Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Dynex Capital, Inc. and its qualified real estate investment trust (“REIT”) subsidiaries and its taxable REIT subsidiary (together, “Dynex” or the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP") and the instructions to the Annual Report on Form 10-K and Article 3 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain items in the prior years' consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. The Company’s consolidated balance sheet for December 31, 2010 now presents separately its "principal receivable on investments", which was previously included within the fair value amounts shown for Agency and non-Agency mortgage-backed securities ("MBS"). The Company's consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 now exclude certain components of its "other interest (income) expense" from its "net interest income". This amount is currently included within "other income, net". The Company's consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 now present separately "(loss) gain on non-recourse collateralized financing", which was previously included within "other (loss) income, net" for those periods. The Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 now present separately “(increase) decrease in principal receivable on investments”, which was previously included within “other investing activities” for those periods. In addition, the line item "gain on redemption of securitization financing bonds" on the statement of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 has been renamed "(loss) gain on non-recourse collateralized financing" and the line item "redemption of securitization financing" on the statement of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 has been renamed "cash paid to redeem non-recourse collateralized financing." These presentation changes have no effect on reported total assets, total liabilities, results of operations, or cash flow activities. Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its qualified REIT subsidiaries and its taxable REIT subsidiary. The consolidated financial statements represent the Company’s accounts after the elimination of intercompany balances and transactions. The Company consolidates entities in which it owns more than 50% of the voting equity and control does not rest with others and variable interest entities in which it is determined to be the primary beneficiary in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810-10. The Company follows the equity method of accounting for investments with greater than a 20% and less than 50% interest in partnerships and corporate joint ventures or when it is able to influence the financial and operating policies of the investee but owns less than 50% of the voting equity. As of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company does not have any investments in which is owns less than a 50% interest. In accordance with ASC Topic 810-10, the Company also consolidates certain trusts through which it has securitized mortgage loans and non-Agency CMBS. Additional information regarding the accounting policy for securitized mortgage loans is provided below under "Investments" and "Allowance for Loan Losses". Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates used by management include but are not limited to fair value measurements of its investments, allowance for loan losses, other-than-temporary impairments, commitments and contingencies, and amortization of premiums and discounts. These items are discussed further below within this note to the consolidated financial statements. Federal Income Taxes The Company believes it has complied with the requirements for qualification as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). As such, the Company believes that it qualifies as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, and it generally will not be subject to federal income tax on the amount of its income or gain that is distributed as dividends to shareholders. The Company uses the calendar year for both tax and financial reporting purposes. There may be differences between taxable income and income computed in accordance with GAAP. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Investments The Company’s investments include Agency MBS, non-Agency MBS, securitized mortgage loans, and other investments. Agency MBS. The Company accounts for its Agency MBS in accordance with ASC Topic 320, which requires that investments in debt and equity securities be designated as either “held-to-maturity,” “available-for-sale” or “trading” at the time of acquisition. As of December 31, 2011, the Company has Agency MBS that are designated as either available-for-sale or trading. Although the Company generally intends to hold its available-for-sale securities until maturity, it may, from time to time, sell any of these securities as part of the overall management of its business. The available-for-sale designation provides the Company with this flexibility. All of the Company’s Agency MBS are recorded at their fair value on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company determines the fair value of its Agency MBS based upon prices obtained from a third-party pricing service and broker quotes. Changes in the fair value of Agency MBS designated as trading are recognized in net income within “fair value adjustments, net”. Gains (losses) realized upon the sale, impairment, or other disposal of a trading security are also recognized within “fair value adjustments, net”. Alternatively, changes in the fair value of Agency MBS designated as available-for-sale are reported in other comprehensive income as unrealized gains (losses) until the security is collected, disposed of, or determined to be other than temporarily impaired. Upon the sale of an available-for-sale security, any unrealized gain or loss is reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) into net income as a realized “gain (loss) on sale of investments, net” using the specific identification method. Non-Agency MBS. Like Agency MBS, the Company accounts for its non-Agency MBS in accordance with ASC Topic 320. As of December 31, 2011, all of the Company’s non-Agency MBS are designated as available-for-sale and are recorded at their fair value on the consolidated balance sheet. Changes in fair value are reported in other comprehensive income until the security is collected, disposed of, or determined to be other than temporarily impaired. Like Agency MBS, the Company generally intends to hold its investments in non-Agency MBS until maturity, but it may, from time to time sell any of these securities as part of the overall management of its business. Upon the sale of an available-for-sale security, any unrealized gain or loss is reclassified out of AOCI into net income as a realized “gain (loss) on sale of investments, net” using the specific identification method. The Company determines the fair value for certain of its non-Agency MBS based upon prices obtained from a third-party pricing service and broker quotes. The remainder of the non-Agency MBS are valued by discounting the estimated future cash flows derived from pricing models that utilize information such as the security’s coupon rate, estimated prepayment speeds, expected weighted average life, collateral composition, estimated future interest rates, expected losses, credit enhancement, as well as certain other relevant information. Securitized Mortgage Loans. Securitized mortgage loans consist of loans pledged to support the repayment of securitization financing bonds that were issued by the Company prior to 2000. The associated securitization financing bonds are treated as debt of the Company and are presented as a portion of "non-recourse collateralized financing" on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company no longer securitizes any of its financial assets. In accordance with ASC Topic 310-10, the Company's securitized mortgage loans are reported at amortized cost. Securitized mortgage loans can only be sold subject to the lien of the respective securitization financing indenture. An allowance has been established for currently existing and probable losses on such loans as further discussed below. Other Investments. Other investments include unsecuritized single-family and commercial mortgage loans which are carried at amortized cost in accordance with ASC Topic 310-10. An allowance has been established for currently existing and probable losses on these loans as further discussed below. Allowance for Loan Losses. An allowance for loan losses has been estimated and established for currently existing and probable losses for securitized and unsecuritized mortgage loans that are considered impaired in accordance with ASC Topic 310-10. Provisions made to increase the allowance are charged as a current period expense. Commercial