v2.4.1.9

Consolidated Condensed Schedule Of Investments (Repurchase Agreements) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Fair value repurchase agreements | $ 172,001,000 us-gaap_SecuritiesForReverseRepurchaseAgreements | [1] | $ 27,962,000 us-gaap_SecuritiesForReverseRepurchaseAgreements | [1]
Repurchase agreements, cost | 172,001,000 efc_RepurchaseAgreementsCost |  | 27,943,000 efc_RepurchaseAgreementsCost |
Repurchase Agreements [Member] |  |  |  |
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Current Principal/Notional Amount | 172,001,000 us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember |  | 27,962,000 us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember |
Fair value repurchase agreements | 172,001,000 us-gaap_SecuritiesForReverseRepurchaseAgreements / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] | 27,962,000 us-gaap_SecuritiesForReverseRepurchaseAgreements / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[5]
Investment owned as a percentage of equity | 21.81%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4],[6] | 4.47%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[5],[6]
Repurchase agreements, cost | 172,001,000 efc_RepurchaseAgreementsCost / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] | 27,943,000 efc_RepurchaseAgreementsCost / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[5]
Repurchase Agreements [Member] | Deutsche Bank Securities Collateralized By Par Value $122,870 U.S. Treasury Note, Coupon 1.50% Maturity Date 2019-11 [Member] |  |  |  |
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Current Principal/Notional Amount | 122,256,000 us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_DeutscheBankSecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue122870U.S.TreasuryNoteCoupon1.50MaturityDate201911Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Securities collateralized by par value | 122,870,000 efc_SecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_DeutscheBankSecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue122870U.S.TreasuryNoteCoupon1.50MaturityDate201911Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
U.S. treasury note, coupon | 1.50%efc_UsTreasuryNoteCouponRateAsCollateralOnRepurchaseAgreement / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_DeutscheBankSecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue122870U.S.TreasuryNoteCoupon1.50MaturityDate201911Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Maturity date of securities | 2019-11 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Description | Deutsche Bank Securities Collateralized by Par Value $122,870 U.S. Treasury Note, Coupon 1.50%, Maturity Date 11/19 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Rate | (0.22%)invest_InvestmentInterestRate / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_DeutscheBankSecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue122870U.S.TreasuryNoteCoupon1.50MaturityDate201911Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Investments maturity date | 2015-01 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Fair value repurchase agreements | 122,256,000 us-gaap_SecuritiesForReverseRepurchaseAgreements / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_DeutscheBankSecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue122870U.S.TreasuryNoteCoupon1.50MaturityDate201911Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Repurchase Agreements [Member] | Barclays Capital Inc. Collateralized By Par Value $11,508 Sovereign Government Bond, Coupon 2.75% Maturity Date 2019-04 [Member] |  |  |  |
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Current Principal/Notional Amount | 13,090,000 us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_BarclaysCapitalInc.CollateralizedByParValue11508SovereignGovernmentBondCoupon2.75MaturityDate201904Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Securities collateralized by par value | 11,508,000 efc_SecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_BarclaysCapitalInc.CollateralizedByParValue11508SovereignGovernmentBondCoupon2.75MaturityDate201904Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
U.S. treasury note, coupon | 2.75%efc_UsTreasuryNoteCouponRateAsCollateralOnRepurchaseAgreement / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_BarclaysCapitalInc.CollateralizedByParValue11508SovereignGovernmentBondCoupon2.75MaturityDate201904Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Maturity date of securities | 2019-04 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Description | Barclays Capital Inc. Collateralized by Par Value $11,508 Sovereign Government Bond, Coupon 2.75%, Maturity Date 4/19 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Rate | (0.10%)invest_InvestmentInterestRate / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_BarclaysCapitalInc.CollateralizedByParValue11508SovereignGovernmentBondCoupon2.75MaturityDate201904Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Investments maturity date | 2015-01 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Fair value repurchase agreements | 13,090,000 us-gaap_SecuritiesForReverseRepurchaseAgreements / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_BarclaysCapitalInc.CollateralizedByParValue11508SovereignGovernmentBondCoupon2.75MaturityDate201904Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Repurchase Agreements [Member] | Barclays Capital Inc. Collateralized By Par Value $8,390 Sovereign Government Bond, Coupon 3.75% Maturity Date 2018-10 [Member] |  |  |  |
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Current Principal/Notional Amount | 9,712,000 us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_BarclaysCapitalInc.CollateralizedByParValue8390SovereignGovernmentBondCoupon3.75MaturityDate201810Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Securities collateralized by par value | 8,390,000 efc_SecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_BarclaysCapitalInc.CollateralizedByParValue8390SovereignGovernmentBondCoupon3.75MaturityDate201810Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
U.S. treasury note, coupon | 3.75%efc_UsTreasuryNoteCouponRateAsCollateralOnRepurchaseAgreement / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_BarclaysCapitalInc.CollateralizedByParValue8390SovereignGovernmentBondCoupon3.75MaturityDate201810Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Maturity date of securities | 2018-10 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Description | Barclays Capital Inc. Collateralized by Par Value $8,390 Sovereign Government Bond, Coupon 3.75%, Maturity Date 10/18 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Rate | (0.10%)invest_InvestmentInterestRate / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_BarclaysCapitalInc.CollateralizedByParValue8390SovereignGovernmentBondCoupon3.75MaturityDate201810Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Investments maturity date | 2015-01 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Fair value repurchase agreements | 9,712,000 us-gaap_SecuritiesForReverseRepurchaseAgreements / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_BarclaysCapitalInc.CollateralizedByParValue8390SovereignGovernmentBondCoupon3.75MaturityDate201810Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Repurchase Agreements [Member] | Bank of America Collateralized By Par Value $7,410 U.S. Treasury Note Coupon, 2.25% Maturity Date 2024-11[Member] |  |  |  |
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Current Principal/Notional Amount | 7,465,000 us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_BankofAmericaCollateralizedByParValue7410USTreasuryNoteCoupon2.25MaturityDate202411Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Securities collateralized by par value | 7,410,000 efc_SecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_BankofAmericaCollateralizedByParValue7410USTreasuryNoteCoupon2.25MaturityDate202411Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
U.S. treasury note, coupon | 2.25%efc_UsTreasuryNoteCouponRateAsCollateralOnRepurchaseAgreement / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_BankofAmericaCollateralizedByParValue7410USTreasuryNoteCoupon2.25MaturityDate202411Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Maturity date of securities | 2024-11 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Description | Bank of America Collateralized by Par Value $7,410 U.S. Treasury Note, Coupon 2.25%, Maturity Date 11/24 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Rate | (0.22%)invest_InvestmentInterestRate / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_BankofAmericaCollateralizedByParValue7410USTreasuryNoteCoupon2.25MaturityDate202411Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Investments maturity date | 2015-01 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Fair value repurchase agreements | 7,465,000 us-gaap_SecuritiesForReverseRepurchaseAgreements / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_BankofAmericaCollateralizedByParValue7410USTreasuryNoteCoupon2.25MaturityDate202411Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Repurchase Agreements [Member] | Barclays Capital Inc. Collateralized By Par Value $6,393 Sovereign Government Bond, Coupon 4.00% Maturity Date 2016-09 [Member] |  |  |  |
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Current Principal/Notional Amount | 6,888,000 us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_BarclaysCapitalInc.CollateralizedByParValue6393SovereignGovernmentBondCoupon4.00MaturityDate201609Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Securities collateralized by par value | 6,393,000 efc_SecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_BarclaysCapitalInc.CollateralizedByParValue6393SovereignGovernmentBondCoupon4.00MaturityDate201609Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
U.S. treasury note, coupon | 4.00%efc_UsTreasuryNoteCouponRateAsCollateralOnRepurchaseAgreement / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_BarclaysCapitalInc.CollateralizedByParValue6393SovereignGovernmentBondCoupon4.00MaturityDate201609Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Maturity date of securities | 2016-09 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Description | Barclays Capital Inc. Collateralized by Par Value $6,393 Sovereign Government Bond, Coupon 4.00%, Maturity Date 9/16 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Rate | 0.15%invest_InvestmentInterestRate / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_BarclaysCapitalInc.CollateralizedByParValue6393SovereignGovernmentBondCoupon4.00MaturityDate201609Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Investments maturity date | 2015-01 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Fair value repurchase agreements | 6,888,000 us-gaap_SecuritiesForReverseRepurchaseAgreements / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_BarclaysCapitalInc.CollateralizedByParValue6393SovereignGovernmentBondCoupon4.00MaturityDate201609Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Repurchase Agreements [Member] | Pierpont Securities LLC Collateralized By Par Value $5000 US Treasury Note Coupon, 1.25% Maturity Date 2018-10 [Member] |  |  |  |
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Current Principal/Notional Amount | 4,975,000 us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_PierpontSecuritiesLLCCollateralizedByParValue5000USTreasuryNoteCoupon1.25MaturityDate201810Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Securities collateralized by par value | 5,000,000 efc_SecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_PierpontSecuritiesLLCCollateralizedByParValue5000USTreasuryNoteCoupon1.25MaturityDate201810Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
U.S. treasury note, coupon | 1.25%efc_UsTreasuryNoteCouponRateAsCollateralOnRepurchaseAgreement / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_PierpontSecuritiesLLCCollateralizedByParValue5000USTreasuryNoteCoupon1.25MaturityDate201810Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Maturity date of securities | 2018-10 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Description | Pierpont Securities LLC Collateralized by Par Value $5,000 U.S. Treasury Note, Coupon 1.25%, Maturity Date 10/18 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Rate | (0.10%)invest_InvestmentInterestRate / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_PierpontSecuritiesLLCCollateralizedByParValue5000USTreasuryNoteCoupon1.25MaturityDate201810Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Investments maturity date | 2015-01 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Fair value repurchase agreements | 4,975,000 us-gaap_SecuritiesForReverseRepurchaseAgreements / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_PierpontSecuritiesLLCCollateralizedByParValue5000USTreasuryNoteCoupon1.25MaturityDate201810Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Repurchase Agreements [Member] | Bank of America Collateralized By Par Value $3,354 US Treasury Note Coupon 2.25% Maturity Date 2024-11 [Member] |  |  |  |
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Current Principal/Notional Amount | 3,379,000 us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_BankofAmericaCollateralizedByParValue3354USTreasuryNoteCoupon2.25MaturityDate202411Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Securities collateralized by par value | 3,354,000 efc_SecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_BankofAmericaCollateralizedByParValue3354USTreasuryNoteCoupon2.25MaturityDate202411Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
U.S. treasury note, coupon | 2.25%efc_UsTreasuryNoteCouponRateAsCollateralOnRepurchaseAgreement / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_BankofAmericaCollateralizedByParValue3354USTreasuryNoteCoupon2.25MaturityDate202411Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Maturity date of securities | 2024-11 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Description | Bank of America Collateralized by Par Value $3,354 U.S. Treasury Note, Coupon 2.25%, Maturity Date 11/24 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Rate | (0.25%)invest_InvestmentInterestRate / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_BankofAmericaCollateralizedByParValue3354USTreasuryNoteCoupon2.25MaturityDate202411Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Investments maturity date | 2015-01 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Fair value repurchase agreements | 3,379,000 us-gaap_SecuritiesForReverseRepurchaseAgreements / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_BankofAmericaCollateralizedByParValue3354USTreasuryNoteCoupon2.25MaturityDate202411Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Repurchase Agreements [Member] | Pierpont Securities LLC Collateralized By Par Value $2,000 US Treasury Bond Coupon 3.13% Maturity Date 2044-08 [Member] |  |  |  |
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Current Principal/Notional Amount | 2,173,000 us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_PierpontSecuritiesLLCCollateralizedByParValue2000USTreasuryBondCoupon3.13MaturityDate204408Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Securities collateralized by par value | 2,000,000 efc_SecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_PierpontSecuritiesLLCCollateralizedByParValue2000USTreasuryBondCoupon3.13MaturityDate204408Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
U.S. treasury note, coupon | 3.13%efc_UsTreasuryNoteCouponRateAsCollateralOnRepurchaseAgreement / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_PierpontSecuritiesLLCCollateralizedByParValue2000USTreasuryBondCoupon3.13MaturityDate204408Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Maturity date of securities | 2044-08 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Description | Pierpont Securities LLC Collateralized by Par Value $2,000 U.S. Treasury Bond, Coupon 3.13%, Maturity Date 8/44 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Rate | (0.30%)invest_InvestmentInterestRate / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_PierpontSecuritiesLLCCollateralizedByParValue2000USTreasuryBondCoupon3.13MaturityDate204408Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Investments maturity date | 2015-01 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Fair value repurchase agreements | 2,173,000 us-gaap_SecuritiesForReverseRepurchaseAgreements / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_PierpontSecuritiesLLCCollateralizedByParValue2000USTreasuryBondCoupon3.13MaturityDate204408Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Repurchase Agreements [Member] | Deutsche Bank Securities Collateralized By Par Value $1,827 Sovereign Government Bond Coupon 2.75% Maturity Date 2019-04 [Member] |  |  |  |
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Current Principal/Notional Amount | 2,063,000 us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_DeutscheBankSecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue1827SovereignGovernmentBondCoupon2.75MaturityDate201904Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Securities collateralized by par value | 1,827,000 efc_SecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_DeutscheBankSecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue1827SovereignGovernmentBondCoupon2.75MaturityDate201904Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
U.S. treasury note, coupon | 2.75%efc_UsTreasuryNoteCouponRateAsCollateralOnRepurchaseAgreement / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_DeutscheBankSecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue1827SovereignGovernmentBondCoupon2.75MaturityDate201904Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Maturity date of securities | 2019-04 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Description | Deutsche Bank Securities Collateralized by Par Value $1,827 Sovereign Government Bond, Coupon 2.75%, Maturity Date 4/19 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Rate | (0.10%)invest_InvestmentInterestRate / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_DeutscheBankSecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue1827SovereignGovernmentBondCoupon2.75MaturityDate201904Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Investments maturity date | 2015-01 | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Fair value repurchase agreements | 2,063,000 us-gaap_SecuritiesForReverseRepurchaseAgreements / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_DeutscheBankSecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue1827SovereignGovernmentBondCoupon2.75MaturityDate201904Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[4] |  |
Repurchase Agreements [Member] | JP Morgan Securities Inc Collateralized by Par Value $20,000 U.S. Treasury Note Coupon 1.25% Maturity Date 2018-10 [Member] |  |  |  |
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Current Principal/Notional Amount |  |  | 19,675,000 us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_JPMorganSecuritiesIncCollateralizedbyParValue20000USTreasuryNoteCoupon1Point25PercentMaturityDate201810Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[5]
Securities collateralized by par value |  |  | 20,000,000 efc_SecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_JPMorganSecuritiesIncCollateralizedbyParValue20000USTreasuryNoteCoupon1Point25PercentMaturityDate201810Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[5]
U.S. treasury note, coupon |  |  | 1.25%efc_UsTreasuryNoteCouponRateAsCollateralOnRepurchaseAgreement / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_JPMorganSecuritiesIncCollateralizedbyParValue20000USTreasuryNoteCoupon1Point25PercentMaturityDate201810Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[5]
Maturity date of securities |  |  | 2018-10 | [2],[3],[5]
Description |  |  | J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. Collateralized by Par Value $20,000 U.S. Treasury Note, Coupon 1.25%, Maturity Date 10/18 | [2],[3],[5]
Rate |  |  | (0.05%)invest_InvestmentInterestRate / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_JPMorganSecuritiesIncCollateralizedbyParValue20000USTreasuryNoteCoupon1Point25PercentMaturityDate201810Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[5]
Investments maturity date |  |  | 2014-01 | [2],[3],[5]
Fair value repurchase agreements |  |  | 19,675,000 us-gaap_SecuritiesForReverseRepurchaseAgreements / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_JPMorganSecuritiesIncCollateralizedbyParValue20000USTreasuryNoteCoupon1Point25PercentMaturityDate201810Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[5]
Repurchase Agreements [Member] | Deutsche Bank Securities Collateralized by Par Value $5,625 Sovereign Bond Coupon 3.75% Maturity Date 2018-10 [Member] |  |  |  |
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Current Principal/Notional Amount |  |  | 8,287,000 us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_DeutscheBankSecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue5625SovereignBondCoupon3Point75PercentMaturityDate201810Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[5]
Securities collateralized by par value |  |  | 7,751,000 efc_SecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_DeutscheBankSecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue5625SovereignBondCoupon3Point75PercentMaturityDate201810Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[5]
U.S. treasury note, coupon |  |  | 3.75%efc_UsTreasuryNoteCouponRateAsCollateralOnRepurchaseAgreement / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_DeutscheBankSecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue5625SovereignBondCoupon3Point75PercentMaturityDate201810Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[5]
Maturity date of securities |  |  | 2018-10 | [2],[3],[5]
Description |  |  | Deutsche Bank Securities Collateralized by Par Value $7,751 European Sovereign Bond, Coupon 3.75%, Maturity Date 10/18 | [2],[3],[5]
Rate |  |  | 0.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_DeutscheBankSecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue5625SovereignBondCoupon3Point75PercentMaturityDate201810Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[5]
Investments maturity date |  |  | 2014-01 | [2],[3],[5]
Fair value repurchase agreements |  |  | 8,287,000 us-gaap_SecuritiesForReverseRepurchaseAgreements / invest_InvestmentAxis = efc_DeutscheBankSecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue5625SovereignBondCoupon3Point75PercentMaturityDate201810Member / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember | [2],[3],[5]
North America [Member] | Repurchase Agreements [Member] |  |  |  |
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Current Principal/Notional Amount | 140,248,000 us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount / invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis = us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember |  | 19,675,000 us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount / invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis = us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember |
Fair value repurchase agreements | 140,248,000 us-gaap_SecuritiesForReverseRepurchaseAgreements / invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis = us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember |  | 19,675,000 us-gaap_SecuritiesForReverseRepurchaseAgreements / invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis = us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember |
Investment owned as a percentage of equity | 17.78%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets / invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis = us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember |  | 3.15%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets / invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis = us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember |
Repurchase agreements, cost | 140,248,000 efc_RepurchaseAgreementsCost / invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis = us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember |  | 19,675,000 efc_RepurchaseAgreementsCost / invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis = us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember |
Europe [Member] | Repurchase Agreements [Member] |  |  |  |
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Current Principal/Notional Amount | 31,753,000 us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount / invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis = us-gaap_EuropeMember / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember |  | 8,287,000 us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount / invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis = us-gaap_EuropeMember / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember |
Fair value repurchase agreements | 31,753,000 us-gaap_SecuritiesForReverseRepurchaseAgreements / invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis = us-gaap_EuropeMember / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember |  | 8,287,000 us-gaap_SecuritiesForReverseRepurchaseAgreements / invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis = us-gaap_EuropeMember / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember |
Investment owned as a percentage of equity | 4.03%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets / invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis = us-gaap_EuropeMember / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember |  | 1.32%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets / invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis = us-gaap_EuropeMember / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember |
Repurchase agreements, cost | $ 31,753,000 efc_RepurchaseAgreementsCost / invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis = us-gaap_EuropeMember / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember |  | $ 8,268,000 efc_RepurchaseAgreementsCost / invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis = us-gaap_EuropeMember / us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis = us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember |
[1] | In the Company's Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Equity, all balances associated with repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, and financial derivatives are presented on a gross basis.
[2] | See Note 2 and Note 3 in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
[3] | In general, securities received pursuant to repurchase agreements were delivered to counterparties in short sale transactions.
[4] | The following table details the breakout by geographical region of long investments, investments sold short, repurchase agreements, financial derivatives–assets, and financial derivatives–liabilities.Region Current Principal/Notional Value/Number of Properties/Number of Shares Cost/(Proceeds) Fair Value Percent ofEquityLong Investments: (In thousands, Expressed in U.S. Dollars) North America 2,863,057 $2,038,249 $2,092,959 264.46 %Europe 69,724 69,360 64,611 9.16 %North America (Private Corporate Investments) n/a 14,717 14,512 1.84 %Total $2,122,326 $2,172,082 275.46 %Investments Sold Short: North America (TBAs and Government Debt) (1,159,703) $(1,230,478) $(1,234,248) (156.53)%Europe (Government Debt) (28,118) (32,008) (30,606) (3.88)%North America (Common Stock) (2,986) (27,605) (26,516) (3.36)%Total $(1,290,091) $(1,291,370) (163.77)%Repurchase Agreements: North America 140,248 $140,248 $140,248 17.78 %Europe 31,753 31,753 31,753 4.03 %Total 172,001 $172,001 $172,001 21.81 %Financial Derivatives–Assets: North America 1,401,261 $61,560 $80,029 10.15 %Europe — — — — %Total 1,401,261 $61,560 $80,029 10.15 %Financial Derivatives–Liabilities: North America (936,799) $(30,598) $(63,084) (8.00)%Europe (37,199) (2,957) (3,032) (0.39)%Total (973,998) $(33,555) $(66,116) (8.39)%
[5] | The following table details the breakout by geographical region of long investments, investments sold short, and repurchase agreements. All financial derivatives were concentrated in North America.Region Current Principal/Notional Value/Number of Shares Cost/(Proceeds) Fair Value Percent ofEquityLong Investments: (In thousands, Expressed in U.S. Dollars) North America 2,470,650 $1,682,533 $1,724,370 275.44 %Europe 7,641 5,724 5,760 0.92 %Total 2,478,291 $1,688,257 $1,730,130 276.36 %Investments Sold Short: North America (TBAs and Government Debt) (804,888) $(833,656) $(831,564) (132.82)%Europe (Government Debt) (7,337) (7,633) (7,681) (1.23)%North America (Common Stock) (763) (6,313) (6,369) (1.02)%Total $(847,602) $(845,614) (135.07)%Repurchase Agreements: North America 19,675 $19,675 $19,675 3.15 %Europe 8,287 8,268 8,287 1.32 %Total 27,962 $27,943 $27,962 4.47 %
[6] | Classification percentages are based on Total Equity.

X
- Definition Investment owned, description. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | efc_InvestmentOwnedDescription
Namespace Prefix: | efc_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Investments maturity date + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | efc_InvestmentsMaturityDate
Namespace Prefix: | efc_
Data Type: | xbrli:gYearMonthItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Maturity date of collateral underlying repurchase agreement. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | efc_MaturityDateOfSecuritiesAsCollateralOnRepurchaseAgreement1
Namespace Prefix: | efc_
Data Type: | xbrli:gYearMonthItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents cost basis of repurchase agreements carried at fair value. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | efc_RepurchaseAgreementsCost
Namespace Prefix: | efc_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Par value of collateral underlying repurchase agreement. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | efc_SecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue
Namespace Prefix: | efc_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Coupon rate of collateral underlying repurchase agreement. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | efc_UsTreasuryNoteCouponRateAsCollateralOnRepurchaseAgreement
Namespace Prefix: | efc_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The interest rate for investments that have an interest rate. For fixed rate investments, this indicates the fixed interest rate. If the investment has a variable interest rate, the rate stated here may be the rate that is currently relevant. In this case the "Investment, Interest Rate is Current Rate for Variable Rate Investment Flag", "Investment, Interest Rate is Discount Rate at Purchase Flag", "Investment, Interest Rate Reflects Current Yield Flag" should be used. If one of these flags are not appropriate to explain the interest rate that is indicated, then a new flag should be added or an explanation should be included in "Investment, Additional Information". + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Article 12 -Section 12 -Sentence Column A + Details
Name: | invest_InvestmentInterestRate
Namespace Prefix: | invest_
Data Type: | xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition For investments which are quantified by principal amount, the principle balance held at close of period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 946 -SubTopic 320 -Section S99 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-12C.Column B) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6955306&loc=d3e611225-123010 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 946 -SubTopic 320 -Section S99 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-14.Column B) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6955306&loc=d3e611322-123010 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 946 -SubTopic 320 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-12.Column B) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6955306&loc=d3e611133-123010 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 12C -Paragraph Column B -Article 12 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 12 -Paragraph Column B -Article 12 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 14 -Paragraph Column B -Article 12 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Percent of net assets at close of period. For schedules of investments that are categorized, each category has a percent of net assets for the aggregated value of the Investments in the category. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 12C -Paragraph 2 -Article 12 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 946 -SubTopic 320 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-12.3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6955306&loc=d3e611133-123010 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 946 -SubTopic 320 -Section S99 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-12C.Column D.2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6955306&loc=d3e611225-123010 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 12 -Paragraph 3 -Article 12 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 12C -Paragraph Column D -Article 12 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The carrying value of securities purchased to be resold in reverse repurchase transactions as of the balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(m)(2)(i)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SecuritiesForReverseRepurchaseAgreements
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis=us-gaap_EuropeMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis=us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis=us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |