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Use of Special Purpose Entities and Variable Interest Entities (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] |  |  |
Residential whole loans, at carrying value | $ 4,195,332 | $ 6,069,370 | [1]
Residential whole loans, at fair value | 1,216,902 | 1,381,583 |
Residential whole loans | 5,300,000 | 7,400,000 |
Residential whole loans, net | 4,108,499 | 6,066,345 |
Senior Notes |  |  |
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] |  |  |
Proceeds from issuance of debt | 1,300,000 |  |
Proceed from senior notes net of offering expenses and underwriting discount | 1,300,000 |  |
Asset-backed Securities, Securitized Loans and Receivables |  |  |
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] |  |  |
Proceeds from issuance of debt | 1,853,408 | 802,815 |
Residential whole loans, at carrying value | 1,400,000 | 186,400 |
Residential whole loans, at fair value | 382,300 | 567,400 |
Securitized debt | 1,500,000 | 571,000 |
Asset-backed Securities, Securitized Loans and Receivables | Other Assets |  |  |
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] |  |  |
Real estate owned at fair value | $ 49,500 | $ 137,800 |
[1] | For the year ended December 31, 2020, includes approximately $2.7 million (360,534 shares) surrendered for tax purposes related to equity-based compensation awards. For the year ended December 31, 2019, includes approximately $4.1 million (562,815 shares) surrendered for tax purposes related to equity-based compensation awards. For the year ended December 31, 2018, includes approximately $3.4 million (464,429 shares) surrendered for tax purposes related to equity-based compensation awards.

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