Investment in Loans (Schedule of Investments in Loans) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 1,230,004
Fair Value	1,225,843	[1]
Residential mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	780,920
Fair Value	797,728
Commercial mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	285,252
Fair Value	260,626
Consumer loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	148,042
Fair Value	151,699
Corporate loan [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	15,790
Fair Value	$ 15,790

[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.