DERIVATIVES - Schedule of Derivatives - Gain (Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Other income (loss), net	[1]	$ 5,774	$ (3,538)	$ (8,847)
Gain (loss) on settlement of investments, net		(27,491)	(46,982)	(40,400)
Total gains (losses)		(21,717)	(50,520)	(49,247)
Non-Performing Loans [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Other income (loss), net	[1],[2]	0	0	(1,149)
Gain (loss) on settlement of investments, net	[2]	0	0	5,609
Real Estate Securities [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Other income (loss), net	[1],[2]	0	0	2,336
Gain (loss) on settlement of investments, net	[2]	0	0	43
TBAs [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Other income (loss), net	[1]	(414)	(2,058)	(4,985)
Gain (loss) on settlement of investments, net		(17,927)	(27,142)	(33,638)
Interest Rate Caps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Other income (loss), net	[1]	688	(1,749)	(4)
Gain (loss) on settlement of investments, net		(4,754)	(1,180)	0
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Other income (loss), net	[1]	5,500	269	(5,045)
Gain (loss) on settlement of investments, net		(4,810)	(18,660)	(12,590)
U.S.T. Short Positions [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on settlement of investments, net		$ 0	$ 0	$ 176

[1] Represents unrealized gains (losses).

[2] Prior to December 31, 2014, investments purchased from, and financed by, the selling counterparty that New Residential accounted for as linked transactions were reflected as derivatives. Upon the adoption of ASU No. 2014-11 on January 1, 2015, these transactions are accounted for as secured borrowings.