Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite Lived Intangible Assets And Liabilities By Major Class [Axis] Finite Lived Intangible Assets And Liabilities By Major Class [Axis] Finite Lived Intangible Assets And Liabilities By Major Class [Axis] Finite Lived Intangible Assets And Liabilities By Major Class [Domain] Finite Lived Intangible Assets And Liabilities By Major Class [Domain] [Domain] for Finite Lived Intangible Assets And Liabilities By Major Class [Axis] Leases Acquired In Place Above Market Ground Leases Adjustment [Member] Leases Acquired In Place Above Market Ground Leases Adjustment [Member] Leases Acquired In Place Above Market Ground Leases Adjustment [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] Net below-market ground lease obligations Net Below-Market Ground Lease Obligations [Member] Net Below-Market Ground Lease Obligations [Member] Below-market lease values Below-Market Lease Values [Member] Below-Market Lease Values [Member] Lease incentives Lease Incentives [Member] Lease Incentives [Member] Below-market ground lease obligations Acquired In Place Below Market Ground Lease Adjustment [Member] Acquired In Place Below Market Ground Lease Adjustment [Member] In-place lease values In-Place Lease Values [Member] In-Place Lease Values [Member] Deferred leasing costs Deferred Leasing Costs [Member] Deferred Leasing Costs [Member] Trade name Trade Names [Member] Investment management contracts Investment Management Contracts [Member] Investment Management Contracts [Member] Customer relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Other Other Intangible Assets [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Above Market Lease, Amortization Expense [Abstract] Above Market Lease, Amortization Expense [Abstract] Above Market Lease, Amortization Expense [Abstract] 2018 Above Market Lease, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year Above Market Lease, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2018 Above Market Lease, Amortization Expense, Year Two Above Market Lease, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2019 Above Market Lease, Amortization Expense, Year Three Above Market Lease, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2020 Above Market Lease, Amortization Expense, Year Four Above Market Lease, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2021 Above Market Lease, Amortization Expense, Year Five Above Market Lease, Amortization Expense, Year Five 2023 and Thereafter Above Market Lease, Amortization Expense, After Year Five Above Market Lease, Amortization Expense, After Year Five Above-market lease values Above Market Lease, Amortization Expense, Total Above Market Lease, Amortization Expense, Total Below-market lease values Below Market Lease, Net [Abstract] 2018 Below Market Lease, Amortization Income, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2018 Below Market Lease, Amortization Income, Year Two 2019 Below Market Lease, Amortization Income, Year Three 2020 Below Market Lease, Amortization Income, Year Four 2021 Below Market Lease, Amortization Income, Year Five 2023 and Thereafter Below Market Lease, Amortization Income, after Year Five Below-market lease values Below Market Lease, Net Lease incentives Lease Incentives [Abstract] Lease Incentives [Abstract] 2018 Lease Incentives, Amortization Income, Next Fiscal Year Lease Incentives, Amortization Income, Next Fiscal Year 2019 Lease Incentives, Amortization Income, Year Two Lease Incentives, Amortization Income, Year Two 2020 Lease Incentives, Amortization Income, Year Three Lease Incentives, Amortization Income, Year Three 2021 Lease Incentives, Amortization Income, Year Four Lease Incentives, Amortization Income, Year Four 2022 Lease Incentives, Amortization Income, Year Five Lease Incentives, Amortization Income, Year Five 2023 and Thereafter Lease Incentives, Amortization Income, After Year Five Lease Incentives, Amortization Income, After Year Five Lease incentives Lease Incentives, Amortization Income, Total Lease Incentives, Amortization Income, Total (Decrease) Increase to rental income Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases [Abstract] Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases [Abstract] 2018 Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, Remainder of Fiscal Year Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2017 Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, Year Two Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, Year Two 2018 Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, Year Three Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, Year Three 2019 Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, Year Four Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, Year Four 2020 Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, Year Five Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, Year Five 2023 and Thereafter Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, After Year Five Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, After Year Five Increase to rental income Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, Total Amortization of Above and Below Market Leases, Total Above Market Ground Lease Obligations [Abstract] Above Market Ground Lease Obligations [Abstract] Above Market Ground Lease Obligations [Abstract] Remaining 2017 Finite Lived Intangible Liability Amortization Expense Remainder Of Fiscal Year Finite Lived Intangible Liability Amortization Expense Remainder Of Fiscal Year 2018 Finite Lived Intangible Liability, Amortization Expense, Year Two Finite Lived Intangible Liability, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2019 Finite Lived Intangible Liability, Amortization Expense, Year Three Finite Lived Intangible Liability, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2020 Finite Lived Intangible Liability, Amortization Expense, Year Four Finite Lived Intangible Liability, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2021 Finite Lived Intangible Liability, Amortization Expense, Year Five Finite Lived Intangible Liability, Amortization Expense, Year Five 2022 and after Finite Lived Intangible Liability, Amortization Expense, After Year Five Finite Lived Intangible Liability, Amortization Expense, After Year Five Above-market ground lease obligations Finite Lived Intangible Liability, Amortization Expense Finite Lived Intangible Liability, Amortization Expense Deferred Leasing Costs and Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five 2023 and Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Net Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Foreign exchange contracts Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Interest rate contracts Interest Rate Contract [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated Hedges Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Non-Designated Hedges Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [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 Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative Liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Accounting Policies [Abstract] Schedule of Real Estate Held for Investment Useful Life Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Affiliated Entity Affiliated Entity [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Fee income Management Fees Revenue Other income Other Income Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Colony NorthStar Colony NorthStar Merger [Member] Colony NorthStar Merger [Member] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Outstanding principal Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Outstanding Balance Amortized cost Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Accounted For As Available For Sale Debt Securities Amortized Cost Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Accounted For As Available For Sale Debt Securities Amortized Cost Carrying value Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Carrying Amount, Net PCI Debt Securities Acquired During Period Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Debt Securities, Acquired During Period [Abstract] Contractually required payments including interest Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer 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 Accounted for as Debt Securities, Acquired During Period, Cash Flows Expected to be Collected at Acquisition Less: Accretable yield Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer, Accretable Yield Fair value of PCI debt securities acquired Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Debt Securities, Acquired During Period, at Acquisition, at Fair Value 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 Accounted for as Debt Securities, Accretable Yield Assumed through the Merger Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Debt Securities, Accretable Yield, Additions Accretion recognized in earnings Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Debt Securities, Accretable Yield, Accretion Reduction due to payoffs or disposals Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Debt Securities, Accretable Yield, Disposals of Loans Net reclassifications to nonaccretable difference Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Accretable Yield, Reclassifications to Nonaccretable Difference Ending accretable yield Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Healthcare Healthcare Properties [Member] Healthcare Properties [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Class A Common Class A [Member] OP Units OP Units [Member] OP Units [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Noncontrolling interest sold Divestiture of Interest in Joint Venture, Percentage Divested Divestiture of Interest in Joint Venture, Percentage Divested Noncontrolling interest, decrease from deconsolidation Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Deconsolidation Noncontrolling interest, cost of new capital Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Issuance Costs Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Acquisition of noncontrolling interests 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 OP units redeemed (in shares) Partners' Capital Account, Units, Redeemed OP Units redeemed for stock (in shares) Partners' Capital Account, Units, Redeemed For Stock Partners' Capital Account, Units, Redeemed For Stock OP 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 Issuance of shares (in shares) Stock Issued for Partner's Capital Units Redeemed Stock Issued for Partner's Capital Units Redeemed Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Schedule of Discontinued Operations, Net Income (Loss) Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Townsend Townsend Group [Member] Townsend Group [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] Real estate, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Real Estate Assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Real Estate Assets Loans receivable, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net Goodwill Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill Intangible assets, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets Other assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets Total assets held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities [Abstract] Secured debt 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 Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [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 (fee interest) Building [Member] Land improvements Land Improvements [Member] Furniture, fixtures and equipment Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [Member] Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Real estate assets estimated useful life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Real Estate Property Ownership [Axis] Real Estate Property Ownership [Axis] Real Estate Properties [Domain] Real Estate Properties [Domain] Consolidated Properties Consolidated Properties [Member] Collateral [Axis] Collateral [Axis] Collateral [Domain] Collateral [Domain] Commercial Real Estate, Securities Commercial Real Estate, Securities [Member] Commercial Real Estate, Securities [Member] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] N-Star CDO N-Star CDO Bonds [Member] N-Star CDO Bonds Number of securities acquired Available-for-sale Securities, Number of Securities Acquired Available-for-sale Securities, Number of Securities Acquired Contractual maturity period Available For Sale Securities Contractual Maturity Period Represents the contractual maturities of the commercial real estate securities portfolio. Weighted average maturity of securities acquired Available-for-sale Securities, Weighted Average Maturity of Securities Acquired Available-for-sale Securities, Weighted Average Maturity of Securities Acquired Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for interest Interest Paid Cash paid for income taxes Income Taxes Paid SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Dividends and distributions payable Dividends Payable Assets acquired in Merger (Note 3) Assets Assumed In Merger Assets Assumed In Merger Liabilities assumed in Merger (Note 3) Liabilities Assumed In Merger Liabilities Assumed In Merger Noncontrolling interests assumed in Merger (Note 3) Noncontrolling Interest Assumed In Merger Noncontrolling Interest Assumed In Merger Common stock issued for acquisition of NSAM and NRF (Note 3) Stock Issued Preferred stock issued for acquisition of NRF (Note 3) Preferred Stock Issued For Acquisition Preferred Stock Issued For Acquisition Debt assumed by buyer in sale of manufactured housing portfolio (Note 17) Debt Assumed By Buyer Debt Assumed By Buyer Net assets acquired in CPI restructuring (Note 3) Net Assets Acquired In Restructuring Net Assets Acquired In Restructuring Net assets acquired in THL Hotel Portfolio (Note 3) Net Assets Acquired In Acquisition Net Assets Acquired In Acquisition Net assets of investment entity deconsolidated (Note 4) Net assets of investment entities deconsolidated Net assets of investment entities deconsolidated Net assets of sponsored fund consolidated, net of cash assumed (Note 14) Net Assets Of Sponsored Fund Consolidated, Net Of Cash Assumed Net Assets Of Sponsored Fund Consolidated, Net Of Cash Assumed 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 Redemption of OP Units for common stock Redemption Of Partnership Units For Common Stock Redemption Of Partnership Units For Common Stock Foreclosures on collateral assets of originated or acquired loans receivable Foreclosures on Collateral Assets from Originated or Acquired Debt Foreclosures on Collateral Assets from Originated or Acquired Debt 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 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 Proceeds From Loan Repayments And Asset Sales Held In Escrow And Restricted Cash Exchange of notes for class A common shares Exchange Of Note For Common Stock Exchange Of Note For Common Stock 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 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 Distributions payable to noncontrolling interest included in other liabilities Distributions Payable To Noncontrolling Interest Included In Other Liabilities Distributions Payable To Noncontrolling Interest Included In Other Liabilities Contributions receivable from noncontrolling interests Contributions Receivable from Noncontrolling Interests Contributions Receivable from Noncontrolling Interests Net settlement of redemption and investment in equity method investee Net Settlement of Redemption and Investment in Equity Method Investee Net Settlement of Redemption and Investment in Equity Method Investee Release of restricted cash in lieu of cash distribution upon buyout of noncontrolling interests Release Of Restricted Cash In Lieu Of Cash Distribution Upon Buyout Of Noncontrolling Interests Release Of Restricted Cash In Lieu Of Cash Distribution Upon Buyout Of Noncontrolling Interests Accrued and other liabilities assumed in connection with acquisitions, net of cash assumed Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Other Liabilities Assumed Deferred tax liability assumed in a real estate acquisition Deferred Tax Liability Assumed In Real Estate Acquisition Deferred Tax Liability Assumed In Real Estate Acquisition Settlement of debt through issuance of OP Units Settlement Of Debt, Issuance Of OP Units Settlement Of Debt, Issuance Of OP Units Issuance of common stock for Internalization (Note 3) Issuance Of Common Stock For Internalization Issuance Of Common Stock For Internalization Issuance of OP Units for Internalization (Note 3) Issuance Of OP Units For Internalization Issuance Of OP Units For Internalization Assets of investment entities consolidated, net of cash assumed (Note 3) Assets Of Investment Entities Consolidated, Net Of Cash Assumed Assets Of Investment Entities Consolidated, Net Of Cash Assumed Liabilities of investment entities consolidated (Note 3) Liabilities Of Investment Entities Consolidated Liabilities Of Investment Entities Consolidated Noncontrolling interests in investment entities consolidated (Note 3) Noncontrolling Interests In Investment Entities Consolidated Noncontrolling Interests In Investment Entities Consolidated Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Variable Interest Entities Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Receivables [Abstract] Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Axis] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Axis] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Domain] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Domain] Non-PCI Loans Performing Financial Instruments [Member] Financing Receivables, Period Past Due [Axis] Financing Receivables, Period Past Due [Axis] Financing Receivables, Period Past Due [Domain] Financing Receivables, 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 Financing Receivables, 30 to 59 Days Past Due [Member] 60-89 Days Past Due Financing Receivables, 60 to 89 Days Past Due [Member] 90 Days or More Past Due and Nonaccrual Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items] Loan receivable past due Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due Schedule of Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructurings [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructurings [Table] Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items] Number of loans Financing Receivable, Modifications, Number of Contracts Carrying value of loans before allowance for loan losses Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment Loss incurred Financing Receivables, Impaired, Troubled Debt Restructuring, Write-down Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business combination, stock exchange, conversion ratio Business Combination, Stock Exchange, Conversion Ratio Business Combination, Stock Exchange, Conversion Ratio CMBS Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Other securities Other Debt Obligations [Member] CMBS and other securities Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities And Other [Member] Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities And Other [Member] Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value Gross Unrealized Loss Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss Number of securities in cumulative unrealized loss position, more than twelve months Available for Sale Securities, Number of Securities in Cumulative Unrealized Loss Position, More than Twelve Months Available for Sale Securities, Number of Securities in Cumulative Unrealized Loss Position, More than Twelve Months OTTI loss Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Available-for-sale Securities Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Investment ventures Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures [Member] Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures [Member] Private funds and retail companies Funds And Retail Companies [Member] Funds And Retail Companies [Member] Private funds Private Funds [Member] Private Funds [Member] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Equity method investments Equity Method Investments Cost method investments Cost Method Investments Investments under fair value option Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Noncontrolling Interests in Investment Entities Noncontrolling Interests in Investment Entities [Member] Noncontrolling Interests in Investment Entities [Member] Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Company Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Company [Member] Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Company [Member] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Manufactured Housing Manufactured Housing [Member] Represents information pertaining to the manufactured housing. 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] Sale price Real Estate Held-for-sale, Sale Price Real Estate Held-for-sale, Sale Price Mortgage financing assumed by buyer Real Estate Held For Sale, Mortgage Financing Assumed By Buyer Real Estate Held For Sale, Mortgage Financing Assumed By Buyer Proceeds from sale of real estate Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Property operating income Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property Operating Income Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property Operating Income Other income Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Income 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 Loss on sale of real estate assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) On Sales Of Real Estate Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) On Sales Of Real Estate Other expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Expense Net income from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income from discontinued operations attributable to: Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income loss from discontinued operations attributable to Colony NorthStar, Inc. Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Equity [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Domain] Valuation Technique [Domain] Discounted cash flows Discounted Cash Flows [Member] Discounted Cash Flows [Member] Monte Carlo simulation Monte Carlo [Member] Monte Carlo [Member] Recent Transaction Price Recent Transaction Price [Member] Recent Transaction Price [Member] Liability Class [Axis] Liability Class [Axis] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Securitization Bonds Payable Securitization Bonds Payable [Member] Represents information pertaining to securitization bonds payable. Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Loans receivable—securitized loans Loans Receivable [Member] Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Other investment ventures Other Investment Ventures [Member] Other Investment Ventures [Member] THL Hotel Portfolio THL Hotel Portfolio [Member] THL Hotel Portfolio [Member] Common Class B Common Class B [Member] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Contingent consideration Contingent Consideration [Member] Contingent Consideration [Member] Equity securities of consolidated fund Equity Securities [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [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] Number of shares contingent upon achievement of performance targets (shares) Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable, Number of Shares Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable, Number of Shares Investments in unconsolidated ventures Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities Derivative assets (Note 12) Derivative Asset Secured and unsecured debt Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Derivative