Derivative Instruments - Effect on Consolidated Results (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Realized gains (losses) on terminations of interest rate swaps	$ (458)	$ (68,579)

The net gain (loss) recognized in the statement of operations upon termination of interest rate swap agreements.

No definition available.

Name:	cim_GainLossOnTerminationOfInterestRateSwaps
Namespace Prefix:	cim_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration