Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value	[1]	$ 178,979		$ 178,979		$ 141,620
Earnings (losses) from investments in unconsolidated entities		18,602	$ 5,643	25,237	$ (854)
Mortgage loan originator
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Earnings (losses) from investments in unconsolidated entities		10,800	$ 4,800	11,300	$ 4,300
Investment in Loan Originator
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value		103,200		103,200		79,500
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities, at fair value		$ 28,700		$ 28,700		$ 13,600

[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.