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 $ 172,001,000us-gaap_SecuritiesForReverseRepurchaseAgreements [1] $ 27,962,000us-gaap_SecuritiesForReverseRepurchaseAgreements [1]
Repurchase agreements, cost 172,001,000efc_RepurchaseAgreementsCost 27,943,000efc_RepurchaseAgreementsCost
Repurchase Agreements [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 172,001,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember		 27,962,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember
Fair value repurchase agreements 172,001,000us-gaap_SecuritiesForReverseRepurchaseAgreements
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember		 [2],[3],[4] 27,962,000us-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 172,001,000efc_RepurchaseAgreementsCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember		 [2],[3],[4] 27,943,000efc_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 122,256,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_DeutscheBankSecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue122870U.S.TreasuryNoteCoupon1.50MaturityDate201911Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember		 [2],[3],[4]  
Securities collateralized by par value 122,870,000efc_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 122,256,000us-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 13,090,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_BarclaysCapitalInc.CollateralizedByParValue11508SovereignGovernmentBondCoupon2.75MaturityDate201904Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember		 [2],[3],[4]  
Securities collateralized by par value 11,508,000efc_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 13,090,000us-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 9,712,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_BarclaysCapitalInc.CollateralizedByParValue8390SovereignGovernmentBondCoupon3.75MaturityDate201810Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember		 [2],[3],[4]  
Securities collateralized by par value 8,390,000efc_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 9,712,000us-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 7,465,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_BankofAmericaCollateralizedByParValue7410USTreasuryNoteCoupon2.25MaturityDate202411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember		 [2],[3],[4]  
Securities collateralized by par value 7,410,000efc_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 7,465,000us-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 6,888,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_BarclaysCapitalInc.CollateralizedByParValue6393SovereignGovernmentBondCoupon4.00MaturityDate201609Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember		 [2],[3],[4]  
Securities collateralized by par value 6,393,000efc_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 6,888,000us-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 4,975,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_PierpontSecuritiesLLCCollateralizedByParValue5000USTreasuryNoteCoupon1.25MaturityDate201810Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember		 [2],[3],[4]  
Securities collateralized by par value 5,000,000efc_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 4,975,000us-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 3,379,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_BankofAmericaCollateralizedByParValue3354USTreasuryNoteCoupon2.25MaturityDate202411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember		 [2],[3],[4]  
Securities collateralized by par value 3,354,000efc_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 3,379,000us-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 2,173,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_PierpontSecuritiesLLCCollateralizedByParValue2000USTreasuryBondCoupon3.13MaturityDate204408Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember		 [2],[3],[4]  
Securities collateralized by par value 2,000,000efc_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 2,173,000us-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 2,063,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_DeutscheBankSecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue1827SovereignGovernmentBondCoupon2.75MaturityDate201904Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember		 [2],[3],[4]  
Securities collateralized by par value 1,827,000efc_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 2,063,000us-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   19,675,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_JPMorganSecuritiesIncCollateralizedbyParValue20000USTreasuryNoteCoupon1Point25PercentMaturityDate201810Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember		 [2],[3],[5]
Securities collateralized by par value   20,000,000efc_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   19,675,000us-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   8,287,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_DeutscheBankSecuritiesCollateralizedByParValue5625SovereignBondCoupon3Point75PercentMaturityDate201810Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember		 [2],[3],[5]
Securities collateralized by par value   7,751,000efc_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   8,287,000us-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 140,248,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember		 19,675,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember
Fair value repurchase agreements 140,248,000us-gaap_SecuritiesForReverseRepurchaseAgreements
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember		 19,675,000us-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 140,248,000efc_RepurchaseAgreementsCost
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember		 19,675,000efc_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 31,753,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_EuropeMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember		 8,287,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_EuropeMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember
Fair value repurchase agreements 31,753,000us-gaap_SecuritiesForReverseRepurchaseAgreements
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_EuropeMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember		 8,287,000us-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 $ 31,753,000efc_RepurchaseAgreementsCost
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_EuropeMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember		 $ 8,268,000efc_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.