mortgage loans are secured by income-producing real estate and are evaluated individually for impairment when the debt service coverage ratio on the mortgage loan is less than 1:1 or when the mortgage loan is delinquent. An allowance may be established for a particular impaired commercial mortgage loan. Commercial mortgage loans not evaluated for individual impairment are evaluated for a general allowance. Certain of the commercial mortgage loans are covered by mortgage loan guarantees that limit the Company’s exposure on these mortgage loans. Single-family mortgage loans are considered homogeneous and are evaluated on a pool basis for a general allowance. The Company considers various factors in determining its specific and general allowance requirements, including whether a loan is delinquent, the Company’s historical experience with similar types of loans, historical cure rates of delinquent loans, and historical and anticipated loss severity of the mortgage loans as they are liquidated. The factors may differ by mortgage loan type (e.g., single-family versus commercial) and collateral type (e.g., multifamily versus office property). The allowance for loan losses is evaluated and adjusted periodically by management based on the actual and estimated timing and amount of probable credit losses, using the above factors, as well as industry loss experience. Repurchase Agreements Repurchase agreements are treated as financings in accordance with the provision of ASC Topic 860 under which the Company pledges its securities as collateral to secure a loan, which is equal in value to a specified percentage of the estimated fair value of the pledged collateral. The Company retains beneficial ownership of the pledged collateral. At the maturity of a repurchase agreement, the Company is required to repay the loan and concurrently receives back its pledged collateral from the lender or, with the consent of the lender, the Company may renew the agreement at the then prevailing financing rate. A repurchase agreement lender may require the Company to pledge additional collateral in the event of a decline in the fair value of the collateral pledged. Repurchase agreement financing is recourse to the Company and the assets pledged. The Company’s repurchase agreements are based on the September 1996 version of the Bond Market Association Master Repurchase Agreement, which generally provides that the lender, as buyer, is responsible for obtaining collateral valuations from a generally recognized source agreed to by both the Company and the lender, or, in an instance when such source is not available, the value determination is made by the lender. Derivative Instruments The Company may enter into interest rate swap agreements, interest rate cap agreements, interest rate floor agreements, financial forwards, financial futures and options on financial futures (“interest rate agreements”) to manage its sensitivity to changes in interest rates. The Company accounts for its interest rate agreements under ASC Topic 815, designating each as either a cash flow hedging position or a trading position using criteria established therein. In order to qualify as a cash flow hedge, ASC Topic 815 requires formal documentation to be prepared at the inception of the interest rate agreement that meets certain conditions. If these conditions are not met, an interest rate agreement will be classified as a trading position. For interest rate agreements designated as trading positions, the Company records these instruments at fair value on the Company’s balance sheet in accordance with ASC Topic 815. Changes in their market value are measured at each reporting date and recognized in the current period’s consolidated statement of income within "fair value adjustments, net". For interest rate agreements designated as cash flow hedges, the Company evaluates the effectiveness of these hedges against the financial instrument being hedged. The effective portion of the hedge relationship on an interest rate agreement designated as a cash flow hedge is reported in AOCI and is later reclassified into the consolidated statement of income in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of such hedge is immediately reported in the current period’s consolidated statement of income. These derivative instruments are carried at fair value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in accordance with ASC Topic 815. Cash posted to meet margin calls, if any, is included on the consolidated balance sheet in other assets. In the event a hedging instrument is terminated, any basis adjustments or changes in the fair value of hedges recorded in AOCI are recognized into income or expense in conjunction with the original hedge or hedged exposure. If the underlying asset, liability or commitment is sold or matures, the hedge is deemed partially or wholly ineffective, or if the criterion that was established at the time the hedging instrument was entered into no longer exists, the interest rate agreement no longer qualifies as a designated hedge. Under these circumstances, such changes in the market value of the interest rate agreement are recognized in the current period’s statement of income. Interest Income, Premium Amortization, and Discount Accretion Interest income is accrued based on the outstanding principal balance (or notional balance in the case of IOs) on the Company's investment securities and their contractual terms. Premiums and discounts on Agency and non-Agency MBS and on loans are recognized over the expected life of the investment using the effective yield method in accordance with ASC Topic 310-20. Adjustments to premium amortization are made for actual prepayment activity as well as changes in projected future cash flows. Interest income on non-Agency MBS that are rated lower than “AA” are recognized over the expected life as adjusted for the estimated prepayments and credit losses of the securities in accordance with ASC Topic 310-30. Actual prepayment and credit loss experience are reviewed and effective yields are adjusted when projected prepayments and credit losses differ from the amounts actually received as well as for changes in anticipated future prepayments. The Company's projections of future cash flows is based on input and analysis received from external sources and internal models, and includes assumptions about the amount and timing of credit losses, loan prepayment rates, fluctuations in interest rates, and other factors. On at least a quarterly basis, the Company reviews and makes any necessary adjustments to its cash flow projections and updates the yield recognized on these assets. For securities, the accrual of interest is discontinued when, in the opinion of management, it is probable that all amounts contractually due will not be collected, and in certain instances, as a result of the other-than-temporary impairment analysis. For loans, the accrual of interest is discontinued when, in the opinion of management, the interest is not collectible in the normal course of business, when the loan is significantly past due or when the primary servicer of the loan fails to advance the interest and/or principal due on the loan. Loans are considered past due when the borrower fails to make a timely payment in accordance with the underlying loan agreement. All interest accrued but not collected for investments that are placed on a non-accrual status or are charged-off is reversed against interest income. Interest on these investments is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method until qualifying for return to accrual status. Investments are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. Other-than-Temporary Impairment The Company evaluates all debt securities in its investment portfolio for other-than-temporary impairments by applying the guidance prescribed in ASC Topic 320-10. If the Company has decided to sell a debt security with a fair value less than its amortized cost as of the balance sheet date of a reporting period, the debt security is considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired, and the Company will recognize an other-than-temporary impairment in the related period's income statement equal to the entire difference between the amortized cost basis and the fair value of the debt security as of the balance sheet date. If the Company does not intend to sell the debt security, the Company assesses whether it more likely than not will be able to recover its entire amortized cost basis before it is sold. If the Company determines that it will not be able to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the debt security before it is sold, the Company recognizes in the related period's income statement the difference between the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis of the debt security as an other-than-temporary impairment related to credit loss, and the difference between the amortized cost basis and the fair value of the debt security as of the balance sheet date is recognized in other comprehensive income. In periods after the recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment loss for debt securities, the Company shall account for the other-than-temporarily impaired debt security as if the debt security had been purchased on the measurement date of the other-than-temporary impairment at an amortized cost basis equal to the previous amortized cost basis less the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings. For debt securities for which other-than-temporary impairments were recognized in earnings, the difference between the new amortized cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected shall be accreted into interest income using the effective interest method. The Company shall continue to estimate the present value of cash flows expected to be collected over the life of the debt security. For all other debt securities, if upon subsequent evaluation, there is a significant increase in the cash flows expected to be collected or if actual cash flows are significantly greater than cash flows previously expected, such changes shall be accounted for as a prospective adjustment to the accretable yield in accordance with Subtopic 310-30 even if the debt security would not otherwise be within the scope of that Subtopic. Subsequent increases and decreases in the fair value of available-for-sale securities that are not other-than-temporary shall be included in other comprehensive income. Please see Note 10 for additional information related to the Company's evaluation for other-than-temporary impairments. Stock-Based Compensation Pursuant to the Company’s 2009 Stock and Incentive Plan ("SIP"), the Company may grant stock-based compensation to eligible employees, directors or consultants or advisers to the Company, including stock awards, stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), dividend equivalent rights, performance shares, and restricted stock units. Currently, the Company's stock options and restricted stock issued under this plan may be settled only in shares of its common stock, and therefore are treated as equity awards with their fair value measured at the grant date as required by ASC Topic 718. Outstanding SARs issued by the Company may be settled only in cash, and therefore have been treated as liability awards with their fair value estimated at the grant date and remeasured at the end of each reporting period using the Black-Scholes option valuation model as required by ASC Topic 718. Please see Note 11 for additional disclosures regarding the Company's SIP plan. Contingencies In the normal course of business, there are various lawsuits, claims, and other contingencies pending against the Company. We evaluate whether to establish provisions for estimated losses from those matters in accordance with ASC Topic 450, which states that a liability is recognized for a contingent loss when: (a) the underlying causal event has occurred prior to the balance sheet date; (b) it is probable that a loss has been incurred; and (c) there is a reasonable basis for estimating that loss. A liability is not recognized for a contingent loss when it is only possible or remote that a loss has been incurred, however, possible contingent losses shall be disclosed. Please refer to Note 12 for details on the most significant matters currently pending. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In April 2011, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU" or "Update") No. 2011-03 to improve the accounting for repurchase agreements and other agreements that both entitle and obligate a transferor to repurchase or redeem financial assets before their maturity. ASC Topic 860 prescribes when an entity may or may not recognize a sale upon transfer of financial assets subject to repurchase agreements. That determination is based, in part, on whether the entity has maintained effective control over the transferred financial assets. Previously, under ASC Topic 860, the transferor was required to have the ability to repurchase the same or substantially the same assets in order to assert that it has maintained effective control over the transferred assets. ASU No. 2011-03 removes the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, and also removes the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion. The FASB concluded that the assessment of effective control should focus on a transferor's contractual rights and obligations with respect to transferred financial assets, not on whether the transferor has the practical ability to perform in accordance with those rights or obligations. These amendments are effective for the first interim or annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2011 and are to be applied prospectively. Management has evaluated these amendments and does not believe that they will have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. In May 2011, FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04 to amend ASC Topic 820 to clarify the FASB's intent about the application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements as well as to change certain principles or requirements for measuring fair value or disclosing information about fair value measurements. One of its amendments which will apply to the Company is the disclosure of quantitative information about the unobservable inputs used in a fair value measurement that is categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. In addition, the amendments will require more information from the Company about the valuation processes used by the reporting entity for fair value measurements categorized within Level 3 and the sensitivity of those measurements to changes in unobservable inputs. These amendments (and others included in the Update which are not discussed here as they are not applicable to the Company) are effective during interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and are to be applied prospectively. Early application by public entities is not permitted. Management has evaluated these amendments and does not believe that they will have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. In June 2011, FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05 to amend ASC Topic 220 regarding the presentation of comprehensive income. The amendment allows an entity the option of presenting the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In both choices, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. ASU 2011-05 eliminated the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of stockholder's equity. The amendments did not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. These amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 and should be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is already in compliance with these amendments, which do not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. ASU No. 2011-05 also included an amendment regarding the presentation of reclassification adjustments out of AOCI. However, FASB subsequently issued ASU No. 2011-12 in December 2011 which deferred the effective date for that amendment to allow FASB time to reconsider whether to present on the face of the financial statements the effects of reclassifications out of AOCI on the components of net income and other comprehensive income for all periods presented. ASU No. 2011-12 is effective at the same time as ASU No. 2011-05. In December 2011, FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11 which amends ASC Topic 210 to require an entity to disclose information about offsetting assets and liabilities and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. Offsetting, otherwise known as netting, is the presentation of assets and liabilities as a single net amount in the balance sheet. GAAP gives companies the option to present in their consolidated balance sheets, on a net basis, derivatives that are subject to a legally enforceable netting arrangement with the same party where rights of set-off are only available in the event of default or bankruptcy. This amendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods, and should be applied retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. The Company does not currently offset any of its assets and liabilities, and as such, does not anticipate ASU NO. 2011-11 having a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Dynex Capital, Inc. and its qualified real estate investment trust (“REIT”) subsidiaries and its taxable REIT subsidiary (together, “Dynex” or the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP") and the instructions to the Annual Report on Form 10-K and Article 3 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

Certain items in the prior years' consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. The Company’s consolidated balance sheet for December 31, 2010 now presents separately its "principal receivable on investments", which was previously included within the fair value amounts shown for Agency and non-Agency mortgage-backed securities ("MBS"). The Company's consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 now exclude certain components of its "other interest (income) expense" from its "net interest income". This amount is currently included within "other income, net". The Company's consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 now present separately "(loss) gain on non-recourse collateralized financing", which was previously included within "other (loss) income, net" for those periods. The Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 now present separately “(increase) decrease in principal receivable on investments”, which was previously included within “other investing activities” for those periods. In addition, the line item "gain on redemption of securitization financing bonds" on the statement of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 has been renamed "(loss) gain on non-recourse collateralized financing" and the line item "redemption of securitization financing" on the statement of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 has been renamed "cash paid to redeem non-recourse collateralized financing." These presentation changes have no effect on reported total assets, total liabilities, results of operations, or cash flow activities.

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its qualified REIT subsidiaries and its taxable REIT subsidiary. The consolidated financial statements represent the Company’s accounts after the elimination of intercompany balances and transactions. The Company consolidates entities in which it owns more than 50% of the voting equity and control does not rest with others and variable interest entities in which it is determined to be the primary beneficiary in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810-10. The Company follows the equity method of accounting for investments with greater than a 20% and less than 50% interest in partnerships and corporate joint ventures or when it is able to influence the financial and operating policies of the investee but owns less than 50% of the voting equity. As of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company does not have any investments in which is owns less than a 50% interest.

In accordance with ASC Topic 810-10, the Company also consolidates certain trusts through which it has securitized mortgage loans and non-Agency CMBS. Additional information regarding the accounting policy for securitized mortgage loans is provided below under "Investments" and "Allowance for Loan Losses".

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates used by management include but are not limited to fair value measurements of its investments, allowance for loan losses, other-than-temporary impairments, commitments and contingencies, and amortization of premiums and discounts. These items are discussed further below within this note to the consolidated financial statements.

Federal Income Taxes

The Company believes it has complied with the requirements for qualification as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). As such, the Company believes that it qualifies as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, and it generally will not be subject to federal income tax on the amount of its income or gain that is distributed as dividends to shareholders. The Company uses the calendar year for both tax and financial reporting purposes. There may be differences between taxable income and income computed in accordance with GAAP.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Investments

The Company’s investments include Agency MBS, non-Agency MBS, securitized mortgage loans, and other investments.

Agency MBS. The Company accounts for its Agency MBS in accordance with ASC Topic 320, which requires that investments in debt and equity securities be designated as either “held-to-maturity,” “available-for-sale” or “trading” at the time of acquisition. As of December 31, 2011, the Company has Agency MBS that are designated as either available-for-sale or trading. Although the Company generally intends to hold its available-for-sale securities until maturity, it may, from time to time, sell any of these securities as part of the overall management of its business. The available-for-sale designation provides the Company with this flexibility.

All of the Company’s Agency MBS are recorded at their fair value on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company determines the fair value of its Agency MBS based upon prices obtained from a third-party pricing service and broker quotes. Changes in the fair value of Agency MBS designated as trading are recognized in net income within “fair value adjustments, net”. Gains (losses) realized upon the sale, impairment, or other disposal of a trading security are also recognized within “fair value adjustments, net”. Alternatively, changes in the fair value of Agency MBS designated as available-for-sale are reported in other comprehensive income as unrealized gains (losses) until the security is collected, disposed of, or determined to be other than temporarily impaired. Upon the sale of an available-for-sale security, any unrealized gain or loss is reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) into net income as a realized “gain (loss) on sale of investments, net” using the specific identification method.

Non-Agency MBS. Like Agency MBS, the Company accounts for its non-Agency MBS in accordance with ASC Topic 320. As of December 31, 2011, all of the Company’s non-Agency MBS are designated as available-for-sale and are recorded at their fair value on the consolidated balance sheet. Changes in fair value are reported in other comprehensive income until the security is collected, disposed of, or determined to be other than temporarily impaired. Like Agency MBS, the Company generally intends to hold its investments in non-Agency MBS until maturity, but it may, from time to time sell any of these securities as part of the overall management of its business. Upon the sale of an available-for-sale security, any unrealized gain or loss is reclassified out of AOCI into net income as a realized “gain (loss) on sale of investments, net” using the specific identification method.

The Company determines the fair value for certain of its non-Agency MBS based upon prices obtained from a third-party pricing service and broker quotes. The remainder of the non-Agency MBS are valued by discounting the estimated future cash flows derived from pricing models that utilize information such as the security’s coupon rate, estimated prepayment speeds, expected weighted average life, collateral composition, estimated future interest rates, expected losses, credit enhancement, as well as certain other relevant information.

Securitized Mortgage Loans. Securitized mortgage loans consist of loans pledged to support the repayment of securitization financing bonds that were issued by the Company prior to 2000. The associated securitization financing bonds are treated as debt of the Company and are presented as a portion of "non-recourse collateralized financing" on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company no longer securitizes any of its financial assets. In accordance with ASC Topic 310-10, the Company's securitized mortgage loans are reported at amortized cost. Securitized mortgage loans can only be sold subject to the lien of the respective securitization financing indenture. An allowance has been established for currently existing and probable losses on such loans as further discussed below.

Other Investments. Other investments include unsecuritized single-family and commercial mortgage loans which are carried at amortized cost in accordance with ASC Topic 310-10. An allowance has been established for currently existing and probable losses on these loans as further discussed below.

Allowance for Loan Losses. An allowance for loan losses has been estimated and established for currently existing and probable losses for securitized and unsecuritized mortgage loans that are considered impaired in accordance with ASC Topic 310-10. Provisions made to increase the allowance are charged as a current period expense. Commercial mortgage loans are secured by income-producing real estate and are evaluated individually for impairment when the debt service coverage ratio on the mortgage loan is less than 1:1 or when the mortgage loan is delinquent. An allowance may be established for a particular impaired commercial mortgage loan. Commercial mortgage loans not evaluated for individual impairment are evaluated for a general allowance. Certain of the commercial mortgage loans are covered by mortgage loan guarantees that limit the Company’s exposure on these mortgage loans. Single-family mortgage loans are considered homogeneous and are evaluated on a pool basis for a general allowance.

The Company considers various factors in determining its specific and general allowance requirements, including whether a loan is delinquent, the Company’s historical experience with similar types of loans, historical cure rates of delinquent loans, and historical and anticipated loss severity of the mortgage loans as they are liquidated. The factors may differ by mortgage loan type (e.g., single-family versus commercial) and collateral type (e.g., multifamily versus office property). The allowance for loan losses is evaluated and adjusted periodically by management based on the actual and estimated timing and amount of probable credit losses, using the above factors, as well as industry loss experience.

Repurchase Agreements

Repurchase agreements are treated as financings in accordance with the provision of ASC Topic 860 under which the Company pledges its securities as collateral to secure a loan, which is equal in value to a specified percentage of the estimated fair value of the pledged collateral. The Company retains beneficial ownership of the pledged collateral. At the maturity of a repurchase agreement, the Company is required to repay the loan and concurrently receives back its pledged collateral from the lender or, with the consent of the lender, the Company may renew the agreement at the then prevailing financing rate. A repurchase agreement lender may require the Company to pledge additional collateral in the event of a decline in the fair value of the collateral pledged. Repurchase agreement financing is recourse to the Company and the assets pledged. The Company’s repurchase agreements are based on the September 1996 version of the Bond Market Association Master Repurchase Agreement, which generally provides that the lender, as buyer, is responsible for obtaining collateral valuations from a generally recognized source agreed to by both the Company and the lender, or, in an instance when such source is not available, the value determination is made by the lender.

Derivative Instruments

The Company may enter into interest rate swap agreements, interest rate cap agreements, interest rate floor agreements, financial forwards, financial futures and options on financial futures (“interest rate agreements”) to manage its sensitivity to changes in interest rates. The Company accounts for its interest rate agreements under ASC Topic 815, designating each as either a cash flow hedging position or a trading position using criteria established therein. In order to qualify as a cash flow hedge, ASC Topic 815 requires formal documentation to be prepared at the inception of the interest rate agreement that meets certain conditions. If these conditions are not met, an interest rate agreement will be classified as a trading position.

For interest rate agreements designated as trading positions, the Company records these instruments at fair value on the Company’s balance sheet in accordance with ASC Topic 815. Changes in their market value are measured at each reporting date and recognized in the current period’s consolidated statement of income within "fair value adjustments, net".

For interest rate agreements designated as cash flow hedges, the Company evaluates the effectiveness of these hedges against the financial instrument being hedged. The effective portion of the hedge relationship on an interest rate agreement designated as a cash flow hedge is reported in AOCI and is later reclassified into the consolidated statement of income in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of such hedge is immediately reported in the current period’s consolidated statement of income. These derivative instruments are carried at fair value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in accordance with ASC Topic 815. Cash posted to meet margin calls, if any, is included on the consolidated balance sheet in other assets.

In the event a hedging instrument is terminated, any basis adjustments or changes in the fair value of hedges recorded in AOCI are recognized into income or expense in conjunction with the original hedge or hedged exposure.

If the underlying asset, liability or commitment is sold or matures, the hedge is deemed partially or wholly ineffective, or if the criterion that was established at the time the hedging instrument was entered into no longer exists, the interest rate agreement no longer qualifies as a designated hedge. Under these circumstances, such changes in the market value of the interest rate agreement are recognized in the current period’s statement of income.

Interest Income, Premium Amortization, and Discount Accretion

Interest income is accrued based on the outstanding principal balance (or notional balance in the case of IOs) on the Company's investment securities and their contractual terms. Premiums and discounts on Agency and non-Agency MBS and on loans are recognized over the expected life of the investment using the effective yield method in accordance with ASC Topic 310-20. Adjustments to premium amortization are made for actual prepayment activity as well as changes in projected future cash flows. Interest income on non-Agency MBS that are rated lower than “AA” are recognized over the expected life as adjusted for the estimated prepayments and credit losses of the securities in accordance with ASC Topic 310-30. Actual prepayment and credit loss experience are reviewed and effective yields are adjusted when projected prepayments and credit losses differ from the amounts actually received as well as for changes in anticipated future prepayments.

The Company's projections of future cash flows is based on input and analysis received from external sources and internal models, and includes assumptions about the amount and timing of credit losses, loan prepayment rates, fluctuations in interest rates, and other factors. On at least a quarterly basis, the Company reviews and makes any necessary adjustments to its cash flow projections and updates the yield recognized on these assets.

For securities, the accrual of interest is discontinued when, in the opinion of management, it is probable that all amounts contractually due will not be collected, and in certain instances, as a result of the other-than-temporary impairment analysis. For loans, the accrual of interest is discontinued when, in the opinion of management, the interest is not collectible in the normal course of business, when the loan is significantly past due or when the primary servicer of the loan fails to advance the interest and/or principal due on the loan. Loans are considered past due when the borrower fails to make a timely payment in accordance with the underlying loan agreement. All interest accrued but not collected for investments that are placed on a non-accrual status or are charged-off is reversed against interest income. Interest on these investments is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method until qualifying for return to accrual status. Investments are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

Other-than-Temporary Impairment

The Company evaluates all debt securities in its investment portfolio for other-than-temporary impairments by applying the guidance prescribed in ASC Topic 320-10. If the Company has decided to sell a debt security with a fair value less than its amortized cost as of the balance sheet date of a reporting period, the debt security is considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired, and the Company will recognize an other-than-temporary impairment in the related period's income statement equal to the entire difference between the amortized cost basis and the fair value of the debt security as of the balance sheet date. If the Company does not intend to sell the debt security, the Company assesses whether it more likely than not will be able to recover its entire amortized cost basis before it is sold. If the Company determines that it will not be able to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the debt security before it is sold, the Company recognizes in the related period's income statement the difference between the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis of the debt security as an other-than-temporary impairment related to credit loss, and the difference between the amortized cost basis and the fair value of the debt security as of the balance sheet date is recognized in other comprehensive income.

In periods after the recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment loss for debt securities, the Company shall account for the other-than-temporarily impaired debt security as if the debt security had been purchased on the measurement date of the other-than-temporary impairment at an amortized cost basis equal to the previous amortized cost basis less the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings. For debt securities for which other-than-temporary impairments were recognized in earnings, the difference between the new amortized cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected shall be accreted into interest income using the effective interest method. The Company shall continue to estimate the present value of cash flows expected to be collected over the life of the debt security. For all other debt securities, if upon subsequent evaluation, there is a significant increase in the cash flows expected to be collected or if actual cash flows are significantly greater than cash flows previously expected, such changes shall be accounted for as a prospective adjustment to the accretable yield in accordance with Subtopic 310-30 even if the debt security would not otherwise be within the scope of that Subtopic. Subsequent increases and decreases in the fair value of available-for-sale securities that are not other-than-temporary shall be included in other comprehensive income.

