Counterparty Risk (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Financial Instruments transferred as collateral for repurchase agreements		$ 2,400,000	$ 1,800,000
Cash and cash equivalents	[1]	$ 103,617	$ 111,647

[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.