Financial Derivatives (Narrative) (Details) (Credit Default Swap, Selling Protection [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Credit Default Swap, Selling Protection [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Total net up-front payments received	$ 9.0	$ 2.5

Total net upfront fees received on credit derivatives.

No definition available.

Name:	efc_UpFrontFeesReceivedOnCreditDerivatives
Namespace Prefix:	efc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration