AAA Credit Rating [Member] A A A Credit Rating [Member] AAA Credit Rating [Member] AA credit rating as defined by external credit rating agencies. A A Credit Rating [Member] AA Credit Rating [Member] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accretion Amortization Of Discounts And Premiums Investments (Accretion) amortization of investment discounts/premiums, net Accretion Expense Accretion (amortization) of securitized debt discounts/premiums, net Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain Loss [Member] Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) A credit rating as defined by external credit rating agencies. A Credit Rating [Member] A Credit Rating [Member] Additional Paid In Capital Common Stock Additional paid-in-capital Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Share Based Compensation Restricted Stock Units Requisite Service Period Recognition Proceeds from restricted stock grants Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Agency Interest Only Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Agency Interest Only Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Agency RMBS - Interest-only [Member] Agency Pass Through Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Agency Pass Through Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Agency RMBS - Pass-through [Member] Agency Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Agency Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Agency RMBS [Member] Allowance For Loan And Lease Losses Real Estate Balance, end of period Balance, beginning of period Less: allowance for loan losses Allowance For Loan And Lease Losses [Roll Forward] Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward] Allowance For Loan And Lease Losses Write Offs Charge-offs Allowance For Loan Losses General Reserve [Member] Allowance For Loan Losses General Reserve [Member] Allowance For Loan Losses General Reserve [Member] Allowance For Loan Losses Specific Loan Reserve [Member] Allowance For Loan Losses Specific Loan Reserve [Member] Allowance For Loan Losses Specific Loan Reserve [Member] All Tax Jurisdictions [Member] All Tax Jurisdictions [Member] U.S. federal, state and local tax authorities [Member] ALTA [Member] Alta [Member] Alt-A [Member] Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Amortization Of Financing Costs Amortization of deferred financing costs Assets Total assets Assets [Abstract] Assets Assets: The total amount of assets and liabilities measured at fair value. Assets And Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure Total Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Assets: Assets Sold Under Agreements To Repurchase [Line Items] Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items] Assets Sold Under Agreements To Repurchase Maturity Period [Domain] Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Maturity Period [Domain] Assets Sold Under Agreements To Repurchase Maturity Periods [Axis] Securities or Other Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Maturity Periods [Axis] Available For Sale Debt Securities Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain Before Tax Gross Unrealized Gains Total Gross Unrealized Gain Available For Sale Debt Securities Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss Before Tax Gross unrealized loss Gross Unrealized Losses Total Gross Unrealized Loss Available For Sale Debt Securities Amortized Cost Basis Interest-only RMBS, amortized cost Amortized Cost The aggregate amount of reductions from the principal amount of a debt instrument (the portion of face value expected to be collected), attributable to unamortized pricing discount and non-accretable estimated credit loss and cumulative other than temporary loss recognized in earnings, to derive amortized cost as of the reporting date. Available For Sale Debt Securities Discount Total Discount Available For Sale Securities Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain Loss Before Tax Interest-only RMBS, net unrealized gain (loss) Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Accumulated Loss Unrealized losses on RMBS in continuous loss position for 12 or more consecutive months Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Accumulated Loss Unrealized losses on RMBS in continuous loss position Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value Estimated fair value of RMBS in continuous loss position Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Accumulated Loss Unrealized losses on RMBS in continuous loss position for less than 12 consecutive months Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value Estimated fair value of RMBS in continuous loss position for less than 12 consecutive months Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value Estimated fair value of RMBS in continuous loss position for 12 or more consecutive months Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After Five Through Ten Years Amortized Cost Greater than five years and less than ten years, at amortized cost Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After Five Through Ten Years Fair Value Greater than five years and less than ten years, at fair value Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After One Through Five Years Amortized Cost Greater than one year and less than five years, at amortized cost Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After One Through Five Years Fair Value Greater than one year and less than five years, at fair value Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After Ten Years Amortized Cost Greater than ten years, at amortized cost Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After Ten Years Fair Value Greater than ten years, at fair value Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Within One Year Amortized Cost Less than one year, at amortized cost Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Within One Year Fair Value Less than one year, at fair value This item represents the entire disclosure related to Available-for-sale Securities which consist of all investments in certain debt and equity securities neither classified as trading or held-to-maturity securities. A debt security represents a creditor relationship with an enterprise. Debt securities include, among other items, US Treasury securities, US government securities, municipal securities, corporate bonds, convertible debt, commercial paper, and all securitized debt instruments. An equity security represents an ownership interest in an enterprise or the right to acquire or dispose of an ownership interest in an enterprise at fixed or determinable prices. Equity securities include, among other things, common stock, certain preferred stock, warrant rights, call options, and put options, but do not include convertible debt. Available For Sale Securities Disclosure [Text Block] Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities The amount of gross unrealized gain on available for sale securities as of the reporting date recognized in earnings. Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gains In Deficit Gross Unrealized Gain Included in Accumulated Deficit The amount of gross unrealized gain on available for sale securities as of the reporting date recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gains Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Gross Unrealized Gain Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income The amount of gross unrealized losses on available for sale securities as of the reporting date recognized in earnings. Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses In Deficit Gross Unrealized Loss Included in Accumulated Deficit The amount of gross unrealized losses on available for sale securities as of the reporting date recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Gross Unrealized Loss Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Availableforsale Securities In Unrealized Loss Positions Qualitative Disclosure Number Of Positions 1 Number of Securities in continuous loss position Availableforsale Securities In Unrealized Loss Positions Qualitative Disclosure Number Of Positions Greater Than Or Equal To One Year Number of Securities on RMBS in continuous loss position for 12 or more consecutive months Available For Sale Securities In Unrealized Loss Positions Qualitative Disclosure Number Of Positions Less Than One Year Number of Securities of RMBS in continuous loss position for less than 12 months The amount of premium that was originally recognized at the issuance of the debt security that has yet to be amortized. Available For Sale Unamortized Premium Total Premium Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Describes how the entity's statement of financial condition is stratified into assets and liabilities of (a) the entity excluding VIEs, (b) VIEs, and ( c) consolidated totals. Balance Sheet Presentation Policy [Text Block] Statements of Financial Condition Presentation Banking And Thrift [Abstract] Banking and Thrift [Abstract] Describes the basis of accounting used to prepare the financial statements and the principles it follows in consolidating or combining subsidiaries and variable interest entities. Basis Of Presentation And Consolidation Policy [Text Block] Basis of Presentation and Consolidation Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of the Significant Accounting Policies BBB credit rating as defined by external credit rating agencies. B B B Credit Rating [Member] BBB Credit Rating [Member] BB credit rating as defined by external credit rating agencies. B B Credit Rating [Member] BB Credit Rating [Member] B credit rating as defined by external credit rating agencies. B Credit Rating [Member] B Credit Rating [Member] Below B Or Not Rated Credit Rating [Member] Below B Or Not Rated Credit Rating [Member] Below B or Not Rated Credit Rating [Member] C A California [Member] Carrying Reported Amount Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Carrying Amount [Member] Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Policy [Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Accounted For As Available For Sale Debt Securities Accretable Yield Accretion Accretion Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Accounted For As Available For Sale Debt Securities Accretable Yield Additions Purchases Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Accounted For As Available For Sale Debt Securities Accretable Yield Disposals Of Loans Sales and deconsolidation Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Accretable Yield Balance at end of period Balance at beginning of period Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Accretable Yield Reclassifications To From Nonaccretable Difference Reclassification (to) from non-accretable difference Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Carrying Amount Net Loans acquired having deteriorated credit, carrying value Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Outstanding Balance Loans acquired having deteriorated credit, outstanding principal Classification Of Variable Interest Entity [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Class Of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Clearance Fees Administrative fees Commitments And Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 16) Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Common Stock Dividends Per Share Declared Common dividends declared, per share Dividends declared per share of common stock Common Stock [Member] Common Stock Par Value Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Common Stock Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock Shares Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock Shares Outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock Value Common stock: par value $0.01 per share; 1,500,000,000 shares authorized, 1,027,534,449 and 1,027,626,237 shares issued and outstanding, respectively Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax [Abstract] Comprehensive income (loss): Comprehensive Income Note [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Aggregate amount of assets reported by the entity as of the balance sheet date, excluding assets held by consolidated variable interest entities. Consolidated Assets Excluding Amounts Held By Variable Interest Entities Treated As Primary Beneficiaries Subtotal Aggregate amount of liabilities reported by the entity as of the balance sheet date, excluding liabilities held by consolidated variable interest entities. Consolidated Liabilities Excluding Amounts Held By Variable Interest Entities Treated As Primary Beneficiaries Subtotal This element represents the entire disclosure made about the Company's interests in variable interest entities and their effects on the consolidated financial statements. Consolidation Of Variable Interest Entities Disclosure [Text Block] Consolidated Securitization Vehicles and Other Variable Interest Entities Credit Derivatives [Line Items] Credit Derivatives [Line Items] Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Additions [Abstract] Credit Losses Recognized In Earnings Additions [Abstract] Additions: Tabular presentation of the percentage of RMBS in specified credit rating categories, such as AAA, AA, below B or not rated. Credit Ratings Of Residential Mbs Table [Text Block] Credit Ratings Of Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities This element represents the entire disclosure made about significant risks of investment activities related to mortgage loans and mortgage backed securities. Risks may include credit risk, interest rate risk, repurchase risk and other related items. Credit Risk And Interest Rate Risk Disclosure [Text Block] Credit Risk and Interest Rate Risk Credit Risk Derivatives At Fair Value