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Consolidated Condensed Schedule Of Investments (Long Investments) (USD $)
Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Fair Value $ 1,950,943,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue $ 2,172,082,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
Investment Owned, at Cost 1,902,651,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost 2,122,326,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
Percentage collaterallized by GNRCMO certificates 100.00%efc_Percentagecollaterallizedbygnrcmocertificates 100.00%efc_Percentagecollaterallizedbygnrcmocertificates
Non-performing loans, maturity date not applicable 15,000,000efc_Nonperformingloansmaturitydatenotapplicable 11,300,000efc_Nonperformingloansmaturitydatenotapplicable
Unrated But Agency-Guaranteed [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Long investment holdings as a percentage of stockholders' equity 148.77%efc_LongInvestmentHoldingsPercentOfEquityByRating
/ efc_InvestmentCreditRatingAxis
= efc_UnratedButAgencyGuaranteedMember
163.60%efc_LongInvestmentHoldingsPercentOfEquityByRating
/ efc_InvestmentCreditRatingAxis
= efc_UnratedButAgencyGuaranteedMember
Long Investment A Rating [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Long investment holdings as a percentage of stockholders' equity 0.34%efc_LongInvestmentHoldingsPercentOfEquityByRating
/ efc_InvestmentCreditRatingAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentAratingMember
0.98%efc_LongInvestmentHoldingsPercentOfEquityByRating
/ efc_InvestmentCreditRatingAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentAratingMember
Long Investment BBB Rating [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Long investment holdings as a percentage of stockholders' equity 3.04%efc_LongInvestmentHoldingsPercentOfEquityByRating
/ efc_InvestmentCreditRatingAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentBbbRatingMember
5.62%efc_LongInvestmentHoldingsPercentOfEquityByRating
/ efc_InvestmentCreditRatingAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentBbbRatingMember
Long Investment BB Rating [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Long investment holdings as a percentage of stockholders' equity 64.24%efc_LongInvestmentHoldingsPercentOfEquityByRating
/ efc_InvestmentCreditRatingAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentBbRatingMember
80.65%efc_LongInvestmentHoldingsPercentOfEquityByRating
/ efc_InvestmentCreditRatingAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentBbRatingMember
Long Investment Unrated Rating [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Long investment holdings as a percentage of stockholders' equity 32.00%efc_LongInvestmentHoldingsPercentOfEquityByRating
/ efc_InvestmentCreditRatingAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentUnratedRatingMember
24.61%efc_LongInvestmentHoldingsPercentOfEquityByRating
/ efc_InvestmentCreditRatingAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentUnratedRatingMember
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 139.33%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[3],[4],[5] 147.82%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value 1,094,284,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 1,165,642,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 35,973 Federal Home Loan Corporation Pool, 4.00% 2045-01 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 35,973,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThirtyFiveThousandNineHundredSeventyThreeFederalHomeLoanCorporationPool4Point00Percent204501Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThirtyFiveThousandNineHundredSeventyThreeFederalHomeLoanCorporationPool4Point00Percent204501Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2045-01 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 38,928,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThirtyFiveThousandNineHundredSeventyThreeFederalHomeLoanCorporationPool4Point00Percent204501Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 24,949 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 3.50% 2042-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 24,949,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_TwentyFourThousandNineHundredFortyNineFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent204210Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_TwentyFourThousandNineHundredFortyNineFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent204210Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2042-10 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 26,355,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_TwentyFourThousandNineHundredFortyNineFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent204210Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 16,663 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.00% 2043-11    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 16,663,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixteenThousandSixHundredSixtyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixteenThousandSixHundredSixtyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2043-11 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 18,147,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixteenThousandSixHundredSixtyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 15,071 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.00% 2043-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 15,071,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FifteenThousandSeventyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FifteenThousandSeventyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2043-11 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 16,330,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FifteenThousandSeventyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 13,763 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 5.00% 2041-08 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 13,763,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThirteenThousandSevenHundredSixtyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool5Point00Percent204108Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 5.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThirteenThousandSevenHundredSixtyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool5Point00Percent204108Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2041-08 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 15,341,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThirteenThousandSevenHundredSixtyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool5Point00Percent204108Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 11,938 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool, 4.00% 2043-08 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 11,938,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ElevenThousandNineHundredThirtyEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ElevenThousandNineHundredThirtyEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2043-08 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 13,027,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ElevenThousandNineHundredThirtyEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 11,615 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool, 4.50% 2044-01 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 11,615,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ElevenThousandSixHundredFifteenFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point50Percent204401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ElevenThousandSixHundredFifteenFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point50Percent204401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2044-01 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 12,965,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ElevenThousandSixHundredFifteenFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point50Percent204401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 11,740 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 3.50% 2045-03 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 11,740,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ElevenThousandSevenHundredFortyFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent204503Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ElevenThousandSevenHundredFortyFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent204503Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2045-03 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 12,347,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ElevenThousandSevenHundredFortyFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent204503Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 11,100 Government National Mortgage Association Pool, 3.50% 2045-04 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 11,100,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ElevenThousandOneHundredGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent204504Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Government National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ElevenThousandOneHundredGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent204504Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2045-04 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 11,696,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ElevenThousandOneHundredGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent204504Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 9,156 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool, 3.50% 2044-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 9,156,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_NineThousandOneHundredFiftySixFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool3Point50Percent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_NineThousandOneHundredFiftySixFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool3Point50Percent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2044-11 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 9,654,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_NineThousandOneHundredFiftySixFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool3Point50Percent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 8,110 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.00% 2043-08 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 8,110,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_EightThousandOneHundredTenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_EightThousandOneHundredTenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2043-08 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 8,777,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_EightThousandOneHundredTenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 7,802 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool, 4.00% 2045-01 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 7,802,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SevenThousandEightHundredTwoFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204501Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SevenThousandEightHundredTwoFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204501Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2045-01 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 8,371,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SevenThousandEightHundredTwoFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204501Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 6,934 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool, 4.00% 2044-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 6,934,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandNineHundredThirtyFourFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandNineHundredThirtyFourFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2044-10 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 7,493,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandNineHundredThirtyFourFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 7,055 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool, 3.50% 2044-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 7,055,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SevenThousandFiftyFiveFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool3Point50Percent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SevenThousandFiftyFiveFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool3Point50Percent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2044-11 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 7,438,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SevenThousandFiftyFiveFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool3Point50Percent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 6,804 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 3.50% 2042-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 6,804,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandEightHundredFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent204211Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandEightHundredFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent204211Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2042-11 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 7,223,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandEightHundredFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent204211Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 6,828 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool, 3.50% 2044-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 6,828,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandEightHundredTwentyEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool3Point50Percent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandEightHundredTwentyEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool3Point50Percent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2044-11 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 7,198,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandEightHundredTwentyEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool3Point50Percent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 6,407 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool, 4.50% 2044-02 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 6,407,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandFourHundredSevenFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point50Percent204402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandFourHundredSevenFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point50Percent204402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2044-02 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 7,159,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandFourHundredSevenFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point50Percent204402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 6,466 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.00% 2045-03 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 6,466,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandFourHundredSixtySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204503Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandFourHundredSixtySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204503Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2045-03 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 6,932,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandFourHundredSixtySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204503Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 6,010 Government National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.59% 2064-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 6,010,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandTenGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point59Percent206411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Government National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.59%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandTenGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point59Percent206411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2064-11 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 6,888,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandTenGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point59Percent206411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 6,395 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 3.50% 2028-03 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 6,395,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandThreeHundredNinetyFiveFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent202803Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandThreeHundredNinetyFiveFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent202803Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2028-03 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 6,868,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandThreeHundredNinetyFiveFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent202803Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 5,599 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.50% 2043-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 5,599,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFiveHundredNinetyNineFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFiveHundredNinetyNineFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2043-10 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 6,142,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFiveHundredNinetyNineFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 5,464 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.50% 2044-02 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 5,464,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFourHundredSixtyFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFourHundredSixtyFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2044-02 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 6,104,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFourHundredSixtyFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 5,138 Government National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.56% 2065-01 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 5,138,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandOneHundredThirtyEightGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point56Percent206501Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Government National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.56%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandOneHundredThirtyEightGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point56Percent206501Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2065-01 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 5,895,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandOneHundredThirtyEightGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point56Percent206501Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 5,552 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.50% 2026-04 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 5,552,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFiveHundredFiftyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent202604Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFiveHundredFiftyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent202604Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2026-04 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 5,835,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFiveHundredFiftyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent202604Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 5,107 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 5.50% 2039-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 5,107,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandOneHundredSevenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool5Point50Percent203910Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 5.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandOneHundredSevenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool5Point50Percent203910Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2039-10 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 5,761,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandOneHundredSevenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool5Point50Percent203910Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 5,455 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool, 3.00% 2043-01 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 5,455,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFourHundredFiftyFiveFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool3Point00Percent204301Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 3.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFourHundredFiftyFiveFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool3Point00Percent204301Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2043-01 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 5,596,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFourHundredFiftyFiveFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool3Point00Percent204301Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 5,109 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.00% 2044-06 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 5,109,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandOneHundredNineFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204406Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandOneHundredNineFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204406Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2044-06 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 5,537,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandOneHundredNineFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204406Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,953 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool, 4.00% 2044-07 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 4,953,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandNineHundredFiftyThreeFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204407Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandNineHundredFiftyThreeFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204407Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2044-07 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 5,403,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandNineHundredFiftyThreeFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204407Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,998 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.00% 2043-08 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 4,998,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandNineHundredNinetyEightFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandNineHundredNinetyEightFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2043-08 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 5,401,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandNineHundredNinetyEightFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,898 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool, 4.00% 2044-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 4,898,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandEightHundredNinetyEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandEightHundredNinetyEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2044-10 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 5,345,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandEightHundredNinetyEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,691 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.50% 2044-12 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 4,691,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandSixHundredNinetyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204412Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandSixHundredNinetyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204412Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2044-12 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 5,139,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandSixHundredNinetyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204412Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,787 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 3.50% 2028-12 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 4,787,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandSevenHundredEightySevenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent202812Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandSevenHundredEightySevenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent202812Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2028-12 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 5,131,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandSevenHundredEightySevenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent202812Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,771 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool, 4.00% 2045-04 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 4,771,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandSevenHundredSeventyOneFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204504Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandSevenHundredSeventyOneFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204504Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2045-04 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 5,107,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandSevenHundredSeventyOneFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204504Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,395 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool, 4.50% 2043-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 4,395,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandThreeHundredNinetyFiveFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point50Percent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandThreeHundredNinetyFiveFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point50Percent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2043-10 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,910,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandThreeHundredNinetyFiveFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point50Percent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,468 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool, 4.00% 2043-08 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 4,468,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFourHundredSixtyEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFourHundredSixtyEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2043-08 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,837,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFourHundredSixtyEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,398 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool, 4.00% 2044-02 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 4,398,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandThreeHundredNinetyEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandThreeHundredNinetyEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2044-02 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,794,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandThreeHundredNinetyEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,180 Government National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.68% 2064-09 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 4,180,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredEightyGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point68Percent206409Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Government National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.68%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredEightyGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point68Percent206409Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2064-09 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,781,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredEightyGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point68Percent206409Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,426 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.00% 2044-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 4,426,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFourHundredTwentySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFourHundredTwentySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2044-10 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,749,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFourHundredTwentySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,230 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.50% 2044-02 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 4,230,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandTwoHundredThirtyFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandTwoHundredThirtyFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2044-02 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,680,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandTwoHundredThirtyFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,199 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.00% 2043-01 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 4,199,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredNinetyNineFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204301Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredNinetyNineFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204301Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2043-01 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,517,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredNinetyNineFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204301Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,270 Government National Mortgage Association Pool, 3.50% 2045-03 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 4,270,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandTwoHundredSeventyGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent204503Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Government National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandTwoHundredSeventyGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent204503Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2045-03 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,496,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandTwoHundredSeventyGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent204503Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,053 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.50% 2044-03 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 4,053,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFiftyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204403Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFiftyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204403Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2044-03 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,491,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFiftyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204403Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,882 Government National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.61% 2064-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 3,882,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredEightyTwoGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point61Percent206411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Government National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.61%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredEightyTwoGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point61Percent206411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2064-11 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,447,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredEightyTwoGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point61Percent206411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,984 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 5.00% 2043-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 3,984,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandNineHundredEightyFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool5Point00Percent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 5.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandNineHundredEightyFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool5Point00Percent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2043-10 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,445,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandNineHundredEightyFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool5Point00Percent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,149 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 3.50% 2029-05 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 4,149,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredFortyNineFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent202905Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredFortyNineFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent202905Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2029-05 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,432,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredFortyNineFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent202905Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,166 Government National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.75% 2061-01 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 4,166,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredSixtySixGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point75Percent206101Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Government National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.75%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredSixtySixGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point75Percent206101Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2061-01 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,432,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredSixtySixGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point75Percent206101Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,851 Government National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.63% 2064-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 3,851,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredFiftyOneGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point63Percent206410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Government National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.63%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredFiftyOneGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point63Percent206410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2064-10 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,425,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredFiftyOneGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point63Percent206410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,121 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool, 3.50% 2043-06 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 4,121,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredTwentyOneFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool3Point50Percent204306Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredTwentyOneFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool3Point50Percent204306Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2043-06 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,342,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredTwentyOneFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool3Point50Percent204306Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,893 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.50% 2043-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 3,893,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredNinetyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204310MemberMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredNinetyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204310MemberMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2043-10 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,304,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredNinetyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204310MemberMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,793 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 5.00% 2043-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 3,793,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredNinetyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool5Point00Percent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 5.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredNinetyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool5Point00Percent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2043-10 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,270,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredNinetyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool5Point00Percent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,771 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 5.00% 2044-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 3,771,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredSeventyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool5Point00Percent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 5.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredSeventyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool5Point00Percent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2044-11 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,206,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredSeventyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool5Point00Percent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,824 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.50% 2044-03 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 3,824,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredTwentyFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204403Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredTwentyFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204403Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2044-03 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,190,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredTwentyFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204403Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,797 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool, 4.50% 2043-12 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 3,797,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredNinetySevenFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point50Percent204312Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredNinetySevenFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point50Percent204312Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2043-12 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,151,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredNinetySevenFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point50Percent204312Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,824 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.00% 2045-01 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 3,824,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredTwentyFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204501Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredTwentyFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204501Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2045-01 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,132,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredTwentyFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204501Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,731 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.50% 2044-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 3,731,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredThirtyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredThirtyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2044-11 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,099,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredThirtyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,648 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 5.00% 2043-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 3,648,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSixHundredFortyEightFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool5Point00Percent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 5.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSixHundredFortyEightFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool5Point00Percent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2043-10 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,096,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSixHundredFortyEightFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool5Point00Percent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,775 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.00% 2033-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 3,775,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredSeventyFiveFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent203311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredSeventyFiveFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent203311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2033-11 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,095,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredSeventyFiveFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent203311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,760 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool, 4.00% 2045-01 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 3,760,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredSixtyFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204501Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredSixtyFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204501Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2045-01 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,069,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredSixtyFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point00Percent204501Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,675 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.50% 2044-12 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 3,675,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSixHundredSeventyFiveFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204412Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSixHundredSeventyFiveFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204412Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2044-12 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,050,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSixHundredSeventyFiveFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point50Percent204412Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,746 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.00% 2044-06 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 3,746,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredFortySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204406Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredFortySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204406Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2044-06 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 4,030,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredFortySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204406Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,691 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 4.00% 2044-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 3,691,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSixHundredNinetyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSixHundredNinetyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2044-10 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 3,998,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSixHundredNinetyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool4Point00Percent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,522 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 5.00% 2044-01 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 3,522,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandFiveHundredTwentyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool5Point00Percent204401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 5.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandFiveHundredTwentyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool5Point00Percent204401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2044-01 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 3,993,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandFiveHundredTwentyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool5Point00Percent204401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,893 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 3.00% 2043-01 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 3,893,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredNinetyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point00Percent204301Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 3.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredNinetyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point00Percent204301Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2043-01 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 3,990,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredNinetyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point00Percent204301Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Federal National Mortgage Association Pools [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 364,853,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 360,009,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description Other Federal National Mortgage Association Pools [2],[3],[4],[5] Other Federal National Mortgage Association Pools [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value 398,265,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 389,510,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Federal National Mortgage Association Pools [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 3.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 3.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity 2026-06 [2],[3],[4],[5] 2026-06 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Federal National Mortgage Association Pools [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 6.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 6.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity 2045-04 [2],[3],[4],[5] 2045-01 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 199,022,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 187,073,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools [2],[3],[4],[5] Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value 215,449,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 200,541,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 3.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 3.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity 2028-03 [2],[3],[4],[5] 2028-03 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 6.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 6.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity 2045-03 [2],[3],[4],[5] 2045-01 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Government National Mortgage Association Pools [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 25,902,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 26,938,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description Other Government National Mortgage Association Pools [2],[3],[4],[5] Other Government National Mortgage Association Pools [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value 28,586,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 29,466,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Government National Mortgage Association Pools [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 4.49%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 4.49%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity 2060-02 [2],[3],[4],[5] 2060-02 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Government National Mortgage Association Pools [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 5.54%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 5.54%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity 2065-01 [2],[3],[4],[5] 2064-11 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 25,298 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 3.50% 2042-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   25,298,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_TwentyFiveThousandTwoHundredandNinetyEightFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent204210Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_TwentyFiveThousandTwoHundredandNinetyEightFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent204210Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2042-10 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   26,448,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_TwentyFiveThousandTwoHundredandNinetyEightFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPool3Point50Percent204210Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 16,987 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool 4.00% 2044-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   16,987,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixteenThousandNineHundredandEightySevenFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixteenThousandNineHundredandEightySevenFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-10 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   18,242,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixteenThousandNineHundredandEightySevenFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 16,831 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.00% 2043-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   16,831,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixteenThousandEightHundredandThirtyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixteenThousandEightHundredandThirtyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2043-11 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   18,129,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixteenThousandEightHundredandThirtyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 15,372 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.00% 2043-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   15,372,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FifteenThousandThreeHundredandSeventyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FifteenThousandThreeHundredandSeventyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2043-11 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   16,540,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FifteenThousandThreeHundredandSeventyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 14,026 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 5.00% 2041-08 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   14,026,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourteenThousandandTwentySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204108Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   5.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourteenThousandandTwentySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204108Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2041-08 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   15,542,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourteenThousandandTwentySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204108Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 11,953 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool 4.50% 2044-01 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   11,953,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ElevenThousandNineHundredandFiftyThreeFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPointFivePercent204401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ElevenThousandNineHundredandFiftyThreeFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPointFivePercent204401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-01 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   13,171,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ElevenThousandNineHundredandFiftyThreeFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPointFivePercent204401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 12,043 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool 4.00% 2043-08 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   12,043,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_TwelveThousandandFortyThreeFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_TwelveThousandandFortyThreeFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2043-08 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   12,971,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_TwelveThousandandFortyThreeFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 10,661 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 5.00% 2041-03 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   10,661,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_TenThousandSixHundredandSixtyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204103Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   5.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_TenThousandSixHundredandSixtyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204103Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2041-03 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   11,902,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_TenThousandSixHundredandSixtyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204103Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 11,098 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool 4.00% 2044-09 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   11,098,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ElevenThousandandNinetyEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204409Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ElevenThousandandNinetyEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204409Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-09 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   11,855,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ElevenThousandandNinetyEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204409Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 9,186 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 3.50% 2029-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   9,186,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_NineThousandOneHundredandEightySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent202911Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_NineThousandOneHundredandEightySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent202911Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2029-11 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   9,749,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_NineThousandOneHundredandEightySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent202911Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 9,317 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool 3.50% 2044-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   9,317,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_NineThousandThreeHundredandSeventeenFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolThreePointFivePercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_NineThousandThreeHundredandSeventeenFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolThreePointFivePercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-11 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   9,721,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_NineThousandThreeHundredandSeventeenFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolThreePointFivePercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 8,999 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool 4.00% 2043-07 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   8,999,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_EightThousandNineHundredandNinetyNineFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204307Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_EightThousandNineHundredandNinetyNineFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204307Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2043-07 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   9,639,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_EightThousandNineHundredandNinetyNineFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204307Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 8,269 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.00% 2043-08 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   8,269,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_EightThousandTwoHundredandSixtyNineFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_EightThousandTwoHundredandSixtyNineFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2043-08 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   8,859,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_EightThousandTwoHundredandSixtyNineFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 7,982 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 3.50% 2029-12 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   7,982,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SevenThousandNineHundredandEightyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent202912Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SevenThousandNineHundredandEightyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent202912Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2029-12 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   8,467,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SevenThousandNineHundredandEightyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent202912Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 7,951 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool 3.50% 2044-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   7,951,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SevenThousandNineHundredandFiftyOneFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolThreePointFivePercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SevenThousandNineHundredandFiftyOneFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolThreePointFivePercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-11 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   8,319,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SevenThousandNineHundredandFiftyOneFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolThreePointFivePercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 7,051 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool 4.00% 2044-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   7,051,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SevenThousandandFiftyOneFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SevenThousandandFiftyOneFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-10 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   7,572,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SevenThousandandFiftyOneFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 7,232 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool 3.50% 2044-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   7,232,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SevenThousandTwoHundredandThirtyTwoFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolThreePointFivePercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SevenThousandTwoHundredandThirtyTwoFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolThreePointFivePercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-11 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   7,549,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SevenThousandTwoHundredandThirtyTwoFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolThreePointFivePercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 6,983 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool 4.00% 2044-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   6,983,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandNineHundredandEightyThreeFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandNineHundredandEightyThreeFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-11 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   7,514,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandNineHundredandEightyThreeFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 6,999 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool 3.50% 2044-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   6,999,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandNineHundredandNinetyNineFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolThreePointFivePercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandNineHundredandNinetyNineFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolThreePointFivePercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-11 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   7,305,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandNineHundredandNinetyNineFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolThreePointFivePercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 6,933 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 3.50% 2042-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   6,933,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandNineHundredandThirtyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent204211Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandNineHundredandThirtyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent204211Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2042-11 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   7,274,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandNineHundredandThirtyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent204211Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 6,436 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool 4.50% 2044-02 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   6,436,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandFourHundredandThirtySixFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPointFivePercent204402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandFourHundredandThirtySixFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPointFivePercent204402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-02 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   7,094,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandFourHundredandThirtySixFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPointFivePercent204402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 6,564 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 3.50% 2028-03 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   6,564,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandFiveHundredandSixtyFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent202803Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandFiveHundredandSixtyFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent202803Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2028-03 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   6,979,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandFiveHundredandSixtyFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent202803Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 6,148 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 5.00% 2044-03 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   6,148,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandOneHundredandFortyEightFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204403Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   5.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandOneHundredandFortyEightFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204403Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-03 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   6,863,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandOneHundredandFortyEightFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204403Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 5,945 Government National Mortgage Association Pool 4.59% 2064-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   5,945,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandNineHundredandFortyFiveGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFiveNinePercent206411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Government National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.59%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandNineHundredandFortyFiveGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFiveNinePercent206411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2064-11 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   6,695,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandNineHundredandFortyFiveGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFiveNinePercent206411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 6,046 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool 4.00% 2044-09 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   6,046,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandandFortySixFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204409Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandandFortySixFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204409Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-09 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   6,459,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SixThousandandFortySixFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204409Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 5,782 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.50% 2043-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   5,782,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandSevenHundredandEightyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandSevenHundredandEightyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2043-10 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   6,296,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandSevenHundredandEightyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 5,916 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.50% 2026-04 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   5,916,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandNineHundredandSixteenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent202604Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandNineHundredandSixteenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent202604Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2026-04 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   6,232,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandNineHundredandSixteenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent202604Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 5,526 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.50% 2044-02 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   5,526,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFiveHundredandTwentySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFiveHundredandTwentySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-02 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   6,108,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFiveHundredandTwentySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 5,557 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool 4.00% 2044-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   5,557,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFiveHundredandFiftySevenFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFiveHundredandFiftySevenFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-11 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   5,973,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFiveHundredandFiftySevenFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 5,220 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 5.00% 2044-03 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   5,220,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandTwoHundredandTwentyFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204403Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   5.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandTwoHundredandTwentyFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204403Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-03 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   5,839,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandTwoHundredandTwentyFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204403Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 5,431 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.00% 2043-08 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   5,431,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFourHundredandThirtyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFourHundredandThirtyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2043-08 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   5,822,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFourHundredandThirtyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 5,410 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.00% 2044-05 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   5,410,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFourHundredandTenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204405Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFourHundredandTenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204405Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-05 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   5,819,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFourHundredandTenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204405Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 5,708 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool 3.00% 2043-01 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   5,708,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandSevenHundredandEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolThreePercent204301Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   3.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandSevenHundredandEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolThreePercent204301Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2043-01 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   5,788,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandSevenHundredandEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolThreePercent204301Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 5,402 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool 4.00% 2043-08 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   5,402,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFourHundredandTwoFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFourHundredandTwoFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2043-08 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   5,786,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFourHundredandTwoFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 5,131 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 5.50% 2039-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   5,131,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandOneHundredandThirtyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePointFivePercent203910Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   5.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandOneHundredandThirtyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePointFivePercent203910Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2039-10 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   5,741,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandOneHundredandThirtyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePointFivePercent203910Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 5,407 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool, 3.50% 2044-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   5,407,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFourHundredandSevenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFourHundredandSevenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-11 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   5,668,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFourHundredandSevenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 5,130 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.00% 2044-06 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   5,130,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandOneHundredandThirtyFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204406Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandOneHundredandThirtyFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204406Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-06 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   5,502,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandOneHundredandThirtyFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204406Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 5,414 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 3.00% 2043-04 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   5,414,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFourHundredandFourteenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePercent204304Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   3.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFourHundredandFourteenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePercent204304Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2043-04 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   5,489,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandFourHundredandFourteenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePercent204304Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 5,058 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool 4.00% 2044-07 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   5,058,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandandFiftyEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204407Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandandFiftyEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204407Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-07 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   5,450,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandandFiftyEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204407Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,897 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.50% 2043-12 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   4,897,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandEightHundredandNinetySevenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204312Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandEightHundredandNinetySevenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204312Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2043-12 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   5,402,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandEightHundredandNinetySevenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204312Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 5,036 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 3.50% 2029-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   5,036,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandandThirtySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent202911Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandandThirtySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent202911Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2029-11 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   5,353,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandandThirtySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent202911Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,942 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.00% 2044-05 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   4,942,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandNineHundredandFortyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204405Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandNineHundredandFortyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204405Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-05 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   5,322,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandNineHundredandFortyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204405Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,922 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool 4.00% 2044-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   4,922,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandNineHundredandTwentyTwoFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandNineHundredandTwentyTwoFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-10 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   5,304,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandNineHundredandTwentyTwoFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,981 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 3.50% 2028-12 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   4,981,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandNineHundredandEightyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent202812Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandNineHundredandEightyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent202812Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2028-12 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   5,290,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandNineHundredandEightyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent202812Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,662 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.50% 2044-01 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   4,662,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandSixHundredandSixtyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandSixHundredandSixtyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-01 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   5,146,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandSixHundredandSixtyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,708 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.50% 2044-12 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   4,708,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandSevenHundredandEightFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204412Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandSevenHundredandEightFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204412Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-12 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   5,120,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandSevenHundredandEightFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204412Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,585 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 3.50% 2029-12 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   4,585,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFiveHundredandEightyFiveFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent202912Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFiveHundredandEightyFiveFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent202912Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2029-12 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,864,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFiveHundredandEightyFiveFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent202912Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,413 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool 4.50% 2043-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   4,413,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFourHundredandThirteenFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPointFivePercent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFourHundredandThirteenFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPointFivePercent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2043-10 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,861,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFourHundredandThirteenFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPointFivePercent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,487 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool 4.00% 2044-02 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   4,487,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFourHundredandEightySevenFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFourHundredandEightySevenFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-02 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,835,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFourHundredandEightySevenFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,491 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool 4.00% 2043-08 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   4,491,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFourHundredandNinetyOneFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFourHundredandNinetyOneFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2043-08 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,810,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFourHundredandNinetyOneFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204308Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,468 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.00% 2043-01 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   4,468,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFourHundredandSixtyEightFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204301Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFourHundredandSixtyEightFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204301Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2043-01 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,783,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFourHundredandSixtyEightFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204301Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,443 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.00% 2044-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   4,443,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFourHundredandFortyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFourHundredandFortyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-10 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,750,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFourHundredandFortyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,358 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool 4.00% 2044-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   4,358,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandThreeHundredandFiftyEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandThreeHundredandFiftyEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-11 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,689,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandThreeHundredandFiftyEightFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,246 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.50% 2044-02 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   4,246,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandTwoHundredandFortySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandTwoHundredandFortySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-02 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,666,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandTwoHundredandFortySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204402Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,131 Government National Mortgage Association Pool 4.68% 2064-09 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   4,131,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredandThirtyOneGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointSixEightPercent206409Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Government National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.68%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredandThirtyOneGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointSixEightPercent206409Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2064-09 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,647,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredandThirtyOneGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointSixEightPercent206409Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,108 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.50% 2043-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   4,108,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredandEightFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredandEightFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2043-10 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,499,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredandEightFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,072 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.50% 2044-03 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   4,072,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandandSeventyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204403Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandandSeventyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204403Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-03 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,475,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandandSeventyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204403Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,211 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 3.50% 2029-05 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   4,211,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandTwoHundredandElevenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent202905Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandTwoHundredandElevenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent202905Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2029-05 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,467,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandTwoHundredandElevenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent202905Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,181 Government National Mortgage Association Pool 4.75% 2061-01 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   4,181,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredandEightyOneGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointSevenFivePercent206101Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Government National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.75%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredandEightyOneGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointSevenFivePercent206101Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2061-01 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,457,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredandEightyOneGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointSevenFivePercent206101Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,000 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 5.00% 2043-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   4,000,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   5.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2043-10 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,444,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,838 Government National Mortgage Association Pool 4.61% 2064-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   3,838,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredandThirtyEightGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointSixtyOnePercent206411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Government National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.61%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredandThirtyEightGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointSixtyOnePercent206411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2064-11 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,322,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredandThirtyEightGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointSixtyOnePercent206411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,962 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.50% 2043-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   3,962,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandNineHundredandSixtyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandNineHundredandSixtyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2043-11 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,308,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandNineHundredandSixtyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 4,141 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool 3.50% 2043-06 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   4,141,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredandFortyOneFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolThreePointFivePercent204306Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredandFortyOneFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolThreePointFivePercent204306Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2043-06 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,298,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FourThousandOneHundredandFortyOneFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolThreePointFivePercent204306Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,809 Government National Mortgage Association Pool 4.63% 2064-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   3,809,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredandNineGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointSixThreePercent206410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Government National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.63%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredandNineGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointSixThreePercent206410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2064-10 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,295,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredandNineGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointSixThreePercent206410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,943 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool 4.50% 2043-12 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   3,943,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandNineHundredandFortyThreeFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPointFivePercent204312Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandNineHundredandFortyThreeFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPointFivePercent204312Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2043-12 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,294,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandNineHundredandFortyThreeFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPointFivePercent204312Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,997 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.00% 2044-06 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   3,997,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandNineHundredandNinetySevenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204406Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandNineHundredandNinetySevenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204406Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-06 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,289,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandNineHundredandNinetySevenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204406Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,809 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 5.00% 2043-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   3,809,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredandNineFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   5.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredandNineFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2043-10 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,259,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredandNineFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,784 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 5.00% 2044-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   3,784,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredandEightyFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   5.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredandEightyFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-11 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,195,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredandEightyFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,896 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.00% 2044-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   3,896,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredandNinetySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredandNinetySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-10 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,193,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredandNinetySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,843 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.50% 2044-03 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   3,843,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredandFortyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204403Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredandFortyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204403Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-03 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,190,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredandFortyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204403Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,884 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.00% 2043-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   3,884,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredandEightyFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredandEightyFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2043-11 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,180,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredandEightyFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,922 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 3.50% 2029-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   3,922,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandNineHundredandTwentyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent202911Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandNineHundredandTwentyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent202911Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2029-11 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,170,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandNineHundredandTwentyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePointFivePercent202911Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,807 Federal National Mortgage Corporation Pool 4.00% 2033-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   3,807,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredandSevenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent203311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredandSevenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent203311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2033-11 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,123,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredandSevenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent203311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,656 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 5.00% 2044-01 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   3,656,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSixHundredandFiftySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   5.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSixHundredandFiftySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-01 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,121,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSixHundredandFiftySixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204401Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,816 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.00% 2042-04 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   3,816,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredandSixteenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204204Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredandSixteenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204204Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2042-04 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,098,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandEightHundredandSixteenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204204Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,683 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 5.00% 2043-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   3,683,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSixHundredandEightyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   5.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSixHundredandEightyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2043-11 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,086,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSixHundredandEightyThreeFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204311Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,661 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 5.00% 2043-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   3,661,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSixHundredandSixtyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   5.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSixHundredandSixtyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2043-10 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,085,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSixHundredandSixtyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,744 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.50% 2044-11 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   3,744,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredandFortyFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredandFortyFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-11 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,079,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredandFortyFourFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204411Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,692 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.50% 2044-12 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   3,692,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSixHundredandNinetyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204412Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSixHundredandNinetyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204412Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-12 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   4,045,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSixHundredandNinetyTwoFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPointFivePercent204412Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,706 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 4.00% 2044-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   3,706,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredandSixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredandSixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2044-10 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   3,989,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandSevenHundredandSixFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFourPercent204410Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,921 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 3.00% 2043-01 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   3,921,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandNineHundredandTwentyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePercent204301Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   3.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandNineHundredandTwentyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePercent204301Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2043-01 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   3,978,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandNineHundredandTwentyOneFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolThreePercent204301Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 3,597 Federal National Mortgage Association Pool 5.00% 2043-10 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   3,597,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandFiveHundredandNinetySevenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   5.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandFiveHundredandNinetySevenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2043-10 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   3,973,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ThreeThousandFiveHundredandNinetySevenFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolFivePercent204310Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 0.90%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[3],[4],[5] 1.20%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value 7,071,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 9,441,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Federal National Mortgage Association [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 43,333,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 56,737,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description Other Federal National Mortgage Association [2],[3],[4],[5] Other Federal National Mortgage Association [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value 4,880,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 6,971,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Federal National Mortgage Association [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 3.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 3.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity 2020-12 [2],[3],[4],[5] 2020-12 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Federal National Mortgage Association [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 5.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 5.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity 2043-05 [2],[3],[4],[5] 2043-06 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 15,146,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 16,165,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation [2],[3],[4],[5] Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value 1,794,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 2,009,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity 2032-12 [2],[3],[4],[5] 2032-12 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 5.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 5.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity 2040-03 [2],[3],[4],[5] 2040-03 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Government National Mortgage Association [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 2,142,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 2,142,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description Other Government National Mortgage Association [2],[3],[4],[5] Other Government National Mortgage Association [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate 4.75%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 4.75%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity 2040-07 [2],[3],[4],[5] 2040-07 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value 397,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 461,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 3.51%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[3],[4],[5] 9.18%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[6],[7],[8]
Current Principal/Notional Amount 26,990,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
71,598,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
Fair Value 27,590,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 72,410,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association (30 Year) [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   44,478,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30YearMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal National Mortgage Association (30 Year) [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   3.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30YearMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2015-01 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   45,015,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociation30YearMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 Year) [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   27,120,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30YearMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 Year) [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   3.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30YearMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2015-01 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   27,395,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30YearMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 Year) 3.00%[Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 25,090,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30Year3Point00PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 Year) [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 3.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30Year3Point00PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2015-04 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 25,598,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30Year3Point00PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 Year) 3.50% [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 1,900,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30Year3Point50PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 Year) [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 3.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30Year3Point50PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2015-04 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 1,992,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporation30Year3Point50PercentMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_ToBeAnnouncedFixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fixed Rate Agency Securities [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 143.74%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_FixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[3],[4],[5] 158.20%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_FixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value 1,128,945,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_FixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 1,247,493,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_FixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned, at Cost 1,107,405,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_FixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 1,230,414,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_FixedRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 2.58%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[3],[4],[5] 2.62%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value 20,233,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 20,647,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Federal National Mortgage Association Pools [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 6,255,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 6,265,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description Other Federal National Mortgage Association Pools [2],[3],[4],[5] Other Federal National Mortgage Association Pools [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value 6,679,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 6,692,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Federal National Mortgage Association Pools [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 5.05%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 5.04%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity 2035-09 [2],[3],[4],[5] 2035-09 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Federal National Mortgage Association Pools [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 6.05%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 6.05%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity 2037-09 [2],[3],[4],[5] 2037-09 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 4,636,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 4,653,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools [2],[3],[4],[5] Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value 4,895,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 4,876,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 2.36%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 2.36%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity 2037-06 [2],[3],[4],[5] 2037-06 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 5.94%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 5.94%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity 2044-05 [2],[3],[4],[5] 2044-05 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Government National Mortgage Association Pools [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 2,994,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 3,404,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description Other Government National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[3],[4],[5] Other Government National Mortgage Association Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate 2.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 2.47%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity 2064-11 [2],[3],[4],[5] 2064-11 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value 3,238,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 3,673,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationPoolsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 5,084 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool 4.92% 2038-04 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   5,084,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandandEightyFourFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPointNineTwoPercent203804Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[6],[7],[8]
Rate   4.92%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandandEightyFourFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPointNineTwoPercent203804Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity   2038-04 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value   5,406,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandandEightyFourFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPoolFourPointNineTwoPercent203804Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | 5,083 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool, 4.92% 2038-04 [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 5,083,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandEightyThreeFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point92Percent203804Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Investment Owned Description Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Rate 4.92%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandEightyThreeFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point92Percent203804Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Maturity 2038-04 [2],[3],[4],[5]  
Fair Value 5,421,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FiveThousandEightyThreeFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationPool4Point92Percent203804Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5]  
Interest Only - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 2.45%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[3],[4],[5] 2.78%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value 19,264,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 21,944,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Interest Only - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Federal National Mortgage Association [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 20,410,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 28,251,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description Other Federal National Mortgage Association [2],[3],[4],[5] Other Federal National Mortgage Association [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value 3,041,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 4,508,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Interest Only - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Federal National Mortgage Association [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 5.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 5.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity 2035-04 [2],[3],[4],[5] 2035-04 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Interest Only - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Federal National Mortgage Association [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 6.53%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 6.58%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity 2041-12 [2],[3],[4],[5] 2043-07 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Interest Only - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 7,874,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 13,048,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation [2],[3],[4],[5] Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value 1,345,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 1,872,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Interest Only - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 5.83%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 5.84%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity 2036-03 [2],[3],[4],[5] 2036-03 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Interest Only - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 6.46%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 6.47%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherFederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity 2039-08 [2],[3],[4],[5] 2039-08 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Interest Only - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Government National Mortgage Association [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 180,262,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 183,794,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned Description Other Government National Mortgage Association [2],[3],[4],[5] Other Government National Mortgage Association [2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value 12,921,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 13,591,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Interest Only - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Government National Mortgage Association [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 0.41%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 0.40%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity 2042-11 [2],[3],[4],[5] 2042-11 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Interest Only - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Other Government National Mortgage Association [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 6.57%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 6.58%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_OtherGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Maturity 2063-10 [2],[3],[4],[5] 2063-10 [2],[6],[7],[8]
Interest Only - Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member] | Resecuritization of Government National Mortgage Association [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 20,953,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ResecuritizationOfGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5],[9] 21,145,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ResecuritizationOfGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8],[9]
Investment Owned Description Resecuritization of Government National Mortgage Association (aa) [2],[3],[4],[5],[9] Resecuritization of Government National Mortgage Association (w) [2],[6],[7],[8],[9]
Rate 4.33%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ResecuritizationOfGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5],[9] 4.34%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ResecuritizationOfGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8],[9]
Maturity 2060-08 [2],[3],[4],[5],[9] 2060-08 [2],[6],[7],[8],[9]
Fair Value 1,957,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ResecuritizationOfGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5],[9] 1,973,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_ResecuritizationOfGovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyFloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8],[9]
Floating Rate Agency Securities [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 5.03%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_FloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[3],[4],[5] 5.40%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_FloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value 39,497,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_FloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 42,591,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_FloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned, at Cost 38,341,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_FloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 41,787,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_FloatingRateAgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Agency Securities [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 148.77%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_AgencySecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[3],[4],[5] 163.60%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_AgencySecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[6],[7],[8]
Fair Value 1,168,442,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_AgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 1,290,084,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_AgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Investment Owned, at Cost 1,145,746,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_AgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4],[5] 1,272,201,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_AgencySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7],[8]
Principal And Interest - Private Label Securities [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 63.99%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[3],[4] 76.95%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 502,585,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 606,757,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned, at Cost 473,337,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 571,834,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Principal And Interest - Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 832,108,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 963,038,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned Description Various [2],[3],[4] Various [2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 502,585,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 606,757,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Principal And Interest - Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 0.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[3],[4] 0.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[6],[7]
Maturity 2015-07 [2],[3],[4] 2015-07 [2],[6],[7]
Principal And Interest - Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 9.35%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[3],[4] 12.25%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalAndInterestPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[6],[7]
Maturity 2049-12 [2],[3],[4] 2061-01 [2],[6],[7]
Principal Only - Private Label Securities [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 0.46%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalOnlyPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[3],[4] 0.41%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalOnlyPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 3,627,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalOnlyPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 3,248,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalOnlyPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned, at Cost 2,805,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalOnlyPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 2,737,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalOnlyPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Principal Only - Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 5,800,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalOnlyPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 5,800,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalOnlyPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned Description Various [2],[3],[4] Various [2],[6],[7]
Rate 0.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalOnlyPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 0.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalOnlyPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Maturity 2030-08 [2],[3],[4] 2030-08 [2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 3,627,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalOnlyPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 3,248,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrincipalOnlyPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Interest Only - Private Label Securities [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 0.38%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[3],[4] 0.31%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 3,017,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 2,423,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned, at Cost 2,224,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 1,602,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Interest Only - Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 72,749,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 65,223,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned Description Various [2],[3],[4] Various [2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 3,017,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 2,423,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Interest Only - Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 0.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[3],[4] 0.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[6],[7]
Maturity 2044-06 [2],[3],[4] 2044-06 [2],[6],[7]
Interest Only - Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 2.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[3],[4] 2.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_InterestOnlyPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[6],[7]
Maturity 2048-02 [2],[3],[4] 2047-12 [2],[6],[7]
Other Private Label Securities [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 0.00%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_OtherPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[3],[4] 0.00%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_OtherPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 0us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_OtherPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 0us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_OtherPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned, at Cost 300,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_OtherPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 302,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_OtherPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Other Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 110,755,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_OtherPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 111,629,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_OtherPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned Description Various [2],[3],[4] Various [2],[6],[7]
Rate 0.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_OtherPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 0.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_OtherPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 0us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_OtherPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 0us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_OtherPrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Other Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Maturity 2037-06 [2],[3],[4] 2037-06 [2],[6],[7]
Other Private Label Securities [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Maturity 2048-02 [2],[3],[4] 2047-10 [2],[6],[7]
Private Label Securities [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 64.83%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[3],[4] 77.67%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 509,229,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 612,428,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned, at Cost 478,666,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 576,475,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_PrivateLabelSecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 213.60%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[3],[4] 241.27%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 1,677,671,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 1,902,512,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned, at Cost 1,624,412,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 1,848,676,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Other asset-backed securities and loans [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 15.74%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_AssetbackedsecuritiesandloansMember
[1],[2],[3],[4] 18.55%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_AssetbackedsecuritiesandloansMember
[1],[2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 123,620,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_AssetbackedsecuritiesandloansMember
[2],[3],[4] 146,288,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_AssetbackedsecuritiesandloansMember
[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned, at Cost 127,873,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_AssetbackedsecuritiesandloansMember
[2],[3],[4] 149,386,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_AssetbackedsecuritiesandloansMember
[2],[6],[7]
Other asset-backed securities and loans [Member] | Various Issuer [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 144,672,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_AssetbackedsecuritiesandloansMember
[2],[3],[4] 169,458,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_AssetbackedsecuritiesandloansMember
[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned Description Various [2],[3],[4] Various [2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 123,620,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_AssetbackedsecuritiesandloansMember
[2],[3],[4] 146,288,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_AssetbackedsecuritiesandloansMember
[2],[6],[7]
Other asset-backed securities and loans [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 0.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_AssetbackedsecuritiesandloansMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[3],[4] 0.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_AssetbackedsecuritiesandloansMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[6],[7]
Maturity 2015-10 [2],[3],[4] 2015-06 [2],[6],[7]
Other asset-backed securities and loans [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 43.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_AssetbackedsecuritiesandloansMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[3],[4] 49.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_AssetbackedsecuritiesandloansMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[6],[7]
Maturity 2068-09 [2],[3],[4] 2068-09 [2],[6],[7]
Corporate Debt [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 4.05%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CorporateDebtMember
[1],[2],[3],[4] 5.41%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CorporateDebtMember
[1],[2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 31,836,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CorporateDebtMember
[2],[3],[4] 42,708,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CorporateDebtMember
[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned, at Cost 33,293,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CorporateDebtMember
[2],[3],[4] 43,585,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CorporateDebtMember
[2],[6],[7]
Corporate Debt [Member] | Various Issuer [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 34,484,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CorporateDebtMember
[2],[3],[4] 46,006,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CorporateDebtMember
[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned Description Various [2],[3],[4] Various [2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 31,836,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CorporateDebtMember
[2],[3],[4] 42,708,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CorporateDebtMember
[2],[6],[7]
Corporate Debt [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 5.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CorporateDebtMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[3],[4] 5.25%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CorporateDebtMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[2],[6],[7]
Maturity 2017-01 [2],[3],[4] 2016-06 [2],[6],[7]
Corporate Debt [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 15.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CorporateDebtMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[3],[4] 15.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CorporateDebtMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[2],[6],[7]
Maturity 2021-09 [2],[3],[4] 2021-09 [2],[6],[7]
Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 4.96%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommercialMortgageLoansMember
[1],[10],[2],[3],[4] 3.59%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommercialMortgageLoansMember
[1],[11],[2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 38,918,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommercialMortgageLoansMember
[10],[2],[3],[4] 28,309,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommercialMortgageLoansMember
[11],[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned, at Cost 38,858,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommercialMortgageLoansMember
[10],[2],[3],[4] 28,266,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommercialMortgageLoansMember
[11],[2],[6],[7]
Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member] | Various Issuer [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 55,019,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommercialMortgageLoansMember
[10],[2],[3],[4] 32,519,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommercialMortgageLoansMember
[11],[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned Description Various [10],[2],[3],[4] Various [11],[2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 38,918,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommercialMortgageLoansMember
[10],[2],[3],[4] 28,309,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommercialMortgageLoansMember
[11],[2],[6],[7]
Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 3.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommercialMortgageLoansMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[10],[2],[3],[4] 0.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommercialMortgageLoansMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
[11],[2],[6],[7]
Maturity 2015-08 [10],[2],[3],[4] 2015-01 [11],[2],[6],[7]
Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Rate 10.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommercialMortgageLoansMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[10],[2],[3],[4] 10.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_CommercialMortgageLoansMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
[11],[2],[6],[7]
Maturity 2045-04 [10],[2],[3],[4] 2017-11 [11],[2],[6],[7]
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 3.93%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember
[1],[2],[3],[4] 3.49%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember
[1],[2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 30,845,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember
[2],[3],[4] 27,482,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember
[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned, at Cost 30,618,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember
[2],[3],[4] 27,398,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember
[2],[6],[7]
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member] | Various Issuer [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 46,673,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember
[2],[3],[4] 44,336,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember
[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned Description Various [2],[3],[4] Various [2],[6],[7]
Rate 0.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember
[2],[3],[4] 0.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember
[2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 30,845,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember
[2],[3],[4] 27,482,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_VariousIssuerMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember
[2],[6],[7]
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Minimum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Maturity 2018-02 [2],[3],[4] 2018-02 [2],[6],[7]
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member] | Various Issuer [Member] | Maximum [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Maturity 2055-04 [2],[3],[4] 2054-10 [2],[6],[7]
Real Estate Owned [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 1.15%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_WhollyOwnedPropertiesMember
[1],[12],[2],[3],[4] 1.10%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_WhollyOwnedPropertiesMember
[1],[12],[2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 9,070,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_WhollyOwnedPropertiesMember
[12],[2],[3],[4] 8,635,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_WhollyOwnedPropertiesMember
[12],[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned, at Cost 8,646,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_WhollyOwnedPropertiesMember
[12],[2],[3],[4] 8,748,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_WhollyOwnedPropertiesMember
[12],[2],[6],[7]
