INVESTMENTS IN EXCESS MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS - Summary of Excess MSRs Made Through Equity Method Investees (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of MSRs [Line Items]
Weighted Average Life (Years)	1 year 2 months 2 days
Excess MSRs Investees
Schedule of MSRs [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	$ 50,501,054	$ 60,677,300
New Residential Interest in Investees	50.00%	50.00%
Amortized Cost Basis	$ 233,495	$ 277,079
Carrying Value	$ 321,197	$ 372,391
Weighted Average Life (Years)	6 years 3 months 4 days	6 years 5 months 20 days
Excess MSRs Investees | Agency | Original and Recaptured Pools
Schedule of MSRs [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	$ 50,501,054	$ 60,677,300
Investee Interest in Excess MSR	66.70%	66.70%
New Residential Interest in Investees	50.00%	50.00%
Amortized Cost Basis	$ 209,924	$ 247,105
Carrying Value	$ 271,785	$ 314,401
Weighted Average Life (Years)	5 years 8 months 5 days	5 years 9 months 8 days
Excess MSRs Investees | Agency | Recapture Agreements
Schedule of MSRs [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	$ 0	$ 0
Investee Interest in Excess MSR	66.70%	66.70%
New Residential Interest in Investees	50.00%	50.00%
Amortized Cost Basis	$ 23,571	$ 29,974
Carrying Value	$ 49,412	$ 57,990
Weighted Average Life (Years)	11 years 5 months 7 days	12 years 2 months 20 days