Cover
Jan. 20, 2022
Class of Stock [Line Items]  
Document Type 8-K
Document Period End Date Jan. 20, 2022
Entity Registrant Name ELLINGTON FINANCIAL INC
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE
Entity File Number 001-34569
Entity Tax Identification Number 26-0489289
Entity Address, Address Line One 53 Forest Avenue
Entity Address, City or Town Old Greenwich
Entity Address, State or Province CT
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 06870
City Area Code 203
Local Phone Number 698-1200
Written Communications false
Soliciting Material false
Pre-commencement Tender Offer false
Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer false
Entity Emerging Growth Company false
Amendment Flag false
Entity Central Index Key 0001411342
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31
Common Stock  
Class of Stock [Line Items]  
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share
Trading Symbol EFC
Security Exchange Name NYSE
Series A Preferred Stock  
Class of Stock [Line Items]  
Title of 12(b) Security 6.750% Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Trading Symbol EFC PR A
Security Exchange Name NYSE
Series B Preferred Stock  
Class of Stock [Line Items]  
Title of 12(b) Security 6.250% Series B Fixed-Rate Reset Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Trading Symbol EFC PR B
Security Exchange Name NYSE