v3.20.4
Valuation (Schedule of Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) [1],[2] $ 1,514,185 $ 2,449,941  
Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value [1] 141,620 71,850  
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 15,479 16,788 $ 20,001
Repurchase agreements, at fair value 38,640 73,639 61,274
Investments sold short, at fair value- (38,642) (73,409) (850,577)
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- (24,553) (27,621) (20,806)
Other secured borrowings, at fair value (754,921) [1] (594,396) [1] (297,948)
Level 3 | Non-Agency RMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Total assets 127,838 89,581  
Level 3 | CMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Total assets 63,148 29,805  
Level 3 | CLOs      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Total assets 111,100 44,979  
Level 3 | Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Total assets 44,925 48,610  
Level 3 | Corporate loan [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Total assets   18,510  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value 141,620 71,850  
Total assets 3,124,764 3,951,005 3,020,586
Other secured borrowings, at fair value (754,921) (594,396)  
Total liabilities (818,116) (695,426) (1,169,331)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments Sold Short      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments sold short, at fair value-     (850,577)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments Sold Short | Agency RMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments sold short, at fair value-     (772,964)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments Sold Short | Corporate debt securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments sold short, at fair value- (218) (471)  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments Sold Short | Government debt      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments sold short, at fair value- (38,424) (72,938) (54,151)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments Sold Short | Corporate debt securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments sold short, at fair value-     (6,529)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments Sold Short | Common stock      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments sold short, at fair value-     (16,933)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-     (20,806)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- (6,438) (14,524) (11,557)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- (747) (1,693) (3,246)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- (130) (250) (2,125)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Interest rate swaps      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- (15,174) (8,719) (3,397)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | TBA securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- (925) (1,012)  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Futures      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- (376) (45) (355)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Forwards      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- (279) (169) (120)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Total return swaps      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- (484) (1,209) (6)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Other secured borrowings, at fair value      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Other secured borrowings, at fair value     (297,948)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Cash equivalents      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Cash and cash equivalents     12,460
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Securities | Agency RMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 959,443 1,936,963  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Securities | Non-Agency RMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 204,114 166,550  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Securities | CMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 117,653 124,868  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Securities | CLOs      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 181,271 170,443  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Securities | Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 44,925 48,610  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Securities | Corporate debt securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 5,189 1,113  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Securities | Corporate equity securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 1,590 1,394  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     2,939,311
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments | Agency RMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     1,450,217
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments | Non-Agency RMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     302,639
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments | CMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     33,908
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments | CLOs      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     123,893
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments | Corporate debt securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     22,392
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments | Corporate equity securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     43,793
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments | Secured notes      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     10,917
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments | U.S. Treasury securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     76
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments | Residential mortgage loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     496,830
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments | Commercial mortgage loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     211,185
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments | Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     206,761
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments | Real estate owned      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     34,500
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Investments | Common stock      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     2,200
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Loans | Residential mortgage loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Loans, at fair value 1,187,069 932,203  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Loans | Commercial mortgage loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Loans, at fair value 213,031 274,759  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Loans | Consumer loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Loans, at fair value 47,525 186,954  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Loans | Corporate loan [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Loans, at fair value 5,855 18,510  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Assets      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-     20,001
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 347 993 1,472
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 3,420 5,599 733
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-   2 2,473
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 2,184 3,319 8,092
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Interest rate swaps      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 8,519 5,468 7,224
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Assets | TBA securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 962 596  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Futures      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 2 148  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Forwards      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-   43 6
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Total return swaps      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 9 620 1
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Warrants      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 36    
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Repurchase Agreements      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Repurchase agreements, at fair value     61,274
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value 0 0  
Total assets 2 148 2,200
Other secured borrowings, at fair value 0 0  
Total liabilities (376) (45) (17,288)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments Sold Short      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments sold short, at fair value-     (16,933)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments Sold Short | Agency RMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments sold short, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments Sold Short | Corporate debt securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments sold short, at fair value- 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments Sold Short | Government debt      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments sold short, at fair value- 0 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments Sold Short | Corporate debt securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments sold short, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments Sold Short | Common stock      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments sold short, at fair value-     (16,933)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-     (355)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- 0 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- 0 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- 0 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Interest rate swaps      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- 0 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | TBA securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Futures      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- (376) (45) (355)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Forwards      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- 0 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Total return swaps      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- 0 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Other secured borrowings, at fair value      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Other secured borrowings, at fair value     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Cash equivalents      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Cash and cash equivalents     12,460
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Securities | Agency RMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Securities | Non-Agency RMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Securities | CMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Securities | CLOs      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Securities | Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Securities | Corporate debt securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Securities | Corporate equity securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     2,200
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments | Agency RMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments | Non-Agency RMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments | CMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments | CLOs      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments | Corporate debt securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments | Corporate equity securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments | Secured notes      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments | U.S. Treasury securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments | Residential mortgage loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments | Commercial mortgage loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments | Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments | Real estate owned      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Investments | Common stock      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     2,200
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Loans | Residential mortgage loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Loans, at fair value 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Loans | Commercial mortgage loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Loans, at fair value 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Loans | Consumer loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Loans, at fair value 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Loans | Corporate loan [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Loans, at fair value 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Assets      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 0 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 0 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-   0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 0 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Interest rate swaps      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 0 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | TBA securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Futures      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 2 148  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Forwards      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-   0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Total return swaps      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 0 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Warrants      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 0    
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Repurchase Agreements      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Repurchase agreements, at fair value     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value 0 0  
Total assets 1,164,960 2,229,582 1,892,308
Other secured borrowings, at fair value 0 0  
Total liabilities (62,335) (100,549) (854,095)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments Sold Short      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments sold short, at fair value-     (833,644)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments Sold Short | Agency RMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments sold short, at fair value-     (772,964)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments Sold Short | Corporate debt securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments sold short, at fair value- (218) (471)  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments Sold Short | Government debt      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments sold short, at fair value- (38,424) (72,938) (54,151)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments Sold Short | Corporate debt securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments sold short, at fair value-     (6,529)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments Sold Short | Common stock      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments sold short, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-     (20,451)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- (6,438) (14,524) (11,557)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- (747) (1,693) (3,246)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- (130) (250) (2,125)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Interest rate swaps      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- (15,174) (8,719) (3,397)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | TBA securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- (925) (1,012)  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Futures      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- 0 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Forwards      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- (279) (169) (120)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Total return swaps      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- 0 (773) (6)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Other secured borrowings, at fair value      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Other secured borrowings, at fair value     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Cash equivalents      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Cash and cash equivalents     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Securities | Agency RMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 947,780 1,917,059  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Securities | Non-Agency RMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 76,276 76,969  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Securities | CMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 54,505 95,063  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Securities | CLOs      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 70,171 125,464  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Securities | Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Securities | Corporate debt securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 1,107 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Securities | Corporate equity securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     1,812,505
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments | Agency RMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     1,442,924
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments | Non-Agency RMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     211,348
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments | CMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     33,105
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments | CLOs      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     108,978
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments | Corporate debt securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     16,074
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments | Corporate equity securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments | Secured notes      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments | U.S. Treasury securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     76
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments | Residential mortgage loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments | Commercial mortgage loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments | Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments | Real estate owned      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Investments | Common stock      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Loans | Residential mortgage loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Loans, at fair value 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Loans | Commercial mortgage loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Loans, at fair value 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Loans | Consumer loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Loans, at fair value 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Loans | Corporate loan [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Loans, at fair value 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Assets      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-     18,529
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 0 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 3,420 5,599 733
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-   2 2,473
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 2,184 3,319 8,092
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Interest rate swaps      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 8,519 5,468 7,224
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | TBA securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 962 596  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Futures      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Forwards      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-   43 6
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Total return swaps      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 0 0 1
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Warrants      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 36    
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Repurchase Agreements      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Repurchase agreements, at fair value     61,274
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value 141,620 71,850  
Total assets 1,959,802 1,721,275 1,126,078
Other secured borrowings, at fair value (754,921) (594,396)  
Total liabilities (755,405) (594,832) (297,948)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments Sold Short      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments sold short, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments Sold Short | Agency RMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments sold short, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments Sold Short | Corporate debt securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments sold short, at fair value- 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments Sold Short | Government debt      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments sold short, at fair value- 0 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments Sold Short | Corporate debt securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments sold short, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments Sold Short | Common stock      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments sold short, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- 0 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- 0 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- 0 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Interest rate swaps      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- 0 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | TBA securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Futures      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- 0 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Forwards      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- 0 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Liabilities | Total return swaps      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–liabilities, at fair value- (484) (436) 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Other secured borrowings, at fair value      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Other secured borrowings, at fair value     (297,948)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Cash equivalents      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Cash and cash equivalents     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Securities | Agency RMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 11,663 19,904  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Securities | Non-Agency RMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 127,838 89,581  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Securities | CMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 63,148 29,805  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Securities | CLOs      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 111,100 44,979  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Securities | Asset-backed securities, backed by consumer loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 44,925 48,610  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Securities | Corporate debt securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 4,082 1,113  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Securities | Corporate equity securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Securities, at fair value(1)(2) 1,590 1,394  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     1,124,606
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments | Agency RMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     7,293
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments | Non-Agency RMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     91,291
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments | CMBS      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     803
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments | CLOs      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     14,915
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments | Corporate debt securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     6,318
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments | Corporate equity securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     43,793
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments | Secured notes      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     10,917
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments | U.S. Treasury securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments | Residential mortgage loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     496,830
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments | Commercial mortgage loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     211,185
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments | Consumer loans and asset-backed securities backed by consumer loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     206,761
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments | Real estate owned      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     34,500
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Investments | Common stock      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Investments, at fair value-     0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Loans | Residential mortgage loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Loans, at fair value 1,187,069 932,203  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Loans | Commercial mortgage loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Loans, at fair value 213,031 274,759  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Loans | Consumer loans      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Loans, at fair value 47,525 186,954  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Loans | Corporate loan [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Loans, at fair value 5,855 18,510  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Assets      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-     1,472
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 347 993 1,472
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 0 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on corporate bonds      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-   0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 0 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Interest rate swaps      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 0 0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | TBA securities      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Futures      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Forwards      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value-   0 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Total return swaps      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- 9 $ 620 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Financial Derivatives - Assets | Warrants      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Financial derivatives–assets, at fair value- $ 0    
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Repurchase Agreements      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Repurchase agreements, at fair value     $ 0
[1] Ellington Financial Inc.'s Consolidated Balance Sheet includes assets and liabilities of variable interest entities it has consolidated. See Note 9 for additional details on Ellington Financial Inc.'s consolidated variable interest entities.
[2] Includes assets pledged as collateral to counterparties. See Note 11 for additional details on the Company's borrowings and related collateral.