Investment in Loans (Schedule of Investments in Loans) (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 1,100,062
Fair Value	1,091,523	[1]
Residential mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	652,119
Fair Value	663,880
Commercial mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	285,169
Fair Value	260,034
Consumer loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	157,774
Fair Value	162,609
Corporate loan [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	5,000
Fair Value	$ 5,000

[1] Ellington Financial Inc.'s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet includes assets and liabilities of variable interest entities it has consolidated. See Note 9 for additional details on Ellington Financial Inc.'s consolidated variable interest entities.