v2.4.1.9
Consolidated Condensed Schedule Of Investments (Investments Sold Short) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Investments sold short, at fair value- $ (1,291,370)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue $ (845,614)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
Proceeds from investments sold short (1,290,091)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedSaleProceeds (847,602)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedSaleProceeds
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Investment Sold, Not yet Purchased, Percent of Equity (153.39%)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[2],[3],[4] (129.69%)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[2],[5],[6]
Current Principal/Notional Amount (1,135,218)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 (784,888)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember
Investments sold short, at fair value- (1,209,539)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4] (811,957)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Proceeds from investments sold short (1,205,876)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedSaleProceeds
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4] (813,757)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedSaleProceeds
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (30 Year) 4.00% [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount (213,928)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30Year4Point00PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Description Federal National Mortgage Association (30 year) [1],[3],[4]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30Year4Point00PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments maturity date 2015-01 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments sold short, at fair value- (228,376)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30Year4Point00PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (30 Year) 3.50% [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount (205,082)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30Year3Point50PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Description Federal National Mortgage Association (30 year) [1],[3],[4]  
Rate 3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30Year3Point50PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments maturity date 2015-01 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments sold short, at fair value- (213,870)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30Year3Point50PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (15 Year) 3.50% [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount (146,580)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation15Year3Point50PercentMemberMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Description Federal National Mortgage Association (15 year) [1],[3],[4]  
Rate 3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation15Year3Point50PercentMemberMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments maturity date 2015-01 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments sold short, at fair value- (154,837)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation15Year3Point50PercentMemberMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 Year) 4.00% [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount (123,117)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30Year4Point00PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 year) [1],[3],[4]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30Year4Point00PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments maturity date 2015-01 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments sold short, at fair value- (131,254)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30Year4Point00PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (30 Year) 4.50% [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount (92,080)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30Year4Point50Percent201501Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Description Federal National Mortgage Association (30 year) [1],[3],[4]  
Rate 4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30Year4Point50Percent201501Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments maturity date 2015-01 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments sold short, at fair value- (99,968)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30Year4Point50Percent201501Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (30 Year) 5.00% [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount (54,100)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30Year5Point00PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Description Federal National Mortgage Association (30 year) [1],[3],[4]  
Rate 5.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30Year5Point00PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments maturity date 2015-02 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments sold short, at fair value- (59,698)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30Year5Point00PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (30 Year) 5.00% 2015-01 [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount (48,150)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30Year5Percent201501Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Description Federal National Mortgage Association (30 year) [1],[3],[4]  
Rate 5.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30Year5Percent201501Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments maturity date 2015-01 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments sold short, at fair value- (53,193)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30Year5Percent201501Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (30 Year) 4.50% [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount (48,800)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30Year4Point50PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Description Federal National Mortgage Association (30 year) [1],[3],[4]  
Rate 4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30Year4Point50PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments maturity date 2015-02 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments sold short, at fair value- (52,889)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30Year4Point50PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (15 Year) 3.00% [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount (38,360)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation15Year3PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Description Federal National Mortgage Association (15 year) [1],[3],[4]  
Rate 3.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation15Year3PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments maturity date 2015-01 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments sold short, at fair value- (39,870)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation15Year3PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 Year) 4.50% [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount (36,081)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30Year4Point50PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 year) [1],[3],[4]  
Rate 4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30Year4Point50PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments maturity date 2015-01 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments sold short, at fair value- (39,111)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30Year4Point50PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 Year) 4.00% [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount (26,400)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30Year4Point00Percent201502Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 year) [1],[3],[4]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30Year4Point00Percent201502Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments maturity date 2015-02 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments sold short, at fair value- (28,071)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30Year4Point00Percent201502Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (30 Year) 4.00% 2015-02 [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount (21,840)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30Year4Point00Percent201502Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Description Federal National Mortgage Association (30 year) [1],[3],[4]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30Year4Point00Percent201502Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments maturity date 2015-02 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments sold short, at fair value- (23,255)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30Year4Point00Percent201502Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (15 Year) 3.50% [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount (20,300)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation15Year3Point50PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (15 year) [1],[3],[4]  
Rate 3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation15Year3Point50PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments maturity date 2015-01 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments sold short, at fair value- (21,429)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation15Year3Point50PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (15 Year) 2.50% [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount (15,850)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation15Year2Point50PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Description Federal National Mortgage Association (15 year) [1],[3],[4]  
Rate 2.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation15Year2Point50PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments maturity date 2015-01 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments sold short, at fair value- (16,140)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation15Year2Point50PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 Year) 3.50% [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount (14,020)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30Year3Point50PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 year) [1],[3],[4]  
Rate 3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30Year3Point50PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments maturity date 2015-01 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments sold short, at fair value- (14,579)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30Year3Point50PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (15 Year) 4.00% [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount (7,900)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation15Year4PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Description Federal National Mortgage Association (15 year) [1],[3],[4]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation15Year4PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments maturity date 2015-02 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments sold short, at fair value- (8,365)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation15Year4PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (30 Year) 5.50% [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount (6,860)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30Year5Point50PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Description Federal National Mortgage Association (30 year) [1],[3],[4]  
Rate 5.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30Year5Point50PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments maturity date 2015-01 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments sold short, at fair value- (7,673)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30Year5Point50PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 year) 5.00% [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount (6,000)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30year5Point00PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4] (23,200)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30year5Point00PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 year) [1],[3],[4] Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 year) [1],[5],[6]
Rate 5.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30year5Point00PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4] 5.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30year5Point00PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Investments maturity date 2015-01 [1],[3],[4] 2014-02 [1],[5],[6]
Investments sold short, at fair value- (6,622)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30year5Point00PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4] (24,996)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30year5Point00PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (15 Year) 3.00% [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount (4,100)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation15Year3PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (15 year) [1],[3],[4]  
Rate 3.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation15Year3PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments maturity date 2015-01 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments sold short, at fair value- (4,256)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation15Year3PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Other Federal National Mortgage Association (15 Year) [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount (3,270)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociation15YearMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Description Other Federal National Mortgage Association (15 year) [1],[3],[4]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociation15YearMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments maturity date 2015-01 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments sold short, at fair value- (3,465)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociation15YearMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 Year) [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount (1,300)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30YearMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Description Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 year)  
Rate 5.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30YearMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments maturity date 2015-01 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments sold short, at fair value- (1,453)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30YearMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (15 Year) [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount (1,100)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation15YearMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Description Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (15 year) [1],[3],[4]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation15YearMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments maturity date 2015-01 [1],[3],[4]  
Investments sold short, at fair value- (1,165)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation15YearMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[3],[4]  
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (30 year) 4.00% 2014-01 [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   (156,890)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30year4Point00Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Description   Federal National Mortgage Association (30 year) [1],[5],[6]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30year4Point00Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Investments maturity date   2014-01 [1],[5],[6]
Investments sold short, at fair value-   (161,689)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30year4Point00Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (30 year) 3.50% 2014-01 [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   (136,182)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30year3Point50Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Description   Federal National Mortgage Association (30 year) [1],[5],[6]
