v2.4.1.9

Financial Derivatives (Schedule Of Gains And Losses On Derivative Contracts) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |
Net Realized Gain/Loss on Financial Derivatives | $ (11,211)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives | $ (21,479)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives | $ (34,797)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Financial Derivatives | (8,272)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives | 13,482 us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives | 13,417 us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
Financial Derivatives - Assets [Member] |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |
Net Realized Gain/Loss on Financial Derivatives | 26,098 efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember | (7,876)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember | (17,464)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Financial Derivatives | 9,338 us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember | 26,486 us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember | (2,201)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember
Financial Derivatives - Assets [Member] | Credit Default Swaps On Asset Backed Securities [Member] |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |
Primary risk exposure | Credit | Credit | Credit
Net Realized Gain/Loss on Financial Derivatives | (4,596)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnAssetBackedSecuritiesMember | (2,826)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnAssetBackedSecuritiesMember | (1,164)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnAssetBackedSecuritiesMember
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Financial Derivatives | 4,547 us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnAssetBackedSecuritiesMember | 1,070 us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnAssetBackedSecuritiesMember | 3,218 us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnAssetBackedSecuritiesMember
Financial Derivatives - Assets [Member] | Credit Default Swaps On Asset Backed Indices [Member] |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |
Primary risk exposure | Credit | Credit | Credit
Net Realized Gain/Loss on Financial Derivatives | (4,662)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnAssetBackedIndicesMember | (5,954)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnAssetBackedIndicesMember | (14,870)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnAssetBackedIndicesMember
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Financial Derivatives | 2,059 us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnAssetBackedIndicesMember | 1,082 us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnAssetBackedIndicesMember | (5,887)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnAssetBackedIndicesMember
Financial Derivatives - Assets [Member] | Credit Default Swaps On Corporate Bond Indices [Member] |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |
Primary risk exposure | Credit | Credit | Credit
Net Realized Gain/Loss on Financial Derivatives | 1,938 efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnCorporateBondIndicesMember | 626 efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnCorporateBondIndicesMember | (1,548)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnCorporateBondIndicesMember
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Financial Derivatives | (2,589)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnCorporateBondIndicesMember | 1,026 us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnCorporateBondIndicesMember | 570 us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnCorporateBondIndicesMember
Financial Derivatives - Assets [Member] | Total Return Swaps [Member] |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |
Primary risk exposure | Equity Market | Equity Market |
Net Realized Gain/Loss on Financial Derivatives | 12,975 efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember | 2,992 efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember |
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Financial Derivatives | 3 us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember | 4 us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember |
Financial Derivatives - Assets [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member] |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |
Primary risk exposure | Interest Rates | Interest Rates | Interest Rates
Net Realized Gain/Loss on Financial Derivatives | 10,610 efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember | (2,829)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember | 169 efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Financial Derivatives | 5,101 us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember | 23,548 us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember | (91)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember
Financial Derivatives - Assets [Member] | Futures [Member] |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |
Primary risk exposure | Interest Rates/Equity Market |  | Interest Rates
Net Realized Gain/Loss on Financial Derivatives | 4,841 efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_FutureMember |  | (51)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_FutureMember
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Financial Derivatives | 261 us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_FutureMember |  | (11)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_FutureMember
Financial Derivatives - Assets [Member] | Forwards [Member] |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |
Primary risk exposure | Currency |  |
Net Realized Gain/Loss on Financial Derivatives | 3,845 efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember |  |
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Financial Derivatives | 884 us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember |  |
Financial Derivatives - Assets [Member] | Other Derivatives [Member] |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |
Primary risk exposure | Credit/ Interest Rates | Credit/ Interest Rates |
Net Realized Gain/Loss on Financial Derivatives | 1,147 efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_OtherDerivativesMember | 115 efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_OtherDerivativesMember |
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Financial Derivatives | (928)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_OtherDerivativesMember | (244)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_OtherDerivativesMember |
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities [Member] |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |
Net Realized Gain/Loss on Financial Derivatives | (37,309)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember | (13,603)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember | (17,333)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Financial Derivatives | (17,610)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember | (13,004)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember | 15,618 us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities [Member] | Credit Default Swaps On Asset Backed Securities [Member] |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |
Primary risk exposure | Credit | Credit | Credit
Net Realized Gain/Loss on Financial Derivatives | (78)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnAssetBackedSecuritiesMember | (78)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnAssetBackedSecuritiesMember | (79)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnAssetBackedSecuritiesMember
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Financial Derivatives | 111 us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnAssetBackedSecuritiesMember | (349)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnAssetBackedSecuritiesMember | (1)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnAssetBackedSecuritiesMember
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities [Member] | Credit Default Swaps On Asset Backed Indices [Member] |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |
Primary risk exposure | Credit | Credit | Credit
Net Realized Gain/Loss on Financial Derivatives | 3,111 efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnAssetBackedIndicesMember | 1,870 efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnAssetBackedIndicesMember | 9,665 efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnAssetBackedIndicesMember
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Financial Derivatives | (1,743)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnAssetBackedIndicesMember | 2,869 us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnAssetBackedIndicesMember | (491)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnAssetBackedIndicesMember
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities [Member] | Credit Default Swaps On Corporate Bond Indices [Member] |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |
Primary risk exposure | Credit | Credit | Credit
Net Realized Gain/Loss on Financial Derivatives | (6,242)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnCorporateBondIndicesMember | (9,573)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnCorporateBondIndicesMember | (579)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnCorporateBondIndicesMember
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Financial Derivatives | 6,926 us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnCorporateBondIndicesMember | (9,157)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnCorporateBondIndicesMember | (122)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnCorporateBondIndicesMember
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities [Member] | Credit Default Swaps On Corporate Bonds [Member] |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |
Primary risk exposure | Credit |  |
Net Realized Gain/Loss on Financial Derivatives | 270 efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnCorporateBondsMember |  |
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Financial Derivatives | (782)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_CreditDefaultSwapsOnCorporateBondsMember |  |
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities [Member] | Total Return Swaps [Member] |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |
Primary risk exposure | Equity Market | Equity Market | Equity Market
Net Realized Gain/Loss on Financial Derivatives | (5,671)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember | (5,260)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember | (3,563)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Financial Derivatives | 46 us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember | (3)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember | 209 us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member] |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |
Primary risk exposure | Interest Rates | Interest Rates | Interest Rates
Net Realized Gain/Loss on Financial Derivatives | (23,939)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember | 319 efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember | (22,777)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Financial Derivatives | (24,318)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember | (3,940)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember | 16,094 us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities [Member] | Futures [Member] |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |
Primary risk exposure | Interest Rates/Equity Market | Interest Rates | Interest Rates
Net Realized Gain/Loss on Financial Derivatives | (252)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_FutureMember | (795)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_FutureMember | 0 efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_FutureMember
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Financial Derivatives | 2,291 us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_FutureMember | (2,302)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_FutureMember | (71)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_FutureMember
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities [Member] | Forwards [Member] |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |
Primary risk exposure | Currency | Currency |
Net Realized Gain/Loss on Financial Derivatives | (2,215)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember | 0 efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember |
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Financial Derivatives | (98)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember | (38)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember |
Financial Derivatives - Liabilities [Member] | Other Derivatives [Member] |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |
Primary risk exposure | Credit/ Interest Rates/Equity Market | Interest Rates/ Equity Market |
Net Realized Gain/Loss on Financial Derivatives | (2,293)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_OtherDerivativesMember | (86)efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_OtherDerivativesMember |
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Financial Derivatives | $ (43)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_OtherDerivativesMember | $ (84)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives / us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis = us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember / us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis = efc_OtherDerivativesMember |

X
- Definition Net Realized Gain/Loss on Derivatives + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | efc_NetRealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
Namespace Prefix: | efc_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

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

X
- Definition Description of primary underlying risk exposure associated with the derivative, for example, but not limited to, interest rate risk, credit risk, foreign exchange rate risk, or price risk. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7476318&loc=SL5579245-113959 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1B -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7476318&loc=SL5580258-113959 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7476318&loc=SL5579240-113959 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7476318&loc=d3e41641-113959 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeUnderlyingRisk
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The net change in the difference between the fair value and the carrying value, or in the comparative fair values, of derivative instruments, including options, swaps, futures, and forward contracts, held at each balance sheet date, that was included in earnings for the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |