Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value	[1]	$ 95,803		$ 95,803		$ 71,850
Earnings (losses) from investments in unconsolidated entities		11,443	$ 2,796	10,590	$ 6,947
Mortgage loan originator [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Earnings (losses) from investments in unconsolidated entities		8,900	$ 2,100	13,200	$ 600
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value		$ 37,100		$ 37,100		$ 28,500

[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.