Rate   3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30year3Point50Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Investments maturity date   2014-01 [1],[5],[6]
Investments sold short, at fair value-   (135,427)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30year3Point50Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (30 year) 4.50% 2014-01 [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   (96,700)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30year4Point50Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Description   Federal National Mortgage Association (30 year) [1],[5],[6]
Rate   4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30year4Point50Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Investments maturity date   2014-01 [1],[5],[6]
Investments sold short, at fair value-   (102,559)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30year4Point50Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (15 year) 3.50% 2014-01 [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   (89,600)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation15year3Point50Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Description   Federal National Mortgage Association (15 year) [1],[5],[6]
Rate   3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation15year3Point50Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Investments maturity date   2014-01 [1],[5],[6]
Investments sold short, at fair value-   (93,716)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation15year3Point50Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (30 year) 5.00% 2014-01 [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   (57,600)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30year5Point00Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Description   Federal National Mortgage Association (30 year) [1],[5],[6]
Rate   5.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30year5Point00Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Investments maturity date   2014-01 [1],[5],[6]
Investments sold short, at fair value-   (62,617)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30year5Point00Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (15 year) 3.00% 2014-01 [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   (58,960)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation15year3Point00Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Description   Federal National Mortgage Association (15 year) [1],[5],[6]
Rate   3.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation15year3Point00Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Investments maturity date   2014-01 [1],[5],[6]
Investments sold short, at fair value-   (60,158)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation15year3Point00Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 year) 4.00% 2014-01 [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   (57,837)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30year4Point00Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 year) [1],[5],[6]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30year4Point00Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Investments maturity date   2014-01 [1],[5],[6]
Investments sold short, at fair value-   (59,409)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30year4Point00Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (15 year) 2.50% 2014-01 [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   (31,150)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation15year2Point50Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Description   Federal National Mortgage Association (15 year) [1],[5],[6]
Rate   2.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation15year2Point50Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Investments maturity date   2014-01 [1],[5],[6]
Investments sold short, at fair value-   (30,816)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation15year2Point50Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (30 year) 4.50% 2014-02 [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   (24,400)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30year4Point50Percent201402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Description   Federal National Mortgage Association (30 year) [1],[5],[6]
Rate   4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30year4Point50Percent201402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Investments maturity date   2014-02 [1],[5],[6]
Investments sold short, at fair value-   (25,798)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30year4Point50Percent201402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (15 year) 4.00% 2014-01 [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   (16,604)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation15year4Point00Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Description   Federal National Mortgage Association (15 year) [1],[5],[6]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation15year4Point00Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Investments maturity date   2014-01 [1],[5],[6]
Investments sold short, at fair value-   (17,589)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation15year4Point00Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (15 year) 3.50% 2014-01 [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   (8,200)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation15year3Point50Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (15 year) [1],[5],[6]
Rate   3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation15year3Point50Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Investments maturity date   2014-01 [1],[5],[6]
Investments sold short, at fair value-   (8,550)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation15year3Point50Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (30 year) 5.50% 2014-01 [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   (6,700)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30year5Point50Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Description   Federal National Mortgage Association (30 year) [1],[5],[6]
Rate   5.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30year5Point50Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Investments maturity date   2014-01 [1],[5],[6]
Investments sold short, at fair value-   (7,373)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30year5Point50Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 year) 3.50% 2014-01 [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   (6,550)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30year3Point50Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 year) [1],[5],[6]
Rate   3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30year3Point50Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Investments maturity date   2014-01 [1],[5],[6]
Investments sold short, at fair value-   (6,495)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30year3Point50Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (15 year) 3.00% 2014-01 [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   (4,100)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation15year3Point00Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (15 year) [1],[5],[6]
Rate   3.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation15year3Point00Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Investments maturity date   2014-01 [1],[5],[6]
Investments sold short, at fair value-   (4,175)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation15year3Point00Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 year) 4.50% 2014-01 [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   (3,900)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30year4Point50Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 year) [1],[5],[6]
Rate   4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30year4Point50Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Investments maturity date   2014-01 [1],[5],[6]
Investments sold short, at fair value-   (4,129)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30year4Point50Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Other Federal National Mortgage Association (30 year) 6.00% 2014-01 [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   (2,500)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociation30year6Point00Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Description   Other Federal National Mortgage Association (30 Year) [1],[5],[6]
Rate   6.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociation30year6Point00Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Investments maturity date   2014-01 [1],[5],[6]
Investments sold short, at fair value-   (2,776)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociation30year6Point00Percent201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 year) 2014-01 [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   (3,815)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30year201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Description   Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 Year) [1],[5],[6]
Investments maturity date   2014-01 [1],[5],[6]
Investments sold short, at fair value-   (3,685)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30year201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 [1],[5],[6]
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Investment Sold, Not yet Purchased, Percent of Equity (121.95%)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedPercentOfNetAssets
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 (111.89%)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedPercentOfNetAssets
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Investment Sold, Not yet Purchased, Percent of Equity (31.44%)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedPercentOfNetAssets
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember		 (17.80%)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedPercentOfNetAssets
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 year) 2014-01 [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Rate   2.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30year201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember		 [1],[5],[6]
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 year) 2014-01 [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Rate   5.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30year201401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesSoldShortMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember		 [1],[5],[6]
Government debt sold short [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Investment Sold, Not yet Purchased, Percent of Equity (7.02%)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_GovernmentdebtsoldshortMember		 [1],[2],[3] (4.36%)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_GovernmentdebtsoldshortMember		 [1],[2],[5]
Investments sold short, at fair value- (55,315)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_GovernmentdebtsoldshortMember		 [1],[3] (27,288)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_GovernmentdebtsoldshortMember		 [1],[5]
Proceeds from investments sold short (56,610)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedSaleProceeds
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_GovernmentdebtsoldshortMember		 [1],[3] (27,532)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedSaleProceeds
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_GovernmentdebtsoldshortMember		 [1],[5]
Government debt sold short [Member] | Sovereign Debt Securities [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount (28,118)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_GovernmentdebtsoldshortMember		 [1],[3] (7,337)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_GovernmentdebtsoldshortMember		 [1],[5]
Description European Sovereign Bonds [1],[3] European Sovereign Bond [1],[5]
Rate   3.75%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_GovernmentdebtsoldshortMember		 [1],[5]
Investments maturity date   2018-10 [1],[5]
Investments sold short, at fair value- (30,606)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_GovernmentdebtsoldshortMember		 [1],[3] (7,681)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_GovernmentdebtsoldshortMember		 [1],[5]
Government debt sold short [Member] | US Treasury Notes Securities [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount (22,485)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryNotesSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_GovernmentdebtsoldshortMember		 [1],[3] (20,000)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryNotesSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_GovernmentdebtsoldshortMember		 [1],[5]
Description U.S. Treasury Note [1],[3] U.S. Treasury Note [1],[5]
Rate   1.25%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryNotesSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_GovernmentdebtsoldshortMember		 [1],[5]
Investments maturity date   2018-10 [1],[5]
Investments sold short, at fair value- (22,560)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryNotesSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_GovernmentdebtsoldshortMember		 [1],[3] (19,607)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryNotesSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_GovernmentdebtsoldshortMember		 [1],[5]
Government debt sold short [Member] | US Treasury Bond [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount (2,000)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryBondSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_GovernmentdebtsoldshortMember		 [1],[3]  
Description U.S. Treasury Bond [1],[3]  
Rate 3.13%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryBondSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_GovernmentdebtsoldshortMember		 [1],[3]  
Investments maturity date 2044-08 [1],[3]  
Investments sold short, at fair value- (2,149)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryBondSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_GovernmentdebtsoldshortMember		 [1],[3]  
Government debt sold short [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Sovereign Debt Securities [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Rate 2.75%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_GovernmentdebtsoldshortMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember		 [1],[3]  
Investments maturity date 2016-09 [1],[3]  
Government debt sold short [Member] | Minimum [Member] | US Treasury Notes Securities [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Rate 1.25%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryNotesSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_GovernmentdebtsoldshortMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember		 [1],[3]  
Investments maturity date 2018-10 [1],[3]  
Government debt sold short [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Sovereign Debt Securities [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_GovernmentdebtsoldshortMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember		 [1],[3]  
Investments maturity date 2019-04 [1],[3]  
Government debt sold short [Member] | Maximum [Member] | US Treasury Notes Securities [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Rate 2.25%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryNotesSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_GovernmentdebtsoldshortMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember		 [1],[3]  
Investments maturity date 2024-11 [1],[3]  
Common Stock Sold Short [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Investment Sold, Not yet Purchased, Percent of Equity (3.36%)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommonStockSoldShortbyindustryMember		 [1],[2],[3] (1.02%)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommonStockSoldShortbyindustryMember		 [1],[2],[5]
Investments sold short, at fair value- (26,516)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommonStockSoldShortbyindustryMember		 [1],[3] (6,369)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommonStockSoldShortbyindustryMember		 [1],[5]
Proceeds from investments sold short (27,605)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedSaleProceeds
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommonStockSoldShortbyindustryMember		 [1],[3] (6,313)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedSaleProceeds
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommonStockSoldShortbyindustryMember		 [1],[5]
Common Stock Sold Short [Member] | Publicly Traded Real Estate Investment Trusts [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Description Publicly Traded Real Estate Investment Trusts [1],[3] Publicly Traded Real Estate Investment Trusts [1],[5]
Investments sold short, at fair value- (26,516)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= sic_Z6798
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommonStockSoldShortbyindustryMember		 [1],[3] (6,369)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= sic_Z6798
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommonStockSoldShortbyindustryMember		 [1],[5]
Investment Sold, Not yet Purchased, Balance, Shares (2,986)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalanceShares
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= sic_Z6798
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommonStockSoldShortbyindustryMember		 [1],[3] (763)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalanceShares
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= sic_Z6798
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommonStockSoldShortbyindustryMember		 [1],[5]
Securities Sold Short - Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Investment Sold, Not yet Purchased, Percent of Equity (163.77%)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_SecuritiesSoldShortSecuritiesSoldNotYetPurchasedMember		 [1],[2],[3] (135.07%)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_SecuritiesSoldShortSecuritiesSoldNotYetPurchasedMember		 [1],[2],[5]
Investments sold short, at fair value- (1,291,370)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_SecuritiesSoldShortSecuritiesSoldNotYetPurchasedMember		 [1],[3] (845,614)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_SecuritiesSoldShortSecuritiesSoldNotYetPurchasedMember		 [1],[5]
Proceeds from investments sold short (1,290,091)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedSaleProceeds
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_SecuritiesSoldShortSecuritiesSoldNotYetPurchasedMember		 [1],[3] (847,602)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedSaleProceeds
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_SecuritiesSoldShortSecuritiesSoldNotYetPurchasedMember		 [1],[5]
Europe [Member] | Securities Sold Short - Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Investment Sold, Not yet Purchased, Percent of Equity   (1.23%)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedPercentOfNetAssets
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_EuropeMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_SecuritiesSoldShortSecuritiesSoldNotYetPurchasedMember
Current Principal/Notional Amount   (7,337)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_EuropeMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_SecuritiesSoldShortSecuritiesSoldNotYetPurchasedMember
Investments sold short, at fair value-   (7,681)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_EuropeMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_SecuritiesSoldShortSecuritiesSoldNotYetPurchasedMember
Proceeds from investments sold short   (7,633)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedSaleProceeds
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_EuropeMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_SecuritiesSoldShortSecuritiesSoldNotYetPurchasedMember
Europe [Member] | Sovereign Debt Securities [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Investment Sold, Not yet Purchased, Percent of Equity (3.88%)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedPercentOfNetAssets
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_EuropeMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtSecuritiesMember		  
Current Principal/Notional Amount (28,118)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_EuropeMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtSecuritiesMember		  
Investments sold short, at fair value- (30,606)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_EuropeMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtSecuritiesMember		  
Proceeds from investments sold short (32,008)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedSaleProceeds
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_EuropeMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtSecuritiesMember		  
North America [Member] | Common Stock Sold Short [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Investment Sold, Not yet Purchased, Percent of Equity (3.36%)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedPercentOfNetAssets
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommonStockSoldShortbyindustryMember		 (1.02%)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedPercentOfNetAssets
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommonStockSoldShortbyindustryMember
Investments sold short, at fair value- (26,516)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommonStockSoldShortbyindustryMember		 (6,369)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommonStockSoldShortbyindustryMember
Investment Sold, Not yet Purchased, Balance, Shares (2,986)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalanceShares
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommonStockSoldShortbyindustryMember		 (763)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalanceShares
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommonStockSoldShortbyindustryMember
Proceeds from investments sold short (27,605)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedSaleProceeds
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommonStockSoldShortbyindustryMember		 (6,313)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedSaleProceeds
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommonStockSoldShortbyindustryMember
North America [Member] | Securities Sold Short - Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Investment Sold, Not yet Purchased, Percent of Equity   (132.82%)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedPercentOfNetAssets
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_SecuritiesSoldShortSecuritiesSoldNotYetPurchasedMember
Current Principal/Notional Amount   (804,888)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_SecuritiesSoldShortSecuritiesSoldNotYetPurchasedMember
Investments sold short, at fair value-   (831,564)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_SecuritiesSoldShortSecuritiesSoldNotYetPurchasedMember
Proceeds from investments sold short   (833,656)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedSaleProceeds
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_SecuritiesSoldShortSecuritiesSoldNotYetPurchasedMember
North America [Member] | Securities Sold Short Securities Sold Not Yet Purchased TBAs and Government Debt [Member]    
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]    
Investment Sold, Not yet Purchased, Percent of Equity (156.53%)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedPercentOfNetAssets
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_SecuritiesSoldShortSecuritiesSoldNotYetPurchasedTBAsandGovernmentDebtMember		  
Current Principal/Notional Amount (1,159,703)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_SecuritiesSoldShortSecuritiesSoldNotYetPurchasedTBAsandGovernmentDebtMember		  
Investments sold short, at fair value- (1,234,248)us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsSoldNotYetPurchasedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_SecuritiesSoldShortSecuritiesSoldNotYetPurchasedTBAsandGovernmentDebtMember		  
Proceeds from investments sold short $ (1,230,478)us-gaap_InvestmentSoldNotYetPurchasedSaleProceeds
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_SecuritiesSoldShortSecuritiesSoldNotYetPurchasedTBAsandGovernmentDebtMember		  
[1] See Note 2 and Note 3 in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
[2] Classification percentages are based on Total Equity.
[3] 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)%
[4] At December 31, 2014, the Company's short investments guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, represented 121.95% and 31.44% of equity, respectively.
[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] At December 31, 2013, the Company's short investments guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation represented 111.89% and 17.80% of equity, respectively.