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	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Proceeds from new transfers	$ 0	$ 410,281	$ 1,610,761	$ 762,652
MSR fees received	2,475	3,105	5,165	6,165
Funding of compensating interest, net	(205)	(47)	(297)	(137)
Cash flows received on retained securities	$ 6,788	$ 6,743	$ 13,369	$ 14,289