Principles of Consolidation - Cash Flows Related to Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entity's Sponsored by Redwood (Details) - Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Proceeds from new transfers	$ 1,057,688	$ 1,139,052
MSR fees received	13,842	14,874
Funding of compensating interest	(338)	(363)
Cash flows received on retained securities	$ 30,191	$ 43,460