Orchid Island Capital (ORC) 10-Q 27 Apr 18 2018 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Apr. 27, 2018
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Registrant Name	Orchid Island Capital, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,518,621
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding		53,098,115
Trading Symbol	ORC

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Mortgage-backed securities, at fair value
Pledged to counterparties	$ 3,643,718,000	$ 3,712,561,000
Unpledged	102,066,000	32,250,000
Total mortgage-backed securities	3,745,784,000	3,744,811,000
Cash and cash equivalents	127,168,000	214,363,000
Restricted cash	36,837,000	32,349,000
Accrued interest receivable	15,384,000	14,444,000
Derivative Assets	36,179,000	17,160,000
Receivable for securities sold, pledged to counterparties	160,919,000	0
Other assets	427,000	216,000
Total Assets	4,122,698,000	4,023,343,000
Liabilities
Outstanding repurchase obligations	3,619,280,000	3,533,786,000
Payable for unsettled securities purchased	32,054,000	0
Dividends Payable	4,776,000	7,429,000
Derivitive Liabilities	2,582,000	2,038,000
Accrued interest payable	7,152,000	6,516,000
Due to affiliates	796,000	797,000
Other Liabilities	26,607,000	10,566,000
Total Liabilities	3,693,247,000	3,561,132,000
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value	0	0
Common Stock, $0.01 par value	531,000	531,000
Additional paid in capital	445,297,000	461,680,000
Accumulated deficit	(16,377,000)	0
Total Stockholders Equity	429,451,000	462,211,000
Total Liabilities and Stockholders Equity	4,122,698,000	4,023,343,000
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Mortgage-backed securities, at fair value
Pledged to counterparties	3,643,718,000	3,712,561,000
Unpledged	102,066,000	32,250,000
Total mortgage-backed securities	$ 3,745,784,000	$ 3,744,811,000

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred Shares Authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Preferred Shares Issued	0	0
Preferred Shares Outstanding	0	0
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock Shares Authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common Shares Issued	53,072,169	53,061,904
Common Shares Outstanding	53,072,169	53,061,904

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Interest income	$ 39,935,000	$ 32,311,000
Interest expense	15,149,000	6,715,000
Net interest income	24,786,000	25,596,000
Realized gains (losses) on mortgage-backed securities	(8,338,000)	(1,350,000)
Unrealized gains (losses) on mortgage-backed securities	(71,712,000)	(14,958,000)
(Losses) gains on derivative instruments	41,994,000	(4,419,000)
Net portfolio income	(13,270,000)	4,869,000
Expenses
Management Fee Expense	1,712,000	1,302,000
Allocated Overhead	382,000	368,000
Compensation and related benefits	11,000	12,000
Directors fees and liability insurance	252,000	276,000
Audit, legal and other professional fees	296,000	170,000
Direct REIT operating expenses	403,000	231,000
Other administrative	51,000	61,000
Total expenses	3,107,000	2,420,000
Net income (loss)	$ (16,377,000)	$ 2,449,000
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share
Basic	$ (0.31)	$ 0.07
Diluted	$ (0.31)	$ 0.07
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
Weighted Average Shares - Basic and Diluted	53,065,845	33,069,064
Dividends Declared Per Common Share	$ 0.31	$ 0.42

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY, (Unaudited) - 3 months ended Mar. 31, 2018 - USD ($)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
Balances at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 462,211,000	$ 531,000	$ 461,680,000	$ 0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income	(16,377,000)	0	0	(16,377,000)
Cash dividend declared	16,463,000	0	16,463,000	0
Issuance of common stock pursuant to public offerings, net	0	0	0	0
Issuance of common shares pursuant to stock based compensation plan	35,000	0	35,000	0
Amortization of stock based compensation	45,000	0	45,000	0
Balances at Mar. 31, 2018	$ 429,451,000	$ 531,000	$ 445,297,000	$ (16,377,000)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY, (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividend declared, per share	$ 0.31	$ 0.42

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME7

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS, (Unaudited)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss)	$ (16,377,000)	$ 2,449,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Stock based compensation and equity plan amortization	80,000	243,000
Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on mortgage-backed securities	80,050,000	16,308,000
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(21,700,000)	(1,534,000)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accrued interest receivable	(1,105,000)	(1,676,000)
Other assets	(251,000)	(417,000)
Accrued interest payable	636,000	164,000
Other liabilities	218,000	1,819,000
Due to affiliates	(1,000)	262,000
NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	41,550,000	17,618,000
From mortgage-backed securities investments
Purchases	(517,829,000)	(1,737,240,000)
Sales	228,691,000	1,407,673,000
Principal repayments	78,720,000	73,298,000
Proceeds From Sale Of Federal Home Loan Bank Stock	0	3,000
Payments on net settlement of to-be-announced securities	9,161,000	1,119,000
Purchase of interest rate swaptions, net of margin cash received	(10,622,000)	0
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES	(190,635,000)	(255,147,000)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from repurchase agreements	13,098,449,000	11,947,907,000
Principal payments on repurchase agreements	(13,012,955,000)	(11,691,004,000)
Cash dividends	(19,116,000)	(13,869,000)
Proceeds From Issuance Of Common Stock, net of issuance costs	0	12,793,000
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES	66,378,000	255,827,000
NET INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH	(82,707,000)	18,298,000
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of period	246,712,000	94,425,000
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of period	164,005,000	112,723,000
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest Paid	14,513,000	6,551,000
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Securities acquired settled in later period	32,054,000	0
Securities Sold Settled In Later Period	159,300,000	0
Interest Rate Swaption [Member]
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(1,717,000)	0
Swap [Member]
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(11,576,000)	(1,534,000)
TBA Contracts [Member]
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	$ (8,407,000)	$ 0

ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT AC

ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization and Significant Accounting Policies	Organization and Business Description Orchid Island Capital, Inc. (“Orchid” or the “Company”), was incorporated in Maryland on August 17, 2010 for the purpose of creating and managing a leveraged investment portfolio consisting of residentia l mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS ”). From incorporation t o February 20, 2013 Orchid was a w holly owned subsidiary of Bimini Capital Management, Inc. (“Bimini”). Orchid began operations on November 24, 2010 (the date of commencement of operations). From incorporation through November 24, 2010, Orchid’s only activity was the issuance of common s tock to Bimini. On February 20, 2013, Orchid completed the initial public offering (“IPO”) of its common stock in which it sold approximately 2.4 million shares of its common stock and raised gross proceeds of $35.4 million, which were invested in RMBS th at were issued and the principal and interest of which were guaranteed by a federally chartered corporation or agency (“Agency RMBS”) on a leveraged basis. Orchid is an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 201 2 (the “JOBS Act”). On July 29, 2016 , Orchid entered into a n equity distribution agreement (the “ July 2016 Equity Distribution Agreement”) with two sales agents pursuant to which the Company could offer and sell, from time to time, u p to an aggregate amount of $125 ,000,000 of shares of the Company’s common stock in transactions that were deemed to be “at the market” offerings and privately negotiated transactions. The Company issued a total of 10,174,992 shares under the July 2016 Equity Distribution Agreement for aggregate gross proceeds of $110.0 million, and net proceeds of approximately $ 108.2 million, net of commissions and fees, prior to its termination in February 2017 . On February 23, 2017 , Orchid entered into a nother equity distribution agreement , as amended and restated on May 10, 2017, (the “ May 2017 Equity Distribution Agreement”) with two sales agents pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time, u p to an aggregate amount of $125 ,000,000 of shares of the Company’s common stock in transactions that are deemed to be “at the market” offerings and privately negotiated transactions. T he Company issued a total of 12,299,032 shares under the May 2017 Equity Distribution Agreement for aggregate gros s proceeds of $125.0 million, and net proceeds of approximately $ 122.9 million, net of commissions and fees , prior to its termination in August 2017. On August 2, 2017, Orchid entered into another equity distribution agreement (the “August 2017 Equity Distribution Agreement”) with two sales agents pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time, up to an aggregate amount of $125,000,000 of shares of the Company’s common stock in transactions that are deemed t o be “at the market” offerings and privately negotiated transactions. Through March 31, 2018 , the Company issued a total of 7,746,052 shares under the August 2017 Equity Distribution Agreement for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $76.0 million, and net proceeds of approximately $74.7 million, net of commissions and fees . Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accept ed in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q a nd Article 8 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Orchid Island Casualty, LLC. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair p resentation have been included. Operating results for the three month period ended March 31, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be ex pected for the year end ing December 31, 2018 . The balance sheet at December 31, 2017 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financia l statements. For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s A nnual R eport on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 . The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP r equires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses du ring the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The significant estimates affecting the accompanying financial statements are the fair values of RMBS and derivatives . Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 220, Comprehensive Income , a statement of comprehensive income (loss) has not been included as the Company has no items of other comprehensive income (loss) . Comprehensive income (loss) is the same as net income (loss) for the periods presented. Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash and cash equivalents include cash on deposit with financial institutions and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase . Restricted cash includes cash pledged as collateral for repurchase agreements and other borrowings, and interest rate swaps and other derivative instruments. The following table pr ovides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the statement of financial position that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the statement of cash flows. (in thousands) March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 127,168 $ 214,363 Restricted cash 36,837 32,349 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 164,005 $ 246,712 The Company maintains cash balances at four banks and excess margin on account at derivative exchanges, and, at times, balances may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses related to these balances. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insures eligible accounts up to $250,000 per depositor at each financial institution. At March 31, 2018 , the Company’s cash deposits exceeded federally insured limits by approximately $125.4 million. Restric ted cash balances are uninsured, but are held in separate customer accounts that are segregated from the general funds of the counterparty. The Company limits uninsured balances to only large, well-known bank and derivative exchanges and believes that it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents or restricted cash balances. Mortgage-Backed Securities The Company invests primarily in mortgage pass-through (“PT”) certificates, collateralized mortgage obligations, and inter est- only (“IO”) securities and inverse interest- only (“IIO”) securities representing interest in or obligations backed by pools of RMBS . T he Company has elected to account for its investment in RMBS under the fair value option. Electing the fair value option require s the Company to record changes in fair value in the consolidated statement of operations, which, in management’s view, more appropriately reflects the results of our operations for a par ticular reporting period and is consistent with the underlying economics and how the portfolio is managed. The Company records RMBS transactions on the trade date. Security purchases that have not settled as of the balance sheet date are included in the RMBS balance with an offsetting liability recorded, whereas securities sold that have not settled as of the balance sheet date are removed from the RMBS balance with an offsetting receivable recorded. The fair value of the Company’s investments in RMBS is governed by FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement . The definition of fair value in FASB ASC 820 focuses on the price that would be received to sell the asset or paid to transfer the liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability either occurs i n the principal market for the asset or liability, or in the absence of a principal market, occurs in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. Estimated fair values for RMBS are based on independent pricing sources and/or third party broker quotes, when available . Income on PT RMBS securities is based on the stated interest rate of the security. Premiums or discounts present at the date of purchase are not amortized. Premium lost and discount accretion resulting from monthly principal repa yments are reflected in unrealized gains (losses) on RMBS in the consolidated statements of operations. For IO securities, the income is accrued based on the carrying value and the effective yield. The difference between income accrued and the interest rec eived on the security is characterized as a return of investment and serves to reduce the asset’s carrying value. At each reporting date, the effective yield is adjusted prospectively from the reporting period based on the new estimate of prepayments and t he contractual terms of the security. For IIO securities, effective yield and income recognition calculations also take into account the index value applicable to the security. Changes in fair value of RMBS during each reporting period are recorded in earn ings and reported as unrealized gains or losses on mortgage-backed securities in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Derivative Financial Instruments The Company uses derivative instruments to manage interest rate risk, facilitate asset/liability strategies and manage other exposures, and it may continue to do so in the future. The principal instruments that the Company has used to date are Treasury Note (“T-Note”) and Eurodollar futures cont racts, interest rate swaps, options to enter in interest rate swaps (“interest rate swaptions”) and “to-be-announced” (“TBA”) securities transactions, but may enter into other derivatives in the future. The Company purchases a portion of its Agency RMBS through forward settling transactions, including TBA securities transactions. At times when market conditions are conducive, the Company may choose to move the settlement of these TBA securities transacti ons out to a later date by entering into an offsetting short position, which is then net settled for cash, and simultaneously entering into a substantially similar TBA securities trade for a later settlement date. Such a set of transactions is referred to as a TBA “dollar roll” transaction. The TBA securities purchased at the later settlement date are typically priced at a discount to securities for settlement in the current month. This difference is referred to as the “price drop.” The price drop repre sents compensation to the Company for foregoing net interest margin and is referred to as TBA “dollar roll income.” The Company accounts for TBA securities as derivative instruments if either the TBA securities do not settle in the shortest period of tim e possible or if the Company cannot assert that it is probable at inception of the TBA transaction, or throughout its term, that it will take physical delivery of the Agency RMBS for a long position, or make delivery of the Agency RMBS for a short position , upon settlement of the trade. The Company accounts for TBA dollar roll transactions as a series of derivative transactions. Gains, losses and dollar roll income associated with TBA securities transactions and dollar roll transactions are reported in gain (loss) on derivative instruments in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of TBA securities is estimated based on similar methods used to value RMBS securities. The Company has elected not to treat any of its derivative financial instruments as hedges in order to align the accounting treatment of its derivative instruments with the treatment of its portfolio assets under the fair value option election . FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging , requires that all derivative instruments be carried at fair value. Changes in fair value are recorded in earnings for each period. Holding d erivatives creates exposure to credit risk related to the potential for failure on the part of counterparties an d exchanges to honor their commitments. In addition, the Company may be required to post collateral based on any decli nes in the market value of the d erivatives. In the event of default by a counterparty, the Company may have difficulty recovering its co llateral and may not receive payments provided for under the terms of the agreement . To mitigate this risk, the Company uses only well-established comme rcial banks and exchanges as counterparties. Financial Instruments FASB ASC 825, Financial Instruments , requires disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value, either in the body of the financial statements or in the accompanying notes. RMBS, Eurodollar and T-Note futures contracts, inte rest rate swaps, interest rate swaptions and TBA securities are accounted for at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. The methods and assumptions used to estimate fair value for these instruments are presented in Note 12 of the consolidated fin ancial statements. The estimated fair value of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accrued interest receivable, receivable for securities sold, other assets, due to affiliates, repurchase agreements , payable for unsettled securities purchased, acc rued interest payable and other liabilities generally approximates their carrying values as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. Repurchase Agreements The Company finances the acquisition of the majority of its RMBS through the use of repurchase agreements under master repurchase agreements. Pursuant to ASC Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing , the Company accounts for repurchase transactions as collateral ized financing transactions, which are carried at their contractual amounts, including accrued interest, as specified in the respective agreements. Manager Compensation The Company is externally managed by Bimini Advisors, LLC ( th e “Manager” or “Bimini Advisors”) , a Maryland limited liability company and wh olly-owned subsidiary of Bimini . The Company’s management agreement with the Manager provides for payment to the Manager of a management fee and reimbursement of certain operating expenses, which are a ccrued and expensed during the period for which they are earned or incurred. Refer to Note 13 for the terms of the management agreement. Earnings Per Share The Company follows the provisions of FASB ASC 260, Earnings Per Share . Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated as net income or loss attributable to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding or subscribed during the period. Diluted EPS is calculated using the treasury stock or two-cl ass method, as applicable, for common stock equivalents, if any. However, the common stock equivalents are not included in computing diluted EPS if the result is anti-dilutive. Income Taxes Orchid has qualified and elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code ”). REITs are generally not subject to federal income tax on their REIT taxable income provided that they distribute to their stockholders at least 90% of their REIT taxable income on an annual basis. In addition, a REIT must meet other provisions of the Code to retain its tax status. Orchid measures , recognizes and presents its uncertain tax positions in accordance with FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes . Under that guidance, Orchid assesses the likelihood, based on their technical merit, that tax positions will be sustained upon examination based on the fa cts, circumstances and information available at the end of each period. All of Orchid’s tax positions are categorized as highly certain. There is no accrual for any tax, interest or penalties related to Orchid’s tax position assessment. The measurement of uncertain tax positions is adjusted when new information is available, or when an event occurs that requires a change. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In November 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows – (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. ASU 2016-18 requires that restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included as components of total cash and cash equivalents as presented on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early application is permitted. The Company early adopted the ASU beginning with the first quarter of 2017. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows – (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts a nd Cash Payments. ASU 2016-15 addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2 017. The Company’s adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instr uments. ASU 2016-13 requires credit losses on most financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments to be measured using an expected credit loss model (referred to as the current expected credit loss model). ASU 2016-13 is effectiv e for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early application is permitted for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the potential effect of this ASU o n its consolidated financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities . ASU 2016-01 provides guidance for the recog nition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial assets and financial liabilities. ASU 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017 and, for most provisions, is effective using the cumulative-effect transition approach.

MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES

MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Mortgage-Backed Securities	NOTE 2 . MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES The following table presents the Company’s RMBS portfolio as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : (in thousands) March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Pass-Through RMBS Certificates: Hybrid Adjustable-rate Mortgages $ 26,482 $ 27,398 Adjustable-rate Mortgages 1,754 1,754 Fixed-rate Mortgages 3,569,133 3,594,533 Total Pass-Through Certificates 3,597,369 3,623,685 Structured RMBS Certificates: Interest-Only Securities 120,199 86,918 Inverse Interest-Only Securities 28,216 34,208 Total Structured RMBS Certificates 148,415 121,126 Total $ 3,745,784 $ 3,744,811 The following table summarizes the Company’s RMBS portfolio as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , according to the contractual maturities of the securities in the portfolio. Actual maturities of RMBS investments are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities and are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal, and prepayments of principal . (in thousands) March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Greater than one year and less than five years $ 15 $ 29 Greater than five years and less than ten years 3,049 3,281 Greater than or equal to ten years 3,742,720 3,741,501 Total $ 3,745,784 $ 3,744,811 The Company generally pledges its RMBS assets as collateral under repurchase agreements. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the Company had unpledged securities totaling $102.1 million and $32.3 million, respectively. The unpledged balance at March 31, 2018 includes unsettled security purchases with a fair value of approximately $14.6 million that will be pledged as collateral under repurchase agreements on their respective settlement dates in April 2018.

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND OTHER

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND OTHER BORROWINGS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Repurchase Agreements [Abstract]
Repurchase Agreements and Other Borrowings	NOTE 3 . REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND OTHER BORROWINGS The Company pledges certain of its RMBS as collateral under repurchase agreements with financial institutions. Interest rates are generally fixed based on prevailing rates corresponding to the terms of the borrowings , and interest is generally paid at the termination of a borrowing . If the fair value of the pledged securities declines, lenders will typically require the Company to post additional collateral or pay down borrowings to re-establish agreed upon collateral requirements, referred to as "margin calls." Similarly, if the fair value of the pledged securities increases, lenders may release collateral back to the Company. As of March 31, 2018 , the Company had met all margin call requirements. As of March 31, 2018 , the Company had outstanding repurchase obligations of approximately $3,619.3 million with a net weighted average borrowing rate of 1.86% . These agreements were collateralized by RMBS with a fair value, including accrue d interest and securities pledged related to securities sold but not yet settled, of approximately $3,818.6 million, and cash pledged to the counterparties of approximately $28.6 million. As of December 31, 2017 , the Company had out standing repurchase obligations of approximately $3,533.8 million with a net weighted average borrowing rate of 1.54% . These agreements were collateralized by RMBS with a fair value, including accrued interest, of approximately $3,726.5 million , and cash pledged to the counterparties of approximately $25.3 million. As of March 31, 2018 and 2017 , the Company’s repurchase agreements had remaining maturities as summarized below: ($ in thousands) OVERNIGHT BETWEEN 2 BETWEEN 31 GREATER (1 DAY OR AND AND THAN LESS) 30 DAYS 90 DAYS 90 DAYS TOTAL March 31, 2018 Fair market value of securities pledged, including accrued interest receivable $ - $ 2,263,087 $ 1,096,463 $ 459,040 $ 3,818,590 Repurchase agreement liabilities associated with these securities $ - $ 2,127,683 $ 1,038,162 $ 453,435 $ 3,619,280 Net weighted average borrowing rate - 1.91% 1.88% 1.57% 1.86% December 31, 2017 Fair market value of securities pledged, including accrued interest receivable $ - $ 1,983,958 $ 1,266,590 $ 475,975 $ 3,726,523 Repurchase agreement liabilities associated with these securities $ - $ 1,871,833 $ 1,208,518 $ 453,435 $ 3,533,786 Net weighted average borrowing rate - 1.53% 1.53% 1.57% 1.54% If, during the term of a repurchase agreement, a lender files for bankruptcy, the Company might experience difficulty recovering its pledged assets , which could result in an unsecured claim against the lender for the difference between the amount loaned to the Company plus interest due to the counterparty and the fair value of the collateral pledged to such lender , including the accrued interest recei vable and cash posted by the Company as collateral. At March 31, 2018 , the Company had an aggregate amount at risk (the difference between the amount loaned to the Company, including interest payable and securities posted by the counterparty (if any) , and the fair value of securities and cash pledged (if any) , including accrued interest on such securities) with all counterparties of approximately $220.7 million . The Company did not have an amount at risk with any individual counterparty greater than 10% of the Company’s equity at March 31, 2018 and Decemb er 31, 2017

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	NOTE 4 . DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS In connection with its interest rate risk management strategy, the Company economically hedges a portion of the cost of its repurchase agreement funding by entering into derivatives and other hedging contracts. To date, the Company has entered into Eurodollar and T-Note futures contracts, interest rate swaps, and interest rate swaptions, but may enter into other contracts in the future. The Company has not elected hedging treatment under GAAP, and as such all gains or losses (realized and unrealized) on these instruments are reflected in earnings for all periods presented. In addition, the Company utilizes TBA securities as a means of investing in and financing Agency RMBS or as a means of reducing i ts exposure to Agency RMBS . The Company accounts for TBA securities as derivative instruments if either the TBA securities do not settle in the shortest period of time possible or if the Company cannot assert that it is p robable at inception and throughout the term of the TBA securities that it will take physical delivery of the Agency RMBS for a long position, or make delivery of the Agency RMBS for a short position, upon settlement of the trade. Derivative Assets (Liabi lities), at Fair Value The table below summarizes fair value information about our derivative assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . (in thousands) Derivative Instruments and Related Accounts Balance Sheet Location March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Assets Interest rate swaps Derivative assets, at fair value $ 25,107 $ 13,745 Payer swaptions Derivative assets, at fair value 10,296 3,405 Receiver swaptions Derivative assets, at fair value 760 - TBA securities Derivative assets, at fair value 16 10 Total derivative assets, at fair value $ 36,179 $ 17,160 Liabilities Interest rate swaps Derivative liabilities, at fair value $ - $ 215 TBA securities Derivative liabilities, at fair value 2,582 1,823 Total derivative liabilities, at fair value $ 2,582 $ 2,038 Margin Balances Posted to (from) Counterparties Futures contracts Restricted cash $ 5,415 $ 5,545 TBA securities Restricted cash 2,857 1,508 TBA securities Other liabilities - (59) Interest rate swaption contracts Other liabilities (7,169) (3,505) Total margin balances on derivative contracts $ 1,103 $ 3,489 Eurodollar and T-Note futures are cash settled futures contracts on an interest rate, with gains and losses credited or charged to the Company’s cash accounts on a daily basis. A minimum balance, or “margin”, is required to be maintained in the account on a daily basis. The tables below present information related to the Company’s Eurodollar and T-Note futures positions at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . ($ in thousands) March 31, 2018 Average Weighted Weighted Contract Average Average Notional Entry Effective Open Expiration Year Amount Rate Rate Equity (1) Eurodollar Futures Contracts (Short Positions) 2018 $ 1,333,333 1.92% 2.40% $ 4,743 2019 1,500,000 2.16% 2.69% 8,060 2020 1,500,000 2.64% 2.81% 2,480 Total / Weighted Average $ 1,454,545 2.28% 2.66% $ 15,283 Treasury Note Futures Contracts (Short Position) (2) June 2018 5-year T-Note futures (June 2018 - June 2023 Hedge Period) $ 165,000 2.94% 2.87% $ (472) ($ in thousands) December 31, 2017 Average Weighted Weighted Contract Average Average Notional Entry Effective Open Expiration Year Amount Rate Rate Equity (1) Eurodollar Futures Contracts (Short Positions) 2018 $ 1,212,500 1.86% 1.98% $ 1,418 2019 1,350,000 2.11% 2.27% 2,152 2020 987,500 2.59% 2.36% (2,360) Total / Weighted Average $ 1,183,333 2.16% 2.20% $ 1,210 Treasury Note Futures Contracts (Short Position) (2) March 2018 10 year T-Note futures (Mar 2018 - Mar 2028 Hedge Period) $ 140,000 2.23% 2.33% $ 755 ($ in thousands) Average Net Fixed Average Estimated Average Notional Pay Receive Fair Maturity Amount Rate Rate Value (Years) March 31, 2018 Expiration > 1 to ≤ 3 years $ 650,000 1.09% 1.81% $ 17,232 1.8 Expiration > 3 to ≤ 5 years 360,000 2.05% 2.03% 7,875 4.0 $ 1,010,000 1.43% 1.89% $ 25,107 2.6 December 31, 2017 Expiration > 1 to ≤ 3 years $ 650,000 1.09% 1.31% $ 10,318 2.1 Expiration > 3 to ≤ 5 years 360,000 2.05% 1.32% (2,216) 4.3 $ 1,010,000 1.43% 1.31% $ 8,102 2.8 The table below presents information related to the Company’s interest rate swaption positions at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . ($ in thousands) Option Underlying Swap Weighted Average Weighted Average Average Adjustable Average Fair Months to Notional Fixed Rate Term Expiration Cost Value Expiration Amount Rate (LIBOR) (Years) March 31, 2018 ≤ 1 year Payer Swaptions $ 11,062 $ 10,296 9.3 $ 750,000 3.00% 3 Month 9.2 Receiver Swaptions 820 760 10.4 100,000 2.60% 3 Month 5.0 December 31, 2017 ≤ 1 year Payer Swaptions $ 2,367 $ 3,405 8.0 $ 200,000 2.16% 3 Month 6.0 The following table summarizes our contracts to purchase and sell TBA securities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . ($ in thousands) Notional Net Amount Cost Market Carrying Long (Short) (1) Basis (2) Value (3) Value (4) March 31, 2018 30-Year TBA securities: 3.0% $ (400,000) $ (387,621) $ (390,187) $ (2,566) December 31, 2017 30-Year TBA securities: 3.0% $ (300,000) $ (299,371) $ (300,153) $ (782) 4.0% (357,000) (373,403) (373,477) (74) 4.5% 356,556 380,371 379,414 (957) Total $ (300,444) $ (292,403) $ (294,216) $ (1,813) Gain (Loss) From Derivative Instruments, Net The table below presents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 . (in thousands) Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Eurodollar futures contracts (short positions) $ 14,541 $ (571) T-Note futures contracts (short position) 6,821 (3,851) Interest rate swaps 10,508 3 Receiver swaptions (349) - Payer swaptions 2,066 - Net TBA securities 8,407 - Total $ 41,994 $ (4,419) Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features The use of derivatives creates exposure to credit risk relating to potential losses that could be recognized in the event that the counterparties to these instruments fail to perform their obligations under the contracts. We minimize this risk by limiting our counterparties for instruments which are not centrally cleared on a registered exchange to major financial institutions with acceptable credit ratings and monitoring positions with individual counterparties. In addition, we may be required to pledge assets as collateral for our derivatives, whose amounts vary over time based on the market value, notional amount and remaining term of the derivative contract. In the event of a default by a counterparty , we may not receive payments provided for under the terms of our derivative agreements, and may have difficulty obtaining our assets pledged as collateral for our derivatives. The cash and cash equivalents pledged as collateral for our derivative instruments are i ncluded in restricted cash on our consolidated balance sheets.	[1],[2],[3],[4],[5],[6]
[1]	Market value represents the current market value of the TBA securities (or of the underlying Agency RMBS ) as of period-end
[2]	Market value represents the current market value of the TBA securities (or of the underlying Agency RMBS ) as of period-end
[3]	Net carrying value represents the difference between the market value and the cost basis of the TBA securities as of period-end and is reported in derivative assets (liabilities) , at fair valu e in our consolidated balance sheets
[4]	Notional amount represents the par value (or principal balance) of the underlying Agency RMBS
[5]	Open equity represents the cumulative gains (losses) recorded on open futures positions from inception
[6]	T -Note f utures c ontracts were valued at a price of $ 114.46 at March 31, 2018 and $12 4.05 at December 31, 2017 . The no tional contract values of the short positions were $ 188.9 million and $ 173.7 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively

PLEDGED ASSETS

PLEDGED ASSETS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Financial Instruments Pledged as Collateral [Abstract]
Pledged Assets [Text Block]	NOTE 5 . PLEDGED ASSETS Assets Pledged to Counterparties The table below summarizes our assets pledged as collateral under our repurchase agreements and derivative agreements by type, including securities pledged related to securities sold but not yet settled, as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . (in thousands) March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Repurchase Derivative Repurchase Derivative Assets Pledged to Counterparties Agreements Agreements Total Agreements Agreements Total PT RMBS - fair value $ 3,529,357 $ - $ 3,529,357 $ 3,612,244 $ - $ 3,612,244 Structured RMBS - fair value 114,361 - 114,361 100,317 - 100,317 Accrued interest on pledged securities 14,568 - 14,568 13,962 - 13,962 Receivable for securities sold 160,304 - 160,304 - - - Restricted cash 28,565 8,272 36,837 25,296 7,053 32,349 Total $ 3,847,155 $ 8,272 $ 3,855,427 $ 3,751,819 $ 7,053 $ 3,758,872 Assets Pledged from Counterparties The table below summarizes our assets pledged to us from counterparties under our repurchase agreements as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . (in thousands) March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Repurchase Derivative Repurchase Derivative Assets Pledged to Orchid Agreements Agreements Total Agreements Agreements Total Cash $ 1,146 $ 7,169 $ 8,315 $ 67 $ 3,564 $ 3,631 PT RMBS - fair value 548 - 548 - - - U.S. Treasury securities - fair value 1,077 - 1,077 - - - Total $ 2,771 $ 7,169 $ 9,940 $ 67 $ 3,564 $ 3,631 PT RMBS and U.S. Treasury securities received as margin under our repurchase agreements are not recorded in the consolidated balance sheets because the counterparty retains ownership of the security. Cash received as margin is recognized in cash and cash equivalents with a corresponding amount recognized as an increase in repurchase agreements or other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITI

OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Offsetting Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Text Block]	NOTE 6 . OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES The Company’s derivatives and repurchase agreements are subject to underlying agreements with master netting or similar arrangements, which provide for the right of offset in the event of default or in the event of bankruptcy of either party to the transactions. The Company reports its assets and liabilities subject to these arrangements on a gross basis. The following table presents information regarding those assets and liabilities subject to such arra ngements as if the Company had presented them on a net basis as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . (in thousands) Offsetting of Assets Net Amount Gross Amount Not Offset in the of Assets Consolidated Balance Sheet Gross Amount Presented Financial Gross Amount Offset in the in the Instruments Cash of Recognized Consolidated Consolidated Received as Received as Net Assets Balance Sheet Balance Sheet Collateral Collateral Amount March 31, 2018 Interest rate swaps $ 25,107 $ - $ 25,107 $ - $ - $ 25,107 Interest rate swaptions 11,056 - 11,056 - (7,169) 3,887 TBA securities 16 - 16 - - 16 $ 36,179 $ - $ 36,179 $ - $ (7,169) $ 29,010 December 31, 2017 Interest rate swaps $ 13,745 $ - $ 13,745 $ - $ - $ 13,745 Interest rate swaptions 3,405 - 3,405 - (3,405) - TBA securities 10 - 10 - (10) - $ 17,160 $ - $ 17,160 $ - $ (3,415) $ 13,745 (in thousands) Offsetting of Liabilities Net Amount Gross Amount Not Offset in the of Assets Consolidated Balance Sheet Gross Amount Presented Financial Gross Amount Offset in the in the Instruments of Recognized Consolidated Consolidated Posted as Cash Posted Net Liabilities Balance Sheet Balance Sheet Collateral Collateral Amount March 31, 2018 Repurchase Agreements $ 3,619,280 $ - $ 3,619,280 $ (3,590,715) $ (28,565) $ - TBA securities 2,582 - 2,582 - (2,582) - $ 3,621,862 $ - $ 3,621,862 $ (3,590,715) $ (31,147) $ - December 31, 2017 Repurchase Agreements $ 3,533,786 $ - $ 3,533,786 $ (3,508,490) $ (25,296) $ - Interest rate swaps 215 - 215 - - 215 TBA securities 1,823 - 1,823 - (1,508) 315 $ 3,535,824 $ - $ 3,535,824 $ (3,508,490) $ (26,804) $ 530 The amounts disclosed for collateral received by or posted to the same counterparty up to and not exceeding the net amount of the asset or liability presented in the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the actual collateral received by or posted to the same counterparty typically exceeds the amounts presented. See Note 5 for a discussion of collateral posted or received against or for repurchase obligations and derivative instruments.

CAPITAL STOCK

CAPITAL STOCK	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Capital Stock [Abstract]
Capital Stock	($ in thousands, except per share amounts) Weighted Average Price Book Value Per Share Received Net Type of Offering Period Beginning Ending Per Share (1) Shares Proceeds (2) 2017 At the Market Offering Program (3) First Quarter $ 10.10 $ 9.75 $ 10.13 1,286,196 $ 12,792 At the Market Offering Program (3) Second Quarter 9.75 9.23 10.17 11,012,836 110,065 At the Market Offering Program (3) Fourth Quarter 9.15 8.71 9.81 7,746,052 74,750 20,045,084 $ 197,607 Stock Repurchase Program On July 29, 2015 , the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. On February 8, 2018, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the stock repurchase program for up to an additional 4,522,822 shares of the Company's common stock . As part of the s tock repurchase program, shares may be purchased in open market transactions, including through block purchases, through privately negotiated transactions, or p ursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Open market repurchases will be made in accordance with Exchange Act Rule 10b-18, which sets certain re strictions on the method, timing, price and volume of open market stock repurchases. The timing, manner, price and amount of any repurchases will be determined by the Company in its discretion and will be subject to economic and market conditions, stock pr ice, applicable legal requirements and other factors. The authorization does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock and the program may be suspended or discontinued at the Company’s discretion without prior notice. From the inception of the stock repurchase program t hrough March 31, 2018 , the Company repurchased a total of 1, 216,243 shares at an aggregate cost of approximately $ 10.8 million, including commissions and fees , for a weighted average price of $8.92 per share . N o shares were repurchased during the year ended December 31, 2017 or the three months ended March 31, 2018 . As of March 31, 2018 , the remaining authorization under the repurchase program is for up to 5,306,579 shares of the Company’s common stock. Cash Dividends The table below presents the cash dividends declared on the Company’s common stock . (in thousands, except per share amounts) Year Per Share Amount Total 2013 $ 1.395 $ 4,662 2014 2.160 22,643 2015 1.920 38,748 2016 1.680 41,388 2017 1.680 70,717 2018 - YTD (1) 0.400 21,249 Totals $ 9.235 $ 199,407	[1],[2],[3],[4]
[1]	The Company has entered into six e quity d istribution a greements, five of which have either been terminated because all shares were sold or were replaced with a subsequent agreement .
[2]	Net proceeds are net of the underwriters’ discount, if applicable, and other offering costs.
[3]	On April 11, 2018 , the Company declared a dividend of $0. 09 per share to be paid on May 10, 2018 . The effect of this dividend is included in the table above, but is not reflected in the Company’s financial statements as of March 31, 2018 .
[4]	Weighted average p rice received per share is before deducting the underwriters’ discount, if applicable, and other offering costs.

STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Employee Benefits And Share Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock incentive Plan	NOTE 8 . STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN In October 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted and Bimini, then the Company’s sole stockholder, approved, the Orchid Island Capital, Inc. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”) to recruit and retain employees, directors and other service providers, including emplo yees of the Manager and other affiliates. The Incentive Plan provides for the award of stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock award, performance units, other equity-based awards (and dividend equivalents with respect to awards of performance units and other equity-based awards) and incentive awards. The Incentive Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors except that the Company’s full Board of Directors will administer awards made to directors who are n ot employees of the Company or its affiliates. The Incentive Plan provides for awards of up to an aggregate of 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock (on a fully diluted basis) at the time of the awards, subject to a maximum aggregat e 4,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock that may be issued under the Incentive Plan. Restricted Stock Awards The table below presents information related to the Company’s restricted common stock at March 31, 2018 and 2017 . ($ in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Weighted Weighted Average Average Grant Date Grant Date Shares Fair Value Shares Fair Value Unvested, beginning of period - $ - 8,000 $ 12.23 Granted - - - - Vested and issued - - - - Unvested, end of period - $ - 8,000 $ 12.23 Compensation expense during period $ - $ 24 Unrecognized compensation expense, end of period $ - $ 8 Intrinsic value, end of period $ - $ 80 Weighted-average remaining vesting term (in years) - 0.1 Stock Awards The Company issues immediately vested common stock under the Incentive Plan to certain executive officers, employees and directors. The following table presents information related to fully vested common stock issued during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 . All of the fully vested shares of common stock issued during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, and the related compensation expense, were granted with respect to service performed during the previous fiscal year . ($ in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Fully vested shares granted 3,886 17,335 Weighted average grant date price per share $ 9.28 $ 9.67 Compensation expense related to fully vested shares of common stock awards $ 36 $ 168 Performance Units The Company may issue performance units under the Incentive Plan to certain executive officers and employees. “Performance U nits ” vest after the end of a defined performance period, based on satisfaction of the performance conditions set forth in the performance unit agreement. When earned, each Performance Unit will be settled by the issuance of one share of the Company’s common s tock, at which time the Performance Unit will be cancelled. The Performance Units contain dividend equivalent rights which entitle the Participants to receive distributions declared by the Company on common stock, but do not include the right to vote the shares. Performance Units are subject to forfeiture should the participant no long er serve as an executive officer or employee for the Company. Compensation expense for the Performance Units are recognized over the remaining vesting period once it becomes probable that the performance conditions will be achieved. The following table p resents information related to Performance Units outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 . ($ in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Weighted Weighted Average Average Grant Date Grant Date Shares Fair Value Shares Fair Value Unvested, beginning of period 41,693 $ 9.95 45,305 $ 10.33 Granted - - 15,707 9.55 Vested and issued (6,406) 10.28 (4,830) 10.52 Unvested, end of period 35,287 $ 9.89 56,182 $ 10.10 Compensation expense during period $ 45 $ 62 Unrecognized compensation expense, end of period $ 121 $ 344 Intrinsic value, end of period $ 260 $ 561 Weighted-average remaining vesting term (in years) 0.9 1.5

COMMITTMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITTMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	NOTE 9 . COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES From time to time, the Company m ay become involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. Management is not aware of any reported or unreported contingencies at March 31, 2018 .

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	NOTE 10 . INCOME TAXES The Company will generally not be subject to federal income tax on its REIT taxable income to the extent that it distributes its REIT taxable income to its stockholders and satisfies the ongoing REIT requirements, including meeting certain asset, income and stock ownership tests. A REIT must generally distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its stockholders, of which 85% generally must be distributed within the taxable year, in order to avoid the imposition of a n excise tax. The remaining balance may be distributed up to the end of the following taxable year, provided the REIT elects to treat such amount as a prior year distribution and meets certain other requirements.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share (EPS)	NOTE 11 . EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS) The Company had dividend eligible shares of restricted common stock and Performance Units that were outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 . The basic and diluted per share computations include these unvested shares of restricted common stock and performance units if there is income available to common stock, as they have dividend participation rights. The shares of restricted common stock and Performance Units have no contractual obligation to s hare in losses. Because there is no such obligation, the shares of restricted common stock and Performance Units are not included in the basic and diluted EPS computations when no income is available to common stock even though they are considered particip ating securities. The table below reconciles the numerator and denominator of EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 . (in thousands, except per-share information) Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Basic and diluted EPS per common share: Numerator for basic and diluted EPS per share of common stock: Net (loss) income - Basic and diluted $ (16,377) $ 2,449 Weighted average shares of common stock: Shares of common stock outstanding at the balance sheet date 53,072 34,270 Unvested dividend eligible share based compensation outstanding at the balance sheet date - 64 Effect of weighting (6) (1,265) Weighted average shares-basic and diluted 53,066 33,069 Net (loss) income per common share: Basic and diluted $ (0.31) $ 0.07 There was an average of 41,550 Performance Units that were anti-dilutive and not included in diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2018 .

FAIR VALUE

FAIR VALUE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value	NOTE 12 . FAIR VALUE Authoritative accounting literature establishes a framework for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities and defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) as opposed to the price that would be paid to acquire the asset or received to assume the liability (an entry price). A fair value measure should reflect the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, incl uding the assumptions about the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique, the effect of a restriction on the sale or use of an asset and the risk of non-performance. Required disclosures include stratification of balance sheet amounts measured at fair value based on inputs the Company uses to derive fair value measurements. These stratifications are: Level 1 valuations, where the valuation is based on quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities traded in active markets (which include exchanges and over-the-counter markets with sufficient volume), Level 2 valuations, where the valuation is based on quoted market prices for similar instruments traded in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market, and Level 3 valuations, where the valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market, but observable based on Company-specific data. These unobservable assumptions reflect the Company’s own estimates for assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques typically include optio n pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques, but may also include the use of market prices of assets or liabilities that are not directly comparable to the subject asset or liability. The Company’s RMBS, interest rate swaps, inter est rate swaptions and TBA securities are valued using Level 2 valuations, and such valuations currently are determined by the Company based on independent pricing sources and/or third party broker quotes, when available . Because the price estimates may var y, the Company must make certain judgments and assumptions about the appropriate price to use to calculate the fair values. Alternatively, the Company could opt to have the value of all of its positions in RMBS, interest rate swaps, interest rate swaptions and TBA securities determined by either an independent third-party or could do so internally. RMBS (based on the fair value option), interest rate swaps, interest rate swaptions, TBA securities and futures contracts were recorded at fair value on a recur ring basis during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 . When determining fair value measurements, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset. When possible, the Company looks to active and observable markets to price identical assets. When identical assets are not traded in active markets, the Company looks to market obse rvable data for similar assets. The following table presents financial assets (liabilities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : (in thousands) Quoted Prices in Active Significant Markets for Other Significant Identical Observable Unobservable Fair Value Assets Inputs Inputs Measurements (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) March 31, 2018 Mortgage-backed securities $ 3,745,784 $ - $ 3,745,784 $ - Interest rate swaps 25,107 - 25,107 - Interest rate swaptions 11,056 - 11,056 - TBA securities (2,566) - (2,566) - December 31, 2017 Mortgage-backed securities $ 3,744,811 $ - $ 3,744,811 $ - Interest rate swaps 13,530 - 13,530 - Interest rate swaptions 3,405 - 3,405 - TBA securities (1,813) - (1,813) - During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , there were no transfers of financial assets or liabilities between levels 1, 2 or 3.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	NOTE 13 . RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Management Agreement The Company is externally managed and advised by Bimini Advisors, LLC (the “Manager”) pursuant to the terms of a management agreement. The management agreement has been renewed through February 20, 201 9 and provides for automatic one-year extension options thereafter and is subject to certain termination rights. Under the terms of the management agreement, the Manager is responsible for administering the business activities and day-to-day opera tions of the Company. The Manager receives a monthly management fee in the amount of: One-twelfth of 1.5% of the first $250 million of the Company’s equity, as defined in the management agreement, One-twelfth of 1.25% of the Company’s equity that is grea ter than $250 million and less than or equal to $500 million, and One-twelfth of 1.00% of the Company’s equity that is greater than $500 million. The Company is obligated to reimburse the Manager for any direct expenses incurred on its behalf and to pay t he Manager the Company’s pro rata portion of certain overhead costs set forth in the management agreement. Should the Company terminate the management agreement without cause, it will pay to the Manager a termination fee equal to three times the average a nnual management fee, as defined in the management agreement, before or on the last day of the term of the agreement. Total expenses recorded for the management fee and costs incurred were approximately $2.1 million and $1.7 million fo r the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the net amount due to affiliates was approximately $0.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively. Other Relationships with Bimini Ro bert Cauley, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of our Board of Directors, also serves as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bimini and owns shares of common stock of Bimini. George H. Haas, our Chief Financial Officer, Ch ief Investment Officer, Secretary and a member of our Board of Directors, also serves as the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Investment Officer and Treasurer of Bimini and owns shares of common stock of Bimini. In addition, as of March 31, 2018 , Bimini owned 1 ,520,036 shares, or 2.9% , of the Company’s common stock.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accept ed in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q a nd Article 8 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Orchid Island Casualty, LLC. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair p resentation have been included. Operating results for the three month period ended March 31, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be ex pected for the year end ing December 31, 2018 . The balance sheet at December 31, 2017 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financia l statements. For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s A nnual R eport on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 .
Use of Estimates	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP r equires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses du ring the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The significant estimates affecting the accompanying financial statements are the fair values of RMBS and derivatives .
Statement of Comprehensive Income	Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 220, Comprehensive Income , a statement of comprehensive income (loss) has not been included as the Company has no items of other comprehensive income (loss) . Comprehensive income (loss) is the same as net income (loss) for the periods presented.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash and cash equivalents include cash on deposit with financial institutions and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase . Restricted cash includes cash pledged as collateral for repurchase agreements and other borrowings, and interest rate swaps and other derivative instruments. The following table pr ovides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the statement of financial position that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the statement of cash flows. (in thousands) March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 127,168 $ 214,363 Restricted cash 36,837 32,349 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 164,005 $ 246,712 The Company maintains cash balances at four banks and excess margin on account at derivative exchanges, and, at times, balances may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses related to these balances. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insures eligible accounts up to $250,000 per depositor at each financial institution. At March 31, 2018 , the Company’s cash deposits exceeded federally insured limits by approximately $125.4 million. Restric ted cash balances are uninsured, but are held in separate customer accounts that are segregated from the general funds of the counterparty. The Company limits uninsured balances to only large, well-known bank and derivative exchanges and believes that it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents or restricted cash balances.
Mortgage-Backed Securities	Mortgage-Backed Securities The Company invests primarily in mortgage pass-through (“PT”) certificates, collateralized mortgage obligations, and inter est- only (“IO”) securities and inverse interest- only (“IIO”) securities representing interest in or obligations backed by pools of RMBS . T he Company has elected to account for its investment in RMBS under the fair value option. Electing the fair value option require s the Company to record changes in fair value in the consolidated statement of operations, which, in management’s view, more appropriately reflects the results of our operations for a par ticular reporting period and is consistent with the underlying economics and how the portfolio is managed. The Company records RMBS transactions on the trade date. Security purchases that have not settled as of the balance sheet date are included in the RMBS balance with an offsetting liability recorded, whereas securities sold that have not settled as of the balance sheet date are removed from the RMBS balance with an offsetting receivable recorded. The fair value of the Company’s investments in RMBS is governed by FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement . The definition of fair value in FASB ASC 820 focuses on the price that would be received to sell the asset or paid to transfer the liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability either occurs i n the principal market for the asset or liability, or in the absence of a principal market, occurs in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. Estimated fair values for RMBS are based on independent pricing sources and/or third party broker quotes, when available . Income on PT RMBS securities is based on the stated interest rate of the security. Premiums or discounts present at the date of purchase are not amortized. Premium lost and discount accretion resulting from monthly principal repa yments are reflected in unrealized gains (losses) on RMBS in the consolidated statements of operations. For IO securities, the income is accrued based on the carrying value and the effective yield. The difference between income accrued and the interest rec eived on the security is characterized as a return of investment and serves to reduce the asset’s carrying value. At each reporting date, the effective yield is adjusted prospectively from the reporting period based on the new estimate of prepayments and t he contractual terms of the security. For IIO securities, effective yield and income recognition calculations also take into account the index value applicable to the security. Changes in fair value of RMBS during each reporting period are recorded in earn ings and reported as unrealized gains or losses on mortgage-backed securities in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments The Company uses derivative instruments to manage interest rate risk, facilitate asset/liability strategies and manage other exposures, and it may continue to do so in the future. The principal instruments that the Company has used to date are Treasury Note (“T-Note”) and Eurodollar futures cont racts, interest rate swaps, options to enter in interest rate swaps (“interest rate swaptions”) and “to-be-announced” (“TBA”) securities transactions, but may enter into other derivatives in the future. The Company purchases a portion of its Agency RMBS through forward settling transactions, including TBA securities transactions. At times when market conditions are conducive, the Company may choose to move the settlement of these TBA securities transacti ons out to a later date by entering into an offsetting short position, which is then net settled for cash, and simultaneously entering into a substantially similar TBA securities trade for a later settlement date. Such a set of transactions is referred to as a TBA “dollar roll” transaction. The TBA securities purchased at the later settlement date are typically priced at a discount to securities for settlement in the current month. This difference is referred to as the “price drop.” The price drop repre sents compensation to the Company for foregoing net interest margin and is referred to as TBA “dollar roll income.” The Company accounts for TBA securities as derivative instruments if either the TBA securities do not settle in the shortest period of tim e possible or if the Company cannot assert that it is probable at inception of the TBA transaction, or throughout its term, that it will take physical delivery of the Agency RMBS for a long position, or make delivery of the Agency RMBS for a short position , upon settlement of the trade. The Company accounts for TBA dollar roll transactions as a series of derivative transactions. Gains, losses and dollar roll income associated with TBA securities transactions and dollar roll transactions are reported in gain (loss) on derivative instruments in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of TBA securities is estimated based on similar methods used to value RMBS securities. The Company has elected not to treat any of its derivative financial instruments as hedges in order to align the accounting treatment of its derivative instruments with the treatment of its portfolio assets under the fair value option election . FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging , requires that all derivative instruments be carried at fair value. Changes in fair value are recorded in earnings for each period. Holding d erivatives creates exposure to credit risk related to the potential for failure on the part of counterparties an d exchanges to honor their commitments. In addition, the Company may be required to post collateral based on any decli nes in the market value of the d erivatives. In the event of default by a counterparty, the Company may have difficulty recovering its co llateral and may not receive payments provided for under the terms of the agreement . To mitigate this risk, the Company uses only well-established comme rcial banks and exchanges as counterparties.
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments FASB ASC 825, Financial Instruments , requires disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value, either in the body of the financial statements or in the accompanying notes. RMBS, Eurodollar and T-Note futures contracts, inte rest rate swaps, interest rate swaptions and TBA securities are accounted for at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. The methods and assumptions used to estimate fair value for these instruments are presented in Note 12 of the consolidated fin ancial statements. The estimated fair value of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accrued interest receivable, receivable for securities sold, other assets, due to affiliates, repurchase agreements , payable for unsettled securities purchased, acc rued interest payable and other liabilities generally approximates their carrying values as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments.
Repurchase Agreements	Repurchase Agreements The Company finances the acquisition of the majority of its RMBS through the use of repurchase agreements under master repurchase agreements. Pursuant to ASC Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing , the Company accounts for repurchase transactions as collateral ized financing transactions, which are carried at their contractual amounts, including accrued interest, as specified in the respective agreements.
Management Fees	Manager Compensation The Company is externally managed by Bimini Advisors, LLC ( th e “Manager” or “Bimini Advisors”) , a Maryland limited liability company and wh olly-owned subsidiary of Bimini . The Company’s management agreement with the Manager provides for payment to the Manager of a management fee and reimbursement of certain operating expenses, which are a ccrued and expensed during the period for which they are earned or incurred. Refer to Note 13 for the terms of the management agreement.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share The Company follows the provisions of FASB ASC 260, Earnings Per Share . Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated as net income or loss attributable to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding or subscribed during the period. Diluted EPS is calculated using the treasury stock or two-cl ass method, as applicable, for common stock equivalents, if any. However, the common stock equivalents are not included in computing diluted EPS if the result is anti-dilutive.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Orchid has qualified and elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code ”). REITs are generally not subject to federal income tax on their REIT taxable income provided that they distribute to their stockholders at least 90% of their REIT taxable income on an annual basis. In addition, a REIT must meet other provisions of the Code to retain its tax status. Orchid measures , recognizes and presents its uncertain tax positions in accordance with FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes . Under that guidance, Orchid assesses the likelihood, based on their technical merit, that tax positions will be sustained upon examination based on the fa cts, circumstances and information available at the end of each period. All of Orchid’s tax positions are categorized as highly certain. There is no accrual for any tax, interest or penalties related to Orchid’s tax position assessment. The measurement of uncertain tax positions is adjusted when new information is available, or when an event occurs that requires a change.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In November 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows – (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. ASU 2016-18 requires that restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included as components of total cash and cash equivalents as presented on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early application is permitted. The Company early adopted the ASU beginning with the first quarter of 2017. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows – (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts a nd Cash Payments. ASU 2016-15 addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2 017. The Company’s adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instr uments. ASU 2016-13 requires credit losses on most financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments to be measured using an expected credit loss model (referred to as the current expected credit loss model). ASU 2016-13 is effectiv e for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early application is permitted for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the potential effect of this ASU o n its consolidated financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities . ASU 2016-01 provides guidance for the recog nition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial assets and financial liabilities. ASU 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017 and, for most provisions, is effective using the cumulative-effect transition approach.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND R

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	The following table pr ovides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the statement of financial position that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the statement of cash flows. (in thousands) March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 127,168 $ 214,363 Restricted cash 36,837 32,349 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 164,005 $ 246,712

MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (Tab

MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (Tables) - Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Mortgage Backed Securities [Line Items]
Schedule of RMBS portfolio	NOTE 2 . MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES The following table presents the Company’s RMBS portfolio as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : (in thousands) March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Pass-Through RMBS Certificates: Hybrid Adjustable-rate Mortgages $ 26,482 $ 27,398 Adjustable-rate Mortgages 1,754 1,754 Fixed-rate Mortgages 3,569,133 3,594,533 Total Pass-Through Certificates 3,597,369 3,623,685 Structured RMBS Certificates: Interest-Only Securities 120,199 86,918 Inverse Interest-Only Securities 28,216 34,208 Total Structured RMBS Certificates 148,415 121,126 Total $ 3,745,784 $ 3,744,811
Schedule of RMBS portfolio according to the contractual maturities of the securities in the portfolio	The following table summarizes the Company’s RMBS portfolio as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , according to the contractual maturities of the securities in the portfolio. Actual maturities of RMBS investments are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities and are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal, and prepayments of principal . (in thousands) March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Greater than one year and less than five years $ 15 $ 29 Greater than five years and less than ten years 3,049 3,281 Greater than or equal to ten years 3,742,720 3,741,501 Total $ 3,745,784 $ 3,744,811

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND OTH24

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND OTHER BORROWINGS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Repurchase Agreements [Abstract]
Schedule of repurchase agreements and remaining maturities	As of March 31, 2018 and 2017 , the Company’s repurchase agreements had remaining maturities as summarized below: ($ in thousands) OVERNIGHT BETWEEN 2 BETWEEN 31 GREATER (1 DAY OR AND AND THAN LESS) 30 DAYS 90 DAYS 90 DAYS TOTAL March 31, 2018 Fair market value of securities pledged, including accrued interest receivable $ - $ 2,263,087 $ 1,096,463 $ 459,040 $ 3,818,590 Repurchase agreement liabilities associated with these securities $ - $ 2,127,683 $ 1,038,162 $ 453,435 $ 3,619,280 Net weighted average borrowing rate - 1.91% 1.88% 1.57% 1.86% December 31, 2017 Fair market value of securities pledged, including accrued interest receivable $ - $ 1,983,958 $ 1,266,590 $ 475,975 $ 3,726,523 Repurchase agreement liabilities associated with these securities $ - $ 1,871,833 $ 1,208,518 $ 453,435 $ 3,533,786 Net weighted average borrowing rate - 1.53% 1.53% 1.57% 1.54%

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME25

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	Derivative Assets (Liabi lities), at Fair Value The table below summarizes fair value information about our derivative assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . (in thousands) Derivative Instruments and Related Accounts Balance Sheet Location March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Assets Interest rate swaps Derivative assets, at fair value $ 25,107 $ 13,745 Payer swaptions Derivative assets, at fair value 10,296 3,405 Receiver swaptions Derivative assets, at fair value 760 - TBA securities Derivative assets, at fair value 16 10 Total derivative assets, at fair value $ 36,179 $ 17,160 Liabilities Interest rate swaps Derivative liabilities, at fair value $ - $ 215 TBA securities Derivative liabilities, at fair value 2,582 1,823 Total derivative liabilities, at fair value $ 2,582 $ 2,038 Margin Balances Posted to (from) Counterparties Futures contracts Restricted cash $ 5,415 $ 5,545 TBA securities Restricted cash 2,857 1,508 TBA securities Other liabilities - (59) Interest rate swaption contracts Other liabilities (7,169) (3,505) Total margin balances on derivative contracts $ 1,103 $ 3,489
Schedule of Eurodollar and T-Note futures positions	Eurodollar and T-Note futures are cash settled futures contracts on an interest rate, with gains and losses credited or charged to the Company’s cash accounts on a daily basis. A minimum balance, or “margin”, is required to be maintained in the account on a daily basis. The tables below present information related to the Company’s Eurodollar and T-Note futures positions at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . ($ in thousands) March 31, 2018 Average Weighted Weighted Contract Average Average Notional Entry Effective Open Expiration Year Amount Rate Rate Equity (1) Eurodollar Futures Contracts (Short Positions) 2018 $ 1,333,333 1.92% 2.40% $ 4,743 2019 1,500,000 2.16% 2.69% 8,060 2020 1,500,000 2.64% 2.81% 2,480 Total / Weighted Average $ 1,454,545 2.28% 2.66% $ 15,283 Treasury Note Futures Contracts (Short Position) (2) June 2018 5-year T-Note futures (June 2018 - June 2023 Hedge Period) $ 165,000 2.94% 2.87% $ (472) ($ in thousands) December 31, 2017 Average Weighted Weighted Contract Average Average Notional Entry Effective Open Expiration Year Amount Rate Rate Equity (1) Eurodollar Futures Contracts (Short Positions) 2018 $ 1,212,500 1.86% 1.98% $ 1,418 2019 1,350,000 2.11% 2.27% 2,152 2020 987,500 2.59% 2.36% (2,360) Total / Weighted Average $ 1,183,333 2.16% 2.20% $ 1,210 Treasury Note Futures Contracts (Short Position) (2) March 2018 10 year T-Note futures (Mar 2018 - Mar 2028 Hedge Period) $ 140,000 2.23% 2.33% $ 755	[1],[2]
Schedule of Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Table Text Block]	1 to ≤ 3 years $ 650,000 1.09% 1.81% $ 17,232 1.8 Expiration > 3 to ≤ 5 years 360,000 2.05% 2.03% 7,875 4.0 $ 1,010,000 1.43% 1.89% $ 25,107 2.6 December 31, 2017 Expiration > 1 to ≤ 3 years $ 650,000 1.09% 1.31% $ 10,318 2.1 Expiration > 3 to ≤ 5 years 360,000 2.05% 1.32% (2,216) 4.3 $ 1,010,000 1.43% 1.31% $ 8,102 2.8" id="sjs-B6">Under our interest rate swap agreements, we typically pay a fixed rate and receive a floating rate based on the London Interbank Of fered Rate (“ LIBOR ”) ("payer swaps"). The floating rate we receive under our swap agreements has the effect of offsetting the repricing characteristics of our repurchase agreements and cash flows on such liabilities. We are typically required to post coll ateral on our interest rate swap agreements. The table below presents information related to the Company’s interest rate swap positions at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . ($ in thousands) Average Net Fixed Average Estimated Average Notional Pay Receive Fair Maturity Amount Rate Rate Value (Years) March 31, 2018 Expiration > 1 to ≤ 3 years $ 650,000 1.09% 1.81% $ 17,232 1.8 Expiration > 3 to ≤ 5 years 360,000 2.05% 2.03% 7,875 4.0 $ 1,010,000 1.43% 1.89% $ 25,107 2.6 December 31, 2017 Expiration > 1 to ≤ 3 years $ 650,000 1.09% 1.31% $ 10,318 2.1 Expiration > 3 to ≤ 5 years 360,000 2.05% 1.32% (2,216) 4.3 $ 1,010,000 1.43% 1.31% $ 8,102 2.8
Schedule Of Interest Rate Swaption Agreements [Table Text Block]	The table below presents information related to the Company’s interest rate swaption positions at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . ($ in thousands) Option Underlying Swap Weighted Average Weighted Average Average Adjustable Average Fair Months to Notional Fixed Rate Term Expiration Cost Value Expiration Amount Rate (LIBOR) (Years) March 31, 2018 ≤ 1 year Payer Swaptions $ 11,062 $ 10,296 9.3 $ 750,000 3.00% 3 Month 9.2 Receiver Swaptions 820 760 10.4 100,000 2.60% 3 Month 5.0 December 31, 2017 ≤ 1 year Payer Swaptions $ 2,367 $ 3,405 8.0 $ 200,000 2.16% 3 Month 6.0
Schedule of To Be Announced Securities [TableTextBlock]	The following table summarizes our contracts to purchase and sell TBA securities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . ($ in thousands) Notional Net Amount Cost Market Carrying Long (Short) (1) Basis (2) Value (3) Value (4) March 31, 2018 30-Year TBA securities: 3.0% $ (400,000) $ (387,621) $ (390,187) $ (2,566) December 31, 2017 30-Year TBA securities: 3.0% $ (300,000) $ (299,371) $ (300,153) $ (782) 4.0% (357,000) (373,403) (373,477) (74) 4.5% 356,556 380,371 379,414 (957) Total $ (300,444) $ (292,403) $ (294,216) $ (1,813)	[3],[4],[5],[6]
Schedule of the effect of the Company's deriviative financial instruments on the consolidated statement of operations	Gain (Loss) From Derivative Instruments, Net The table below presents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 . (in thousands) Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Eurodollar futures contracts (short positions) $ 14,541 $ (571) T-Note futures contracts (short position) 6,821 (3,851) Interest rate swaps 10,508 3 Receiver swaptions (349) - Payer swaptions 2,066 - Net TBA securities 8,407 - Total $ 41,994 $ (4,419)
[1]	Open equity represents the cumulative gains (losses) recorded on open futures positions from inception
[2]	T -Note f utures c ontracts were valued at a price of $ 114.46 at March 31, 2018 and $12 4.05 at December 31, 2017 . The no tional contract values of the short positions were $ 188.9 million and $ 173.7 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively
[3]	Market value represents the current market value of the TBA securities (or of the underlying Agency RMBS ) as of period-end
[4]	Market value represents the current market value of the TBA securities (or of the underlying Agency RMBS ) as of period-end
[5]	Net carrying value represents the difference between the market value and the cost basis of the TBA securities as of period-end and is reported in derivative assets (liabilities) , at fair valu e in our consolidated balance sheets
[6]	Notional amount represents the par value (or principal balance) of the underlying Agency RMBS

PLEDGED ASSETS (Tables)

PLEDGED ASSETS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Financial Instruments Pledged as Collateral [Abstract]
Schedule of assets pledged as collateral under our repurchase agreements, prime brokerage clearing accounts, derivative agreements and insurance capital by type, including securities pledged related to securities sold but not yet settled	Assets Pledged to Counterparties The table below summarizes our assets pledged as collateral under our repurchase agreements and derivative agreements by type, including securities pledged related to securities sold but not yet settled, as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . (in thousands) March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Repurchase Derivative Repurchase Derivative Assets Pledged to Counterparties Agreements Agreements Total Agreements Agreements Total PT RMBS - fair value $ 3,529,357 $ - $ 3,529,357 $ 3,612,244 $ - $ 3,612,244 Structured RMBS - fair value 114,361 - 114,361 100,317 - 100,317 Accrued interest on pledged securities 14,568 - 14,568 13,962 - 13,962 Receivable for securities sold 160,304 - 160,304 - - - Restricted cash 28,565 8,272 36,837 25,296 7,053 32,349 Total $ 3,847,155 $ 8,272 $ 3,855,427 $ 3,751,819 $ 7,053 $ 3,758,872
Schedule of assets pledged to us from counterparties under our repurchase agreements.	Assets Pledged from Counterparties The table below summarizes our assets pledged to us from counterparties under our repurchase agreements as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . (in thousands) March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Repurchase Derivative Repurchase Derivative Assets Pledged to Orchid Agreements Agreements Total Agreements Agreements Total Cash $ 1,146 $ 7,169 $ 8,315 $ 67 $ 3,564 $ 3,631 PT RMBS - fair value 548 - 548 - - - U.S. Treasury securities - fair value 1,077 - 1,077 - - - Total $ 2,771 $ 7,169 $ 9,940 $ 67 $ 3,564 $ 3,631

OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILI27

OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Offsetting Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]
Offsetting of Assets [Table Text Block]	The following table presents information regarding those assets and liabilities subject to such arra ngements as if the Company had presented them on a net basis as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . (in thousands) Offsetting of Assets Net Amount Gross Amount Not Offset in the of Assets Consolidated Balance Sheet Gross Amount Presented Financial Gross Amount Offset in the in the Instruments Cash of Recognized Consolidated Consolidated Received as Received as Net Assets Balance Sheet Balance Sheet Collateral Collateral Amount March 31, 2018 Interest rate swaps $ 25,107 $ - $ 25,107 $ - $ - $ 25,107 Interest rate swaptions 11,056 - 11,056 - (7,169) 3,887 TBA securities 16 - 16 - - 16 $ 36,179 $ - $ 36,179 $ - $ (7,169) $ 29,010 December 31, 2017 Interest rate swaps $ 13,745 $ - $ 13,745 $ - $ - $ 13,745 Interest rate swaptions 3,405 - 3,405 - (3,405) - TBA securities 10 - 10 - (10) - $ 17,160 $ - $ 17,160 $ - $ (3,415) $ 13,745
Offsetting of Liabilties [Table Text Block]	(in thousands) Offsetting of Liabilities Net Amount Gross Amount Not Offset in the of Assets Consolidated Balance Sheet Gross Amount Presented Financial Gross Amount Offset in the in the Instruments of Recognized Consolidated Consolidated Posted as Cash Posted Net Liabilities Balance Sheet Balance Sheet Collateral Collateral Amount March 31, 2018 Repurchase Agreements $ 3,619,280 $ - $ 3,619,280 $ (3,590,715) $ (28,565) $ - TBA securities 2,582 - 2,582 - (2,582) - $ 3,621,862 $ - $ 3,621,862 $ (3,590,715) $ (31,147) $ - December 31, 2017 Repurchase Agreements $ 3,533,786 $ - $ 3,533,786 $ (3,508,490) $ (25,296) $ - Interest rate swaps 215 - 215 - - 215 TBA securities 1,823 - 1,823 - (1,508) 315 $ 3,535,824 $ - $ 3,535,824 $ (3,508,490) $ (26,804) $ 530

CAPITAL STOCK (Tables)

CAPITAL STOCK (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Capital Stock [Abstract]
Schedule of completed public offerings of shares of common stock	Common Stock Issuances During 2017, the Company completed the following public offerings of shares of its common stock. There were no common stock issuances through public offerings during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017. ($ in thousands, except per share amounts) Weighted Average Price Book Value Per Share Received Net Type of Offering Period Beginning Ending Per Share (1) Shares Proceeds (2) 2017 At the Market Offering Program (3) First Quarter $ 10.10 $ 9.75 $ 10.13 1,286,196 $ 12,792 At the Market Offering Program (3) Second Quarter 9.75 9.23 10.17 11,012,836 110,065 At the Market Offering Program (3) Fourth Quarter 9.15 8.71 9.81 7,746,052 74,750 20,045,084 $ 197,607	[1],[2],[3]
Schedul of cash dividends declared on the Company's common stock	Cash Dividends The table below presents the cash dividends declared on the Company’s common stock . (in thousands, except per share amounts) Year Per Share Amount Total 2013 $ 1.395 $ 4,662 2014 2.160 22,643 2015 1.920 38,748 2016 1.680 41,388 2017 1.680 70,717 2018 - YTD (1) 0.400 21,249 Totals $ 9.235 $ 199,407	[4]
[1]	The Company has entered into six e quity d istribution a greements, five of which have either been terminated because all shares were sold or were replaced with a subsequent agreement .
[2]	Net proceeds are net of the underwriters’ discount, if applicable, and other offering costs.
[3]	Weighted average p rice received per share is before deducting the underwriters’ discount, if applicable, and other offering costs.
[4]	On April 11, 2018 , the Company declared a dividend of $0. 09 per share to be paid on May 10, 2018 . The effect of this dividend is included in the table above, but is not reflected in the Company’s financial statements as of March 31, 2018 .

STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS (Tables)

STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Employee Benefits And Share Based Compensation [Abstract]
Schedule Of Restricted Stock Awards [Table Text Block]	Restricted Stock Awards The table below presents information related to the Company’s restricted common stock at March 31, 2018 and 2017 . ($ in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Weighted Weighted Average Average Grant Date Grant Date Shares Fair Value Shares Fair Value Unvested, beginning of period - $ - 8,000 $ 12.23 Granted - - - - Vested and issued - - - - Unvested, end of period - $ - 8,000 $ 12.23 Compensation expense during period $ - $ 24 Unrecognized compensation expense, end of period $ - $ 8 Intrinsic value, end of period $ - $ 80 Weighted-average remaining vesting term (in years) - 0.1
Schedule of fully vested common stock issued	Stock Awards The Company issues immediately vested common stock under the Incentive Plan to certain executive officers, employees and directors. The following table presents information related to fully vested common stock issued during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 . All of the fully vested shares of common stock issued during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, and the related compensation expense, were granted with respect to service performed during the previous fiscal year . ($ in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Fully vested shares granted 3,886 17,335 Weighted average grant date price per share $ 9.28 $ 9.67 Compensation expense related to fully vested shares of common stock awards $ 36 $ 168
Schedule of Performance Units outstanding	The following table p resents information related to Performance Units outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 . ($ in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Weighted Weighted Average Average Grant Date Grant Date Shares Fair Value Shares Fair Value Unvested, beginning of period 41,693 $ 9.95 45,305 $ 10.33 Granted - - 15,707 9.55 Vested and issued (6,406) 10.28 (4,830) 10.52 Unvested, end of period 35,287 $ 9.89 56,182 $ 10.10 Compensation expense during period $ 45 $ 62 Unrecognized compensation expense, end of period $ 121 $ 344 Intrinsic value, end of period $ 260 $ 561 Weighted-average remaining vesting term (in years) 0.9 1.5

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of reconciling the numerator and denominator of EPS	The table below reconciles the numerator and denominator of EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 . (in thousands, except per-share information) Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Basic and diluted EPS per common share: Numerator for basic and diluted EPS per share of common stock: Net (loss) income - Basic and diluted $ (16,377) $ 2,449 Weighted average shares of common stock: Shares of common stock outstanding at the balance sheet date 53,072 34,270 Unvested dividend eligible share based compensation outstanding at the balance sheet date - 64 Effect of weighting (6) (1,265) Weighted average shares-basic and diluted 53,066 33,069 Net (loss) income per common share: Basic and diluted $ (0.31) $ 0.07

FAIR VALUE (Tables)

FAIR VALUE (Tables)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of financial assets (liabilities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis	(in thousands) Quoted Prices in Active Significant Markets for Other Significant Identical Observable Unobservable Fair Value Assets Inputs Inputs Measurements (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) March 31, 2018 Mortgage-backed securities $ 3,745,784 $ - $ 3,745,784 $ - Interest rate swaps 25,107 - 25,107 - Interest rate swaptions 11,056 - 11,056 - TBA securities (2,566) - (2,566) - December 31, 2017 Mortgage-backed securities $ 3,744,811 $ - $ 3,744,811 $ - Interest rate swaps 13,530 - 13,530 - Interest rate swaptions 3,405 - 3,405 - TBA securities (1,813) - (1,813) -	The following table presents financial assets (liabilities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 :

ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT 32

ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Organization and Business Description (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Entity Incorporation, Date of Incorporation	Aug. 17, 2010
Entity Incorporation, State Country Name	MD
The date of commencement of operations	Nov. 24, 2010

ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT 33

ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Narrative) (Details)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Uninsured Cash Balances	$ 125,400,000

ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT 34

ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Capital Raising Activities (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		5 Months Ended	7 Months Ended	8 Months Ended
	Feb. 20, 2013	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Aug. 01, 2017	Feb. 22, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Proceeds From Issuance Of Common Stock, net of issuance costs		$ 0	$ 12,793,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues		$ 0
Initial Public Offering [Member]
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	$ 35,400,000
Total shares issued under distribution agreement	2,400,000
At the Market Offering Program [Member]
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Proceeds From Issuance Of Common Stock, net of issuance costs				$ 122,900,000	$ 108,200,000	$ 74,700,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues				$ 125,000,000	$ 110,000,000	$ 76,000,000
Total shares issued under distribution agreement				12,299,032	10,174,992	7,746,052
At the Market Offering Program [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues				$ 125,000,000	$ 125,000,000	$ 125,000,000

ORGANIZATION AND SIGINIFICANT A

ORGANIZATION AND SIGINIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 127,168,000	$ 214,363,000
Restricted cash	36,837,000	32,349,000
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$ 164,005,000	$ 246,712,000	$ 112,723,000	$ 94,425,000

MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES - RM

MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES - RMBS portfolio (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 3,745,784	$ 3,744,811
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Fair Value	3,745,784	3,744,811
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Total Pass Through Certificates [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Fair Value	3,597,369	3,623,685
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Total Pass Through Certificates [Member] | Hybrid Adjustable- rate Mortgages [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Fair Value	26,482	27,398
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Total Pass Through Certificates [Member] | Adjustable-rate Mortgages [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Fair Value	1,754	1,754
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Total Pass Through Certificates [Member] | Fixed-rate Mortgages [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Fair Value	3,569,133	3,594,533
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Total Strucutured RMBS Certificates [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Fair Value	148,415	121,126
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Total Strucutured RMBS Certificates [Member] | Interest-Only Securities [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Fair Value	120,199	86,918
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Total Strucutured RMBS Certificates [Member] | Inverse Interest-Only Securities [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 28,216	$ 34,208

MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES - 37

MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES - RMBS portfolio by contractual maturities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Greater than one year and less than five years	$ 15	$ 29
Greater than five years and less than ten years	3,049	3,281
Greater than or equal to ten years	3,742,720	3,741,501
Total mortgage-backed securities	$ 3,745,784	$ 3,744,811

MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES - (N

MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES - (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Financial Instruments, Owned and Not Pledged, at Fair Value	$ 102,066,000	$ 32,250,000
Unsettled Securities Purchased Included in Unpledged Securities	$ 14,600,000	$ 0

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND OTH39

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND OTHER BORROWINGS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]
Outstanding repurchase obligations	$ 3,619,280,000	$ 3,533,786,000
Fair Value of securities pledged, including accrued interest receivable	3,818,590,000	3,726,523,000
Cash Held on Deposit with Repurchase Agreement Counterparties	$ 36,837,000	$ 32,349,000
Net weighted average borrowing rate	1.86%	1.54%
Repurchase Agreement [Member]
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]
Outstanding repurchase obligations	$ 3,619,280,000	$ 3,533,786,000
Fair Value of securities pledged, including accrued interest receivable	3,818,590,000	3,726,523,000
Cash Held on Deposit with Repurchase Agreement Counterparties	$ 28,565,000	$ 25,296,000
Net weighted average borrowing rate	1.86%	1.54%
Aggregate amount at risk will all counterparties	$ 220,700,000

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND OTH40

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND OTHER BORROWINGS - Remaining Maturities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]
Fair Value of securities pledged, including accrued interest receivable	$ 3,818,590	$ 3,726,523
Repurchase agreement liabilities associated with these liabilities	$ 3,619,280	$ 3,533,786
Net weighted average borrowing rate	1.86%	1.54%
Overnight (1 Day or Less) [Member]
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]
Fair Value of securities pledged, including accrued interest receivable	$ 0	$ 0
Repurchase agreement liabilities associated with these liabilities	$ 0	$ 0
Net weighted average borrowing rate	0.00%	0.00%
Between 2 and 30 Days [Member]
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]
Fair Value of securities pledged, including accrued interest receivable	$ 2,263,087	$ 1,983,958
Repurchase agreement liabilities associated with these liabilities	$ 2,127,683	$ 1,871,833
Net weighted average borrowing rate	1.91%	1.53%
Between 31 and 90 Days [Member]
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]
Fair Value of securities pledged, including accrued interest receivable	$ 1,096,463	$ 1,266,590
Repurchase agreement liabilities associated with these liabilities	$ 1,038,162	$ 1,208,518
Net weighted average borrowing rate	1.88%	1.53%
Greater Than 90 days [Member]
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]
Fair Value of securities pledged, including accrued interest receivable	$ 459,040	$ 475,975
Repurchase agreement liabilities associated with these liabilities	$ 453,435	$ 453,435
Net weighted average borrowing rate	1.57%	1.57%

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME41

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Schedule of Derivative Assets and Liabilties (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative [Line Items]
Assets, at Fair Value	$ 36,179,000	$ 17,160,000
Liabilities, at Fair Value	2,582,000	2,038,000
Restricted cash	36,837,000	32,349,000
Other Liabilities	26,607,000	10,566,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument, Economic Hedge [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Assets, at Fair Value	36,179,000	17,160,000
Liabilities, at Fair Value	2,582,000	2,038,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Assets, at Fair Value	25,107,000	13,745,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument, Economic Hedge [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Assets, at Fair Value	25,107,000	13,745,000
Liabilities, at Fair Value	0	215,000
TBA Contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument, Economic Hedge [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Assets, at Fair Value	16,000	10,000
Liabilities, at Fair Value	2,582,000	1,823,000
Restricted cash	2,857,000	1,508,000
Other Liabilities	0	(59,000)
Eurodollar Future Margin [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument, Economic Hedge [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Restricted cash	5,415,000	5,545,000
Payer Swaption [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Assets, at Fair Value	11,056,000	3,405,000
Payer Swaption [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument, Economic Hedge [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Assets, at Fair Value	10,296,000	3,405,000
Other Liabilities	(7,169,000)	(3,505,000)
Receiver Swaption [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument, Economic Hedge [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Assets, at Fair Value	$ 760,000	$ 0

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME42

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Eurodollar and T-Note futures positions (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Eurodollar Future [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 1,454,545,000	$ 1,183,333,000
Derivative Entry Rate	2.28%	2.16%
Locked-In LIBOR Rate	2.66%	2.20%
Open Equity	$ 15,283,000	$ 1,210,000
Year 2018 Expiration [Member] | Eurodollar Future [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 1,333,333,000	$ 1,212,500,000
Derivative Entry Rate	1.92%	1.86%
Locked-In LIBOR Rate	2.40%	1.98%
Open Equity	$ 4,743,000	$ 1,418,000
Year 2018 Expiration [Member] | Treasury Note Futures [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 165,000,000	$ 140,000,000
Derivative Entry Rate	2.94%	2.23%
Locked-In LIBOR Rate	2.87%	2.33%
Open Equity	$ (472,000)	$ 755,000
Dollar Price	114.46	124.05
Notional Value	$ 188,900,000	$ 173,700,000
Year 2019 Expiration [Member] | Eurodollar Future [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 1,500,000,000	$ 1,350,000,000
Derivative Entry Rate	2.16%	2.11%
Locked-In LIBOR Rate	2.69%	2.27%
Open Equity	$ 8,060,000	$ 2,152,000
Year 2020 Expiration [Member] | Eurodollar Future [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 1,500,000,000	$ 987,500,000
Derivative Entry Rate	2.64%	2.59%
Locked-In LIBOR Rate	2.81%	2.36%
Open Equity	$ 2,480,000	$ (2,360,000)

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME43

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Interest rate swap positions (Details) - Swap [Member] - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investment Securities Class [Domain]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 1,010,000,000	$ 1,010,000,000
Average Fixed Pay Rate	1.43%	1.43%
Average Receive Rate	1.89%	1.31%
Assets, at Fair Value	$ 25,107,000	$ 8,102,000
Average Maturity	3 years 1 month 2 days	2 years 10 months 2 days
1-3 Years
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 650,000,000	$ 650,000,000
Average Fixed Pay Rate	1.09%	1.09%
Average Receive Rate	1.81%	1.31%
Assets, at Fair Value	$ 17,232,000	$ 10,318,000
Average Maturity	1 year 9 months 20 days	2 years 20 days
3-5 Years
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 360,000,000	$ 360,000,000
Average Fixed Pay Rate	2.05%	2.05%
Average Receive Rate	2.03%	1.32%
Assets, at Fair Value	$ 7,875,000
Liabilities, at Fair Value		$ (2,216,000)
Average Maturity	4 years 3 days	4 years 3 months 3 days

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INTSTRUMEN

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INTSTRUMENTS - Summary of Outstanding Swaptions (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets, at Fair Value	$ 36,179,000	$ 17,160,000
Payer Swaption [Member] | Less Than Or Equal To One Year [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Swaption Cost	11,062,000	2,367,000
Assets, at Fair Value	$ 10,296,000	$ 3,405,000
Derivative Instruments Average Months To Expiration	9 months 9 days	8 months
Notional Amount	$ 750,000,000	$ 200,000,000
Derivative Average Fixed Interest Rate	3.00%	2.16%
Term (Years)	9 years 2 months 13 days	6 years
Receiver Swaption [Member] | Less Than Or Equal To One Year [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Swaption Cost	$ 820,000
Assets, at Fair Value	$ 760,000
Derivative Instruments Average Months To Expiration	10 months 12 days
Notional Amount	$ 100,000,000
Derivative Average Fixed Interest Rate	2.60%
Term (Years)	5 years

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME45

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - TBA positions (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets, at Fair Value	$ 36,179,000	$ 17,160,000
Liabilities, at Fair Value	2,582,000	2,038,000
30 Year [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount		(300,444,000)
Cost Basis		(292,403,000)
Market Value Of TBA Contract		(294,216,000)
Liabilities, at Fair Value		(1,813,000)
30 Year [Member] | 3% [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	(400,000,000)	(300,000,000)
Cost Basis	(387,621,000)	(299,371,000)
Market Value Of TBA Contract	(390,187,000)	(300,153,000)
Liabilities, at Fair Value	$ (2,566,000)	(782,000)
30 Year [Member] | 4.0% [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount		(357,000,000)
Cost Basis		(373,403,000)
Market Value Of TBA Contract		(373,477,000)
Liabilities, at Fair Value		(74,000)
30 Year [Member] | 4.5% [Member] | Long [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount		356,556,000
Cost Basis		380,371,000
Market Value Of TBA Contract		379,414,000
Liabilities, at Fair Value		$ (957,000)

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME46

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Effect on the consolidated statements of operations (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
(Losses) gains on derivative instruments	$ 41,994,000	$ (4,419,000)
Eurodollar Future [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
(Losses) gains on derivative instruments	14,541,000	(571,000)
Treasury Note Future [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
(Losses) gains on derivative instruments	6,821,000	(3,851,000)
Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
(Losses) gains on derivative instruments	10,508,000	3,000
Receiver Swaption [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
(Losses) gains on derivative instruments	(349,000)	0
Payer Swaption [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
(Losses) gains on derivative instruments	2,066,000	0
TBA Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
(Losses) gains on derivative instruments	$ 8,407,000	$ 0

PLEDGED ASSETS - Assets Pledged

PLEDGED ASSETS - Assets Pledged to Counterparties (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Pledged Assets [Line Items]
Financial Instruments, Owned and Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value	$ 3,643,718,000	$ 3,712,561,000
Accrued interest receivable	15,384,000	14,444,000
OtherReceivablesFromBrokerDealersAndClearingOrganizations	160,919,000	0
Restricted cash	36,837,000	32,349,000
Repurchase Agreement [Member]
Pledged Assets [Line Items]
Accrued interest receivable	14,568,000	13,962,000
OtherReceivablesFromBrokerDealersAndClearingOrganizations	160,304,000	0
Restricted cash	28,565,000	25,296,000
Derivative [Member]
Pledged Assets [Line Items]
Accrued interest receivable	0	0
OtherReceivablesFromBrokerDealersAndClearingOrganizations	0	0
Restricted cash	8,272,000	7,053,000
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Pledged Assets [Line Items]
Financial Instruments, Owned and Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value	3,643,718,000	3,712,561,000
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Repurchase Agreement [Member] | Pass Through Certificate [Member]
Pledged Assets [Line Items]
Financial Instruments, Owned and Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value	3,529,357,000	3,612,244,000
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Repurchase Agreement [Member] | Structured Finance [Member]
Pledged Assets [Line Items]
Financial Instruments, Owned and Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value	114,361,000	100,317,000
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Derivative [Member] | Pass Through Certificate [Member]
Pledged Assets [Line Items]
Financial Instruments, Owned and Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value	0	0
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Derivative [Member] | Structured Finance [Member]
Pledged Assets [Line Items]
Financial Instruments, Owned and Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value	$ 0	$ 0

PLEDGED ASSETS - Assets Pledg48

PLEDGED ASSETS - Assets Pledged By Counterparties (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Pledged Assets [Line Items]
Securities Pledged By Counterparties	$ 9,940,000	$ 3,631,000
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Pledged Assets [Line Items]
Securities Pledged By Counterparties	548,000	0
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Pass Through Certificate [Member]
Pledged Assets [Line Items]
Securities Pledged By Counterparties	548,000	0
USTreasurySecuritiesMember
Pledged Assets [Line Items]
Securities Pledged By Counterparties	1,077,000	0
Cash
Pledged Assets [Line Items]
Securities Pledged By Counterparties	8,315,000	3,631,000
Repurchase Agreement [Member]
Pledged Assets [Line Items]
Securities Pledged By Counterparties	2,771,000	67,000
Repurchase Agreement [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Pledged Assets [Line Items]
Securities Pledged By Counterparties	548,000	0
Repurchase Agreement [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Pass Through Certificate [Member]
Pledged Assets [Line Items]
Securities Pledged By Counterparties	548,000	0
Repurchase Agreement [Member] | USTreasurySecuritiesMember
Pledged Assets [Line Items]
Securities Pledged By Counterparties	1,077,000	0
Repurchase Agreement [Member] | Cash
Pledged Assets [Line Items]
Securities Pledged By Counterparties	1,146,000	67,000
Derivative [Member]
Pledged Assets [Line Items]
Securities Pledged By Counterparties	7,169,000	3,564,000
Derivative [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Pledged Assets [Line Items]
Securities Pledged By Counterparties	0	0
Derivative [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Pass Through Certificate [Member]
Pledged Assets [Line Items]
Securities Pledged By Counterparties	0	0
Derivative [Member] | USTreasurySecuritiesMember
Pledged Assets [Line Items]
Securities Pledged By Counterparties	0	0
Derivative [Member] | Cash
Pledged Assets [Line Items]
Securities Pledged By Counterparties	$ 7,169,000	$ 3,564,000

OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILI49

OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - Offsetting of Assets (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	$ 36,179,000	$ 17,160,000
Gross Amount Of Assets Offset In The Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amount Of Assets Presented In The Balance Sheet	36,179,000	17,160,000
Gross Amounts Of Financial Instruments Received Not Offset In Balance Sheet	0	0
Gross Amounts Of Cash Collateral Received Not Offset In Balance Sheet	(7,169,000)	(3,415,000)
Net Amount Of Assets	29,010,000	13,745,000
Swap [Member]
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	25,107,000	13,745,000
Gross Amount Of Assets Offset In The Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amount Of Assets Presented In The Balance Sheet	25,107,000	13,745,000
Gross Amounts Of Financial Instruments Received Not Offset In Balance Sheet	0	0
Gross Amounts Of Cash Collateral Received Not Offset In Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amount Of Assets	25,107,000	13,745,000
TBA securities [Member]
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	16,000	10,000
Gross Amount Of Assets Offset In The Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amount Of Assets Presented In The Balance Sheet	16,000	10,000
Gross Amounts Of Financial Instruments Received Not Offset In Balance Sheet	0	0
Gross Amounts Of Cash Collateral Received Not Offset In Balance Sheet	0	(10,000)
Net Amount Of Assets	16,000	0
Payer Swaption [Member]
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	11,056,000	3,405,000
Gross Amount Of Assets Offset In The Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amount Of Assets Presented In The Balance Sheet	11,056,000	3,405,000
Gross Amounts Of Financial Instruments Received Not Offset In Balance Sheet	0	0
Gross Amounts Of Cash Collateral Received Not Offset In Balance Sheet	(7,169,000)	(3,405,000)
Net Amount Of Assets	$ 3,887,000	$ 0

OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILI50

OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - Offsetting of Liabilties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]
Gross Amount Of Recognized Liabilties	$ 3,621,862	$ 3,535,824
Gross Amount Of Liabilties Offset In The Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amount Of Liabilities Presented In The Balance Sheet	3,621,862	3,535,824
Gross Amount Of Financial Instruments Posted Not Offset in Balance Sheet	(3,590,715)	(3,508,490)
Gross Amounts Of Cash Posted Not Offset In Balance Sheet	(31,147)	(26,804)
Net Amount Of Liabilities	0	530
Repurchase Agreement [Member]
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]
Gross Amount Of Recognized Liabilties	3,619,280	3,533,786
Gross Amount Of Liabilties Offset In The Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amount Of Liabilities Presented In The Balance Sheet	3,619,280	3,533,786
Gross Amount Of Financial Instruments Posted Not Offset in Balance Sheet	(3,590,715)	(3,508,490)
Gross Amounts Of Cash Posted Not Offset In Balance Sheet	(28,565)	(25,296)
Net Amount Of Liabilities	0	0
Swap [Member]
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]
Gross Amount Of Recognized Liabilties		215
Gross Amount Of Liabilties Offset In The Balance Sheet		0
Net Amount Of Liabilities Presented In The Balance Sheet		215
Gross Amount Of Financial Instruments Posted Not Offset in Balance Sheet		0
Gross Amounts Of Cash Posted Not Offset In Balance Sheet		0
Net Amount Of Liabilities		215
TBA securities [Member]
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]
Gross Amount Of Recognized Liabilties	2,582	1,823
Gross Amount Of Liabilties Offset In The Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amount Of Liabilities Presented In The Balance Sheet	2,582	1,823
Gross Amount Of Financial Instruments Posted Not Offset in Balance Sheet	0	0
Gross Amounts Of Cash Posted Not Offset In Balance Sheet	(2,582)	(1,508)
Net Amount Of Liabilities	$ 0	$ 315

CAPITAL STOCK - Completed publi

CAPITAL STOCK - Completed public offerings ofcommon stock (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	$ 0
At the Market Offering Program [Member]
Book Value Per Share		$ 8.71	$ 9.23	$ 9.75	$ 8.71	$ 9.15	$ 10.1
Weighted Average Price Received Per Share		$ 9.81	$ 10.17	$ 10.13	$ 9.81			$ 10.17
Stock Issued During Period Shares New Issues		7,746,052	11,012,836	1,286,196	20,045,084
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues		$ 74,750	$ 110,065	$ 12,792	$ 197,607

CAPITAL STOCK - Share Repurchas

CAPITAL STOCK - Share Repurchase Progam (Narrative) (Details) - Common Stock [Member] - USD ($)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	32 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018	Feb. 08, 2018	Jul. 29, 2015
Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Share Repurchase Program [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program Authorization Date			Jul. 29, 2015
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares	0	0	1,216,243
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value			$ 10,800,000
Weighted Average Share Repurchase Price			$ 8.92
Share Repurchase Program [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share Repurchase Program [Line Items]
Share Repurchase					2,000,000
Stock Repurchase Program Remaining Number Of Shares Authorized To Be Repurchased			5,306,579
Program Increase [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share Repurchase Program [Line Items]
Share Repurchase				4,522,822

CAPITAL STOCK - Cash dividends

CAPITAL STOCK - Cash dividends declared (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended					62 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2018
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Per Share Amount	$ 0.31	$ 0.42
Dividend Declared [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Per Share Amount	$ 0.4		$ 1.68	$ 1.68	$ 1.92	$ 2.16	$ 1.395	$ 9.235
Total	$ 21,249,000		$ 70,717,000	$ 41,388,000	$ 38,748,000	$ 22,643,000	$ 4,662,000	$ 199,407,000
Dividend Declared [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends Payable, Date Declared	Apr. 11, 2018
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid	May 10, 2018
Per Share Amount	$ 0.09

STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN - Descript

STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN - Descriptions of Plans (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018shares
Employee Benefits And Share Based Compensation [Abstract]
Maximum Number of Shares to Be Issued the Plan	4,000,000
Percentage of Outstanding Stock Limitation	10.00%

STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN - (Narrati

STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN - (Narrative) (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Restricted Stock
Incentive Share Activity, Shares
Nonvested - Beginning Balance	0	8,000
Granted	0	0
Vested	0	0
Nonvested - Ending Balance	0	8,000
Incentive Share Activity, Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested - Beginning Balance	$ 0	$ 12.23
Granted	0	0
Vested	0	0
Nonvested - Ending Balance	$ 0	$ 12.23
Stock Awards [Member]
Incentive Share Activity, Shares
Granted	3,886	17,335
Incentive Share Activity, Grant Date Fair Value
Granted	$ 9.28	$ 9.67
Performance Shares [Member]
Incentive Share Activity, Shares
Nonvested - Beginning Balance	41,693	45,305
Granted	0	15,707
Vested	(6,406)	(4,830)
Nonvested - Ending Balance	35,287	56,182
Incentive Share Activity, Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested - Beginning Balance	$ 9.95	$ 10.33
Granted	0	9.55
Vested	10.28	10.52
Nonvested - Ending Balance	$ 9.89	$ 10.1

STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN - (Narra56

STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN - (Narrative, continued) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Intrinsic Value of Nonvested	$ 0	$ 80,000
Weighted Average Remaining Term		25 days
Unrecognized Compensation Cost	0	$ 8,000
Share Based Compensation	$ 0	$ 24,000
Granted	0	0
Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation	$ 36,000	$ 168,000
Granted	3,886	17,335
Stock Awards [Member] | Prior year service period [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation	$ 36,000	$ 168,000
Granted	3,886	17,335
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Intrinsic Value of Nonvested	$ 260,000	$ 561,000
Weighted Average Remaining Term	11 months 9 days	1 year 5 months 15 days
Unrecognized Compensation Cost	$ 121,000	$ 344,000
Share Based Compensation	$ 45,000	$ 62,000
Granted	0	15,707

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	$ (16,377)	$ 2,449
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted	$ (16,377)	$ 2,449
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Common Shares Outstanding	53,072,000	34,270,000
Unvested Dividend Eligible Shares Outstanding at the Balance Sheet Date	0	64,000
Effect of Weighting	(6,000)	(1,265,000)
Weighted Average Shares - Basic and Diluted	53,065,845	33,069,064
Income (Loss) Per Share - Basic	$ (0.31)	$ 0.07
Income (Loss) Pe Share - Diluted	$ (0.31)	$ 0.07

EARNINGS PER SHARE - (Narrative

EARNINGS PER SHARE - (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018shares
Performance Shares [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	41,550

FAIR VALUE - Assets - Assets a

FAIR VALUE - Assets - Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities	$ 3,745,784,000		$ 3,744,811,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	36,179,000		17,160,000
Fair Value Assets Transfers Amount	0	$ 0
Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	25,107,000		13,745,000
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities	3,745,784,000		3,744,811,000
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	25,107,000		13,530,000
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Interest Rate Swaption [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	11,056,000		3,405,000
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | TBA Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	(2,566,000)		(1,813,000)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Interest Rate Swaption [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | TBA Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities	3,745,784,000		3,744,811,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	25,107,000		13,530,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Interest Rate Swaption [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	11,056,000		3,405,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | TBA Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	(2,566,000)		(1,813,000)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Interest Rate Swaption [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | TBA Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	$ 0		$ 0

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Ma

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Management Agreement (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due to affiliates	$ 796,000		$ 797,000
Bimini Advisors, LLC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Termination Date	2/20/2019
Automatic Renewal Period Of Management Agreement	1 year
Management Fees And Allocated Expenses	$ 2,093,000	$ 1,670,000
Bimini Advisors, LLC [Member] | First $250 million of Equity [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Annual management fee as a percent of equity	1.50%
Bimini Advisors, LLC [Member] | Greater than $250 million but less than or equal to $500 million Equity [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Annual management fee as a percent of equity	1.25%
Bimini Advisors, LLC [Member] | Greater than $500 million of Equity [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Annual management fee as a percent of equity	1.00%

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Ot

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Other Relationships (Narrative) (Details) - Bimini Capital Management Inc [Member]	Mar. 31, 2018shares
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Orchid Shares Owned	1,520,036
Entity Ownership Percentage	2.90%