Cover
Apr. 18, 2023
Document Information [Line Items]  
Document Type 8-K
Amendment Flag false
Document Period End Date Apr. 18, 2023
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31
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 One Vanderbilt Avenue
Entity Address, Address Line Two 48th Floor
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