v2.4.0.6

Long-Term Incentive Plan Units (Roll-Forward Of Company's LTIP Units Outstanding) (Details) (Long-Term Incentive Plan Units [Member])	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
LTIP Units Outstanding, Beginning	390,500	385,000	390,500	385,000
Granted	5,346	3,750	5,346	3,750
Exercised	0	0	0	0
LTIP Units Outstanding, Ending	395,846	388,750	395,846	388,750
LTIP Units Vested and Outstanding	387,500	378,750	387,500	378,750
Manager [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
LTIP Units Outstanding, Beginning	375,000	375,000	375,000	375,000
Granted	0	0	0	0
Exercised	0	0	0	0
LTIP Units Outstanding, Ending	375,000	375,000	375,000	375,000
LTIP Units Vested and Outstanding	375,000	375,000	375,000	375,000
Non-Manager [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
LTIP Units Outstanding, Beginning	15,500	10,000	15,500	10,000
Granted	5,346	3,750	5,346	3,750
Exercised	0	0	0	0
LTIP Units Outstanding, Ending	20,846	13,750	20,846	13,750
LTIP Units Vested and Outstanding	12,500	3,750	12,500	3,750

X

- Definition

The number of LTIP units converted to common shares during the period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	efc_LtipUnitsConverted
Namespace Prefix:	efc_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

As of the balance sheet date, the number of shares into which fully vested LTIPs outstanding can be converted into common stock.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	efc_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesVestedOutstandingNumber
Namespace Prefix:	efc_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Net number of share options (or share units) granted during the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (c)(1)(iv)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901



Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph b(1)(d)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

The number of shares reserved for issuance under stock option agreements awarded under the plan that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date, including vested options.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph b(1)(b)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.



Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901



Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (c)(1)(i)-(ii)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901



Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph b(1)(a)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant