| Cover | Aug. 08, 2020 |
| Class of Stock [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 8, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | ELLINGTON FINANCIAL INC |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-34569 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 26-0489289 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 53 Forest Avenue |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Old Greenwich |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CT |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 06870 |
| City Area Code | 203 |
| Local Phone Number | 698-1200 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001411342 |
| Common Stock | |
| Class of Stock [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | EFC |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Cumulative Preferred Stock | |
| Class of Stock [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 6.750% Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock |
| Trading Symbol | EFC PR A |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
