Counterparty Risk (Cash and Cash Equivalents) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	[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.