Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Change in Fair Value of Level 3 Investments (Details 3)

v2.4.1.9
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Change in Fair Value of Level 3 Investments (Details 3) (Measured on a Recurring Basis [Member], Level 3 Inputs [Member], USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Balance, beginning $ 445,469us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue $ 804,866us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
Spin-off of New Residential   (560,783)nct_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersOutOfLevel3NewResidential [1]
Total gains (losses)    
Included in net income 33,023us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings [2],[3] 5,113us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings [2],[3]
Included in other comprehensive income (loss) (13,052)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss [2] 41,269us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss [2]
Amortization included in interest income 24,326us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecurities 36,426us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecurities
Purchases, sales and settlements    
Purchases   310,332us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases
Proceeds from sales (146,092)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales (126,261)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales
Proceeds from repayments (111,920)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements (65,493)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements
Balance, ending 231,754us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue 445,469us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
Derivative Transactions [Member]
    
Balance, beginning 43,662us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_DerivativeMember 		 
Total gains (losses)    
Included in net income 12,498us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_DerivativeMember 		[2],[3] 1,168us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_DerivativeMember 		[2],[3]
Purchases, sales and settlements    
Purchases   43,172us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_DerivativeMember
Proceeds from repayments (56,160)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_DerivativeMember 		(678)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_DerivativeMember
Balance, ending   43,662us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis
= us-gaap_DerivativeMember
CMBS [Member]
    
Balance, beginning 284,469us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember 		376,391us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Total gains (losses)    
Included in net income 15,384us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember 		[2],[3] 17us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Included in other comprehensive income (loss) (21,154)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember 		[2] 17,167us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Amortization included in interest income 17,184us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember 		12,849us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Purchases, sales and settlements    
Proceeds from sales (73,252)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember 		(105,565)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Proceeds from repayments (43,868)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember 		(16,390)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
Balance, ending 178,763us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember 		284,469us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
ABS-Subprime[Member]
    
Balance, beginning 57,581us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_AssetBackedSecurities1Member 		355,975us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_AssetBackedSecurities1Member
Spin-off of New Residential   (560,783)nct_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersOutOfLevel3NewResidential
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_AssetBackedSecurities1Member 		[1]
Total gains (losses)    
Included in net income 4,165us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_AssetBackedSecurities1Member 		[2],[3] 2,372us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_AssetBackedSecurities1Member 		[2],[3]
Included in other comprehensive income (loss) 2,909us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_AssetBackedSecurities1Member 		[2] 24,755us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_AssetBackedSecurities1Member 		[2]
Amortization included in interest income 5,218us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_AssetBackedSecurities1Member 		17,981us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_AssetBackedSecurities1Member
Purchases, sales and settlements    
Purchases   267,160us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_AssetBackedSecurities1Member
Proceeds from sales (15,787)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_AssetBackedSecurities1Member 		(11,181)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_AssetBackedSecurities1Member
Proceeds from repayments (9,051)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_AssetBackedSecurities1Member 		(38,698)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_AssetBackedSecurities1Member
Balance, ending 45,035us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_AssetBackedSecurities1Member 		57,581us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_AssetBackedSecurities1Member
ABS-Other[Member]
    
Balance, beginning   1,475us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_AssetBackedSecurities2Member
Total gains (losses)    
Included in net income   (82)us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_AssetBackedSecurities2Member 		[2],[3]
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)   73us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_AssetBackedSecurities2Member 		[2]
Amortization included in interest income   331us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_AssetBackedSecurities2Member
Purchases, sales and settlements    
Proceeds from sales   (1,359)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_AssetBackedSecurities2Member
Proceeds from repayments   (438)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_AssetBackedSecurities2Member
Equity/Other Securities [Member]
    
Balance, beginning 59,757us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_EquityOtherSecuritiesMember 		71,025us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_EquityOtherSecuritiesMember
Total gains (losses)    
Included in net income 976us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_EquityOtherSecuritiesMember 		[2],[3] 1,638us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_EquityOtherSecuritiesMember 		[2],[3]
Included in other comprehensive income (loss) 5,193us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_EquityOtherSecuritiesMember 		[2] (726)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_EquityOtherSecuritiesMember 		[2]
Amortization included in interest income 1,924us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_EquityOtherSecuritiesMember 		5,265us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_EquityOtherSecuritiesMember
Purchases, sales and settlements    
Proceeds from sales (57,053)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_EquityOtherSecuritiesMember 		(8,156)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_EquityOtherSecuritiesMember
Proceeds from repayments (2,841)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_EquityOtherSecuritiesMember 		(9,289)us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_EquityOtherSecuritiesMember
Balance, ending $ 7,956us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
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/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
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/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= nct_EquityOtherSecuritiesMember 		$ 59,757us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
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[1] The spin-off of New Residential occurred on May 15, 2013.
[2] None of the gains (losses) recorded in earnings during the period is attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to Level 3 assets still held at the reporting date.
[3] These gains (losses) are recorded in the following line items in the consolidated statements of income: