Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

REAL ESTATE SECURITIES - Real Estate Securities Holdings (Details)

v2.4.1.9
REAL ESTATE SECURITIES - Real Estate Securities Holdings (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Securities
Dec. 31, 2013
Securities
Carrying Value $ 231,754us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities $ 432,993us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
Weighted Average Yield 14.82%nct_YieldWeightedAverage [1],[2]  
Weighted Average Life (Years) 1 year 7 months 6 days  
Total Securities Pledged as Collateral [Member]    
Outstanding Face Amount 390,771us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_SecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralMember 		514,994us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_SecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralMember
Before Impairment - Amortized Cost Basis 403,216nct_RESecuritiesBeforeImpairmentAmortCost
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_SecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralMember 		548,456nct_RESecuritiesBeforeImpairmentAmortCost
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_SecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralMember
Other Than Temporary Impairment - Amortized Cost Basis   (817)us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesHeld
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_SecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralMember
Amortized Cost Basis After Impairment 403,216us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_SecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralMember 		547,639us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_SecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralMember
Gains - gross unrealized 4,473us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_SecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralMember 		3,631us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_SecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralMember
Carrying Value 407,689us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_SecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralMember 		[3] 551,270us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_SecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralMember 		[3]
Number of securities 9us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceContracts
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_SecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralMember 		64us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceContracts
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_SecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralMember
Weighted Average Rating   AAA [4]
Weighted Average Coupon   2.90%nct_CouponWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_SecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralMember
Weighted Average Yield   1.25%nct_YieldWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_SecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralMember
Weighted Average Life (Years)   3 years 7 months 6 days [5]
Real Estate Securities Available For Sale [Member]    
Outstanding Face Amount   655,911us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nct_RealEstateSecuritiesAFSMember 		[6]
Before Impairment - Amortized Cost Basis 306,355nct_RESecuritiesBeforeImpairmentAmortCost
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nct_RealEstateSecuritiesAFSMember 		521,047nct_RESecuritiesBeforeImpairmentAmortCost
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nct_RealEstateSecuritiesAFSMember 		[6]
Other Than Temporary Impairment - Amortized Cost Basis (137,810)us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesHeld
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nct_RealEstateSecuritiesAFSMember 		(166,831)us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesHeld
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nct_RealEstateSecuritiesAFSMember 		[6]
Amortized Cost Basis After Impairment 168,545us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nct_RealEstateSecuritiesAFSMember 		354,216us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nct_RealEstateSecuritiesAFSMember 		[6]
Gains - gross unrealized 63,213us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nct_RealEstateSecuritiesAFSMember 		79,068us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nct_RealEstateSecuritiesAFSMember 		[6]
Losses - gross unrealized (4)us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nct_RealEstateSecuritiesAFSMember 		(291)us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nct_RealEstateSecuritiesAFSMember 		[6]
Carrying Value 231,754us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nct_RealEstateSecuritiesAFSMember 		[3] 432,993us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nct_RealEstateSecuritiesAFSMember 		[3],[6]
Number of securities 64us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceContracts
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nct_RealEstateSecuritiesAFSMember 		101us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceContracts
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nct_RealEstateSecuritiesAFSMember 		[6]
Weighted Average Rating   B [4],[6]
Weighted Average Coupon   4.24%nct_CouponWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nct_RealEstateSecuritiesAFSMember 		[6]
Weighted Average Yield   11.86%nct_YieldWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis
= nct_RealEstateSecuritiesAFSMember 		[6]
Weighted Average Life (Years)   2 years 4 months 24 days [5],[6]
CMBS [Member]    
Outstanding Face Amount 214,026us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CMBSConduitMember 		333,121us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CMBSConduitMember
Before Impairment - Amortized Cost Basis 218,900nct_RESecuritiesBeforeImpairmentAmortCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CMBSConduitMember 		309,341nct_RESecuritiesBeforeImpairmentAmortCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CMBSConduitMember
Other Than Temporary Impairment - Amortized Cost Basis (75,574)us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesHeld
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CMBSConduitMember 		(81,463)us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesHeld
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CMBSConduitMember
Amortized Cost Basis After Impairment 143,326us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CMBSConduitMember 		227,878us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CMBSConduitMember
Gains - gross unrealized 35,441us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CMBSConduitMember 		56,881us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CMBSConduitMember
Losses - gross unrealized (4)us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CMBSConduitMember 		(290)us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CMBSConduitMember
Carrying Value 178,966us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CMBSConduitMember 		[3],[7] 284,469us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CMBSConduitMember 		[3]
Number of securities 32us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceContracts
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CMBSConduitMember 		50us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceContracts
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CMBSConduitMember
Weighted Average Rating B [4] BB- [4]
Weighted Average Coupon 5.86%nct_CouponWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CMBSConduitMember 		5.47%nct_CouponWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CMBSConduitMember
Weighted Average Yield 11.00%nct_YieldWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CMBSConduitMember 		13.50%nct_YieldWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CMBSConduitMember
Weighted Average Life (Years) 2 years 7 months 6 days [5] 2 years 7 months 6 days [5]
Weighted Average Principal Subordination 10.40%nct_RESecuritiesPrincipalSubordinationWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CMBSConduitMember 		[8] 9.60%nct_RESecuritiesPrincipalSubordinationWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CMBSConduitMember 		[8]
Non-Agency RMBS [Member]    
Outstanding Face Amount 67,475us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember 		[9] 96,762us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember 		[9]
Before Impairment - Amortized Cost Basis 79,808nct_RESecuritiesBeforeImpairmentAmortCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember 		103,535nct_RESecuritiesBeforeImpairmentAmortCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Other Than Temporary Impairment - Amortized Cost Basis (54,589)us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesHeld
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember 		(62,860)us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesHeld
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Amortized Cost Basis After Impairment 25,219us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember 		[10] 40,675us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember 		[11]
Gains - gross unrealized 19,816us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember 		16,907us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Losses - gross unrealized   (1)us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Carrying Value 45,035us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember 		[3],[7] 57,581us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember 		[3]
Number of securities 28us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceContracts
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember 		34us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceContracts
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Weighted Average Rating CCC [4] CCC+ [4]
Weighted Average Coupon 1.21%nct_CouponWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember 		1.07%nct_CouponWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Weighted Average Yield 9.66%nct_YieldWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember 		12.20%nct_YieldWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Weighted Average Life (Years) 7 years 8 months 12 days [5] 4 years 4 months 24 days [5]
Weighted Average Principal Subordination 21.80%nct_RESecuritiesPrincipalSubordinationWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember 		[8] 25.90%nct_RESecuritiesPrincipalSubordinationWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember 		[8]
ABS-Franchise [Member]    
Outstanding Face Amount 8,464us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_ABSFranchiseMember 		[9] 8,464us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_ABSFranchiseMember 		[9]
Before Impairment - Amortized Cost Basis 7,647nct_RESecuritiesBeforeImpairmentAmortCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_ABSFranchiseMember 		7,647nct_RESecuritiesBeforeImpairmentAmortCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_ABSFranchiseMember
Other Than Temporary Impairment - Amortized Cost Basis (7,647)us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesHeld
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_ABSFranchiseMember 		(7,647)us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesHeld
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_ABSFranchiseMember
Number of securities 1us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceContracts
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_ABSFranchiseMember 		1us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceContracts
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_ABSFranchiseMember
Weighted Average Rating C [4] C [4]
Weighted Average Coupon 6.69%nct_CouponWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_ABSFranchiseMember 		6.69%nct_CouponWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_ABSFranchiseMember
Weighted Average Yield 0.00%nct_YieldWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_ABSFranchiseMember 		0.00%nct_YieldWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_ABSFranchiseMember
Weighted Average Principal Subordination 0.00%nct_RESecuritiesPrincipalSubordinationWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_ABSFranchiseMember 		[8] 0.00%nct_RESecuritiesPrincipalSubordinationWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_ABSFranchiseMember 		[8]
CDO Securities [Member]    
Outstanding Face Amount 14,413us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember 		[3],[9]  
Gains - gross unrealized 7,956us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember 		[3]  
Carrying Value 7,956us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember 		[3],[7]  
Number of securities 2us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceContracts
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember 		[3]  
Weighted Average Rating CCC- [3],[4]  
Weighted Average Coupon 1.46%nct_CouponWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember 		[3]  
Weighted Average Yield 0.00%nct_YieldWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember 		[3]  
Weighted Average Life (Years) 11 years 6 months 0 days [3],[5]  
Weighted Average Principal Subordination 13.70%nct_RESecuritiesPrincipalSubordinationWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember 		[3],[8]  
Debt Securities [Member]    
Outstanding Face Amount 304,378us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember 		[6]  
Before Impairment - Amortized Cost Basis 306,355nct_RESecuritiesBeforeImpairmentAmortCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember 		[6]  
Other Than Temporary Impairment - Amortized Cost Basis (137,810)us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesHeld
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember 		[6]  
Amortized Cost Basis After Impairment 168,545us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember 		[6]  
Gains - gross unrealized 63,213us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember 		[6]  
Losses - gross unrealized (4)us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember 		[6]  
Carrying Value 231,754us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember 		[6],[7]  
Number of securities 63us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceContracts
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember 		[6]  
Weighted Average Rating B- [4],[6]  
