Counterparty Risk (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2022		Oct. 03, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Financial Instruments transferred as collateral for repurchase agreements	$ 3,200,000			$ 2,800,000
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 217,053	[1]	$ 20,368	$ 92,661	[1]	$ 111,647	$ 72,302

[1] Ellington Financial Inc.'s Consolidated Balance Sheets include assets and liabilities of variable interest entities it has consolidated. See Note 11 for additional details on Ellington Financial Inc.'s consolidated variable interest entities.