Please see Note 10 for additional information related to the Company's evaluation for other-than-temporary impairments.

Stock-Based Compensation

Pursuant to the Company’s 2009 Stock and Incentive Plan ("SIP"), the Company may grant stock-based compensation to eligible employees, directors or consultants or advisers to the Company, including stock awards, stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), dividend equivalent rights, performance shares, and restricted stock units. Currently, the Company's stock options and restricted stock issued under this plan may be settled only in shares of its common stock, and therefore are treated as equity awards with their fair value measured at the grant date as required by ASC Topic 718. Outstanding SARs issued by the Company may be settled only in cash, and therefore have been treated as liability awards with their fair value estimated at the grant date and remeasured at the end of each reporting period using the Black-Scholes option valuation model as required by ASC Topic 718. Please see Note 11 for additional disclosures regarding the Company's SIP plan.

Contingencies

In the normal course of business, there are various lawsuits, claims, and other contingencies pending against the Company. We evaluate whether to establish provisions for estimated losses from those matters in accordance with ASC Topic 450, which states that a liability is recognized for a contingent loss when: (a) the underlying causal event has occurred prior to the balance sheet date; (b) it is probable that a loss has been incurred; and (c) there is a reasonable basis for estimating that loss. A liability is not recognized for a contingent loss when it is only possible or remote that a loss has been incurred, however, possible contingent losses shall be disclosed. Please refer to Note 12 for details on the most significant matters currently pending.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2011, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU" or "Update") No. 2011-03 to improve the accounting for repurchase agreements and other agreements that both entitle and obligate a transferor to repurchase or redeem financial assets before their maturity. ASC Topic 860 prescribes when an entity may or may not recognize a sale upon transfer of financial assets subject to repurchase agreements. That determination is based, in part, on whether the entity has maintained effective control over the transferred financial assets. Previously, under ASC Topic 860, the transferor was required to have the ability to repurchase the same or substantially the same assets in order to assert that it has maintained effective control over the transferred assets. ASU No. 2011-03 removes the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, and also removes the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion. The FASB concluded that the assessment of effective control should focus on a transferor's contractual rights and obligations with respect to transferred financial assets, not on whether the transferor has the practical ability to perform in accordance with those rights or obligations. These amendments are effective for the first interim or annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2011 and are to be applied prospectively. Management has evaluated these amendments and does not believe that they will have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

In May 2011, FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04 to amend ASC Topic 820 to clarify the FASB's intent about the application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements as well as to change certain principles or requirements for measuring fair value or disclosing information about fair value measurements. One of its amendments which will apply to the Company is the disclosure of quantitative information about the unobservable inputs used in a fair value measurement that is categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. In addition, the amendments will require more information from the Company about the valuation processes used by the reporting entity for fair value measurements categorized within Level 3 and the sensitivity of those measurements to changes in unobservable inputs. These amendments (and others included in the Update which are not discussed here as they are not applicable to the Company) are effective during interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and are to be applied prospectively. Early application by public entities is not permitted. Management has evaluated these amendments and does not believe that they will have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

In June 2011, FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05 to amend ASC Topic 220 regarding the presentation of comprehensive income. The amendment allows an entity the option of presenting the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In both choices, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. ASU 2011-05 eliminated the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of stockholder's equity. The amendments did not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. These amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 and should be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is already in compliance with these amendments, which do not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

ASU No. 2011-05 also included an amendment regarding the presentation of reclassification adjustments out of AOCI. However, FASB subsequently issued ASU No. 2011-12 in December 2011 which deferred the effective date for that amendment to allow FASB time to reconsider whether to present on the face of the financial statements the effects of reclassifications out of AOCI on the components of net income and other comprehensive income for all periods presented. ASU No. 2011-12 is effective at the same time as ASU No. 2011-05.

In December 2011, FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11 which amends ASC Topic 210 to require an entity to disclose information about offsetting assets and liabilities and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. Offsetting, otherwise known as netting, is the presentation of assets and liabilities as a single net amount in the balance sheet. GAAP gives companies the option to present in their consolidated balance sheets, on a net basis, derivatives that are subject to a legally enforceable netting arrangement with the same party where rights of set-off are only available in the event of default or bankruptcy. This amendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods, and should be applied retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. The Company does not currently offset any of its assets and liabilities, and as such, does not anticipate ASU NO. 2011-11 having a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.