v3.8.0.1

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2016 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2016
Net increase (decrease) in shareholders' equity resulting from operations |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent |  | $ 6,195 | $ 516 | $ 26,537 |  | $ (17,699) |
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Participating Non-controlling Interest | [1] | 41 | 3 | 172 |  | (112) |
Net income (loss) attributable to parent and participating non-controlling interest |  | 6,236 | 519 | 26,709 |  | (17,811) |
Dividends Paid: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Dividends | [2] | (14,758) | (16,640) | (44,336) | [3] | (50,256) | [3]
Undistributed (Distributed in excess of) earnings: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total undistributed (distributed in excess of) earnings |  | $ (8,522) | $ (16,121) | $ (17,627) |  | $ (68,067) |
Basic earnings per common share: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Distributed (in usd per share) |  | $ 0.45 | $ 0.50 | $ 1.35 |  | $ 1.50 |
Undistributed (Distributed in excess of) (in usd per share) |  | (0.26) | (0.48) | (0.54) |  | (2.03) |
Basic earnings per common share (in usd per share) |  | 0.19 | 0.02 | 0.81 |  | (0.53) |
Diluted earnings per common share: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Distributed (in usd per share) |  | 0.45 | 0.50 | 1.35 |  | 1.50 |
Undistributed (Distributed in excess of) (in usd per share) |  | (0.26) | (0.48) | (0.54) |  | (2.03) |
Diluted earnings per common share (in usd per share) |  | $ 0.19 | $ 0.02 | $ 0.81 |  | $ (0.53) |
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Participating Non-controlling Interest |  | $ 400 | $ 31 | $ 1,100 |  | $ 200 |
Common Stock [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net increase (decrease) in shareholders' equity resulting from operations |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent |  | 6,106 | 509 | 26,155 |  | (17,460) |
Dividends Paid: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Dividends | [2] | (14,451) | (16,309) | (43,416) |  | (49,263) |
Undistributed (Distributed in excess of) earnings: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total undistributed (distributed in excess of) earnings |  | $ (8,345) | $ (15,800) | $ (17,261) |  | $ (66,723) |
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic and diluted): |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted |  | 32,095,675 | 32,643,154 | 32,153,366 |  | 32,854,979 |
Long-Term Incentive Plan Units [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net increase (decrease) in shareholders' equity resulting from operations |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent |  | $ 89 | $ 7 | $ 382 |  | $ (239) |
Dividends Paid: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Dividends | [2] | (211) | (225) | (634) |  | (675) |
Undistributed (Distributed in excess of) earnings: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total undistributed (distributed in excess of) earnings |  | $ (122) | $ (218) | $ (252) |  | $ (914) |
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic and diluted): |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted |  | 471,057 | 451,125 | 470,050 |  | 450,336 |
Noncontrolling Interest [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Dividends Paid: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Dividends | [2] | $ (96) | $ (106) | $ (286) |  | $ (318) |
Undistributed (Distributed in excess of) earnings: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total undistributed (distributed in excess of) earnings |  | $ (55) | $ (103) | $ (114) |  | $ (430) |
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic and diluted): |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted |  | 212,000 | 212,000 | 212,000 |  | 212,000 |
[1] | For the three month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, excludes net increase in equity resulting from operations of $0.4 million and $31 thousand, respectively, attributable to joint venture partners, which have non-participating interests as described in Note 9. For the nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, excludes net increase in equity resulting from operations of $1.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively attributable to joint venture partners, which have non-participating interests as described in Note 9.
[2] | The Company pays quarterly dividends in arrears, so a portion of the dividends paid in each calendar year relate to the prior year's earnings.
[3] | For the nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, dividends totaling $1.35 and $1.50 respectively, per common share and convertible unit outstanding, were declared and paid.

X
- Definition Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest that does not own units convertible to common shares. This income (loss) is excluded in the calculation of earnings per share. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | efc_NetIncomeLossAttributabletoNonParticipatingNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix: | efc_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest that owns units convertible to common shares. This income (loss) is included in the calculation of earnings per share. This income (loss) excludes income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest that does not have the ability to convert their interest into common shares of the Company. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | efc_NetIncomeLossAttributabletoParticipatingNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix: | efc_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Net income (loss) attributable to parent and participating non-controlling interest. Income (loss) excludes income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest that does not have the ability to convert their interest into common shares of the Company. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | efc_Netincomelossattributabletoparentandparticipatingnoncontrollinginterest
Namespace Prefix: | efc_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of paid and unpaid cash, stock, and paid-in-kind (PIK) dividends declared, for example, but not limited to, common and preferred stock. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 405 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957935&loc=d3e64057-112817 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Dividends
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DividendsAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 52 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96948231&loc=d3e4984-109258 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(19)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96947427&loc=d3e1252-109256 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(21)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(23)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Dividends declared in the period and the contractual amount of dividends (or interest on participating income bonds) that must be paid per security. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 60A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96947427&loc=SL5780132-109256 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 60 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96947427&loc=d3e2740-109256 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 66 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96947427&loc=d3e2814-109256 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 60B -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96947427&loc=SL5780133-109256 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicDistributed
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The earnings attributable to each security on the basis that all of the earnings for the period had been distributed (to the extent that each security may share in earnings). This is the earnings amount which reflects the participation rights in undistributed earnings of each security. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 66 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96947427&loc=d3e2814-109256 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 60 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96947427&loc=d3e2740-109256 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 65 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96947427&loc=d3e2793-109256 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 60A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96947427&loc=SL5780132-109256 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 60B -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96947427&loc=SL5780133-109256 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicUndistributed
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(19)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96947427&loc=d3e1252-109256 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(21)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(23)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Dividends declared in the period and the contractual amount of dividends (or interest on participating income bonds) that must be paid per security, taking into account all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 66 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96947427&loc=d3e2814-109256 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 60 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96947427&loc=d3e2740-109256 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 60A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96947427&loc=SL5780132-109256 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 60B -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96947427&loc=SL5780133-109256 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedDistributed
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The earnings attributable to each security on the basis that all of the earnings for the period had been distributed (to the extent that each security may share in earnings). This is the earnings amount which reflects the participation rights in undistributed earnings of each security, after giving effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedUndistributed
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98514028&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(22)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(18)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(20)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The earnings that is allocated to common stock and participating securities to the extent that each security may share in earnings as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 65 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96947427&loc=d3e2793-109256 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 60A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96947427&loc=SL5780132-109256 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 66 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96947427&loc=d3e2814-109256 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 60 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96947427&loc=d3e2740-109256 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 60B -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96947427&loc=SL5780133-109256 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UndistributedEarnings
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS). + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfShareOutstandingBasicAndDiluted
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingDilutedDisclosureItemsAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=us-gaap_CommonStockMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=efc_LongTermIncentivePlanUnitsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |