Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Class A Common Stock Common Class A [Member] Class B Common Stock Common Class B [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Equity and debt investments, fair value disclosure Equity and Debt Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Equity and Debt Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Other assets, fair value Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Accrued and other liabilities, at fair value Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, liquidation preference Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value (in dollars per shares) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Receivables [Abstract] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Credit Loss Status [Axis] Credit Loss Status [Axis] Credit Loss Status [Domain] Credit Loss Status [Domain] PCI Loans Financial Asset Acquired with Credit Deterioration [Member] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Number of contracts acquired Financing Receivable, Number Of Contracts Acquired Financing Receivable, Number Of Contracts Acquired Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Discount rate Measurement Input, Discount Rate [Member] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Weighted Average Weighted Average [Member] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] CPI CPI [Member] CPI [Member] THL Hotel Portfolio THL Hotel Portfolio [Member] THL Hotel Portfolio [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Capitalization rate (percentage) Fair Value Assumptions, Real Estate Investments, Capitalization Rate Fair Value Assumptions, Real Estate Investments, Capitalization Rate Discount rate (percentage) Fair Value Assumptions, Real Estate Investments, Discount Rate Fair Value Assumptions, Real Estate Investments, Discount Rate Debt discount rate (percentage) Debt Instrument, Measurement Input Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] Components of Share-Based Compensation Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Table Text Block] Nonvested Shares Under Director Stock Plan and Equity Incentive Plan Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block] Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Fee Income Fee Income [Text Block] Fee Income Loans and leases receivable, gross Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Accretable Yield Movement Schedule [Roll Forward] Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Accretable Yield Movement Schedule [Roll Forward] Beginning accretable yield Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Accretable Yield Additions Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Accretable Yield, Additions Dispositions Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Accretable Yield, Disposals of Loans Changes in accretable yield Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Accretable Yield, Period Increase (Decrease) Accretion recognized in earnings Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Accretable Yield, Accretion Deconsolidation Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Accretable Yield, Deconsolidation Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Accretable Yield, Deconsolidation Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Accretable Yield, Effect of Exchange Rate Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Accretable Yield, Effect of Exchange Rate Ending accretable yield Schedule of Asset Management and Other Fees Schedule of Asset Management and Other Fees [Table Text Block] Schedule of Asset Management and Other Fees [Table Text Block] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Combination Agreement Combination Agreement [Member] Combination Agreement Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Colony Credit Real Estate, Inc. Colony Credit [Member] Colony Credit [Member] NorthStar Realty Europe Corp. NorthStar Realty Europe Corp. (NRE) [Member] NorthStar Realty Europe Corp. (NRE) [Member] RXR Realty, LLC RXR Realty [Member] RXR Realty [Member] Preferred equity Preferred Equity Investment [Member] Preferred Equity Investment [Member] ADC investments ADC Investments [Member] ADC Investments [Member] Private funds Private Funds [Member] Private Funds [Member] Private funds—carried interest Private Funds - Carried Interest [Member] Private Funds - Carried Interest [Member] Other investment ventures Other Investment Ventures [Member] Other Investment Ventures [Member] Fair value option Other Investment Ventures at Fair Value [Member] Other Investment Ventures at Fair Value[Member] [Member] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Carrying value Equity Method Investments Number of equity method investments Number of Equity Method Investments Number of Equity Method Investments Restricted Cash, Other Assets And Other Liabilities [Abstract] Restricted Cash, Other Assets and Other Liabilities Restricted Cash, Other Assets and Other Liabilities Restricted Cash, Other Assets And Other Liabilities [Text Block] Restricted Cash, Other Assets and Other Liabilities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Foreign exchange contracts Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Interest rate contracts Interest Rate Contract [Member] Performance swaps Swap [Member] Forward contracts Forward Contracts [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Gross Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Included on Consolidated Balance Sheets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset (Assets) Liabilities Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities Cash Collateral Pledged Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Offset Against Collateral, Net of Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Policy Election Gross Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Included on Consolidated Balance Sheets Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability (Assets) Liabilities Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities Cash Collateral Pledged Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Offset Against Collateral, Net of Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Policy Election Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Lessor, Lease, Description [Table] Lessor, Lease, Description [Table] Type Of Lease [Axis] Type Of Lease [Axis] Type Of Lease [Axis] Type Of Lease [Domain] Type Of Lease [Domain] [Domain] for Type Of Lease [Axis] Investment Properties Investment Properties [Member] Investment Properties [Member] Corporate Offices Office Leases [Member] Office Leases [Member] Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items] Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items] 2020 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months 2021 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2024 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five 2025 and thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Total lease payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Present value discount Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Operating lease liability (Note 9) Operating Lease, Liability Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Non-Designated Hedges Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] 3-Month LIBOR Three-Month LIBOR [Member] Three-Month LIBOR [Member] Foreign currency risk Foreign Currency Risk [Member] Foreign currency risk. Interest rate swaps Interest Rate Swap [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Deposits related to agreements included in other assets Deposits Assets Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Forward rate (in $ per unit of foreign currency) Derivative, Forward Exchange Rate Settlement of derivative Settlement (Purchase) Of Derivative Instruments Settlement (Purchase) Of Derivative Instruments Change in fair value of swaps Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Term of derivative contract Derivative, Term of Contract Realized loss Derivative, Loss on Derivative Gain on derivative Derivative, Gain on Derivative Unrealized gain on investments Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, incomplete accounting, change in tax rate, provisional income tax expense (benefit) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Incomplete Accounting, Change in Tax Rate, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, change in tax rate, income tax expense Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Change in Tax Rate, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Valuation allowance related to certain hotels, amount released Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Corporate Credit Facility Line of Credit [Member] Convertible and Exchangeable Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Secured Debt Secured Debt [Member] Junior Subordinated Notes Junior Subordinated Debt [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Recourse Debt Recourse Debt [Member] Recourse Debt [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2022 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2023 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2024 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five 2025 and thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Total Long-term Debt, Gross Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Common stock, dividends, per share, declared (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared NSAM and NRF NSAM And NRF [Member] NSAM And NRF [Member] NSAM NSAM [Member] NSAM [Member] NRF NRF [Member] NRF [Member] Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Restricted cash Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Restricted Cash Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Restricted Cash Real estate Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Real Estate Investment Property, Net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Real Estate Investment Property, Net Loans receivable Business Combination, Acquired Receivable, Fair Value Investments in unconsolidated ventures Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Investments Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Investments Securities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Marketable Securities Identifiable intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Management agreement between NSAM and NRF Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Management Agreement Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Management Agreement Assets held for sale Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Held-for-sale Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Held-for-sale Other assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Total assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities [Abstract] Debt Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt Intangible liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Lease Intangible Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Lease Intangible Liabilities Noncontrolling interests—investment entities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Management Agreement Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Management Agreement Liabilities Liabilities related to assets held for sale Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Held-for-sale liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Held-for-sale liabilities Tax liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Accrued and other liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Other Liabilities assumed Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Redeemable noncontrolling interests Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Noncontrolling interests—investment entities Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Investment Entities, Fair Value Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Investment Entities, Fair Value Noncontrolling interests—Operating Company Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Fair value of net assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including goodwill Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Goodwill Goodwill Interest receivable Interest Receivable Straight-line rents Straightline Rent Receivable Straightline Rent Receivable Hotel-related deposits and reserves Hotel Related Reserve Hotel Related Reserve Investment deposits and pending deal costs Investment Deposits And Pending Deal Costs Investment Deposits And Pending Deal Costs Deferred financing costs, net Other Deferred Costs, Net Derivative assets (Note 11) Derivative Asset Prepaid taxes and deferred tax assets, net Deferred Tax Assets, Prepaid Taxes and Deferred Tax Assets Deferred Tax Assets, Prepaid Taxes and Deferred Tax Assets Receivables from resolution of investments Resolution Of Investments Receivable Resolution Of Investments Receivable Operating lease right-of-use asset, net Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Other assets Accounts Receivable And Other Assets Accounts Receivable And Other Assets Fixed assets, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Excluding Capital Leased Assets Total other assets Other Assets Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Recurring Fair Value, Recurring [Member] Valuation Approach and Technique [Axis] Valuation Approach and Technique [Axis] Valuation Approach and Technique [Domain] Valuation Approach and Technique [Domain] Discounted cash flows Discounted Cash Flows [Member] Discounted Cash Flows [Member] Multiple Multiple Valuation Technique [Member] Multiple Valuation Technique [Member] Recent Transaction Price Recent Transaction Price [Member] Recent Transaction Price [Member] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] N-Star CDO bonds N-Star CDO Bonds [Member] N-Star CDO Bonds CMBS of consolidated fund Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Equity method investments Investments in Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures, Fair Value Disclosure Marketable equity securities Equity Securities, FV-NI N-Star CDO bonds, available for sale Debt Securities, Available-for-sale CMBS of consolidated fund Other Investments Other assets—derivative assets Other liabilities—derivative liabilities Derivative Liability Contingent consideration—THL Hotel Portfolio (Note 12) Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Contingent consideration, liability Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High Investments, fair value Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Measurement input, percentage Alternative Investment, Measurement Input Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Value Reported Value Measurement [Member] Convertible and exchangeable senior notes Convertible Debt [Member] Secured debt Secured debt related to assets held for sale Secured and Unsecured Debt [Member] Secured and Unsecured Debt [Member] Junior subordinated debt Assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Loans at amortized cost Loans Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Secured and unsecured debt Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Business combination (Note 3) Goodwill, Acquired During Period Classification as held for sale Goodwill, Transfers Disposition Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit Impairment Goodwill, Impairment Loss Ending balance Goodwill deductible for tax purposes Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Abstract] SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Movement in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Roll Forward] SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Movement in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Roll Forward] Balance at January 1 SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Loans acquired in Merger Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loans Acquired in Merger Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loans Acquired in Merger Loan acquisitions and originations SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, New Mortgage Loan Paid-in-kind interest added to loan principal Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Paid-in-KInd Interest Added to Loan Principal Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Paid-in-KInd Interest Added to Loan Principal Discount and net loan fee amortization Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Discount and Net Loan Fee Amortization Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Discount and Net Loan Fee Amortization Accretion on PCI loans SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Accretion on PCI Loans SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Accretion on PCI Loans Consolidation of loans receivable held by investment entities and securitization trusts Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Consolidation of Loans Receivable Held By Investment Entities and Securitization Trusts Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Consolidation of Loans Receivable Held By Investment Entities and Securitization Trusts Loan repayments Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Repayments Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Repayments Payments received from PCI loans Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Payments Received on PCI Loans Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Payments Received on PCI Loans Transfer to loans held for sale SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Transfer of Loans Held for Sale SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Transfer of Loans Held for Sale Carrying value of loans sold SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Cost of Mortgage Sold Foreclosures and other conversions to real estate SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Foreclosure Loans receivable contributed to Colony Credit (Note 4) SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment In Mortgage Loans On Real Estate, Loans Receivable Contributed SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment In Mortgage Loans On Real Estate, Loans Receivable Contributed Deconsolidation of loans receivable in securitization trusts SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment In Mortgage Loans On Real Estate, Deconsolidation SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment In Mortgage Loans On Real Estate, Deconsolidation Provision for loan losses Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Provision for Loan Losses Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Provision for Loan Losses Other loss SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Other Deduction Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Effect of Change in Foreign Exchange Rates Increase (Decrease) Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Effect of Change in Foreign Exchange Rates Increase (Decrease) Balance at December 31 Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] OP Units OP Units [Member] OP Units [Member] DBH DBH [Member] DBH [Member] SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized of $3,192, $5,554, and $0 Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Interest capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized Cash received for income tax refunds (paid for income taxes), net Income Taxes Paid, Net SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS: Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities of discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities of discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Discontinued Operations SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Dividends and distributions payable Dividends Payable Improvements in operating real estate in accrued and other liabilities Accounts Payable Relating To Improvements In Operating Real Estate Accounts Payable Relating To Improvements In Operating Real Estate Redemption of OP Units for common stock Redemption Of Partnership Units For Common Stock Redemption Of Partnership Units For Common Stock Preferred stock redemptions payable Preferred Stock Redemption Payable Preferred Stock Redemption Payable ROU assets and operating lease liabilities resulting from lease standard, net of related deferred receivables, intangibles and lease incentives derecognized upon adoption Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability ROU assets and operating lease liabilities resulting from lease standard, net of related deferred receivables, intangibles and lease incentives derecognized upon adoption Operating Lease, Payments For Amounts Included In Measurement Of Operating Lease Liabilities Operating Lease, Payments For Amounts Included In Measurement Of Operating Lease Liabilities Deferred cash consideration for acquisition of DBH (Note 3) Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Deferred Cash Consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Deferred Cash Consideration Issuance of OP units for business combinations (Note 3) Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Units Issued, Amount Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Units Issued, Amount Proceeds from loan repayments and asset sales held in escrow Proceeds From Loan Repayments And Asset Sales Held In Escrow And Restricted Cash Proceeds From Loan Repayments And Asset Sales Held In Escrow And Restricted Cash Distributions payable to noncontrolling interests included in other liabilities Distributions Payable To Noncontrolling Interest Included In Other Liabilities Distributions Payable To Noncontrolling Interest Included In Other Liabilities Foreclosures and exchanges of loans receivable for real estate Foreclosures and exchanges of loans receivable for real estate Foreclosures and exchanges of loans receivable for real estate Debt assumed by buyer in sale of real estate Debt Assumed By Buyer Debt Assumed By Buyer Debt issued to buyer in sale of real estate Debt Issued to Buyer in Sale of Real Estate Debt Issued to Buyer in Sale of Real Estate Fair value of Digital Colony Manager contract intangible consolidated (Note 3) Fair Value Of Digital Colony Manager Contract Intangible Consolidated Fair Value Of Digital Colony Manager Contract Intangible Consolidated Assets acquired in business combinations, net of cash and restricted cash acquired (Note 3) Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Net Of Cash Assumed Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Net Of Cash Assumed Liabilities assumed in business combinations (Note 3) Noncontrolling interests assumed in business combinations (Note 3) Deconsolidation of net assets of securitization trusts Net assets of securitization trusts deconsolidated Net assets of securitization trusts deconsolidated Assets held for sale contributed to equity method investee Assets held for sale contributed to equity method investee Assets held for sale contributed to equity method investee Deferred tax liabilities assumed by buyer of related real estate Deferred Tax Liability Assumed In Real Estate Acquisition Deferred Tax Liability Assumed In Real Estate Acquisition Share repurchase payable Share Repurchase Payable Share Repurchase Payable Contributions receivable from noncontrolling interests Contributions Receivable from Noncontrolling Interests Contributions Receivable from Noncontrolling Interests Assets of CLNY Investment Entities deconsolidated, net of cash and restricted cash contributed Assets of investment entities deconsolidated Assets of investment entities deconsolidated Liabilities of CLNY Investment Entities deconsolidated Liabilities of investment entities deconsolidated Liabilities of investment entities deconsolidated Noncontrolling interests of CLNY Investment Entities deconsolidated Noncontrolling interests of investment entities deconsolidated Noncontrolling interests of investment entities deconsolidated Net assets of investment entity deconsolidated, net of cash and restricted cash contributed Net Assets Of Investment Entity Deconsolidated, Net Of Cash Contributed Net Assets Of Investment Entity Deconsolidated, Net Of Cash Contributed Investment deposits applied to acquisition of loans receivable, real estate and CPI Group Investment Deposits Applied To Acquisition Of Loan Receivable, Real Estate Investment Deposits Applied To Acquisition Of Loan Receivable, Real Estate Common stock issued for acquisition of NSAM and NRF Stock Issued Preferred stock issued for acquisition of NRF Preferred Stock Issued For Acquisition Preferred Stock Issued For Acquisition Net assets acquired in CPI restructuring, net of cash and restricted cash assumed Net Assets Acquired In Restructuring Net Assets Acquired In Restructuring Net assets acquired in THL Hotel Portfolio, net of cash and restricted cash assumed Net Assets Acquired In Acquisition Net Assets Acquired In Acquisition Net assets of sponsored fund consolidated, net of cash and restricted cash assumed Net Assets Of Sponsored Fund Consolidated, Net Of Cash Assumed Net Assets Of Sponsored Fund Consolidated, Net Of Cash Assumed Exchange of notes for class A common shares Exchange Of Note For Common Stock Exchange Of Note For Common Stock Assets of consolidated securitization trust Assets Of Consolidated Securitization Trust Assets Of Consolidated Securitization Trust Liabilities of consolidated securitization trust Liabilities Of Consolidated Securitization Trust Liabilities Of Consolidated Securitization Trust Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Schedule of Discontinued Operations, Net Income (Loss) Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Equity-Based Compensation Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Marketable equity securities Equity Securities [Member] Investment ventures Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures [Member] Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures [Member] Private funds Funds And Retail Companies [Member] Funds And Retail Companies [Member] Equity Investments Investments [Abstract] Equity method investments Marketable equity securities Marketable Securities Investment ventures and Private funds and non-traded REIT Total equity investments Debt Securities Debt Securities [Abstract] CMBS of consolidated fund, at fair value Debt Securities, Trading Total debt securities Debt Securities Equity and debt investments Equity And Debt Investments Equity And Debt Investments Real Estate [Abstract] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Property operating income Real Estate [Member] Total Lease Revenue Total Lease Revenue [Member] Total Lease Revenue [Member] Fixed lease income Fixed Lease Revenue [Member] Fixed Lease Revenue [Member] Variable lease income Variable Lease Revenue [Member] Variable Lease Revenue [Member] Hotel operating income Hotel Operating Income [Member] Hotel Operating Income [Member] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Income Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Industrial Industrial [Member] Industrial [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets [Abstract] Restricted cash Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Restricted Cash Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Restricted Cash Real estate, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Real Estate Assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Real Estate Assets Equity investment—private fund Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Equity And Debt Investments Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Equity And Debt Investments Goodwill Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill Deferred leasing costs and intangible assets, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets Other assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets Due from affiliates Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Due From Affiliates Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Due From Affiliates Total assets held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities [Abstract] Debt, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Debt Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Debt Lease intangibles and other liabilities, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities Total liabilities related to assets held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Schedule [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Schedule [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Various, USA UNITED STATES California CALIFORNIA New York NEW YORK North Carolina NORTH CAROLINA Texas TEXAS Virginia VIRGINIA IRELAND / FRANCE Ireland / France [Member] Ireland / France [Member] FRANCE FRANCE IRELAND IRELAND Ireland Two Ireland Two [Member] Ireland Two [Member] SPAIN SPAIN UNITED KINGDOM UNITED KINGDOM Real Estate, Type of Property [Axis] Real Estate, Type of Property [Axis] Real Estate [Domain] Real Estate [Domain] Residential Residential Real Estate [Member] Multifamily Apartment Building [Member] Office Office Building [Member] Retail Retail Site [Member] Hospitality Hotel [Member] Healthcare Health Care [Member] Industrial Industrial Property [Member] Land Land [Member] Other Other Property [Member] Corporate Corporate Property [Member] Corporate Property [Member] Mixed Use Mixed Use [Member] Mixed Use [Member] SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Category [Axis] SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Category [Axis] SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Category [Domain] SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Category [Domain] First Mortgage First Mortgage [Member] Subordinated Debt and Mezzanine Subordinated Debt and Mezzanine [Member] Subordinated Debt and Mezzanine [Member] Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans [Member] Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans [Member] Corporate loans Corporate Loans [Member] Corporate Loans [Member] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Loans held for investment, net Loans Receivable [Member] SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items] SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items] Number of Loans SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Number of Loans Interest Rate Range (percent) SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Interest Rate Prior Liens SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Prior Lien, Amount Unpaid Principal Balance SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Face Amount of Mortgages Carrying Amount Principal Amount Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Delinquent Principal or Interest, Acquired from Affiliates Threshold for aggregation (less than) (percentage) Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Threshold for Aggregation Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Threshold for Aggregation Allowance for loan losses Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance Aggregate cost basis of loans for federal income tax purposes SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Federal Income Tax Basis Cover page. Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Series B Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Series E Series E Preferred Stock [Member] Series G Series G Preferred Stock [Member] Series I Series I Preferred Stock [Member] Series I Preferred Stock Series H Series H Preferred Stock [Member] Series J Series J Preferred Stock [Member] Series J Preferred Stock [Member] Entity Listings, Exchange [Axis] Entity Listings, Exchange [Axis] Exchange [Domain] Exchange [Domain] New York Stock Exchange NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC. [Member] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] Document Type Document Type Document Quarterly Report Document Annual Report Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Entity File Number Entity File Number Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line Two Entity Address, Address Line Two Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Title of Class Title of 12(b) Security Trading Symbol(s) Trading Symbol Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered Security Exchange Name Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Domain] Title of Individual [Domain] Senior Management Senior Management [Member] Senior Management [Member] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Fee income Base Management Fees [Member] Base management fees. Cost reimbursements and recoverable expenses Recoverable Expenses [Member] Recoverable Expenses [Member] Employees and other affiliates Due from Employees and Other Affiliated Entities [Member] Due from Employees and Other Affiliated Entities [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Due from affiliates Due from Affiliates Due to affiliates Due to Affiliate Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Securitization Vehicles Securitization Vehicles [Member] Securitization Vehicles [Member] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Company Sponsored Funds Company Sponsored Funds [Member] Company Sponsored Funds [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Consolidated open-end fund Consolidated open-end fund [Member] Consolidated open-end fund [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entity, Unconsolidated [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Unconsolidated [Member] Trust Trust [Member] Trust [Member] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Exposure to the obligations of the investment entities Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount Total assets of consolidated private fund Assets Total liabilities of consolidated private fund Liabilities Number of securitization vehicles held Variable Interest Entity, Securitization Vehicles Held Variable Interest Entity, Securitization Vehicles Held Number of securitization vehicles contributed Variable Interest Entity, Number Of Securitization Vehicles Contributed Variable Interest Entity, Number Of Securitization Vehicles Contributed Number of securitization vehicles sold Variable Interest Entity, Number Of Securitization Vehicles Sold Variable Interest Entity, Number Of Securitization Vehicles Sold Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] CLNY Investment Entities CLNY Investment Entities [Member] CLNY Investment Entities [Member] Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Means Other than Sale, Exchange Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Means Other than Sale, Exchange [Member] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Domain] Ownership [Domain] Albertsons/Safeway Albertsons/Safeway [Member] Albertsons/Safeway [Member] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Equity Method Investment Equity Method Investments [Member] Nonrecurring Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Colony Credit NRE NRE [Member] NRE [Member] Assets of investment entity deconsolidated Loans receivable of investment entity deconsolidated Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Loans Receivable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Loans Receivable Real estate and equity investments, real estate Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Real Estate Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Real Estate Equity investments Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Equity Investments Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Equity Investments Investment level debt of investment entity deconsolidated Net assets attributable to noncontrolling interest deconsolidated Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Net Assets Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Net Assets Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Other gain (loss), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Annualized dividend (in dollars per share) Annual Dividend, Amount Per Share Annual Dividend, Amount Per Share Sale price of outstanding stock (in usd per share) Sale of Stock, Price Per Share Equity method investment, number of shares monetized (in shares) Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Equity method investment, gain on sale Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal Impairment loss Asset Impairment Charges Share price range (in dollars per share) Share Price Range Share Price Range Net asset value per share (in dollars per share) Net Asset Value Per Share Share price (in dollars per share) Share Price Adjustments for any impairment or observable price changes Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment Equity method investment, fair value Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Proportionate share of loan loss provisions and impairments not recognized Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment Not Recognized Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment Not Recognized Basis difference Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity Ownership percentage by co-investment partner (percentage) Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Lending commitments Lending Commitments, Amount Lending Commitments, Amount Unfunded lending commitment Unfunded Lending Commitment Unfunded Lending Commitment Derivatives Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Investment management contracts Investment Management Contracts [Member] Investment Management Contracts [Member] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] NorthStar Healthcare NorthStar Healthcare [Member] NorthStar Healthcare [Member] NorthStar RXR NY Metro NorthStar RXR NY Metro [Member] NorthStar RXR NY Metro [Member] NorthStar I And NorthStar II NorthStar I And NorthStar II [Member] NorthStar I And NorthStar II [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Investment management intangibles Contract-Based Intangible Assets [Member] Customer relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Trade name Trade Names [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Intangible asset impairment Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Measurement input (percentage) Finite Lived Intangible Asset, Measurement Input Finite Lived Intangible Asset, Measurement Input Impairment of real estate and intangibles Impairment of Real Estate and Intangible Assets Impairment of Real Estate and Intangible Assets Write-off of intangible assets Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived Estimated future cash flows, discount rate, percentage Servicing Assets and Servicing Liabilities at Fair Value, Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value, Discount Rate Summary of Consideration and Preliminary Allocation to Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value of Merger Consideration Schedule Of Fair Value Of Merger Consideration [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Fair Value Of Merger Consideration [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Values and Allocation of the Merger Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block] Class A, 949,000 shares authorized; 487,044 and 483,347 shares issued and outstanding, respectively Class B, 1,000 shares authorized; 734 shares issued and outstanding Assets Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Real estate, net Real Estate Investments, Excluding Real Estate Held-For-Sale Real Estate Investments, Excluding Real Estate Held-for-sale Loans receivable, net Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Equity and debt investments ($457,693 and $142,130 at fair value, respectively) Deferred leasing costs and intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Assets held for sale Assets-Held-For-Sale, Including Discontinued Operations Assets-Held-For-Sale, Including Discontinued Operations Other assets ($21,386 and $33,558 at fair value, respectively) Total assets Liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] Debt, net Long-term Debt Accrued and other liabilities ($136,861 and $141,711 at fair value, respectively) Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities Intangible liabilities, net Intangible Liabilities, Net Intangible Liabilities, Net Liabilities related to assets held for sale Real Estate Liabilities Held-for-sale Real Estate Liabilities Held-for-sale Total liabilities Commitments and contingencies (Note 22) Commitments and Contingencies Redeemable noncontrolling interests Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share; $1,033,750 and $1,436,605 liquidation preference, respectively; 250,000 shares authorized; 41,350 and 57,464 shares issued and outstanding, respectively Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.01 par value per share Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests in investment entities Noncontrolling Interest in Joint Ventures Noncontrolling interests in Operating Company Noncontrolling Interest in Operating Partnerships Total equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity Liabilities and Equity Loans Receivable Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedging Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Other gain (loss), net Other Gain Loss Net [Member] Other Gain Loss Net [Member] Designated Hedges Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Interest rate caps Interest Rate Cap [Member] 1-Month LIBOR One-Month LIBOR [Member] One-Month LIBOR [Member] 3-Month EURIBOR Three-Month Euribor [Member] Three-Month Euribor [Member] 3-Month GBP LIBOR Three-Month GBP LIBOR [Member] Three-Month GBP LIBOR [Member] Realized and unrealized gain (loss) net: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax Realized and unrealized gain (loss) net: Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Reconciliation Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Corporate credit facility Secured debt Assets Held For Sale Assets of Properties Held for Sale [Member] Assets of Properties Held for Sale [Member] Principal Premium (discount), net Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net Deferred financing costs Debt Issuance Costs, Net Long-term debt Business Combinations Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Compensation expense Compensation Expense [Member] Compensation Expense [Member] Earnings from investments in unconsolidated ventures Equity In Earnings (Losses) Of Unconsolidated Ventures [Member] Equity In Earnings (Losses) Of Unconsolidated Ventures [Member] Investment and servicing expense Investment, Servicing And Commission Expense [Member] Investment, Servicing And Commission Expense [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Compensation expense (including $345, $270 and $0 amortization of fair value of dividend equivalent rights) Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense Amortization of fair value of dividend equivalent right Allocated Share Based Compensation, Amortization Of Fair Value Of Dividend Equivalent Right Allocated Share Based Compensation, Amortization Of Fair Value Of Dividend Equivalent Right Non-PCI Loans Receivables Originated or Acquired Without Deteriorated Credit Quality [Member] Receivables Originated or Acquired Without Deteriorated Credit Quality [Member] Unpaid Principal Balance Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance Loans receivable, net Without Allowance for Loan Losses Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment Total Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment Allowance for Loan Losses Average carrying value before allowance for loan losses Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment Total interest income recognized during the period impaired Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Accrual Method Cash basis interest income recognized Impaired Financing Receivable, Interest Income, Cash Basis Method Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] 2019 PSU Grants Performance Stock Units 2019 Grant [Member] Performance Stock Units 2019 Grant [Member] 2018 PSU Grant Performance Stock Units [Member] Performance Stock Units [Member] Ganzi LTIP Grant LTIP Units [Member] Represents information pertaining to LTIP Units. Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Expected volatility of the Company's class A common stock (percentage) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected annual dividend yield (percentage) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Risk-free rate (per annum) (percentage) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Schedule of Lease Expense Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases (prior to adoption of ASC 842) Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Activity of Preferred and Common Stock Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block] Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Stockholders Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Table] Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Table] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Axis] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Axis] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Domain] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Domain] Performing Financial Instruments Performing Financial Instruments [Member] Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items] Number of loans modified Financing Receivable, Modifications, Number of Contracts Number of outstanding TDR loans Financing Receivable, Modifications, Default, Number of Contracts Outstanding Financing Receivable, Modifications, Default, Number of Contracts Outstanding Carrying value of loans before allowance for loan losses Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring Troubled debt restructuring, allowance for loan loss Troubled Debt Restructuring, Allowance For Loan Loss Troubled Debt Restructuring, Allowance For Loan Loss Number of additional lending commitments outstanding to this TDR Number Of Lending Commitments Outstanding Number Of Lending Commitments Outstanding Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] LTIP Units Restricted Stock Restricted Stock [Member] PSU DSUs Deferred Stock Units [Member] Deferred Stock Units [Member] Managed Company Awards Managed Company Awards [Member] Managed Company Awards [Member] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] CLNS Equity Incentive Plan CLNY Equity Incentive Plan [Member] CLNY Equity Incentive Plan [Member] Common stock, shares reserved for future issuance, annual increase (percentage) Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved For Future Issuance, Annual Increase, Percent Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved For Future Issuance, Annual Increase, Percent Common stock, shares reserved for future issuance Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Service period Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Service Period Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Service Period Shares issued, percent of PSU granted (percentage) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Shares Issued, Percent Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Shares Issued, Percent Measurement period Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Measurement Period Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Measurement Period Conversion of units, conversion ratio (LTIP to common OP Unit) Conversion Of Units, Conversion Ratio Conversion Of Units, Conversion Ratio LTIP units issued (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Target share price for LTIP vesting (in usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Vesting, Target Price Share-based Compensation Arrangements By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Vesting, Target Price LTIP vesting period, threshold of consecutive trading days Equity-Based Compensation, Threshold Consecutive Trading Days Equity-Based Compensation, Threshold Consecutive Trading Days Fair value of shares vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Aggregate unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock granted Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Excluding Option, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount Weighted average period of expected cost Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Share-based compensation expenses Financing Receivable, Past Due [Table] Financing Receivable, Past Due [Table] Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Axis] Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Axis] Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Domain] Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Domain] Current or Less Than 30 Days Past Due Financing Receivables, Current of Less Than 30 Days Past Due [Member] Financing Receivables, Current of Less Than 30 Days Past Due [Member] 30-59 Days Past Due Financial Asset, 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member] 60-89 Days Past Due Financial Asset, 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member] 90 Days or More Past Due and Nonaccrual Financial Asset, Equal to or Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member] Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items] Loan receivable past due Financing Receivable, Past Due SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Abstract] Total Investment in Real Estate Assets, at Gross Cost Basis SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate [Roll Forward] Balance at January 1 SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Gross Assumed through the Merger SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment In Real Estate, Assumed Through Business Combinations SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment In Real Estate, Assumed Through Business Combinations Assumed through foreclosures or restructuring of mortgage loans SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Acquisition Through Foreclosure Acquisitions SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Other Acquisition Improvements and capitalized costs SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Improvements Deconsolidation of real estate held by investment entity (Note 4) SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Deconsolidation By Investment Entity SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Deconsolidation By Investment Entity Dispositions SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Cost of Investment in Real Estate Sold Impairment SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Write-down or Reserve, Amount Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Gross, Effect of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Gross, Effect of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates Balance at December 31 Classified as held for sale, net SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Gross, Held for Sale, Net SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Gross, Held for Sale, Net SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Held for Investment SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Held for Investment SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Held for Investment Transactions with Affiliates Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value Assumptions Related to Contingent Consideration Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] Fair and Carrying Values of Assets and Liabilities by the Level in the Fair Value Hierarchy by Balance Sheet Grouping Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of Related Party Disclosures Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Contingent consideration Contingent Consideration [Member] Contingent Consideration [Member] Securitized Loans Receivable Equity Method Investments Securities Securities (Assets) [Member] Liability Class [Axis] Liability Class [Axis] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Debt—Securitized Bonds Payable Debt [Member] Due to Affiliates—Contingent Consideration for Internalization Level 3 Assets Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair value, asset value Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Acquired through the Merger Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Acquired Through the Merger Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Acquired Through the Merger Consolidation of securitization trust Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Consolidation Of Securitization Trust Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Consolidation Of Securitization Trust Purchases, contributions and accretion Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Paydowns, distributions and sales Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales Deconsolidation Fair Value, Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Deconsolidation Fair Value, Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Deconsolidation Transfers out of Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3 Contribution to CLNC Fair Value, Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Contribution Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Contribution Realized and unrealized gains (losses) in earnings, net Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Other comprehensive loss Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Unrecognized Gain (Loss) In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Unrecognized Gain (Loss) In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Fair value, asset value Unrealized gains (losses) on ending balance in earnings Fair Value, Asset, Recurring Basis, Still Held, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Level 3 Liabilities Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair value, liability value Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value Consideration for business combination Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Consideration For Business Combination Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Consideration For Business Combination Consolidation of securitization trust Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Consolidation Of Securitization Trust Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Consolidation Of Securitization Trust Purchases, contribution or accretion Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases Paydowns, distributions and sales Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Sales Deconsolidation Fair Value, Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Deconsolidation Fair Value, Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Deconsolidation Transfer out of liabilities to equity Fair Value, Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Out Of Liabilities Into Equity Fair Value, Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Out Of Liabilities Into Equity Transfers out of Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3 Realized and unrealized gains (losses) in earnings, net Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Fair value, liability value Unrealized gains (losses) on ending balance in earnings Fair Value, Liability, Recurring Basis, Still Held, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Preferred stock Preferred Stock [Member] Colony Colony [Member] Colony [Member] Colony Capital Operating Company, LLC Colony Capital Operating Company, LLC [Member] Colony Capital Operating Company, LLC [Member] NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. [Member] NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. [Member] Colony Capital, Inc. Colony Capital, Inc. [Member] Colony Capital, Inc. [Member] Colony Latam Partner (Formally The Abraaj Group) Colony Latam Partner (Formally The Abraaj Group) [Member] Colony Latam Partner (Formally The Abraaj Group) [Member] Colony NorthStar Colony NorthStar Merger [Member] Colony NorthStar Merger [Member] Acquisition price Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Common stock conversion ratio for Class A to Class B / OP Units Common Stock, Conversion Ratio Common Stock, Conversion Ratio Business combination, stock exchange, conversion ratio Business Combination, Stock Exchange, Conversion Ratio Business Combination, Stock Exchange, Conversion Ratio Ownership interest acquired (percent) Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Number of shares issued for each share held by acquiree Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued Or Issuable, Number Of Shares Issued For Each Share Held By Acquiree Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued Or Issuable, Number Of Shares Issued For Each Share Held By Acquiree Dividend payable assumed in merger Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Dividend Liability Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Dividend Liability Payroll tax liability assumed in merger Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Payroll Tax Liability Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Payroll Tax Liability Cash Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] DataBank DataBank [Member] DataBank [Member] Transaction Type [Axis] Transaction Type [Axis] Transaction [Domain] Transaction [Domain] Settlement Of Contingent Consideration Settlement Of Contingent Consideration [Member] Settlement Of Contingent Consideration [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Net increase to additional paid-in capital Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests OP Units to common stock, conversion ratio OP Units to Common Stock, Conversion Ratio OP Units to Common Stock, Conversion Ratio Issuance of shares (in shares) Partners' Capital Account, Units Issued Partners' Capital Account, Units Issued OP Units issued OP units redeemed (in shares) Partners' Capital Account, Units, Redeemed Shares redeemed (in shares) Stock Issued for Partner's Capital Units Redeemed Stock Issued for Partner's Capital Units Redeemed Partners' capital account, units redeemed for cash (in shares) Partners' Capital Account, Units Redeemed for Cash Partners' Capital Account, Units Redeemed for Cash OP units redeemed, cash settlement Partners' Capital Account, Redemptions Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, by Property [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, by Property [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Building and Building Improvements Building and Building Improvements [Member] ALABAMA ALABAMA ARIZONA ARIZONA COLORADO COLORADO GEORGIA GEORGIA ILLINOIS ILLINOIS INDIANA INDIANA KANSAS KANSAS MASSACHUSETTS MASSACHUSETTS NORTH CAROLINA NEBRASKA NEBRASKA OHIO OHIO OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMA OREGON OREGON SOUTH CAROLINA SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE TENNESSEE TEXAS WASHINGTON WASHINGTON LOUISIANA LOUISIANA MISSOURI MISSOURI UTAH UTAH ARKANSAS ARKANSAS FLORIDA FLORIDA HAWAII HAWAII IDAHO IDAHO MICHIGAN MICHIGAN MINNESOTA MINNESOTA MISSISSIPPI MISSISSIPPI NEW MEXICO NEW MEXICO KENTUCKY KENTUCKY MARYLAND MARYLAND PENNSYLVANIA PENNSYLVANIA VIRGINIA CONNECTICUT CONNECTICUT MAINE MAINE NEW HAMPSHIRE NEW HAMPSHIRE NEW JERSEY NEW JERSEY NEW YORK IOWA IOWA NEVADA NEVADA RHODE ISLAND RHODE ISLAND ITALY ITALY United States Europe Europe [Member] Major Property Class [Axis] Major Property Class [Axis] Major Property Class [Domain] Major Property Class [Domain] Real Estate Held for Investment Real Estate Held for Investment [Member] Real Estate Held for Investment [Member] Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Data Centers Data Centers [Member] Data Centers [Member] Office/Industrial - Other Equity and Debt Office/Industrial - Other Equity and Debt [Member] Office/Industrial - Other Equity and Debt [Member] Retail - Other Equity and Debt Retail - Other Equity and Debt [Member] Retail - Other Equity and Debt [Member] Healthcare Healthcare Segment [Member] Healthcare Segment [Member] Assisted Living Facilities Assisted Living Facilities [Member] Assisted Living Facilities [Member] Hospitals Hospitals [Member] Hospitals [Member] Medical Office Buildings Medical Office Buildings [Member] Medical Office Buildings [Member] Skilled Nursing Facilities Skilled Nursing Facilities [Member] Skilled Nursing Facilities [Member] Hospitality Hotel Extended Stay Hotel Extended Stay [Member] Hotel Extended Stay [Member] Hotel Full Service Hotel Full Service [Member] Hotel Full Service [Member] Hotel Select Services Hotel Select Services [Member] Hotel Select Services [Member] Hotel, Mixed, Industrial, Leisure, Multifamily, Office, Retail And Residential - Other Equity and Debt Hotel, Mixed, Industrial, Leisure, Multifamily, Office, Retail And Residential - Other Equity and Debt [Member] Hotel, Mixed, Industrial, Leisure, Multifamily, Office, Retail And Residential - Other Equity and Debt [Member] Hotel - Other Equity and Debt Hotel - Other Equity and Debt [Member] Hotel - Other Equity and Debt [Member] Industrial - Other Equity and Debt Industrial - Other Equity and Debt [Member] Industrial - Other Equity and Debt [Member] Mixed - Other Equity and Debt Mixed - Other Equity and Debt [Member] Mixed - Other Equity and Debt [Member] Office - Other Equity and Debt Office - Other Equity and Debt [Member] Office - Other Equity and Debt [Member] SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] Number of Properties SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Number of Units Initial Cost SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost [Abstract] Encumbrances SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Amount of Encumbrances Land SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land Buildings and Improvements SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Building and Improvements Costs Capitalized SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition, Cost Gross Cost Basis SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Gross [Abstract] Land SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Land, Amount Buildings and Improvements SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Building and Improvements, Amount Total Accumulated Depreciation SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Accumulated Depreciation Net Carrying Amount SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Investment Property, Net Useful life used for depreciation SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Life Used for Depreciation Real Estate tax basis SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Federal Income Tax Basis Properties under leasehold interest SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment In Real Estate, Number Of Properties Under Leasehold Interest SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment In Real Estate, Number Of Properties Under Leasehold Interest Income Statement [Abstract] Total fee income Management Service [Member] Other Income Real Estate, Other [Member] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Affiliated Entity Affiliated Entity [Member] 2020 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Next Twelve Months 2021 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Two Years 2022 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Three Years 2023 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Four Years 2024 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Five Years 2025 and thereafter Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Thereafter Total Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Fixed rate Fixed Rate Commercial Mortgage [Member] Fixed Rate Commercial Mortgage [Member] Variable rate Adjustable Rate Commercial Mortgage [Member] Adjustable Rate Commercial Mortgage [Member] Mortgage loans Mortgage Receivable [Member] Mezzanine loans Mezzanine Loans [Member] Represents information pertaining to mezzanine loans. Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items] Unpaid Principal Balance Principal Amount Outstanding of Loans Held-in-portfolio Carrying Value Loans and Leases Receivable, Net of Deferred Income Weighted Average Coupon, percentage Weighted Average Coupon Rate Of Loans Weighted Average Coupon Rate Of Loans Weighted Average Maturity in Years Loans Weighted Average Maturity In Years Loans Weighted Average Maturity In Years Allowance for loan losses Loans receivable, net Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount Carrying value of loans receivable outstanding at time of restructuring or foreclosure Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Other Cash Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Contingent consideration (Note 12) Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Total consideration Restricted cash Real estate Real estate held for sale Lease intangibles and other assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Assets Debt Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Long-term Debt Tax liabilities Lease intangibles and other liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Liabilities related to assets held for sale Schedule III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset by Major Class [Table] Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset by Major Class [Table] Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Axis] Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Axis] Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Domain] Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Domain] Deferred leasing costs and lease intangible assets Deferred Leasing Costs And Lease Intangible Assets [Member] Deferred Leasing Costs And Lease Intangible Assets [Member] Other Other Intangible Assets [Member] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Deferred Leasing Costs and Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Deferred leasing and other intangible assets, carrying amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Deferred leasing and other intangible assets, accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Deferred leasing and other intangible assets, net carrying amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Intangible Liabilities Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Net [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Net [Abstract] Intangible liabilities, carrying amount Below Market Lease, Gross Intangible liabilities, accumulated amortization Below Market Lease, Accumulated Amortization Intangible liabilities, gross Below Market Lease, Net Useful life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Equity method earnings (losses) Earnings From Investments In Unconsolidated Ventures [Member] Earnings From Investments In Unconsolidated Ventures [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Realized gain (loss) on marketable securities AOCI, Accumulated Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Parent [Member] Other-than-temporary impairment and write-offs of securities Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment Attributable to Parent [Member] Deconsolidation of N-Star CDO Deconsolidation of securitization trusts [Member] Deconsolidation of securitization trusts [Member] Release of cumulative translation adjustments Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Unrealized gain (loss) on dedesignated net investment hedges Accumulated Unrealized Gain (Loss) from Dedesignated Net Investment Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Unrealized Gain (Loss) from Dedesignated Net Investment Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Realized gain (loss) on net investment hedges Accumulated Realized Gain (Loss) from Net Investment Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Realized Gain (Loss) from Net Investment Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Release of equity in AOCI of unconsolidated ventures Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Healthcare Segment Investment management Investment Management [Member] Investment Management [Member] Real estate held for sale Properties Held-for-sale [Member] Properties Held-for-sale [Member] Real estate held for investment Intangible assets—investment management contracts Assets, nonrecurring Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Impairment loss Selling costs (percentage) Fair Value Inputs, Selling Costs, Percent of Fair Value Fair Value Inputs, Selling Costs, Percent of Fair Value Terminal capitalization rate (percentage) Fair Value Assumptions, Real Estate Investments, Terminal Capitalization Rate Fair Value Assumptions, Real Estate Investments, Terminal Capitalization Rate Equity and Debt Investments Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] AOCI - Stockholders AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Company's Share in AOCI of Equity Method Investments AOCI In Equity Method Investments [Member] AOCI In Equity Method Investments [Member] Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Net Investment Hedges Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Net Investment Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Net Investment Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest in Investment Entities AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities AOCI, Accumulated Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Net Investment Hedges Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Net Investment Hedges Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Net Investment Hedges Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Cumulative effect of adoption of new accounting pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Amounts reclassified from AOCI Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Deconsolidation of N-Star CDO Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Deconsolidation, Net Of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Deconsolidation, Net Of Tax Ending balance Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Redeemable Preferred Stock Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Dividend Rate Per Annum (as a percentage) Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Value, Outstanding Cost reimbursements Cost Reimbursements [Member] Cost Reimbursements [Member] Retail companies Non Traded REIT [Member] Non Traded REIT Public companies (CLNC, NRE) NRE And Colony Credit [Member] NRE And Colony Credit [Member] Private investment vehicles and other Private Investment Vehicles And Other [Member] Private Investment Vehicles And Other [Member] Equity awards of CLNC and NRE (Note 19) Equity Awards, NRE And Colony Credit [Member] Equity Awards, NRE And Colony Credit [Member] Townsend Townsend Group [Member] Townsend Group [Member] Revenue from contract with customer Management Fee Income [Table] Management Fee Income [Table] Management Fee Income [Table] Base Management Fees Management Service, Base [Member] Asset Management Fees Asset Management [Member] Acquisition and Disposition Fees Management Service, Acquisition And Disposition [Member] Management Service, Acquisition And Disposition [Member] Termination Fee Termination Fee [Member] Termination Fee [Member] Incentive Fees Management Service, Incentive [Member] Investment [Axis] Investment [Axis] Investment [Domain] Investment [Domain] Non-traded REITs Registered Investment Companies Registered Investment Companies [Member] Registered Investment Companies [Member] Asset management fees Asset Management Fees [Member] Represents information pertaining to the asset management fees. Management Fee Income [Line Items] Management Fee Income [Line Items] [Line Items] for Management Fee Income [Table] Limited partner net funded capital (as a percentage) Management Fees Revenue, Percent Of Limited Partner Net Funded Capital Management Fees Revenue, Percent Of Limited Partner Net Funded Capital Management fee revenue, percent of total commitments during commitment period and thereafter invested capital (as a percentage) Management Fees Revenue, Percent Of Total Commitments During Commitment Period And Thereafter Invested Capital Management Fees Revenue, Percent Of Total Commitments During Commitment Period And Thereafter Invested Capital Percent of stockholders' equity (as a percentage) Management Fee, Percent Of Stockholder Equity Management Fee, Percent Of Stockholder Equity Percent of gross assets or equity (as a percentage) Management Fee, Percent of Gross Assets Or Equity Management Fee, Percent of Gross Assets Or Equity Percent of average net assets (as a percentage) Management Fee, Percent of Average Net Assets Management Fee, Percent of Average Net Assets Management fee, percent of net asset value, (percentage) Management Fee, Percent Of Net Asset Value Management Fee, Percent of Net Asset Value Management fee, threshold amount (as a percentage) Management Fee Percentage, Threshold Amount Management Fee Percentage, Threshold Amount Percent of net asset value in excess of fixed fee amount (as a percentage) Management Fee, Percent Of Net Asset Value In Excess Of Fixed Fee Amount Management Fee, Percent Of Net Asset Value In Excess Of Fixed Fee Amount Percent of amount funded or allocated to originate or acquire investment (as a percentage) Management Fees Revenue, Percent Of Amount Funded Or Allocated To Originate Or Acquire Investment Management Fees Revenue, Percent Of Amount Funded Or Allocated To Originate Or Acquire Investment Percent of contractual sales price for disposition of investment (as a percentage) Management Fees Revenue, Percent Of Contractual Sales Price For Disposition Of Investment Management Fees Revenue, Percent Of Contractual Sales Price For Disposition Of Investment Percent of fees allocated to employees (as a percentage) Management Fees Revenue, Percent Allocated To Employees Management Fees Revenue, Percent Allocated To Employees Termination fee Management Agreement, Termination Fee Management Agreement, Termination Fee Redemption period Debt Instrument, Redemption Period Debt Instrument, Redemption Period Interest payment deferral, number of consecutive quarters Debt Instrument, Interest Payment Deferral, Number Of Consecutive Quarters Debt Instrument, Interest Payment Deferral, Number Of Consecutive Quarters Equity Interest Type [Axis] Equity Interest Type [Axis] Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Type [Domain] Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Type [Domain] Outstanding shares of common stock prior to closing of the Merger Replacement equity-based awards attributable to pre-combination services Replacement Equity-Based Awards [Member] Replacement Equity-Based Awards [Member] Series A 8.75% Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Series B 8.25% Series C 8.875% Series C Preferred Stock [Member] Series D 8.50% Series D Preferred Stock [Member] Series E 8.75% Equity issued as part of merger consideration (in shares) Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares Exchange ratio Price per share (in dollars per share) Fair value of stock issued Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable Fair value of NRF stock owned by NSAM Business Combination, Equity Interest In Acquiree, Canceled, Fair Value Business Combination, Equity Interest In Acquiree, Canceled, Fair Value Dividend rate per annum, preferred stock (as a percentage) Number of shares outstanding (in shares) Fair Value Shares of NRF common stock owned by NSAM prior to the Merger (in shares) Investment Owned, Balance, Shares Closing price of NRF common stock (in dollars per share) Shares Issued, Price Per Share Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Investment entities Noncontrolling Interests in Investment Entities [Member] Noncontrolling Interests in Investment Entities [Member] Operating Company Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Company [Member] Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Company [Member] Net loss Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Investments in unconsolidated ventures, net Equity In Other Comprehensive Loss Income Of Unconsolidated Joint Venture Equity in other comprehensive (loss) income of unconsolidated joint venture. Available-for-sale debt securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, after Tax Cash flow hedges Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification and Tax Foreign currency translation Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Net investment hedges Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Foreign Investment Hedges, Gain (Loss) Net of Tax Gain (loss), net on both outstanding and matured derivatives instruments that have been or were designated and have or were qualified as hedges of foreign currency exposures related to net investments in foreign operations, net of tax. Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests: Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Redeemable noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive loss attributable to stockholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Table Text Block] Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Available-for-sale Debt Securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table Text Block] Series I and J Preferred Stock Series I and J Preferred Stock [Member] Series I and J Preferred Stock [Member] Series A, B, C, F Preferred Stock Series A, B, C, F Preferred Stock [Member] Series A, B, C, F Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock Redemption amount per share (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share Minimum affirmative vote required for changes to any series of preferred stock Minimum Affirmative Vote Required for Changes to Any Series of Preferred Stock Minimum Affirmative Vote Required for Changes to Any Series of Preferred Stock Number of directors vote entitles Number Of Directors Vote Entitles Number of Directors vote entitles. Voting rights attributable to each share Voting Rights Attributable to Each Share Number of vote per share. Minimum period of dividend defaults providing preferred stockholders to voting rights Minimum Period Of Dividend Defaults Providing Preferred Stockholders To Voting Rights Minimum period of dividend defaults providing preferred stockholders to voting rights. Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock, net Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Preferred stock, redemption amount Preferred Stock, Redemption Amount Liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share Shares repurchased (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Value of shares repurchased Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Weighted average price per share (in dollars per share) Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Stock repurchase, authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Stock repurchase, extension Stock Repurchase Program, Extension Term Stock Repurchase Program, Extension Term Class A common stock acquired under the DRIP Plan (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Dividend Reinvestment Plan Real Estate Real Estate Disclosure [Text Block] Tenant security deposits and payable Escrow Reserves Escrow Reserves Borrower escrow deposits Borrower Escrow Deposits Payable Borrower Escrow Deposits Payable Deferred income Prepaid Rent and Unearned Revenue Prepaid Rent and Unearned Revenue Interest payable Interest Payable Derivative liabilities (Note 11) Share repurchase payable Current and deferred income tax liability Current and Deferred Tax Liabilities Current and Deferred Tax Liabilities Operating lease liability Accrued compensation Accrued Salaries Accrued carried interest and incentive fee compensation Accrued Liabilities, Accrued Carried Interest And Contractual Incentive Fee Compensation Accrued Liabilities, Accrued Carried Interest And Contractual Incentive Fee Compensation Accrued real estate and other taxes Accrued Real Estate And Other Taxes Accrued Real Estate And Other Taxes Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Other liabilities Other Liabilities Total accrued and other liabilities Deferred asset management fee income Deferred Asset Management Fee Income Deferred Asset Management Fee Income Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Fee income, weighted-average recognition period Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Current 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Two Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Three Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Four Years 2023 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Five Years 2024 and thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Thereafter Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable Management Contract Management Contract [Member] Management Contract [Member] Digital Colony Manager Digital Colony Manager [Member] Digital Colony Manager [Member] Shares issued (USD per share) Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued, Price Per Share Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued, Price Per Share Number of portfolio companies managed by DBH Number Of Portfolio Companies Managed By Acquiree Number Of Portfolio Companies Managed By Acquiree Outstanding ownership percentage before acquisition Business Combination, Secondary Ownership Interest Acquired, Percentage Business Combination, Secondary Ownership Interest Acquired, Percentage Fair value of equity interest in Digital Colony Manager Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Fair Value Discount rate for future fee income (percentage) Fair Value Assumption, Discount Rate For Future Fee Income Fair Value Assumption, Discount Rate For Future Fee Income Discount rate used for calculating future fee income (percentage) Fair Value Assumption, Discount Rate For Future Management Fees Fair Value Assumption, Discount Rate For Future Management Fees Potential carried interest, discount rate (as a percentage) Fair Value Measurement, Potential Carried Interest, Discount Rate Fair Value Measurement, Potential Carried Interest, Discount Rate Royalty rate (percentage) Royalty Rate Royalty Rate Ownership percentage of noncontrolling interest (percent) Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Of Noncontrolling Interest Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Of Noncontrolling Interest Discount rate for projected future royalty fees (percentage) Fair Value Measurement, Discount Rate For Projected Future Royalty Fees Fair Value Measurement, Discount Rate For Projected Future Royalty Fees Revenues attributed to acquiree Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Net income attributed to acquiree Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Schedule IV - Mortgage Loans on Real Estate SEC Schedule, 12-29, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating segments Operating Segments [Member] Amounts not allocated to segments Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Digital Digital [Member] Digital [Member] Hospitality Hospitality [Member] Hospitality [Member] CLNC Colony Credit Real Estate Segment [Member] Colony Credit Real Estate Segment [Member] Other Equity and Debt Other Equity And Debt [Member] Other Equity And Debt [Member] Other Investment Management Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Total Assets Ground Leases Ground Leases [Member] Ground Leases [Member] Corporate Offices 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2023 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years 2024 and thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total lease payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Loans Acquired through Consolidation Loans Acquired through Consolidation [Member] Loans Acquired through Consolidation [Member] Contractually required payments including interest Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Acquired During Period, Contractually Required Payments Receivable at Acquisition Less: Nonaccretable difference Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer, Nonaccretable Difference Cash flows expected to be collected Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Acquired During Period, Cash Flows Expected to be Collected at Acquisition Less: Accretable yield Fair value of loans acquired Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Acquired During Period, at Acquisition, at Fair Value Accounting Policies [Abstract] Lease Type [Axis] Lease Type [Axis] Lease Type [Axis] Lease Type [Domain] Lease Type [Domain] [Domain] for Lease Type [Axis] Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment and Capitalized Software Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment and Capitalized Software [Member] Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment and Capitalized Software [Member] Aircraft [Domain] Aircraft [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member] Proportionate share of income lag period Equity Method Investments, Proportionate Share Of Income Lag Period Equity Method Investments, Proportionate Share Of Income Lag Period Property, plant and equipment, useful life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Operating lease, right-of-use asset Cumulative effect of adoption of new accounting pronouncement Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Leasing Costs and Other Intangibles Schedule of Intangible Assets and Liabilities, Including Goodwill Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block] Schedule of Intangible Assets and Liabilities, Including Goodwill Acquired as Part of Business Combination Schedule of Amortization of Intangible Assets and Liabilities Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Estimated Annual Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Nonvested shares at beginning period (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted (shares) Vested (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Forfeited (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Nonvested shares at period end (shares) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Nonvested shares at beginning period (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested shares at period end (USD per share) Schedule of Restricted Cash Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block] Schedule of the Company's Other Assets, Net Schedule of Other Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accrued and Other Liabilities Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Disclosure of Long Lived Assets and Liabilities Held-for-sale Disclosure of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Table Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill impairment Terminal year residual multiples on fee related earnings Fair Value Assumption, Fee Related Earnings Multiple Fair Value Assumption, Fee Related Earnings Multiple Terminal year residual multiples on incentive fees Fair Value Assumption, Incentive Fee Multiple Fair Value Assumption, Incentive Fee Multiple Terminal year residual discount rate (percentage) Fair Value Assumption, Discount Rate Fair Value Assumption, Discount Rate Total assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets Total liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities Owners' equity Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information, Equity Noncontrolling interests Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncontrolling Interest Total revenues Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue Net income (loss) Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) attributable to owners Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Attributable To Owners Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Attributable To Owners Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts SEC Schedule, 12-09, Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Light industrial Light industrial [Member] Light industrial [Member] Noncontrolling Interests in Investment Entities Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Company Loss from operations of the THL Hotel Portfolio Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Property operating income Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property Operating Income Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property Operating Income Fee income Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Fee Income Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Fee Income Interest and other income Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Income Revenues from discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Expenses Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Property operating expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property Operating Expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property Operating Expenses Interest expense Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Interest Expense Investment and servicing expense Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Investment And Servicing Expense Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Investment And Servicing Expense Placement fees Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Placement Fees Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Placement Fees Depreciation and amortization Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Depreciation and Amortization Impairment loss Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Impairment Loss Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Impairment Loss Compensation expense—cash and equity-based Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Compensation Expense, Cash And Equity Based Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Compensation Expense, Cash And Equity Based Compensation expense—carried interest Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Compensation Expense, Carried Interest And Incentive Compensation Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Compensation Expense, Carried Interest And Incentive Compensation Administrative expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, General and Administrative Expense Expenses from discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Expenses Other income (loss) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Gain on sale of real estate Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Gain From Sale Of Real Estate Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Gain From Sale Of Real Estate Other gain, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Other Loss, Net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Other Loss, Net Equity method earnings, including carried interest Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Equity Method Earnings Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Equity Method Earnings Income from discontinued operations before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Income tax benefit (expense) Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Income from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income from discontinued operations attributable to: Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income from discontinued operations attributable to Colony Capital, Inc. Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Equity-based compensation Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Equity Based Compensation Expense Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Equity Based Compensation Expense Carried interest in equity method earnings Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Compensation Expense, Carried Interest In Equity Method Earnings Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Compensation Expense, Carried Interest In Equity Method Earnings Carried interest, disproportionate allocation from noncontrolling interests Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Compensation Expense, Carried Interest, Disproportionate Allocation From Noncontrolling Interests Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Compensation Expense, Carried Interest, Disproportionate Allocation From Noncontrolling Interests Carried interest sharing compensation Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Compensation Expense, Carried Interest Sharing Compensation Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Compensation Expense, Carried Interest Sharing Compensation Fair Value Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. [Member] JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. [Member] Accordion Feature Accordion Feature [Member] Accordion Feature [Member] LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Base Rate Base Rate [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Maximum principal amount of credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Maximum principal amount increase Line of Credit, Maximum Principal Amount Increase Line of Credit, Maximum Principal Amount Increase Number of extension options Line Of Credit Facility, Number Of Extension Options Line Of Credit Facility, Number Of Extension Options Extension term Line Of Credit Facility, Extension Term Line Of Credit Facility, Extension Term Extension commitment fee (percentage) Line of Credit Facility, Extension Commitment Fee Line of Credit Facility, Extension Commitment Fee Basis spread on variable rate (percentage) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Percentage of unused amount (percentage) Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Townsend Consolidated open-end fund Redeemable noncontrolling interests Redeemable noncontrolling interests [Member] Redeemable noncontrolling interests [Member] Consideration allocated Proceeds From Sale of Interest, Allocated Proceeds From Sale of Interest, Allocated Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Fair value of noncontrolling interests assumed in Merger and assumed through consolidation of sponsored fund Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Contributions Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance Distributions and redemptions Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Currency translation adjustment and other Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Ending balance Common Stock And OP Units Common Stock And OP Units [Member] Common Stock And OP Units [Member] Contingent consideration, number of shares Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Contingent Consideration, Number Of Additional Shares Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Contingent Consideration, Number Of Additional Shares OP units sold (in shares) Partners' Capital Account, Units, Sale of Units Recourse Non-recourse Non-Recourse [Member] Non-Recourse [Member] Non-recourse, real estate debt Non-recourse, Real Estate Debt Investment [Member] Non-recourse, Real Estate Debt Investment [Member] Rate [Axis] Rate [Axis] Rate [Axis] Rate [Domain] Rate [Domain] [Domain] for Rate [Axis] Fixed Rate Fixed Rate [Member] Fixed Rate [Member] Variable Rate Variable Rate [Member] Variable Rate [Member] Digital Other Real Estate Equity Investments Other Real Estate Equity Investments [Member] Other Real Estate Equity Investments Healthcare And Hospitality Healthcare And Hospitality [Member] Healthcare And Hospitality [Member] Outstanding Principal Weighted Average Interest Rate (Per Annum)(3) Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Weighted Average Years Remaining to Maturity(4) Debt Instrument, Term Outstanding principal not in compliance with certain covenants Long Term Debt, Covenant Compliance, Not In Compliance Long Term Debt, Covenant Compliance, Not In Compliance Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance [Abstract] Net operating and capital loss carry forwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating And Capital Loss Carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating And Capital Loss Carryforwards Equity-based compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost Investment in partnerships Deferred Tax Assets, Investment In Partnerships Deferred Tax Assets, Investment In Partnerships Real estate, leases and related intangibles Deferred Tax Asset; Real Estate, Leases and Related Intangibles Deferred Tax Asset; Real Estate, Leases and Related Intangibles Foreign tax credits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign Straight-line and prepaid rent expense Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Deferred Rent Deferred income Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Income Deferred interest expense Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Interest Expense Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Interest Expense Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Gross deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract] Real estate, leases and related intangibles Deferred Tax Liabilities, Real Estate And Lease Intangibles Deferred Tax Liabilities, Real Estate And Lease Intangibles Other intangible assets Deferred Tax Liability, Other Intangible Assets Deferred Tax Liability, Other Intangible Assets Deferred income Deferred Tax Liabilities, Tax Deferred Income Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Gross deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Net deferred tax liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Deferred tax assets, operating loss carryforwards, foreign Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign Current Current Federal, State and Local, Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract] Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) State and local Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax benefit (expense) from continuing and discontinued operations Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Including Discontinued Operations Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Including Discontinued Operations Deferred Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State and local Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total deferred tax benefit Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total income tax benefit (expense) from continuing and discontinued operations Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Including Discontinued Operations Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Including Discontinued Operations Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Capital expenditures reserves Capital Expenditure Reserves [Member] Capital Expenditure Reserves [Member] Real estate escrow reserves Real Estate Escrow Reserves [Member] Real Estate Escrow Reserves [Member] Borrower escrow deposits Borrower Escrow Deposits [Member] Borrower Escrow Deposits [Member] Working capital and other reserves Working Capital and Other Reserves [Member] Working Capital and Other Reserves [Member] Tenant lock boxes Tenant Lock Boxes [Member] Tenant Lock Boxes [Member] Other Restricted Cash, Other [Member] Restricted Cash, Other [Member] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items] Variable Interest Entities Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Merger and Business Combinations Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block] Noncontrolling Interests Consolidation, Subsidiaries or Other Investments, Consolidated Entities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurement Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Option Fair Value Option Policy [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for election of fair value option for certain financial assets and liabilities on an instrument-by-instrument basis at initial recognition. Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Restricted Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Real Estate Assets Real Estate, Policy [Policy Text Block] Loans Receivable Policy Loans Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Equity Investments Equity Method Investments [Policy Text Block] Debt Securities Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Identifiable Intangibles and Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts Receivable and Related Allowance Accounts Receivable [Policy Text Block] Fixed Assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Transfers of Financial Assets Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets, Transfers of Financial Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Financing Costs Financing Costs [Policy Text Block] Financing Costs [Policy Text Block] Property Operating Income Property Operating Income [Policy Text Block] Property Operating Income [Policy Text Block] Fee Income Fee Income [Policy Text Block] Fee Income [Policy Text Block] Other Income Other Income [Policy Text Block] Other Income [Policy Text Block] Compensation Compensation Related Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounting Standards Adopted in 2019 and Future Application of Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Restatement [Axis] Restatement [Axis] Restatement [Domain] Restatement [Domain] Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Amortization of discount and net origination fees on loans receivable and debt securities Accretion Of Discounts And Amortization Of Net Origination Fees The sum of the periodic adjustments of the differences between loans face values and purchase prices that are included in interest income. This is called accretion when the loan was purchased at a discount. Also included in interest income are deferred loan origination fees less deferred loan origination costs using the effective interest method over the term of the debt arrangement to which they pertain taking into account the effect of prepayments. As a noncash item, this element is an adjustment to net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method. Paid-in-kind interest added to loan principal, net of interest received Paid In Kind Interest Added To Loan Principal, Net of Interest Received Paid-in-kind interest added to loan principal. Straight-line rents Straight Line Rent Amortization of above- and below-market lease values, net Amortization of above and below Market Leases Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount and premium Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs Equity method (earnings) losses Income (Loss) From Equity Method Investments, Including Carried Interest Income (Loss) From Equity Method Investments, Including Carried Interest Distributions of income from equity method investments Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution Provision for loan loss Provision for Loan and Lease Losses Allowance for doubtful accounts Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal) Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net Equity-based compensation Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Change in fair value of contingent consideration—Internalization (Note 12) Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Gain on sales of real estate, net Gains (Losses) On Sales Of Real Estate Assets, Net Gains (Losses) On Sales Of Real Estate Assets, Net Deferred income tax benefit Other (gain) loss, net Other Noncash Income (Expense) Increase in other assets and due from affiliates Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Increase (decrease) in accrued and other liabilities and due to affiliates Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities Other adjustments, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash Flows from Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Contributions to and acquisition of equity investments Payments to Acquire Businesses and Interest in Affiliates Return of capital from equity method investments Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital Acquisition of loans receivable and debt securities Payments To Acquire Loans Receivable And Debt Securities Payments To Acquire Loans Receivable And Debt Securities Cash and restricted cash assumed in Merger, net of payments for merger-related liabilities Liabilities Paid Related To Merger, Net of Cash Acquired Liabilities Paid Related To Merger, Net of Cash Acquired Net disbursements on originated loans Disbursements On Originated Loan The cash outflow associated with originating loans held for investment purposes during the period. Repayments of loans receivable Proceeds from Principal Repayments on Loans and Leases Held-for-investment Proceeds from sales of loans receivable and debt securities Proceeds from sale of loans receivable and securities Proceeds from sale of loans receivable and securities Cash receipts in excess of accretion on purchased credit-impaired loans Proceeds from Excess of Accretion on Nonperforming Financing Receivable Proceeds from Excess of Accretion on Nonperforming Financing Receivable Acquisition of and additions to real estate, related intangibles and leasing commissions Payments To Acquire Real Estate And Related Intangible Assets And Leasing Commissions Payments to acquire real estate and related intangible assets and leasing commissions Proceeds from sales of real estate Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate Held-for-investment Proceeds from paydown and maturity of debt securities Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Cash and restricted cash contributed to CLNC (Note 6) Payments Of Cash And Restricted Cash To Subsidiary Payments Of Cash And Restricted Cash To Subsidiary Proceeds from sale of equity interests in securitization trusts, net of cash and restricted cash deconsolidated (Note 13) Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments Proceeds from sale of equity interests in securitization trusts, net of cash and restricted cash deconsolidated (Note 13) Proceeds from Collection of Retained Interest in Securitized Receivables Proceeds from syndication of investment, net of cash and restricted cash deconsolidated Proceeds from syndication of investment, net of cash deconsolidated Proceeds from syndication of investment, net of cash deconsolidated Proceeds from sale of Townsend, net of cash assumed by buyer (Note 18) Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested Investment deposits Payments For Investment Deposits Payments For Investment Deposits Return of borrower escrow deposits Increase (Decrease) in Escrow Payable Increase (Decrease) in Escrow Payable Net receipts (payments) on settlement of derivatives Payments for (Proceeds from) Derivative Instrument, Investing Activities Acquisition of business Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Other investing activities, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash Flows from Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Dividends paid to preferred stockholders Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Dividends paid to common stockholders Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Repurchase of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Borrowings from corporate credit facility Proceeds from Lines of Credit Repayment of borrowings from corporate credit facility Repayments of Lines of Credit Borrowings from secured debt Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Debt Repayments of secured debt Repayments of Secured Debt Payment of deferred financing costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Contributions from noncontrolling interests Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Distributions to and redemptions of noncontrolling interests Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Redemption of preferred stock Payments for Repurchase of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Shares canceled for tax withholdings on vested stock awards Payment, Tax Withholding, Share-based Payment Arrangement Redemption of OP Units for cash Payments For Redemption Of Units Payments For Redemption Of Units Repurchase of exchangeable senior notes Payments For Repurchase Of Exchangeable Senior Notes Payments For Repurchase Of Exchangeable Senior Notes Other financing activities, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash to consolidated balance sheets Reconciliation Of Cash, Cash Equivalents, And Restricted Cash To Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Reconciliation Of Cash, Cash Equivalents, And Restricted Cash To Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash Restricted cash included in assets held for sale Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, And Restricted Cash Equivalents, Disposal Group Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, And Restricted Cash Equivalents, Disposal Group Cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash Restricted cash included in assets held for sale Asset Acquisitions Asset Acquisitions [Member] Asset Acquisitions [Member] 2019 Real Estate Acquisitions 2019 Real Estate Acquisitions [Member] 2019 Real Estate Acquisitions [Member] Building Building [Member] Site Improvements Site Improvements [Member] Site Improvements [Member] Intangible assets—lease intangibles Lease Intangibles [Member] Lease Intangibles [Member] Bulk Industrial Bulk Industrial [Member] Bulk Industrial [Member] Healthcare Healthcare Properties [Member] Healthcare Properties [Member] Office and Industrial Office And Industrial [Member] Office And Industrial [Member] Office Office [Member] Office [Member] United Kingdom France Number of Buildings Number of Real Estate Properties Land Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Land Building and Improvements Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Buildings Lease Intangible Assets Lease Intangible Liabilities Real estate assets estimated useful life Investment Properties Weighted average remaining lease term Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Operating lease expense Operating Lease, Expense Weighted average discount rate (percentage) Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Schedule of Components of Real Estates Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table Text Block] Schedule of Proceeds From Sales of Real Estate Schedule Of Proceeds From Sales Of Real Estate [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Proceeds From Sales Of Real Estate [Table Text Block] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Schedule of Components of Property Operating Income Schedule of Components of Property Operating Income [Table Text Block] Schedule of Components of Property Operating Income [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Operating Lease Payments to be Received (after adoption of ASC 842) Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Maturity [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Table] Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Table] Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] Private fund—real estate Private Fund, Real Estate [Member] Private Fund, Real Estate [Member] Non-traded REIT—real estate Retail Companies, Real Estate [Member] Retail Companies, Real Estate [Member] Private fund—emerging market private equity Private Fund, Emerging Market Private Equity [Member] Private Fund, Emerging Market Private Equity [Member] Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] Fair Value Alternative Investment Unfunded Commitments Alternative Investment, Unfunded Commitments Alternative Investment, Unfunded Commitments Expected life of investment Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Expected Life Of Investment Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Expected Life Of Investment Expected life of investment, extension increment period Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Expected Life Of Investment, Extension Increment Period Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Expected Life Of Investment, Extension Increment Period Expected life of investment, extension period threshold Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Expected Life Of Investment, Extension Period Threshold Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Expected Life Of Investment, Extension Period Threshold Period before considering liquidity alternatives Fair Value, Investments, Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Period Prior To Determining Liquidity Alternatives Fair Value, Investments, Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Period Prior To Determining Liquidity Alternatives Deferred leasing costs and lease intangibles Leases, Acquired-in-Place [Member] Net increase to rental income Net Increase (Decrease) to Rental Income Net Increase (Decrease) to Rental Income Net increase (decrease) to ground rent expense Amortization of Above and Below Market Ground Lease Obligations Amortization of Above and Below Market Ground Lease Obligations Amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Foreign exchange contracts Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other assets Other Assets [Member] Accrued and other liabilities Accrued And Other Liabilities [Member] Accrued and other liabilities. Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative Assets Derivative Liabilities Digital Colony Partners Digital Colony Partners [Member] Digital Colony Partners [Member] Total Stockholders’ Equity Parent [Member] Light Industrial Platform Light Industrial Platform [Member] Light Industrial Platform [Member] Digital Real Estate Digital Real Estate [Member] Digital Real Estate [Member] Third-party investor Third-Party Investors [Member] Third-Party Investors [Member] Unnamed Investment Management Business Unnamed Investment Management Business [Member] Unnamed Investment Management Business [Member] Certain Employees Certain Employees [Member] Certain Employees [Member] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Parent Parent Company [Member] Assets under management Assets under Management, Carrying Amount Ownership percentage General partner ownership percent Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Ownership Interest Senior management ownership percent Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership, Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest Consideration Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Consideration for equity interest acquired Business Combination, Consideration Transferred For Equity Interests Business Combination, Consideration Transferred For Equity Interests Remaining unfunded commitment Equity Method Investment, Remaining Unfunded Commitment Equity Method Investment, Remaining Unfunded Commitment Redemption of stock Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Value Goodwill, Deferred Leasing Costs and Other Intangibles Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of Operating Results and Net Investments for Each of Reportable Operating Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Assets and Equity Method Investments of Reportable Segments Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Revenue by Geographic Areas Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block] Long-lived Assets by Geographic Areas Long-lived Assets by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block] Net increase (decrease) to rental income Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases [Abstract] Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases [Abstract] 2020 Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, Next Twelve Months Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, Next Twelve Months 2021 Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, Year Two Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, Year Two 2022 Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, Year Three Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, Year Three 2023 Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, Year Four Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, Year Four 2024 Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, Year Five Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, Year Five 2025 and Thereafter Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, After Year Five Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, After Year Five Total Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, Total Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, Total Amortization expense 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2024 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five 2025 and Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Total Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Schedule of Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Convertible Senior Notes Issued Convertible Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Ground lease obligations Ground Lease Obligations [Member] Ground Lease Obligations [Member] Other real estate related intangibles Other Real Estate Intangibles [Member] Other Real Estate Intangibles [Member] Vehicles Vehicles [Member] Management agreement, discount rate (percentage) Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Management Agreement, Discount Rate Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Management Agreement, Discount Rate Weighted average useful life Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Management agreement, royalty rate Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Management Agreement, Royalty Rate Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Management Agreement, Royalty Rate SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Balance at January 1 SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Amount Cumulative effect of adoption of ASC 842 SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions, Charge to Cost and Expense Allowance for doubtful accounts Charge-offs SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deduction Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Increase (Decrease) Adjustment Balance at December 31 Accumulated Depreciation SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Accumulated Depreciation [Roll Forward] Balance at January 1 Depreciation SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Accumulated Depreciation, Depreciation Expense Deconsolidation of real estate held by investment entity (Note 4) SEC Schedule III, Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Deconsolidation By Investment Entity SEC Schedule III, Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Deconsolidation By Investment Entity Dispositions SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Accumulated Depreciation, Investment in Real Estate Sold Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates SEC Schedule III, Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Effect of Foreign Exchange Rates SEC Schedule III, Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Effect of Foreign Exchange Rates Balance at December 31, held for investment Classified as held for sale, net SEC Schedule III, Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Real Estate Held for Sale, Net SEC Schedule III, Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Real Estate Held for Sale, Net Balance at December 31, before reclassification to held for sale SEC Schedule III, Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Before Reclassification to Held for Sale SEC Schedule III, Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Before Reclassification to Held for Sale Hospitality Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Total revenues Revenues Property operating expenses Cost of Other Property Operating Expense Interest expense Interest Expense Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Provision for loan loss (Reversal of) impairment loss Gain on sale of real estate Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate Equity method earnings (losses) Equity method earnings—carried interest Income (Loss) From Equity Method Investee, Carried Interest Income (Loss) From Equity Method Investee, Carried Interest Income tax benefit (expense) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Loss from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income from discontinued operations Net loss Net loss attributable to Colony Capital, Inc. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Other Other Geographical [Member] Other Geographical [Member] Total income by geography: Revenues Less Cost Reimbursement Income Revenues Less Cost Reimbursement Income Long-lived assets by geography: Long-Lived Assets Assets held for sale Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward] Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward] Allowance for loan losses Contribution to CLNC Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Adjustments, Other Deconsolidation Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Deconsolidation Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Deconsolidation Provision for loan loss Provision For Loan Losses Provision for Loan Losses Charge-off Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Write-offs Allowance for loan losses Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Amortized Cost Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost Gross cumulative unrealized gains Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Gross cumulative unrealized loss Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Fair Value Proceeds from sale Proceeds from Sale of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Gross realized gain Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Realized Gain Gross realized loss Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Realized Loss AFS debt securities in gross unrealized loss position Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months AFS debt securities in gross unrealized loss position, accumulated losses Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss Number of AFS debt securities with unrealized loss in AOCI Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position, Number of Positions OTTI loss recorded in other gain (loss) Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Schedule of Assets Estimated Useful Lives Related to Real Estate Held For Investment Gross fair value of derivative assets and liabilities Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of foreign exchange contracts Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of net investment hedges included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of interest rate derivatives Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives [Table Text Block] Offsetting derivative assets Offsetting Assets [Table Text Block] Offsetting derivative liabilities Offsetting Liabilities [Table Text Block] Land Land Buildings and improvements Investment Building and Building Improvements Tenant improvements Tenant Improvements Data center infrastructure Data Center Infrastructure Data Center Infrastructure Furniture, fixtures and equipment Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment, Net Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment, Net Construction in progress Construction in Progress, Gross Real estate held for investment, gross Real Estate Investment Property, at Cost Less: Accumulated depreciation Real Estate Investment Property, Accumulated Depreciation Real estate assets, net (1) Real Estate Investment Property, Net Company Loans Receivable Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Summary of Past Due Loans Financing Receivable, Past Due [Table Text Block] Non-PCI Impaired Loans Impaired Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Loans Acquired Through Consolidation of Investment Entities Loans Acquired Through Consolidation of Investment Entities [Table Text Block] Loans Acquired Through Consolidation of Investment Entities [Table Text Block] Changes in Accretable Yield for the PCI loans Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Accretable Yield Balance [Table Text Block] Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Accretable Yield Balance [Table Text Block] Impairment and Allowance for Loan Losses Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table Text Block] Provision For Loan Losses By Loan Type Provision For Loan Losses By Loan Type [Table Text Block] Provision For Loan Losses By Loan Type [Table Text Block] Assets and Related Liabilities Held For Sale 5.00% Convertible Notes Senior Notes, 5.00 Percent Due 2023 [Member] Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 [Member] 3.875% Convertible Notes Senior Notes, 3.875 Percent Due 2021 [Member] Convertible Senior Note Due 2021 [Member] 5.375% Exchangeable Notes Senior Notes 5.375 Percent Due June 2033 [Member] Represents information pertaining to the 5.375 percent Notes, due in June 2033. Interest Rate (percentage) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Conversion or Exchange Price (in USD per share of common stock) Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Conversion or Exchange Ratio (In Shares per $1,000) Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Or Exchange Ratio Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Or Exchange Ratio Conversion or Exchange Shares (in shares) Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Or Exchange Shares Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Or Exchange Shares Convertible and exchangeable senior notes, outstanding principal Convertible Debt Converted instrument, amount Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Amount Redemption price, percentage of principal amount (percentage) Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Threshold percentage of stock price trigger (percentage) Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Percentage of Stock Price Trigger Threshold trading days Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Trading Days Threshold consecutive trading days Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Consecutive Trading Days Real Estate [Table] Real Estate [Table] Real Estate Real Estate [Line Items] Real Estate [Line Items] Depreciation Depreciation Cash Deferred consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Deferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Deferred Total consideration for equity interest acquired Fair value of equity interest Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Including Equity Interest in Acquiree Held Prior to Combination Intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Other assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Other Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Other Assets Tax liabilities, net Intangible and other liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Other Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Other Liabilities Noncontrolling interests in investment entities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Noncontrolling Interests, Investment Entities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Noncontrolling Interests, Investment Entities Proceeds from sales of real estate Gain on sale of real estate Gains (Losses) On Sales Of Real Estate Held for Investment and Held for Sale Gains (Losses) On Sales Of Real Estate Held for Investment and Held for Sale OP Units Operating Partnership Unit [Member] Operating Partnership Unit [Member] Share Activities Of Preferred And Common Stock [Roll Forward] Share Activities Of Preferred And Common Stock [Roll Forward] Share Activities Of Preferred And Common Stock [Roll Forward] Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Consideration for the Merger (in shares) Issuance of shares (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Redemption of preferred stock (in shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Shares canceled (in shares) Business Acquisition, Shares Canceled Business Acquisition, Shares Canceled Shares issued for settlement of contingent consideration—Internalization (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Issued For Settlement Of Contingent Consideration Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Issued For Settlement Of Contingent Consideration Conversion of class B to class A common stock (in shares) Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted Exchange of notes for class A common stock (in shares) Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Shares Issued Equity-based compensation, net of forfeitures (in shares) Shares Issued, Shares, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Redemption of restricted stock units (in shares) Restricted Stock Units, Redemption Restricted Stock Units, Redemption Shares canceled for tax withholding on vested stock awards (in shares) Shares Canceled for Tax Withholding on Vested Stock Awards Shares Canceled for Tax Withholding on Vested Stock Awards Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Stock issued upon redemption of an equivalent number of OP Units (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Units Fee income ($220,584, $143,218 and $180,892 from affiliates, respectively) Other income ($64,226, $34,695 and $25,630 from affiliates, respectively) Revenues Interest income Investment Income, Interest Total revenues Property operating expense Interest expense Interest Expense, Debt Investment and servicing expense Investment Income, Investment Expense Transaction costs Transaction Related Costs Transaction Related Costs Placement fees Placement Fees Placement Fees Compensation expense—cash and equity-based Labor and Related Expense Compensation expense—carried interest and incentive fee Other Labor-related Expenses Administrative expenses General and Administrative Expense Total expenses Costs and Expenses Other income (loss) Other gain (loss), net Loss from continuing operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax benefit (expense) Income from discontinued operations Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Redeemable noncontrolling interests Redeemable noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Other Noncontrolling Interests, Redeemable Investment entities Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Joint Venture Partners, Redeemable Operating Company Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Operating Partnerships, Redeemable Preferred stock redemption (Note 14) Preferred Stock Redemption Discount Preferred stock redemption (Note 14) Preferred Stock Redemption Premium Preferred stock dividends Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact Net loss attributable to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Basic loss per share Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Loss from continuing operations per basic common share (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Net loss per basic common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted loss per share Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Loss from continuing operations per diluted common share (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Net loss per diluted common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted average number of shares Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Goodwill attributable to the industrial segment Institutional funds and other investment vehicles Public companies (CLNC, NRE) Public Funds [Member] Public Funds [Member] Other Other [Member] Other [Member] Base management fees ($151,452, $130,384, and $161,414 from affiliates, respectively) Asset management fees ($2,371, $2,078, and $3,069 from affiliates, respectively) Acquisition and disposition fees—from affiliates Incentive and termination fees ($64,555, $5,445, and $172 from affiliates, respectively) Other fee income ($2,206, $3,389 and $0 from affiliates, respectively) Management Service, Other [Member] Management Service, Other [Member] Income (loss) from continuing and discontinued operations before income taxes Income (Loss) From Continuing And Discontinued Operations Before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income (Loss) From Continuing And Discontinued Operations Before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Pre-tax income attributable to pass-through subsidiaries Pre-Tax Income From Pass-Through Subsidiaries Pre-Tax Income From Pass-Through Subsidiaries Pre-tax loss attributable to taxable subsidiaries Pre-Tax Income From Taxable Subsidiaries Pre-Tax Income From Taxable Subsidiaries Federal tax benefit at statutory tax rate (35%) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount Foreign income tax differential Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount Nondeductible expenses—goodwill impairment Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Impairment Losses, Amount Nondeductible expenses—other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Other, Amount Valuation allowance, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Impact of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts And Jobs Act, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts And Jobs Act, Amount Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount Income tax benefit (expense) from continuing and discontinued operations Preferred Stock Accumulated Deficit Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Beginning balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Cumulative effect of adoption of new accounting pronouncement (Note 2) Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest, Excluding Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest, Excluding Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) Net income (loss) Other comprehensive income (loss) Merger consideration (Note 3) Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions Preferred stock dividends Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash Fair value of noncontrolling interests assumed Issuance of Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Offering costs Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Issuance Costs Common stock repurchases Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Equity-based compensation Shares Granted, Value, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Redemption of OP Units for cash and class A common Exchange of notes for class A common stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities Shares canceled for tax withholdings on vested stock awards Share-based Payment Arrangement, Decrease for Tax Withholding Obligation Reclassification of contingent consideration out of liability at end of measurement period Reclassification Of Contingent Consideration Out Of Liability Reclassification Of Contingent Consideration Out Of Liability Issuance of OP Units and common stock—contingent consideration Partners' Capital Account, Sale of Units Settlement of call spread option Payments To Settle Call Spread Options Payments To Settle Call Spread Options Costs of noncontrolling equity Noncontrolling Interest Cost Of New Capital Noncontrolling Interest Cost Of New Capital Deconsolidation of investment entities Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Deconsolidation Contributions from noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Sale of Parent Equity Interest Distributions to noncontrolling interests Common stock dividends declared Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Reallocation of equity (Note 2 and 15) Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Reallocation of Equity Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Reallocation of Equity Ending balance Ending balance Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Fixed lease expense Operating Lease, Cost Variable lease expense Variable Lease, Cost Operating lease expense Lease, Cost Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Table] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Table] Net Investment Hedging Net Investment Hedging [Member] Foreign exchange collars Foreign Exchange Collars [Member] Foreign exchange collars. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items] Exchange rate floor (in $ per unit of foreign currency) Derivative, Exchange Rate Floor Exchange rate cap (in $ per unit of foreign currency) Derivative, Exchange Rate Cap Forward exchange rate (in $ per unit of foreign currency) Realization of net gain on net investment hedges Net Investment Hedge Gain (Loss) Reclassified to Earnings, Net Net Investment Hedge Gain (Loss) Reclassified to Earnings, Net Derivatives used in net investment hedge, gain (loss), reclassified to earnings upon dedesignation Derivatives used in Net Investment Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassified to Earnings, Net of Tax Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Convertible Debt Securities Convertible Debt Securities [Member] Performance Shares Performance Shares [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Net loss allocated to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Loss from continuing operations (Income) loss from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Loss from continuing operations attributable to Colony Capital, Inc. Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Income from discontinued operations attributable to Colony Capital, Inc. Preferred stock redemption Preferred stock redemption Preferred dividends Net income allocated to participating securities Participating Securities, Distributed and Undistributed Earnings (Loss), Basic Net loss allocated to common stockholders—basic Numerator For Basic And Diluted Net Income Allocated To Common Stockholders Numerator for basic and diluted net income allocated to common stockholders. Interest expense attributable to convertible senior notes Interest on Convertible Debt, Net of Tax Net loss allocated to common stockholders—diluted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic [Abstract] Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted average effect of dilutive shares (in shares) Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in shares) Basic loss per share Net income from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Basic (in dollars per share) Diluted loss per share Net income from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Diluted (in dollars per share) Interest expense on convertible note excluded from diluted EPS Earnings per Share Reconciliation, Interest Expense Excluded Earnings per Share Reconciliation, Interest Expense Excluded Weighted average dilutive common share (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Guarantee of franchise obligations Financial Guarantee [Member] Estimate of possible loss Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Investment Vehicles Investment Vehicles [Member] Investment Vehicles Healthcare Strategic Partnership Healthcare Strategic Partnership [Member] Healthcare Strategic Partnership [Member] American Healthcare Investors, LLC American Healthcare Investors, LLC [Member] American Healthcare Investors, LLC [Member] Management and Advisory Fees Management and Advisory Fees [Member] Management and Advisory Fees [Member] Corporate Aircraft Use Reimbursement Corporate Aircraft Use Reimbursement [Member] Corporate Aircraft Use Reimbursement Percentage of average invested assets reimbursable as operating costs (percentage) Related Party Transaction, Percentage Of Average Invested Assets Reimbursable As Operating Costs Represents the percentage of average invested assets reimbursable as operating costs. Expected reimbursable direct and indirect operating costs, percent of net income (percentage) Related Party Transaction, Expected Reimbursable Direct And Indirect Operating Costs, Percent Of Net Income Related Party Transaction, Expected Reimbursable Direct And Indirect Operating Costs, Percent Of Net Income Percent of combined general and administrative costs (percentage) Related Party Transaction, Expected Reimbursable Indirect Costs, Percent Of Combined General And Administrative Costs Related Party Transaction, Expected Reimbursable Indirect Costs, Percent Of Combined General And Administrative Costs Reimbursement percent for organization and offering costs (percentage) Related Party Transaction, Expected Reimbursable Organization and Offering Costs Excluding Selling Commissions and Dealer Manager Fee As Percentage Of Total Primary Offering Proceeds Represents the expected reimbursable organization and offering costs, excluding selling commissions and dealer manager fee, as a percentage of total proceeds available to be raised from the primary offering. Extension option, term Debt Instrument, Term, Extension Option Debt Instrument, Term, Extension Option Outstanding advances Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding Proceeds from sale of equity method investments Proceeds from sale of real estate Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate Incentive fee (percentage) Incentive Fee Percentage Incentive Fee Percentage Property management and sub-advisory fees Property Management And Sub Advisory Fees Property Management And Sub Advisory Fees Deferred consideration Due To Affiliates, Deferred Consideration Due To Affiliates, Deferred Consideration Investments Investments Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Number of real estate properties acquired in foreclosure Number of Real Estate Properties Acquired in Foreclosure Number of Real Estate Properties Acquired in Foreclosure Contingent consideration, liability Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Domain] Other Commitments [Domain] Investment Commitments Investment Commitments [Member] Investment Commitments [Member] Consolidated Real Estate Debt Investments Consolidated Real Estate Debt Investments [Member] Consolidated Real Estate Debt Investments [Member] Other commitments Other Commitment Business and Organization Nature of Operations [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Land Improvements Land Improvements [Member] Building, Fee Interest Building, Fee Interest [Member] Building, Fee Interest [Member] Data Center Infrastructure Data Center Infrastructure [Member] Data Center Infrastructure [Member] Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [Member] Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]