	(761)
Realized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net	(761)	(675)		(2,237)
Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Other Than on Accrued Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps	(471)
Unrealized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net	471	866		2,428
Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices | Credit Risk [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Net Realized Gains (Losses) Other Than Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps			(3,274)
Realized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net			(3,274)
Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Other Than on Accrued Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps			1,936
Unrealized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net			(1,936)
Credit default swaps on corporate bonds | Credit Risk [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Net Realized Gains (Losses) Other Than Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps	(80)		(505)
Realized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net	(80)	(1,472)	(505)	2,996
Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Other Than on Accrued Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps	(77)		(842)
Unrealized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net	77	3,063	842	(792)
Total return swaps | Equity Market/Credit Risk [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Net Realized Gains (Losses) Other Than Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps	1		(1,297)
Realized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net	1	257	(1,297)	423
Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Other Than on Accrued Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps	94		(35)
Unrealized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net	(94)	(331)	35	(313)
TBA securities | Interest Rate Risk [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Net Realized Gains (Losses) Other Than Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps	(5,681)		(12,115)
Realized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net	(5,681)		(12,115)
Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Other Than on Accrued Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps	(241)		(2,139)
Unrealized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net	241		2,139
Futures | Interest Rate/Currency Risk [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Net Realized Gains (Losses) Other Than Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps	(2,381)		(4,814)
Realized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net	(2,381)	1,684	(4,814)	923
Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Other Than on Accrued Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps	1,226		867
Unrealized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net	(1,226)	1,542	(867)	981
Forwards | Currency risk [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Net Realized Gains (Losses) Other Than Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps	657		543
Realized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net	657	1,104	543	(69)
Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Other Than on Accrued Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps	574		151
Unrealized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net	(574)	100	(151)	485
Options | Interest Rate Risk [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Net Realized Gains (Losses) Other Than Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps	(2)		(35)
Realized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net	(2)		(35)
Change in Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Other Than on Accrued Periodic Settlements of Interest Rate Swaps	(1)		(1)
Unrealized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net	$ 1		$ 1
Options | Interest Rates/Equity Market Risk [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Realized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net		(1)		(62)
Unrealized gains (losses) on financial derivatives, net		$ 0		$ 76

Financial Derivatives (Schedu_3

Financial Derivatives (Schedule of Derivative Activity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Interest rate swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Average Monthly Notional	$ 774,539	$ 1,059,756
TBA securities
Derivative [Line Items]
Average Monthly Notional	1,201,858
Credit default swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Average Monthly Notional	409,549	566,805
Total return swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Average Monthly Notional	38,507	53,603
Futures
Derivative [Line Items]
Average Monthly Notional	239,826	201,295
Options
Derivative [Line Items]
Average Monthly Notional	36,818	99,891
Forwards
Derivative [Line Items]
Average Monthly Notional	35,530	$ 45,522
Warrants
Derivative [Line Items]
Average Monthly Notional	$ 2,281

Financial Derivatives (Schedu_4

Financial Derivatives (Schedule of Credit Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Credit Default Swap, Selling Protection [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Risk Derivatives, at Fair Value, Net		$ 4,339
Fair Value	$ (5,060)
Notional value	145,123
Derivative notional		98,586
Credit Default Swap, Buying Protection [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Risk Derivatives, at Fair Value, Net		284
Fair Value of Purchased Credit Derivatives Offsetting Written Credit Derivatives	2,663
Notional value of purchased credit derivatives offsetting written credit derivatives	$ 88,825
Derivative notional		$ 41,134

Financial Derivatives (Narrativ

Financial Derivatives (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative [Line Items]
Written credit derivative spread threshold	20.00%	20.00%
Credit Default Swap, Selling Protection [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Credit risk derivative in excess of threshold, at fair value, net	$ (0.6)	$ (1)
Total net up-front payments received	$ (3.6)	$ (2)
Minimum
Derivative [Line Items]
Spread on written credit derivatives	0.262%	0.218%
Upfront points on written credit derivative in excess of threshold	48.5	56.3
Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Spread on written credit derivatives	4.606%	19.56%
Upfront points on written credit derivative in excess of threshold	82.3	74.7

Consolidated VIEs (Details)

Consolidated VIEs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jun. 30, 2019		Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 42,671	[1]		$ 44,656
Restricted cash		175	[1]		425
Loans, at fair value	[1]	1,091,523
Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value	[1]	69,676
Real estate owned	[1]	47,621
Due from brokers		65,083	[1]		71,794
Investment related receivables	[1]	77,882
Other assets		3,495	[1]		15,536
Total Assets		3,127,594			3,971,499
Liabilities
Repurchase agreements		1,715,506	[1]		1,498,849
Investment related payables		49,516	[1]		488,411
Other secured borrowings		101,925	[1]		114,100
Other secured borrowings, at fair value		475,816	[1]		297,948
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		6,281	[1]		5,723
Interest payable	[1]	6,741
Other liabilities		262	[1]		424
Total Liabilities		2,534,480			3,376,329
Total Stockholders' Equity		562,470			563,833
Non-controlling interests		30,644	[1]		31,337
Total Equity		593,114		$ 592,434	595,170	$ 613,275	$ 609,950	$ 620,961
Total Liabilities and Equity		3,127,594			$ 3,971,499
Primary Beneficiary
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		5,214
Restricted cash		175
Loans, at fair value		1,078,023
Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value		6,413
Real estate owned		47,621
Due from brokers		190
Investment related receivables		26,928
Other assets		2,027
Total Assets		1,166,591
Liabilities
Repurchase agreements		270,817
Investment related payables		271
Other secured borrowings		101,925
Other secured borrowings, at fair value		475,816
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		1,378
Interest payable		1,391
Other liabilities		262
Total Liabilities		851,860
Total Stockholders' Equity		298,080
Non-controlling interests		16,651
Total Equity		314,731
Total Liabilities and Equity		$ 1,166,591
[1]	Ellington Financial Inc.'s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet includes assets and liabilities of variable interest entities it has consolidated. See Note 9 for additional details on Ellington Financial Inc.'s consolidated variable interest entities.

Securitization Transactions Nar

Securitization Transactions Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
Face amount of notes distributed from Risk Retention Vehicle				$ 5,600
Proceeds received from equity investment in risk retention vehicle (liquidation)				$ 5,700
Minimum economic interest required to be retained				5.00%
Fair Value				$ 2,939,311
Participation in Multi-Seller Consumer Loan Securitization [Member]
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
Aggregate unpaid principal balance of loans sold		$ 124,000
Company's share of loans sold		51.00%
Co-participants share of loans sold		49.00%
Loss on securitization of financial assets		$ (100)
Senior notes issued in securitization transaction		87,000
Subordinated notes issued in securitization transaction		$ 18,700
Company's initial percentage ownership of jointly owned entity		51.00%
Affiliated co-participants initial percentage ownership of jointly owned entity		49.00%
Company's current percentage ownership of jointly owned entity			49.30%	62.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Maximum Loss Exposure			$ 2,700
CLO I Securitization [Member]
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
Loss on securitization of financial assets	$ 200
The Company [Member] | CLO I Securitization [Member]
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
Corporate loans transferred into CLO securitization	62,000
Affiliated Entity [Member] | CLO I Securitization [Member]
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
Corporate loans transferred into CLO securitization	$ 141,700
CLOs
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
Fair Value				$ 123,893
CLOs | CLO I Securitization [Member]
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
Fair Value				0
CLOs | Distributed from Risk Retention Vehicle [Member]
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
Fair Value				$ 4,300
Non-QM loan securitization
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
Threshold for exercising Optional Redemption			30.00%	30.00%
Percentage used to calculate servicing administrator fee			0.03%	0.03%

Securitization Transactions (Sc

Securitization Transactions (Schedule of CLO Securitization Transactions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
Fair Value		$ 2,939,311
Securities, at fair value	$ 1,668,677
CLO I Securitization [Member]
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
CLO Pricing Date	2018-08	2017-05
CLO Closing Date	2018-08	2017-06
Total Face Amount of Notes Issued	$ 461,840	$ 373,550
Face Amount of Notes Initially Purchased	36,579	36,606
Aggregate Purchase Price of Notes Initially Purchased	$ 25,622	$ 35,926
Reset CLO I Securitization [Member]
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
CLO Pricing Date		2018-08
CLO Closing Date		2018-08
Total Face Amount of Notes Issued		$ 461,840
Face Amount of Notes Initially Purchased		36,579
Aggregate Purchase Price of Notes Initially Purchased		$ 25,622
CLO II Securitization [Member]
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
CLO Pricing Date	2017-12	2017-12
CLO Closing Date	2018-01	2018-01
Total Face Amount of Notes Issued	$ 452,800	$ 452,800
Face Amount of Notes Initially Purchased	18,223	18,223
Aggregate Purchase Price of Notes Initially Purchased	$ 16,621	$ 16,621
CLO III Securitization [Member]
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
CLO Pricing Date	2018-06	2018-06
CLO Closing Date	2018-07	2018-07
Total Face Amount of Notes Issued	$ 407,100	$ 407,100
Face Amount of Notes Initially Purchased	35,480	35,480
Aggregate Purchase Price of Notes Initially Purchased	$ 32,394	32,394
CLO IV Securitization [Member]
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
CLO Pricing Date	2019-02
CLO Closing Date	2019-03
Total Face Amount of Notes Issued	$ 478,488
Face Amount of Notes Initially Purchased	12,700
Aggregate Purchase Price of Notes Initially Purchased	10,618
CLOs
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
Fair Value		123,893
CLOs | CLO I Securitization [Member]
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
Fair Value		0
Securities, at fair value	16,090
CLOs | Reset CLO I Securitization [Member]
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
Fair Value		16,973
CLOs | CLO II Securitization [Member]
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
Fair Value		14,721
Securities, at fair value	13,871
CLOs | CLO III Securitization [Member]
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
Fair Value		$ 19,071
Securities, at fair value	15,941
CLOs | CLO IV Securitization [Member]
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value	$ 10,110

Securitization Transactions (_2

Securitization Transactions (Schedule of Residential Loan Securitizations) (Details) - Non-QM loan securitization - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
November 2017 [Member]
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
Total Face Amount of Certificates Issued	$ 141,233	$ 141,233
Economic interest retained	5.10%	5.10%
Purchase of certificates	$ 700	$ 700
November 2018 [Member]
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
Total Face Amount of Certificates Issued	$ 232,518	$ 232,518
Economic interest retained	5.70%	5.70%
Purchase of certificates	$ 1,300	$ 1,300
June 2019 [Member]
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
Total Face Amount of Certificates Issued	$ 226,913
Economic interest retained	6.10%
Purchase of certificates	$ 1,200
The Company [Member] | November 2017 [Member]
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
Principal Balance of Loans Transferred to the Depositor	141,233	141,233
The Company [Member] | November 2018 [Member]
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
Principal Balance of Loans Transferred to the Depositor	232,518	$ 232,518
The Company [Member] | June 2019 [Member]
Securitization Transactions [Line Items]
Principal Balance of Loans Transferred to the Depositor	$ 226,913

Securitization Transactions (_3

Securitization Transactions (Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Attributable to Consolidated VIEs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jun. 30, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 42,671	[1]	$ 44,656
Loans, at fair value	[1]	1,091,523
Fair Value				2,939,311
Investment related receivables	[1]	77,882
Interest payable	[1]	6,741
Other secured borrowings, at fair value		475,816	[1]	297,948
Interest and Dividends Payable				7,159
Consolidated Entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents				0
Fair Value				314,202
Other secured borrowings, at fair value				297,948
Interest and Dividends Receivable				3,527
Interest and Dividends Payable				$ 103
Non-QM loan securitization | Consolidated Entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment related receivables		6,026
Interest payable		91
Other secured borrowings, at fair value		475,816
Residential mortgage loans
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans, at fair value		663,880
Securitized loans [Member] | Residential mortgage loans | Non-QM loan securitization | Consolidated Entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loans, at fair value		$ 503,090
[1]	Ellington Financial Inc.'s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet includes assets and liabilities of variable interest entities it has consolidated. See Note 9 for additional details on Ellington Financial Inc.'s consolidated variable interest entities.

(Schedule of Reverse Repurchase

(Schedule of Reverse Repurchase Agreements by Maturity) (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)counterparty		Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)counterparty
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase agreements	$ 1,715,506	[1]	$ 1,498,849
Number of Counterparties with Outstanding Reverse Repurchase Agreements | counterparty	24		23
Total secured borrowings	$ 2,293,000		$ 1,911,000
Agency RMBS
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase agreements	1,240,726		917,262
Agency RMBS | 30 Days or Less
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase agreements	283,477		245,956
Agency RMBS | 31-60 Days
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase agreements	441,099		415,379
Agency RMBS | 61-90 Days
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase agreements	386,366		255,421
Agency RMBS | 91-120 Days
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase agreements	102,410		506
Agency RMBS | 151-180 Days
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase agreements	27,374
U.S. Treasury securities
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase agreements	687		273
U.S. Treasury securities | 30 Days or Less
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase agreements	687		273
Credit
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase agreements	474,093
Credit | 30 Days or Less
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase agreements	142		30,426
Credit | 31-60 Days
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase agreements	107,370		189,937
Credit | 61-90 Days
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase agreements	80,450		93,202
Credit | 91-120 Days
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase agreements	100,032		26,222
Credit | 151-180 Days
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase agreements	612		9,491
Credit | 181-360 Days
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase agreements	9,118		91,730
Credit | More Than 360 Days
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase agreements	89,488		140,306
Credit | Total Credit Assets
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase agreements	$ 86,881		$ 581,314
Minimum
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements Interest Rate	0.24%		0.23%
Repurchase agreements, remaining days to maturity	1 day		2 days
Maximum
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements Interest Rate	5.60%		6.07%
Repurchase agreements, remaining days to maturity	874 days		871 days
Weighted Average
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements Interest Rate	3.06%		3.13%
Repurchase agreements, remaining days to maturity	109 days		122 days
Weighted Average | Agency RMBS
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements Interest Rate	2.61%		2.59%
Repurchase agreements, remaining days to maturity	57 days		47 days
Weighted Average | Agency RMBS | 30 Days or Less
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements Interest Rate	2.64%		2.46%
Repurchase agreements, remaining days to maturity	19 days		17 days
Weighted Average | Agency RMBS | 31-60 Days
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements Interest Rate	2.62%		2.58%
Repurchase agreements, remaining days to maturity	48 days		46 days
Weighted Average | Agency RMBS | 61-90 Days
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements Interest Rate	2.57%		2.74%
Repurchase agreements, remaining days to maturity	76 days		76 days
Weighted Average | Agency RMBS | 91-120 Days
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements Interest Rate	2.60%		3.31%
Repurchase agreements, remaining days to maturity	103 days		91 days
Weighted Average | Agency RMBS | 151-180 Days
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements Interest Rate	2.59%
Repurchase agreements, remaining days to maturity	137 days
Weighted Average | U.S. Treasury securities
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements Interest Rate	3.10%		3.10%
Repurchase agreements, remaining days to maturity	1 day		2 days
Weighted Average | U.S. Treasury securities | 30 Days or Less
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements Interest Rate	3.10%		3.10%
Repurchase agreements, remaining days to maturity	1 day		2 days
Weighted Average | Credit
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements Interest Rate	4.26%
Repurchase agreements, remaining days to maturity	246 days
Weighted Average | Credit | 30 Days or Less
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements Interest Rate	4.57%		2.55%
Repurchase agreements, remaining days to maturity	1 day		22 days
Weighted Average | Credit | 31-60 Days
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements Interest Rate	3.52%		3.32%
Repurchase agreements, remaining days to maturity	50 days		48 days
Weighted Average | Credit | 61-90 Days
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements Interest Rate	3.60%		3.21%
Repurchase agreements, remaining days to maturity	77 days		74 days
Weighted Average | Credit | 91-120 Days
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements Interest Rate	4.56%		4.60%
Repurchase agreements, remaining days to maturity	117 days		123 days
Weighted Average | Credit | 151-180 Days
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements Interest Rate	3.92%		4.64%
Repurchase agreements, remaining days to maturity	150 days		166 days
Weighted Average | Credit | 181-360 Days
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements Interest Rate	4.32%		4.54%
Repurchase agreements, remaining days to maturity	168 days		316 days
Weighted Average | Credit | More Than 360 Days
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements Interest Rate	4.60%		5.15%
Repurchase agreements, remaining days to maturity	205 days		636 days
Weighted Average | Credit | Total Credit Assets
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements Interest Rate	5.09%		3.98%
Repurchase agreements, remaining days to maturity	848 days		240 days
[1]	Ellington Financial Inc.'s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet includes assets and liabilities of variable interest entities it has consolidated. See Note 9 for additional details on Ellington Financial Inc.'s consolidated variable interest entities.

Borrowings (Details)

Borrowings (Details) $ in Thousands	Feb. 13, 2019USD ($)	Aug. 18, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)counterparty		Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)counterparty
Borrowings [Line Items]
Total secured borrowings			$ 2,293,000		$ 1,911,000
Concentration Risk, Reverse Repurchase Agreements					21.00%
Number of Counterparties With Concentration Risk, Reverse Repurchase Agreements | counterparty					1
Number of Counterparties with Outstanding Reverse Repurchase Agreements | counterparty			24		23
Financial Instruments transferred as collateral for repurchase agreements			$ 2,013,000		$ 1,790,000
Financial Instruments transferred as collateral for repurchase agreements, Unsettled			$ 36,300		$ 86,700
Repurchase Agreements amount at risk threshold			10.00%		10.00%
Other secured borrowings			$ 101,925	[1]	$ 114,100
Minimum
Borrowings [Line Items]
Reverse Repurchase Agreements Maturity			30 days		30 days
Repurchase agreements, remaining days to maturity			1 day		2 days
Repurchase Agreements Interest Rate			0.24%		0.23%
Maximum
Borrowings [Line Items]
Reverse Repurchase Agreements Maturity			180 days		180 days
Repurchase agreements, remaining days to maturity			874 days		871 days
Repurchase Agreements Interest Rate			5.60%		6.07%
Reverse repurchase agreements
Borrowings [Line Items]
Cash collateral posted for securities sold under agreements to repurchase			$ 16,200		$ 17,000
Security Owned and Pledged as Collateral, Fair Value			200		200
Securitized residential mortgage loans
Borrowings [Line Items]
Fair Value of Assets Transfered and Accounted for as Secured Borrowings			503,100		314,200
Secured borrowing recourse facility collateralized by unsecured loan portfolio
Borrowings [Line Items]
Other secured borrowings			$ 14,300		$ 13,200
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Rate			4.56%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage					4.72%
Secured borrowing recourse facility collateralized by unsecured loan portfolio | Unsecured loans
Borrowings [Line Items]
Fair Value of Assets Transfered and Accounted for as Secured Borrowings			$ 21,100		$ 20,300
Non-QM loan securitization
Borrowings [Line Items]
Other secured borrowings			$ 475,800		$ 297,900
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Rate			3.76%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage					3.72%
Secured borrowing facility collateralized by unsecured loan portfolio
Borrowings [Line Items]
Other secured borrowings			$ 87,700		$ 101,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Rate			4.49%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage					4.68%
Secured borrowing facility collateralized by unsecured loan portfolio | Unsecured loans
Borrowings [Line Items]
Fair Value of Assets Transfered and Accounted for as Secured Borrowings			$ 125,800		$ 149,000
Senior Notes
Borrowings [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Rate			5.80%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 86,000	$ 86,000
Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs		$ 84,700
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.50%	5.25%			5.55%
Redemption percentage	100.00%	100.00%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Sep. 1, 2022
[1]	Ellington Financial Inc.'s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet includes assets and liabilities of variable interest entities it has consolidated. See Note 9 for additional details on Ellington Financial Inc.'s consolidated variable interest entities.

Borrowings (Schedule of Debt Re

Borrowings (Schedule of Debt Repayments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Repurchase Agreements
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2019 Scheduled Repayment of Principal	$ 1,539,137	$ 1,358,542
2020 Scheduled Repayment of Principal	93,995	78,530
2021 Scheduled Repayment of Principal	82,374	61,776
2022 Scheduled Repayment of Principal	0	0
2023 Scheduled Repayment of Principal	0	0
Total Scheduled Repayment of Principal	1,715,506	1,498,848
Other Secured Borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2019 Scheduled Repayment of Principal	161,059	194,135
2020 Scheduled Repayment of Principal	283,639	205,198
2021 Scheduled Repayment of Principal	153,089	13,150
2022 Scheduled Repayment of Principal	0	0
2023 Scheduled Repayment of Principal	0	0
Total Scheduled Repayment of Principal	597,787	412,483
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2019 Scheduled Repayment of Principal	0	0
2020 Scheduled Repayment of Principal	0	0
2021 Scheduled Repayment of Principal	0	0
2022 Scheduled Repayment of Principal	86,000	86,000
2023 Scheduled Repayment of Principal	0	0
Total Scheduled Repayment of Principal	86,000	86,000
Total
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2019 Scheduled Repayment of Principal	1,700,196	1,552,677
2020 Scheduled Repayment of Principal	377,634	283,728
2021 Scheduled Repayment of Principal	235,463	74,926
2022 Scheduled Repayment of Principal	86,000	86,000
2023 Scheduled Repayment of Principal	0	0
Total Scheduled Repayment of Principal	$ 2,399,293	$ 1,997,331

