STOCK BASED AND OTHER COMPENSATION PLANS - Stock Based Compensation Plans Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized equity based compensation expense	$ 42,728	$ 21,777	$ 8,831
Stock Options Exercised	270
Bonus Expense	1,082	28,235	34,465
Total	42,842	51,353	44,459
Phantom Equity Investment Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized equity based compensation expense	$ (1,238)	$ 1,341
Ladder Capital Deferred Compensation Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized equity based compensation expense			$ 1,163