Weighted Average Coupon 4.64%nct_CouponWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember 		[6]  
Weighted Average Yield 10.80%nct_YieldWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember 		[6]  
Weighted Average Life (Years) 4 years 1 month 6 days [5],[6]  
Equity Securities [Member]    
Number of securities 1us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceContracts
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember 		 
FNMA/FHLMC Securities [Member]    
Outstanding Face Amount 390,771us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember 		514,994us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember 		[12]
Before Impairment - Amortized Cost Basis 403,216nct_RESecuritiesBeforeImpairmentAmortCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember 		548,456nct_RESecuritiesBeforeImpairmentAmortCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember 		[12]
Other Than Temporary Impairment - Amortized Cost Basis   (817)us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesHeld
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember 		[12]
Amortized Cost Basis After Impairment 403,216us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember 		547,639us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember 		[12]
Gains - gross unrealized 4,473us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember 		3,631us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember 		[12]
Carrying Value 407,689us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember 		[3] 551,270us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember 		[12],[3]
Number of securities 9us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceContracts
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember 		64us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceContracts
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember 		[12]
Weighted Average Rating AAA [4] AAA [12],[4]
Weighted Average Coupon 3.50%nct_CouponWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember 		2.90%nct_CouponWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember 		[12]
Weighted Average Yield 2.94%nct_YieldWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember 		1.25%nct_YieldWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember 		[12]
Weighted Average Life (Years) 5 years 7 months 6 days [5] 3 years 7 months 6 days [12],[5]
REIT Debt [Member]    
Outstanding Face Amount   29,200us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_REITDebtMember 		[9]
Before Impairment - Amortized Cost Basis   28,667nct_RESecuritiesBeforeImpairmentAmortCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_REITDebtMember
Amortized Cost Basis After Impairment   28,667us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_REITDebtMember 		[11]
Gains - gross unrealized   2,519us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_REITDebtMember
Carrying Value   31,186us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_REITDebtMember 		[3]
Number of securities   5us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceContracts
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_REITDebtMember
Weighted Average Rating   BB+ [4]
Weighted Average Coupon   5.89%nct_CouponWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_REITDebtMember
Weighted Average Yield   6.86%nct_YieldWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_REITDebtMember
Weighted Average Life (Years)   1 year 9 months 18 days [5]
Collateralized Debt Obligations Investment [Member]    
Outstanding Face Amount   188,364us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalancePrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CollateralizedLoanObligationsInvestmentMember 		[13]
Before Impairment - Amortized Cost Basis   71,857nct_RESecuritiesBeforeImpairmentAmortCost
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CollateralizedLoanObligationsInvestmentMember 		[13]
Other Than Temporary Impairment - Amortized Cost Basis   (14,861)us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesHeld
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CollateralizedLoanObligationsInvestmentMember 		[13]
Amortized Cost Basis After Impairment   56,996us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CollateralizedLoanObligationsInvestmentMember
Gains - gross unrealized   2,761us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CollateralizedLoanObligationsInvestmentMember 		[13]
Carrying Value   $ 59,757us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CollateralizedLoanObligationsInvestmentMember 		[3]
Number of securities   11us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceContracts
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CollateralizedLoanObligationsInvestmentMember
Weighted Average Rating   CCC- [4]
Weighted Average Coupon   3.21%nct_CouponWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CollateralizedLoanObligationsInvestmentMember
Weighted Average Yield   7.56%nct_YieldWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CollateralizedLoanObligationsInvestmentMember
Weighted Average Life (Years)   1 year 2 months 12 days
Weighted Average Principal Subordination   19.10%nct_RESecuritiesPrincipalSubordinationWeightedAverage
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_CollateralizedLoanObligationsInvestmentMember 		[8]
[1] For others, represents weighted average yield and weighted average coupon.
[2] Interest only payments over life to maturity and balloon principal payment upon maturity.
[3] Represents non-consolidated CDO securities, excluding eight securities with a zero value, which had an aggregate face amount of $113.3 million.
[4] Represents the weighted average of the ratings of all securities in each asset type, expressed as an S&P equivalent rating. For each security rated by multiple rating agencies, the lowest rating is used. Ratings provided were determined by third party rating agencies, represent the most recent credit ratings available as of the reporting date and may not be current.
[5] The weighted average life is based on the timing of expected principal reduction on the assets.
[6] As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the total outstanding face amount of fixed rate securities was $0.6 billion and $0.4 billion, respectively, and of floating rate securities were $0.1 billion and $0.8 billion, respectively.
[7] See Note 10 regarding the estimation of fair value, which is equal to carrying value for all securities.
[8] Percentage of the outstanding face amount of securities and interests that is subordinate to Newcastle's investments.
[9] Net of incurred losses.
[10] Net of discounts (or gross of premiums) and after OTTI.
[11] Net of discounts (or gross premiums) and after OTTI, including impairment taken during the period ended December 31, 2013.
[12] Amortized cost basis and carrying value include no principal receivable as of December 31, 2014 and principal receivable of $4.8 million as of December 31, 2013.
[13] Includes two CDO bonds issued by a third party with a carrying value of $57.8 million, three CDO bonds issued by CDO V (which has been deconsolidated) and held as an investment by Newcastle with a carrying value of $2.0 million and six CDO bonds issued by C-BASS with no carrying value.