Real Estate Owned [Member] | Single-Family Houses [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 48us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SingleFamilyHousesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_WhollyOwnedPropertiesMember
[12],[2],[3],[4] 50us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SingleFamilyHousesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_WhollyOwnedPropertiesMember
[12],[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned Description Single-Family Houses [12],[2],[3],[4] Single-Family Houses [12],[2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 7,026,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SingleFamilyHousesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_WhollyOwnedPropertiesMember
[12],[2],[3],[4] 6,591,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_SingleFamilyHousesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_WhollyOwnedPropertiesMember
[12],[2],[6],[7]
Real Estate Owned [Member] | Commercial Property [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 1us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_CommercialPropertyMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_WhollyOwnedPropertiesMember
[12],[2],[3],[4] 1us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_CommercialPropertyMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_WhollyOwnedPropertiesMember
[12],[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned Description Commercial Property [12],[2],[3],[4] Commercial Property [12],[2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 2,044,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_CommercialPropertyMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_WhollyOwnedPropertiesMember
[12],[2],[3],[4] 2,044,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_CommercialPropertyMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_WhollyOwnedPropertiesMember
[12],[2],[6],[7]
Private Corporate Equity Investments [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 2.71%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[3],[4] 1.84%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 21,300,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 14,512,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned, at Cost 21,274,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 14,717,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Private Corporate Equity Investments [Member] | North America [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 2.71%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
1.84%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
Fair Value 21,300,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
14,512,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
Investment Owned, at Cost 21,274,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
14,717,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
Private Corporate Equity Investments [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Preferred Equity Investment in Commercial Mortgage-related Private Partnership    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment Owned Description Non-Exchange Traded Preferred Equity Investment in Commercial Mortgage-Related Private Partnership [2],[3],[4] Non-Exchange Traded Preferred Equity Investment in Commercial Mortgage-Related Private Partnership [2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 8,171,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_NonExchangeTradedPreferredEquityInvestmentinCommercialMortgagerelatedPrivatePartnershipMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 6,241,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_NonExchangeTradedPreferredEquityInvestmentinCommercialMortgagerelatedPrivatePartnershipMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned, Balance, Shares 8,171us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceShares
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_NonExchangeTradedPreferredEquityInvestmentinCommercialMortgagerelatedPrivatePartnershipMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 6,241us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceShares
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_NonExchangeTradedPreferredEquityInvestmentinCommercialMortgagerelatedPrivatePartnershipMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Private Corporate Equity Investments [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Corporate Equity [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment Owned Description Non-Exchange Traded Corporate Equity [2],[3],[4] Non-Exchange Traded Corporate Equity [2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 5,138,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_NonExchangeTradedCorporateEquityMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 2,860,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_NonExchangeTradedCorporateEquityMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned, Balance, Shares 208us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceShares
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_NonExchangeTradedCorporateEquityMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 88us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceShares
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_NonExchangeTradedCorporateEquityMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Private Corporate Equity Investments [Member] | Non-controlling Interest in Mortgage-related Private Partnership [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment Owned Description Non-Controlling Interest in Mortgage-Related Private Partnership [2],[3],[4] Non-Controlling Interest in Mortgage-Related Private Partnership [2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 2,753,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_NoncontrollingInterestinMortgagerelatedPrivatePartnershipMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 2,673,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_NoncontrollingInterestinMortgagerelatedPrivatePartnershipMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Private Corporate Equity Investments [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Preferred Equity Investment in Mortgage Originators [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment Owned Description Non-Exchange Traded Preferred Equity Investment in Mortgage Originators [2],[3],[4] Non-Exchange Traded Preferred Equity Investment in Mortgage Originators [2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 4,325,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_NonExchangeTradedPreferredEquityInvestmentinMortgageOriginatorsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 2,500,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_NonExchangeTradedPreferredEquityInvestmentinMortgageOriginatorsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned, Balance, Shares 9,482us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceShares
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_NonExchangeTradedPreferredEquityInvestmentinMortgageOriginatorsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 7,657us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceShares
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_NonExchangeTradedPreferredEquityInvestmentinMortgageOriginatorsMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Private Corporate Equity Investments [Member] | Non-Exchange Traded Equity Investment in Mortgage Originator    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment Owned Description Non-Exchange Traded Equity Investment in Mortgage Originators [2],[3],[4] Non-Exchange Traded Equity Investment in Mortgage Originators [2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 913,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_EquityinMortgageOriginatorMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 238,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_EquityinMortgageOriginatorMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned, Balance, Shares 7,478us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceShares
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_EquityinMortgageOriginatorMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 728us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceShares
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_EquityinMortgageOriginatorMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
U.S. Treasury Note 1.00% [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 10,660,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_U.S.TreasuryNoteOnePercentMember
[2],[3],[4]  
Investment Owned Description U.S. Treasury Note [2],[3],[4]  
Rate 1.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_U.S.TreasuryNoteOnePercentMember
[2],[3],[4]  
Maturity 2018-03 [2],[3],[4]  
Fair Value 10,697,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_U.S.TreasuryNoteOnePercentMember
[2],[3],[4]  
U.S. Treasury Note 1.38% [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 6,556,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_U.S.TreasuryNoteOnePointThreeEightPercentMember
[2],[3],[4]  
Investment Owned Description U.S. Treasury Note [2],[3],[4]  
Rate 1.38%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_U.S.TreasuryNoteOnePointThreeEightPercentMember
[2],[3],[4]  
Maturity 2020-03 [2],[3],[4]  
Fair Value 6,557,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_U.S.TreasuryNoteOnePointThreeEightPercentMember
[2],[3],[4]  
U.S. Treasury Note 0.50% [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount 429,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_U.S.TreasuryNotePointFivePercentMember
[2],[3],[4]  
Investment Owned Description U.S. Treasury Note [2],[3],[4]  
Rate 0.50%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_U.S.TreasuryNotePointFivePercentMember
[2],[3],[4]  
Maturity 2017-02 [2],[3],[4]  
Fair Value 429,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_U.S.TreasuryNotePointFivePercentMember
[2],[3],[4]  
US Treasury Securities [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 2.25%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[3],[4] 0.21%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember
[1],[2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 17,683,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 1,636,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned, at Cost 17,677,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember
[2],[3],[4] 1,550,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
US Treasury Securities [Member] | US Treasury Bond Securities [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Current Principal/Notional Amount   1,560,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryBondSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned Description   U.S. Treasury Bond [2],[6],[7]
Rate   3.00%invest_InvestmentInterestRate
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryBondSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Maturity   2044-11 [2],[6],[7]
Fair Value   1,636,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasuryBondSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember
[2],[6],[7]
Long Investments [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 248.39%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
[1],[2],[3],[4] 275.46%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
[1],[2],[6],[7]
Fair Value 1,950,943,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
[2],[3],[4] 2,172,082,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
[2],[6],[7]
Investment Owned, at Cost 1,902,651,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
[2],[3],[4] 2,122,326,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
[2],[6],[7]
Long Investments [Member] | North America [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 239.53%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
264.46%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
Current Principal/Notional Amount 2,606,164,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
2,863,057,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
Fair Value 1,881,365,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
2,092,959,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
Investment Owned, at Cost 1,823,880,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
2,038,249,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
Long Investments [Member] | Europe [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 6.15%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_EuropeMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
9.16%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_EuropeMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
Current Principal/Notional Amount 56,061,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_EuropeMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
69,724,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_EuropeMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
Fair Value 48,278,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_EuropeMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
64,611,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_EuropeMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
Investment Owned, at Cost $ 57,497,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_EuropeMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
$ 69,360,000us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtCost
/ invest_InvestmentGeographicRegionAxis
= us-gaap_EuropeMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
Long Investments [Member] | Federal National Mortgage Association [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 83.65%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
100.30%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
Long Investments [Member] | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 53.13%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
53.97%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_FederalHomeLoanMortgageCorporationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
Long Investments [Member] | Government National Mortgage Association [Member]    
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]    
Investment owned as a percentage of equity 11.99%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_GovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
9.33%us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= efc_GovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationMember
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= efc_LongInvestmentsMember
[1] Classification percentages are based on Total Equity.
[2] See Note 2 and Note 3 in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
[3] The table below shows the ratings on the Company's long investments from Moody's, Standard and Poor's, or Fitch, as well as the Company's long investments that were unrated but guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or the Government National Mortgage Association. Ratings tend to be a lagging credit indicator; as a result, the credit quality of the Company's long investment holdings may be lower than the credit quality implied based on the ratings listed below. In situations where an investment has a split rating, the lowest provided rating is used. The ratings descriptions include ratings qualified with a "+," "-," "1," "2," or "3."Rating Description Percent ofEquityUnrated but Agency-Guaranteed 148.77%A/A/A 0.34%Baa/BBB/BBB 3.04%Ba/BB/BB or below 64.24%Unrated 32.00%
[4] The following table details the breakout by geographical region of long investments, investments sold short, repurchase agreements, financial derivatives–assets, and financial derivatives–liabilities.Region Current Principal/Notional Value/Number of Shares Cost/(Proceeds) Fair Value Percent ofEquityLong Investments: (In thousands, Expressed in U.S. Dollars) North America 2,606,164 $1,823,880 $1,881,365 239.53 %Europe 56,061 57,497 48,278 6.15 %North America (Private Corporate Equity Investments) n/a 21,274 21,300 2.71 %Total $1,902,651 $1,950,943 248.39 %Investments Sold Short: North America (TBAs and Government Debt) (1,103,716) $(1,170,994) $(1,175,699) (149.69)%Europe (Government Debt) (19,039) (22,575) (20,183) (2.57)%Total $(1,122,755) $(1,193,569) $(1,195,882) (152.26)%Repurchase Agreements: North America 24,046 $24,046 $24,046 3.06 %Europe 20,709 21,027 20,708 2.64 %Total 44,755 $45,073 $44,754 5.70 %Financial Derivatives–Assets: North America 1,650,257 $45,179 $58,131 7.40 %Europe 159,342 33,420 31,713 4.04 %Total 1,809,599 $78,599 $89,844 11.44 %Financial Derivatives–Liabilities: North America (2,731,689) $(26,330) $(55,961) (7.13)%Europe (115,111) (10,854) (11,706) (1.49)%Total (2,846,800) $(37,184) $(67,667) (8.62)%
[5] At March 31, 2015, the Company's long investments guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, and the Government National Mortgage Association, represented 83.65%, 53.13%, and 11.99% of equity, respectively.
[6] The table below shows the Company's long investment ratings from Moody's, Standard and Poor's, or Fitch, as well as the Company's long investments that were unrated but guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or the Government National Mortgage Association. Ratings tend to be a lagging credit indicator; as a result, the credit quality of the Company's long investment holdings may be lower than the credit quality implied based on the ratings listed below. In situations where an investment has a split rating, the lowest provided rating is used. The ratings descriptions include ratings qualified with a "+," "-," "1," "2," or "3."Rating Description Percent of EquityUnrated but Agency-Guaranteed 163.60%A/A/A 0.98%Baa/BBB/BBB 5.62%Ba/BB/BB or below 80.65%Unrated 24.61%
[7] The following table details the breakout by geographical region of long investments, investments sold short, repurchase agreements, financial derivatives–assets, and financial derivatives–liabilities.Region Current Principal/Notional Value/Number of Properties/Number of Shares Cost/(Proceeds) Fair Value Percent ofEquityLong Investments: (In thousands, Expressed in U.S. Dollars) North America 2,863,057 $2,038,249 $2,092,959 264.46 %Europe 69,724 69,360 64,611 9.16 %North America (Private Corporate Equity Investments) n/a 14,717 14,512 1.84 %Total $2,122,326 $2,172,082 275.46 %Investments Sold Short: North America (TBAs and Government Debt) (1,159,703) $(1,230,478) $(1,234,248) (156.53)%Europe (Government Debt) (28,118) (32,008) (30,606) (3.88)%North America (Common Stock) (2,986) (27,605) (26,516) (3.36)%Total $(1,290,091) $(1,291,370) (163.77)%Repurchase Agreements: North America 140,248 $140,248 $140,248 17.78 %Europe 31,753 31,753 31,753 4.03 %Total 172,001 $172,001 $172,001 21.81 %Financial Derivatives–Assets: North America 1,401,261 $61,560 $80,029 10.15 %Europe — — — — %Total 1,401,261 $61,560 $80,029 10.15 %Financial Derivatives–Liabilities: North America (936,799) $(30,598) $(63,084) (8.00)%Europe (37,199) (2,957) (3,032) (0.39)%Total (973,998) $(33,555) $(66,116) (8.39)%
[8] At December 31, 2014, the Company's long investments guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, and the Government National Mortgage Association, represented 100.30%, 53.97%, and 9.33% of equity, respectively.
[9] Private trust 100% backed by interest in Government National Mortgage Association collateralized mortgage obligation certificates.
[10] Includes non-performing commercial loans in the amount of $15.0 million whereby principal and/or interest is past due and a maturity date is not applicable.
[11] Includes non-performing commercial loans in the amount of $11.3 million whereby principal and/or interest is past due and a maturity date is not applicable.
[12] Number of properties not shown in thousands, represents actual number of properties owned.