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Deta

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 376	$ 376

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)		Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)		Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)period		Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)period		Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Incentive Fee Expense				$ 291				$ 291
Annual base management fee percentage						1.50%		1.50%
Base management fee to affiliate		$ 1,661	[1]	2,021	[2]	$ 3,383	[1]	$ 4,000	[2]
Base management fee, gross		2,200				4,400
Management Fee Expense, Rebates	[1]	500				$ 1,000
Incentive fee rate						25.00%		25.00%
Incentive Fee, Loss Carryforward		0				$ 0				$ 2,100
Incentive fee hurdle rate fixed						9.00%		9.00%
Incentive fee hurdle rate floating						3.00%		3.00%
Minimum percentage of incentive fee to be paid in share						10.00%		10.00%
Termination Fee, Number Of Periods | period						2		2
Termination Fee, Period						12 months		12 months
Expense Reimbursement Period						60 days		60 days
Expense Reimbursement - Manager						$ 6,000		$ 3,800
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		6,281	[3]			6,281	[3]			5,723
Fair Value										2,939,311
Real estate owned	[3]	47,621				47,621
Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value	[3]	69,676				69,676
Securities, at fair value		1,668,677				1,668,677
Non-controlling interests		30,644	[3]			30,644	[3]			31,337
Reverse repurchase agreements		1,715,506				1,715,506				1,498,849
Management fee rebate				$ 300				$ 527
Other assets		3,495	[3]			3,495	[3]			15,536
Face amount of investments purchased from related party										$ 2,900
Management Fee, description										The Operating Partnership pays the Manager 1.50% per annum of total equity of the Operating Partnership calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP as of the end of each fiscal quarter (before deductions for base management fees and incentive fees payable with respect to such fiscal quarter), provided that total equity is adjusted to exclude one-time events pursuant to changes in U.S. GAAP, as well as non-cash charges after discussion between the Manager and the Company's independent directors, and approval by a majority of the Company's independent directors in the case of non-cash charges.
Incentive fee, description										The Manager is entitled to receive a quarterly incentive fee equal to the positive excess, if any, of (i) the product of (A) 25% and (B) the excess of (1) Adjusted Net Income (described below) for the Incentive Calculation Period (which means such fiscal quarter and the immediately preceding three fiscal quarters) over (2) the sum of the Hurdle Amounts (described below) for the Incentive Calculation Period, over (ii) the sum of the incentive fees already paid or payable for each fiscal quarter in the Incentive Calculation Period preceding such fiscal quarter. For purposes of calculating the incentive fee, "Adjusted Net Income" for the Incentive Calculation Period means the net increase in equity from operations of the Operating Partnership, after all base management fees but before any incentive fees for such period, and excluding any non-cash equity compensation expenses for such period, as reduced by any Loss Carryforward (as described below) as of the end of the fiscal quarter preceding the Incentive Calculation Period. For purposes of calculating the incentive fee, the "Loss Carryforward" as of the end of any fiscal quarter is calculated by determining the excess, if any, of (1) the Loss Carryforward as of the end of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter over (2) the Company's net increase in equity from operations (expressed as a positive number) or net decrease in equity from operations (expressed as a negative number) of the Operating Partnership for such fiscal quarter. As of December 31, 2018, there was a Loss Carryforward of $2.1 million. For purposes of calculating the incentive fee, the "Hurdle Amount" means, with respect to any fiscal quarter, the product of (i) one-fourth of the greater of (A) 9% and (B) 3% plus the 10-year U.S. Treasury rate for such fiscal quarter, (ii) the sum of (A) the weighted average gross proceeds per share of all common share and OP Unit issuances since inception of the Company and up to the end of such fiscal quarter, with each issuance weighted by both the number of shares and OP Units issued in such issuance and the number of days that such issued shares and OP Units were outstanding during such fiscal quarter, using a first-in first-out basis of accounting (i.e. attributing any share and OP Unit repurchases to the earliest issuances first) and (B) the result obtained by dividing (I) retained earnings attributable to common shares and OP Units at the beginning of such fiscal quarter by (II) the average number of common shares and OP Units outstanding for each day during such fiscal quarter, (iii) the sum of (x) the average number of common shares and LTIP Units outstanding for each day during such fiscal quarter, and (y) the average number of OP Units and OP LTIP Units outstanding for each day during such fiscal quarter. For purposes of determining the Hurdle Amount, issuances of common shares, OP LTIP Units, and OP Units (a) as equity incentive awards, (b) to the Manager as part of its base management fee or incentive fee and (c) to the Manager or any of its affiliates in privately negotiated transactions, are excluded from the calculation. The payment of the incentive fee will be in a combination of common shares and cash, provided that at least 10% of any quarterly payment will be made in common shares.
Termination fee, description										The Management Agreement requires the Company to pay a termination fee to the Manager in the event of (1) the Company's termination or non-renewal of the Management Agreement without cause or (2) the Company's termination of the Management Agreement based on unsatisfactory performance by the Manager that is materially detrimental to the Company or (3) the Manager's termination of the Management Agreement upon a default by the Company in the performance of any material term of the Management Agreement. Such termination fee will be equal to the amount of three times the sum of (i) the average annual Quarterly Base Management Fee Amounts paid or payable with respect to the two 12-month periods ending on the last day of the latest fiscal quarter completed on or prior to the date of the notice of termination or non-renewal and (ii) the average annual Quarterly Incentive Fee Amounts paid or payable with respect to the two 12-month periods ending on the last day of the latest fiscal quarter completed on or prior to the date of the notice of termination or non-renewal.
Unpaid Principal Balance		1,100,062				1,100,062
Commercial mortgage loans and REO
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair Value		8,900				8,900				$ 25,300
Real estate owned		17,000				17,000
Reverse repurchase agreements		182,700				182,700				77,000
Corporate equity securities
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair Value										43,793
Secured notes
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair Value										10,917
Corporate debt securities
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair Value										22,392
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	[3]	2,000				2,000
Mortgage Originator
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Warehouse facility, monetary amount		$ 5,000				$ 5,000				$ 5,000
Interest rate		15.00%				15.00%				15.00%
Advances made under warehouse facility		$ 0				$ 0				$ 0
Related Party-Consumer Loans Titled in Name of Related Party
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair value of loans held in related party trust		24,300				24,300				21,900
Purchasing Entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair value of loans held in related party trust		160,500				160,500				181,500
Consumer loans purchased through affiliate						51,500				166,300
Estimated remaining contingent purchase obligations		133,300				133,300				263,500
Related party trust - Residential Mortgage Loans and REO
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair value of loans held in related party trust		162,000				162,000				498,100
Non-controlling interest of joint venture partner | Unrelated third party joint venture interest | Commercial mortgage loans and REO
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Non-controlling interests		1,500				1,500				1,400
Non-controlling interest of joint venture partner | Related party joint venture interest | Commercial mortgage loans and REO
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Non-controlling interests		4,200				4,200				4,100
Mortgage-related Commercial | Corporate equity securities
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair Value		18,000				18,000				$ 1,100
Ownership percentage of limited liability company held as investment										15.00%
Jepson Holdings Limited
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value		1,800				1,800
Corporate loan [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance		5,000				$ 5,000
Corporate loan [Member] | Mortgage Originator
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Rate						15.00%
Unpaid Principal Balance		5,000				$ 5,000
Long
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		1,668,677				1,668,677
Long | Non-Agency RMBS
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		181,331				181,331
Long | Non-Agency RMBS | Investment purchased from related party
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Securities, at fair value		4,900				4,900
Loan receivable from affiliated entity related to warehouse facility
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Other assets		10,900				10,900				$ 11,600
Participation in multi-borrower financing facility
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Outstanding debt of related party		$ 333,600				$ 333,600				149,000
Investment purchased from related party | Corporate debt securities
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair Value										$ 1,600
[1]	See Note 13 for further details on management fee rebates.
[2]	See Note 9 for further details on management fee rebates.
[3]	Ellington Financial Inc.'s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet includes assets and liabilities of variable interest entities it has consolidated. See Note 9 for additional details on Ellington Financial Inc.'s consolidated variable interest entities.

Long-Term Incentive Plan Unit_2

Long-Term Incentive Plan Units (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 12, 2018	Sep. 12, 2018	Mar. 07, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based long term incentive plan unit expense				$ 100	$ 99	$ 230	$ 192
Capital shares reserved for future issuance (in shares)				1,874,223		1,874,223		1,874,223
Long-Term Incentive Plan Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
LTIP Unit Grants in Period (in units)				0	0	0	1,723
Grants in Period (in shares)						37,709		39,432
Director [Member] | Long-Term Incentive Plan Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
LTIP Unit Grants in Period (in units)		14,440
Grants in Period (in shares)						14,440		14,440
Dedicated or partially dedicated personnel [Member] | Long-Term Incentive Plan Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
LTIP Unit Grants in Period (in units)	17,383		1,723
Vest December 11, 2019 [Member] | Dedicated or partially dedicated personnel [Member] | Long-Term Incentive Plan Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants in Period (in shares)						8,692		8,692
Vest December 12, 2019 [Member] | Dedicated or partially dedicated personnel [Member] | Long-Term Incentive Plan Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants in Period (in shares)						5,886		5,886
Vest December 11, 2020 [Member] | Dedicated or partially dedicated personnel [Member] | Long-Term Incentive Plan Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants in Period (in shares)						8,691		8,691
Non-controlling interest in Operating Partnership [Member] | Non-controlling Interest
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Operating Partnership LTIP Units Redeemed (in units)								503,988

Long-Term Incentive Plan Unit_3

Long-Term Incentive Plan Units Long-Term Incentive Plan Units (Unvested LTIP Units) (Details) - Long-Term Incentive Plan Units [Member] - shares	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of Unvested LTIP Units [Line Items]
Number of OP LTIP Units (in units)	37,709	39,432
Director [Member]
Schedule of Unvested LTIP Units [Line Items]
Number of OP LTIP Units (in units)	14,440	14,440
Grant Date	Sep. 12, 2018	Sep. 12, 2018
Vesting Date(1)	Sep. 11, 2019	Sep. 11, 2019
Vest December 11, 2019 [Member] | Dedicated or partially dedicated personnel [Member]
Schedule of Unvested LTIP Units [Line Items]
Number of OP LTIP Units (in units)	8,692	8,692
Grant Date	Dec. 11, 2018	Dec. 11, 2018
Vesting Date(1)	Dec. 11, 2019	Dec. 11, 2019
Vest December 11, 2020 [Member] | Dedicated or partially dedicated personnel [Member]
Schedule of Unvested LTIP Units [Line Items]
Number of OP LTIP Units (in units)	8,691	8,691
Grant Date	Dec. 11, 2018	Dec. 11, 2018
Vesting Date(1)	Dec. 11, 2020	Dec. 11, 2020
Vest March 7, 2019 [Member] | Dedicated or partially dedicated personnel [Member]
Schedule of Unvested LTIP Units [Line Items]
Number of OP LTIP Units (in units)		1,723
Grant Date		Mar. 7, 2018
Vesting Date(1)		Mar. 7, 2019
Vest December 12, 2019 [Member] | Dedicated or partially dedicated personnel [Member]
Schedule of Unvested LTIP Units [Line Items]
Number of OP LTIP Units (in units)	5,886	5,886
Grant Date	Dec. 12, 2017	Dec. 12, 2017
Vesting Date(1)	Dec. 12, 2019	Dec. 12, 2019

Long-Term Incentive Plan Unit_4

Long-Term Incentive Plan Units (Roll-Forward of Company's LTIP Units Outstanding) (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Exercised	0	0	0	0
Long-Term Incentive Plan Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
LTIP Units Outstanding, beginning of period	521,371	492,882	521,371	491,159
Granted	0	0	0	1,723
Exercised	0	0	0	0
LTIP Units Outstanding, end of period	521,371	492,882	521,371	492,882
OP LTIP Units Unvested and Outstanding end of period	37,709		37,709
OP LTIP Units Vested and Outstanding end of period	483,662	461,155	483,662	461,155
Manager [Member] | Long-Term Incentive Plan Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
LTIP Units Outstanding, beginning of period	375,000	375,000	375,000	375,000
Granted	0	0	0	0
Exercised	0	0	0	0
LTIP Units Outstanding, end of period	375,000	375,000	375,000	375,000
OP LTIP Units Unvested and Outstanding end of period	0		0
OP LTIP Units Vested and Outstanding end of period	375,000	375,000	375,000	375,000
Non-Manager [Member] | Long-Term Incentive Plan Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
LTIP Units Outstanding, beginning of period	146,371	117,882	146,371	116,159
Granted	0	0	0	1,723
Exercised	0	0	0	0
LTIP Units Outstanding, end of period	146,371	117,882	146,371	117,882
OP LTIP Units Unvested and Outstanding end of period	37,709		37,709
OP LTIP Units Vested and Outstanding end of period	108,662	86,155	108,662	86,155

Non-controlling Interests (Deta

Non-controlling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 12, 2018	Jan. 02, 2013	Jun. 30, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Non-controlling interests			$ 30,644	[1]	$ 31,337
Non-controlling interest in Operating Partnership [Member] | Non-controlling Interest
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Operating Partnership Units Issued		212,000
Operating Partnership LTIP Units Issued (in units)	17,383
Operating Partnership LTIP Units Redeemed (in units)					503,988
Operating Partnership LTIP Units Distributed (in units)					503,988
Operating Partnership LTIP Units (in units)			521,371		521,371
Operating Partnership Units (in units)			212,000		212,000
Ownership Percentage			2.40%		2.40%
Noncontrolling Interest in Operating Partnerships			$ 13,900		$ 13,900
Non-controlling interest of joint venture partner | Non-controlling Interest
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Non-controlling interests			$ 16,700		$ 17,300
[1]	Ellington Financial Inc.'s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet includes assets and liabilities of variable interest entities it has consolidated. See Note 9 for additional details on Ellington Financial Inc.'s consolidated variable interest entities.

Common Stock Capitalization (Na

Common Stock Capitalization (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended		13 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Feb. 28, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jun. 13, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Feb. 06, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000			100,000,000		100,000,000		100,000,000
Common shares	$ 0.001			$ 0.001		$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares outstanding	29,745,776	29,745,776	30,149,880	29,745,776	30,149,880	29,745,776		29,796,601		30,392,041		31,335,938
Dividends declared (in usd per share)	$ 0.42		$ 0.41	$ 0.97	$ 0.82
Dividends declared	$ 12,800			$ 29,600
Dividends paid			$ (12,700)	$ (25,298)	$ (25,501)
Common shares issued and outstanding upon conversion of all convertible securities (in shares)	30,479,147		30,854,762	30,479,147	30,854,762	30,479,147
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares)									1,550,000		1,550,000
Shares repurchased (in shares)	0		242,161	50,825	1,186,058	411,915
Average price per share (USD per share)			$ 14.98	$ 15.39	$ 14.83	$ 15.34
Total cost		$ (782)	$ (3,628)	$ (800)	$ (17,593)	$ (6,300)

Common Stock Capitalization (Su

Common Stock Capitalization (Summary of Common Stock Outstanding) (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended		13 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (in shares)	29,745,776	29,796,601	30,392,041	29,796,601	31,335,938
Shares repurchased	0		(242,161)	(50,825)	(1,186,058)	(411,915)
Director OP LTIP Units exercised	0		0	0	0
Ending balance (in shares)	29,745,776	29,745,776	30,149,880	29,745,776	30,149,880	29,745,776

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended					6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019		Mar. 31, 2019	[1]	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Net increase (decrease) in shareholders' equity resulting from operations
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$ 12,644				$ 21,193	$ 28,052	$ 42,232
Add: Net income (loss) attributable to Convertible Non-controlling Interests	312				146	692	289
Net income (loss) related to common stockholders and Convertible Non-controlling Interests	12,956				21,339	28,744	42,521
Dividends Paid:
Dividends	(12,801)	[1]	$ (16,764)		(12,650)	(29,565)	(25,501)
Undistributed (Distributed in excess of) earnings:
Total undistributed (distributed in excess of) earnings	$ (155)				$ (8,689)	$ 821	$ (17,020)
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic and diluted):
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic and diluted) (in shares)	30,479,147					30,480,023
Basic earnings per share of common stock:
Distributed (in usd per share)	$ 0.42				$ 0.41	$ 0.97	$ 0.82
Undistributed (Distributed in excess of) (in usd per share)	0.01				0.28	(0.03)	0.54
Basic earnings per common share (in usd per share)	0.43				0.69	0.94	1.36
Diluted earnings per share of common stock:
Distributed (in usd per share)	0.42				0.41	0.97	0.82
Undistributed (Distributed in excess of) (usd per share)	0.01				0.28	(0.03)	0.54
Diluted earnings per common share (in usd per share)	$ 0.43				$ 0.69	$ 0.94	$ 1.36
Net increase (decrease) in equity resulting from operations	$ 700				$ 800	$ 1,400	$ 1,000
Common Stock
Net increase (decrease) in shareholders' equity resulting from operations
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders					20,853		41,561
Dividends Paid:
Dividends	(12,493)				(12,361)	(28,853)	(24,923)
Undistributed (Distributed in excess of) earnings:
Total undistributed (distributed in excess of) earnings	$ (151)				$ (8,492)	$ 801	$ (16,638)
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic and diluted):
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic and diluted) (in shares)	29,745,776				30,202,262	29,746,652	30,514,702
Long-Term Incentive Plan Units [Member]
Net increase (decrease) in shareholders' equity resulting from operations
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders					$ 340		$ 671
Dividends Paid:
Dividends					(202)		(404)
Undistributed (Distributed in excess of) earnings:
Total undistributed (distributed in excess of) earnings					$ (138)		$ (267)
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic and diluted):
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic and diluted) (in shares)					492,882		492,263
Non-controlling Interest
Dividends Paid:
Dividends	$ (308)				$ (87)	$ (712)	$ (174)
Undistributed (Distributed in excess of) earnings:
Total undistributed (distributed in excess of) earnings	$ (4)				$ (59)	$ 20	$ (115)
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic and diluted):
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic and diluted) (in shares)	733,371				212,000	733,371	212,000
[1]	For the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019, dividends totaling $0.42 and $0.97 per share of common stock outstanding were declared.

(Schedule of Restricted Cash) (

(Schedule of Restricted Cash) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Restricted Cash [Line Items]
Restricted cash		$ 425
Minimum account balance required for regulatory purposes
Restricted Cash [Line Items]
Restricted cash		250
Flow consumer loan purchase and sale agreement
Restricted Cash [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$ 200	$ 175

Offsetting of Assets and Liab_3

Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Financial derivatives–assets
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-	$ 11,150	$ 20,001
Financial Instruments Available for Offset	(7,170)	(10,910)
Cash Collateral (Received) Pledged	(1,217)	(2,514)
Net Amount	2,763	6,577
Reverse repurchase agreements
Repurchase agreements, at fair value	49,641	61,274
Financial Instruments Available for Offset	(49,641)	(61,274)
Cash Collateral (Received) Pledged	0	0
Net Amount	0	0
Repurchase agreements
Reverse repurchase agreements	1,715,506	1,498,849
Financial Instruments Available for Offset	49,641	61,274
Cash Collateral (Received) Pledged	16,156	16,974
Net Amount	0	0
Financial derivatives–liabilities
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-	(27,805)	(20,806)
Financial Instruments Available for Offset	7,170	10,910
Cash Collateral (Received) Pledged	16,372	9,896
Net Amount	(4,263)	0
Securities Collateral relating to Reverse Repurchase Agreements	2,010,000	1,790,000
Financial Derivatives - Assets
Financial derivatives–assets
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-		20,001
Financial Instruments Transferred or Pledged as Collateral	0	0
Financial derivatives–liabilities
Excess cash collateral	2,000	100
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell [Member]
Financial derivatives–assets
Financial Instruments Transferred or Pledged as Collateral	0	0
Reverse repurchase agreements
Repurchase agreements, at fair value		61,274
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities
Financial derivatives–assets
Financial Instruments Transferred or Pledged as Collateral	0	0
Financial derivatives–liabilities
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-		20,806
Excess cash collateral	17,200	16,400
Reverse repurchase agreements
Financial derivatives–assets
Financial Instruments Transferred or Pledged as Collateral	$ 1,649,709	$ 1,420,601

Counterparty Risk (Exposure to

Counterparty Risk (Exposure to Counterparty Risk) (Details) - Counterparty Risk [Member] $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)counterparty
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Amount of Exposure | $	$ 42,671
Number of Counterparties with Exposure | counterparty	10
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	70.70%
Collateral On Repurchase Agreements Held By Dealers [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Amount of Exposure | $	$ 2,029,073
Number of Counterparties with Exposure | counterparty	24
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	15.00%
Due From Broker [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Amount of Exposure | $	$ 65,083
Number of Counterparties with Exposure | counterparty	21
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	26.50%
Receivable For Securities Sold [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Amount of Exposure | $	$ 38,705
Number of Counterparties with Exposure | counterparty	5
Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance	40.60%

Counterparty Risk (Narrative) (

Counterparty Risk (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Financial Instruments transferred as collateral for repurchase agreements	$ 1,790,000	$ 2,013,000
Financial Instruments transferred as collateral for repurchase agreements, Unsettled	$ 86,700	36,300
Concentration risk threshold	15.00%
Unencumbered investments held in custody	$ 13,300
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 44,656	$ 42,671	[1]
[1]	Ellington Financial Inc.'s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet includes assets and liabilities of variable interest entities it has consolidated. See Note 9 for additional details on Ellington Financial Inc.'s consolidated variable interest entities.

