Regulatory Net Worth and Agency Capital Requirements (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fannie Mae - PLS
Regulatory Net Worth and Agency Capital Requirements
Net worth	$ 273,445	$ 172,843
Required	54,546	35,947
Freddie Mac - PLS
Regulatory Net Worth and Agency Capital Requirements
Net worth	273,798	173,273
Required	53,751	27,119
Ginnie Mae - Issuer - PLS
Regulatory Net Worth and Agency Capital Requirements
Net worth	260,032	152,782
Required	45,625	23,886
Ginnie Mae - Issuer's parent - PennyMac
Regulatory Net Worth and Agency Capital Requirements
Net worth	554,841	227,560
Required	50,188	26,275
HUD - PLS
Regulatory Net Worth and Agency Capital Requirements
Net worth	260,032	152,782
Required	$ 195,891	$ 1,000