Fair value of loans which can include loans held-for-investment or held-for-sale.

No definition available.

Name:	efc_InvestmentInLoans
Namespace Prefix:	efc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

UPB of loans transferred into securitization trust.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	efc_LoansTransferredIntoSecuritizationTrust
Namespace Prefix:	efc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Original face amount of notes issued by securitization trust pursuant to a securitization.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	efc_NotesIssuedBySecuritizationTrust
Namespace Prefix:	efc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Liabilities, at fair value, associated with consolidated securitization trusts. Shown net of notes held by the Company (eliminated in consolidation).

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	efc_OtherSecuredBorrowingsAtFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	efc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Receivables From Securities Sold, Financial Derivatives, Interest and Principal

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	efc_ReceivablesFromSecuritiesSoldFinancialDerivativesInterestandPrincipal
Namespace Prefix:	efc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

[Line Items] for Securitization Transactions [Table]

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	efc_SecuritizationTransactionsLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	efc_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of unfunded commitment at period end.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	efc_UnfundedCommitment
Namespace Prefix:	efc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount payable to other broker-dealer and clearing organization, including, but not limited to, security failed-to-receive, deposit received for security loaned, open transaction, and floor-brokerage payable.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Name Rule 15c3-1
-Number 240
-Section 15c3-1
-Publisher SEC

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 940
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481833/940-20-45-3

+ Details

Name:	srt_PayablesToBrokerDealersAndClearingOrganizations
Namespace Prefix:	srt_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of cash restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Cash includes, but is not limited to, currency on hand, demand deposits with banks or financial institutions, and other accounts with general characteristics of demand deposits.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(2))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478777/944-210-S99-1

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(1))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482913/230-10-50-8

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(1)(a))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478546/942-210-S99-1

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis=us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis=efc_RTLSecuritizationMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis=us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis=efc_EuropeanResidentialLoanSecuritizationMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusAxis=efc_SecuritizedLoansMember
Namespace Prefix:
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Period Type: