Investment in Loans (Schedule of 90 Days or More Past Due) (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	$ 1,100,062
Loans, at fair value	1,091,523	[1]
Commercial mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	285,169
Loans, at fair value	260,034
Residential mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	652,119
Loans, at fair value	663,880
Consumer loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	157,774
Loans, at fair value	162,609
Non-accrual status [Member] | Commercial mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, at fair value	25,700
Non-accrual status [Member] | Commercial mortgage loans | 90 Days or More Past Due [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	77,276
Loans, at fair value	53,324
Non-accrual status [Member] | Residential mortgage loans | 90 Days or More Past Due [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	20,984
Loans, at fair value	18,895
Non-accrual status [Member] | Consumer loans | 90 Days or More Past Due [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	1,915
Loans, at fair value	$ 1,893

[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.