Basis of Presentation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Basis of Presentation [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

1. Basis of Presentation:

The consolidated financial statements of Arlington Asset Investment Corp. (Arlington Asset) and its subsidiaries (unless the context otherwise provides, collectively, the Company) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q. Therefore, they do not include all information required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The interim financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods presented. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the entire year or any other subsequent interim period. The Company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

The preparation of the Company's financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Although the Company based the estimates and assumptions on historical experience, when available, market information, and on various other factors that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, management exercises significant judgment in the final determination of the estimates. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements and notes for prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the results of operations of the Company.