Investment in Loans (Schedule of 90 Days or More Past Due) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	$ 1,387,733
Loans, at fair value	1,412,426	[1]
Commercial mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	277,870
Loans, at fair value	274,759
Residential mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	911,705
Loans, at fair value	932,203
Consumer loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	179,743
Loans, at fair value	186,954
Non-accrual status [Member] | Commercial mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans, at fair value	10,700
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	28,936
Loans, at fair value	26,545
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	22,092
Loans, at fair value	19,401
Non-accrual status [Member] | Consumer loans | 90 Days or More Past Due [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	5,633
Loans, at fair value	$ 5,225

[1] Ellington Financial Inc.'s 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.