Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 105,211	$ (230,738)	$ 159,822
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on mortgage-backed and credit risk transfer securities, net	(185,416)	431,198	(891,261)
Reclassification of unrealized (gain) loss on sale of mortgage-backed and credit risk transfer securities to gain (loss) on investments, net	(4,277)	80,659	199,449
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments	0	0	263,135
Reclassification of unrealized loss on derivative instruments to gain (loss) on derivatives, net	0	0	166,016
Reclassification of amortization of net deferred losses on de-designated interest rate swaps to repurchase agreements interest expense	66,757	85,176	0
Currency translation adjustments on investment in unconsolidated venture	(32)	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(122,968)	597,033	(262,661)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(17,757)	366,295	(102,839)
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest	245	(4,188)	1,029
Less: Dividends to preferred stockholders	(22,864)	(17,378)	(10,851)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$ (40,376)	$ 344,729	$ (112,661)