DERIVATIVES - Schedule of Derivatives - Gain (Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]
Other income (loss), net		$ (5,957)	$ (13,037)	$ 1,820
Gain (loss) on settlement of investments, net		(44,563)	(36,210)	0
Total gains (losses)		(50,520)	(49,247)	1,820
Non-Performing Loans [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Other income (loss), net	[1]	0	(1,149)	1,831
Gain (loss) on settlement of investments, net	[1]	0	5,609	0
Real Estate Securities [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Other income (loss), net	[1]	0	2,336	(11)
Gain (loss) on settlement of investments, net	[1]	0	43	0
TBAs [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Other income (loss), net		(2,058)	(4,985)	0
Gain (loss) on settlement of investments, net		(27,142)	(33,638)	0
Interest Rate Caps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Other income (loss), net		(1,749)	(4)	0
Gain (loss) on settlement of investments, net		(1,180)	0	0
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Other income (loss), net		(2,150)	(9,235)	0
Gain (loss) on settlement of investments, net		(16,241)	(8,400)	0
U.S.T. Short Positions [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on settlement of investments, net		$ 0	$ 176	$ 0

[1] For December 31, 2014, investments purchased from, and financed by, the selling counterparty that New Residential accounted for as linked transactions are reflected as derivatives. Upon the adoption of ASU No. 2014-11 on January 1, 2015, these transactions are accounted for as secured borrowings.