Counterparty Risk (% of Total C

Counterparty Risk (% of Total Collateral on Reverse Repurchase Agreements) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2018
Royal Bank of Canada [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Collateral On Reverse Repurchase Agreements	19.00%

Counterparty Risk (% of Due fro

Counterparty Risk (% of Due from Brokers) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2018
Morgan Stanley [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
% of Total Due from Brokers	37.00%
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
% of Total Due from Brokers	30.00%

Counterparty Risk (% of Total R

Counterparty Risk (% of Total Receivable for Securities Sold) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2018
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
% of Total Receivable for Securities Sold	25.00%
Bank of America Securities [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
% of Total Receivable for Securities Sold	26.00%
CS First Boston Limited [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
% of Total Receivable for Securities Sold	34.00%

Counterparty Risk (Cash and Cas

Counterparty Risk (Cash and Cash Equivalents) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019	[1]	Dec. 31, 2018
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$ 42,671		$ 44,656
Bank of New York Mellon Corporation [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage, cash and cash equivalents			64.00%
Deutsche Bank Securities [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage, cash and cash equivalents			5.00%
Bank of America Securities [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage, cash and cash equivalents			2.00%
Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Fund - Government Portfolio [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage, cash and cash equivalents			10.00%
BlackRock Liquidity Funds FedFund Portfolio, Institutional Class Shares [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage, cash and cash equivalents			9.00%
Goldman Sachs Financial Square Funds - Government Fund [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage, cash and cash equivalents			9.00%
US Bank N.A. [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage, cash and cash equivalents			1.00%
[1]	Ellington Financial Inc.'s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet includes assets and liabilities of variable interest entities it has consolidated. See Note 9 for additional details on Ellington Financial Inc.'s consolidated variable interest entities.

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Unfunded commitments	$ 1,800,000	$ 1,000,000
Related party mortgage originator (with flow mortgage loan purchase and sale agreement) [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Equity Investment in Mortgage Originators [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Unfunded commitments		0
Maximum guarantees	25,000,000	25,000,000
Drawn down amount being guaranteed	$ 15,800,000	$ 2,900,000

Financial Highlights (Narrative

Financial Highlights (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018
Investment Company, Financial Highlights [Abstract]
Market Based Total Return	8.11%	13.55%

Financial Highlights (Results o

Financial Highlights (Results of Operations for a Share Outstanding) (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Increase (Decrease) Equity Per Share [Roll Forward]
Beginning Shareholders' Equity Per Share (3/31/2018 and 12/31/2017, respectively)	$ 19.56	$ 19.15
Net Investment Income	0.36	0.70
Net Realized/Unrealized Gains (Losses)	0.37	0.72
Results of Operations Attributable to Equity	0.73	1.42
Less: Results of Operations Attributable to Non-controlling Interests	(0.03)	(0.04)
Results of Operations Attributable to Shareholders' Equity	0.70	1.38
Dividends Paid to Common Shareholders	(0.41)	(0.82)
Weighted Average Share Impact on Dividends Paid	(0.01)	(0.02)
Accretive (Dilutive) Effect of Share Issuances (Net of Offering Costs), Share Repurchases, and Adjustments to Non-controlling Interest	0.05	0.20
Ending Shareholders' Equity Per Share (3/31/2018 and 3/31/2017, respectively)	$ 19.89	$ 19.89
Shares Outstanding, end of period	30,149,880	30,149,880	29,745,776	29,745,776	29,796,601	30,392,041	31,335,938
Shareholders Equity Per Share Upon Conversion Of All Convertible Units (in usd per share)	$ 19.57	$ 19.57

Financial Highlights (Net Asset

Financial Highlights (Net Asset Value Based Total Return for a Shareholder) (Details)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018
Investment Company, Financial Highlights [Abstract]
Total Return	3.78%	8.24%

Financial Highlights (Net Inves

Financial Highlights (Net Investment Income Ratio to Average Equity) (Details)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018
Investment Company, Financial Highlights [Abstract]
Net Investment Income (Loss) Ratio	7.34%	7.01%

Financial Highlights (Expense R

Financial Highlights (Expense Ratios to Average Equity) (Details)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018
Investment Company, Financial Highlights [Abstract]
Operating expenses, before interest expense and other investment related expenses	(3.01%)	(2.84%)
Investment Company, Incentive Fee to Average Net Assets	(0.05%)	(0.05%)
Interest expense and other investment related expenses	(11.23%)	(10.39%)
Total Expenses	(14.29%)	(13.28%)

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions

Aug. 09, 2019

Jul. 26, 2019

Jul. 23, 2019

Jul. 10, 2019

Mar. 12, 2019

Feb. 15, 2019

Aug. 07, 2019

Jul. 22, 2019

Jul. 08, 2019

Jun. 30, 2019

Mar. 11, 2019

Feb. 28, 2019

Feb. 14, 2019

Feb. 13, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Aug. 18, 2017

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

Dividend Per Share (USD per share)

$ 0.14

$ 0.41

Common shares

$ 0.001

$ 0.001

Declared date

Mar. 11, 2019

Feb. 14, 2019

Payment Date

Apr. 25, 2019

Mar. 15, 2019

Record Date

Mar. 29, 2019

Mar. 1, 2019

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

Dividend Per Share (USD per share)

$ 0.14

$ 0.14

Declared date

Aug. 7, 2019

Jul. 8, 2019

Payment Date

Sep. 25, 2019

Aug. 26, 2019

Record Date

Aug. 30, 2019

Jul. 31, 2019

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues

525,000

3,500,000

Proceeds from issuance of shares, net

$ 9.1

$ 60.7

Senior Notes

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

$ 86

$ 86

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

5.50%

5.55%

5.25%