Net Fair value of credit risk derivative instruments in a net liability position Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Securitized Debt Debt Instrument Description Of Variable Rate Basis Description of variable interest rate Debt Instrument Face Amount Principal balance of debt Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] The year in which a debt instrument is required to be paid. Debt Instrument Maturity Date Year Year the debt matures Debt Instrument [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Policy [Text Block] Securitized Debt, Non-Agency RMBS Transferred to Consolidated VIEs, and Securitized Debt, Loans Held for Investment Deconsolidation Gain Or Loss Amount Gain on deconsolidation Realized gain on deconsolidation Gain on deconsolidation Derivative Asset Collateral Obligation To Return Cash Offset Counterparty and Cash Collateral, netting Derivative Assets, Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Derivative Assets Derivatives, net Derivative assets - Net estimated fair value/carrying value Derivative Assets, Net Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Derivatives, at fair value, net Derivative Collateral Right To Reclaim Cash Derivative Liabilities, Gross Amounts Not Offset with Financial Assets (Liabilities) in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, Cash Collateral (Received) Pledged Derivative Collateral Right To Reclaim Securities Derivative Liabilities, Gross Amounts Not Offset with Financial Assets (Liabilities) in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, Financial Instruments Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Fair value of derivative contracts in a net asset (liability) position offset against rights to receive collateral. Derivative Fair Value Net Amount Offset Against Collateral Derivatives, Net Amount Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivatives, Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivatives, Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments Gain Loss By Hedging Relationship By Income Statement Location By Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments Not Designated As Hedging Instruments Gain Loss Net Net unrealized gains (losses) on interest-only RMBS Net unrealized losses (gains) on interest-only RMBS Derivative Liabilities Derivatives, at fair value Derivative liabilities - Net estimated fair value/carrying value Derivatives, net Derivative Liabilities, Net Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Derivative Liability Collateral Right To Reclaim Cash Offset Counterparty and Cash Collateral, netting Derivative Liabilities, Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Derivative Liability Securities Sold Under Agreements To Resell Securities Loaned Total, Net Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Derivative Liability Securities Sold Under Agreements To Resell Securities Loaned Collateral Right To Reclaim Cash Total, Gross Amounts Not Offset with Financial Assets (Liabilities) in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, Cash Collateral (Received) Pledged Derivative Liability Securities Sold Under Agreements To Resell Securities Loaned Collateral Right To Reclaim Securities Total, Gross Amounts Not Offset with Financial Assets (Liabilities) in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, Financial Instruments Derivative Liability Securities Sold Under Agreements To Resell Securities Loaned Gross Total, Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities) Derivative Notional Amount Derivative instruments - Notional amount outstanding Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Describes the accounting policy for investments that represent the Company's right to receive a specified proportion of the contractual interest flows of specific RMBS. Derivatives Interest Only M B S Policy [Text Block] Interest-Only RMBS Derivatives Policy [Text Block] Derivative Financial Instruments Describes the base on which the management fee due to the management firm is determined. Description Of Basis For Management Fee Basis for determining the quarterly fee due FIDAC Dilutive Securities Effect of dilutive securities: Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments [Text Block] Long Term Incentive Plan Dividend Declared Quarter Four 2014 [Member] Dividend Declared Quarter Four 2014 [Member] Dividend Declared Quarter Four 2014 [Member] Dividend Declared Quarter Three 2014 [Member] Dividend Declared Quarter Three 2014 [Member] Dividend Declared Quarter Three 2014 [Member] Dividends [Axis] Dividends [Axis] Dividends Common Stock Cash Common dividends declared Common dividends declared The aggregate amount of dividends declared, but not paid, as of the financial reporting date. Dividends Declared And Not Paid Common dividends declared, not yet paid Dividends [Domain] Dividends [Domain] Dividends Payable Current And Noncurrent Dividends payable Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Document Type Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Net income (loss) per share available to common shareholders: Earnings Per Share Basic Basic Net income per average share attributable to common stockholders - Basic Earnings Per Share Diluted Diluted Net income per average share attributable to common stockholders - Diluted Earnings Per Share Diluted [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings Per Share Policy [Text Block] Net Income per Share Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Disclosure that the entity is not subject to income taxes because of its operational and tax elections. Entity Not Subject To Income Taxes Policy [Text Block] Income Taxes Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Equity [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Fair Value [Member] External Credit Rating By Grouping [Axis] External Credit Rating by Grouping [Axis] External Credit Rating By Grouping [Domain] External Credit Rating by Grouping [Domain] Extinguishment Of Debt Amount Acquired securitized debt collateral outstanding principal balance Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value By Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value By Balance Sheet Grouping [Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping Fair Value By Fair Value Hierarchy Level [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value By Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value By Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items] Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Table] Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Table] Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information Table [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Significant Unobservable Inputs Fair Value Inputs Discount Rate Significant unobservable input, discount rate Fair Value Inputs Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]