v3.26.3
Cover
Oct. 02, 2026
Document Information [Line Items]  
Document Type 8-K
Amendment Flag false
Document Period End Date Oct. 02, 2026
Entity File Number 1-13991
Entity Registrant Name MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
Entity Central Index Key 0001055160
Entity Tax Identification Number 13-3974868
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code MD
Entity Address, Address Line One 12 East 49th Street
Entity Address, Address Line Two 11th Floor – Suite 825
Entity Address, City or Town New York
Entity Address, State or Province NY
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 10017
City Area Code 212
Local Phone Number 207-6400
Written Communications false
Soliciting Material false
Pre-commencement Tender Offer false
Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer false
Entity Emerging Growth Company false
Common Stock [Member]  
Document Information [Line Items]  
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Trading Symbol MFA
Security Exchange Name NYSE
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]  
Document Information [Line Items]  
Title of 12(b) Security 7.50% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Trading Symbol MFA/PB
Security Exchange Name NYSE
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]  
Document Information [Line Items]  
Title of 12(b) Security 6.50% Series C Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Trading Symbol MFA/PC
Security Exchange Name NYSE
Senior 8. 875 Percent Notes Due 2029 [Member]  
Document Information [Line Items]  
Title of 12(b) Security 8.875% Senior Notes due 2029
Trading Symbol MFAN
Security Exchange Name NYSE
Senior 9. 000 Percent Notes Due 2029 [Member]  
Document Information [Line Items]  
Title of 12(b) Security 9.000% Senior Notes due 2029
Trading Symbol MFAO
Security Exchange Name NYSE