liabilities (Note 12) Derivative Liability Contingent consideration—THL Hotel Portfolio (Note 3) Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Due to affiliates ($20,650 and $41,250 at fair value, respectively) Due to Affiliate Discount rate Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate Benchmark FFO volatility Fair Value Assumptions, Benchmark FFO Volatility Fair Value Assumptions, Benchmark FFO Volatility Equity volatility Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Correlation Fair Value Assumptions, Correlation Fair Value Assumptions, Correlation Business Combinations [Abstract] CPI CPI [Member] CPI [Member] Carrying value of loans receivable outstanding at the time of restructuring Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Other Cash Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Total merger consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Cash Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents 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 Real estate 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 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 Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Lease intangibles and other liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other 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 Fair value of net assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Measurement Period Adjustments Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustments [Abstract] Real estate Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Real Estate Assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Real Estate Assets Real estate held for sale Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Real Estate Assets And Related Assets Held For Sale Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Real Estate Assets And Related Assets Held For Sale Lease intangibles and other assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Lease Intangibles And Other Assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Lease Intangibles And Other Assets Debt Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Debt Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Debt Tax liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Tax Liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Tax Liabilities Lease intangibles and other liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Lease Intangibles And Other Liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Lease Intangibles And Other Liabilities Fair value of net assets acquired Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Assets And Liabilities, Net Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Assets And Liabilities, Net NSAM and NRF NSAM And NRF [Member] NSAM And NRF [Member] NSAM NSAM [Member] NSAM [Member] NRF NRF [Member] NRF [Member] Total revenues contributed from the legacy business of NSAM and NRF Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Net income (loss) attributable to Colony NorthStar, Inc., contributed from the legacy business of NSAM and NRF Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Transaction costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Pro forma total revenues Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Pro forma net income (loss) attributable to Colony NorthStar, Inc. Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss), Attributable to Parent Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss), Attributable to Parent Pro forma net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders Pro forma net income (loss) per common share, basic (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Pro forma net income (loss) per common share, diluted (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Common stock, dividends, per share, declared (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Loans Receivable Securities Securities (Assets) [Member] Debt [Member] Debt [Member] Due To Affiliates—Contingent Consideration for Internalization Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Recurring Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] 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 Purchases / borrowings / amortization / contributions Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3 Paydowns or distributions Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3 Realized gains (losses) in earnings Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Unrealized gains (losses) In earnings Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Unrecognized Gain (Loss) In Earnings Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Unrecognized Gain (Loss) In Earnings Unrealized gains (losses) 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, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Unrecognized Gain (Loss) In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Fair Value, Asset Value 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 Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value Acquired through Internalization Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Acquired Through Internalization Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Acquired Through Internalization 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 / borrowings / amortization / contributions Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3 Unrealized gains (losses) in earnings Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Unrecognized Gain (Loss) In Earnings Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Unrecognized Gain (Loss) In Earnings Fair Value, Liability Value Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash 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 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 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 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 Merger consideration Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Goodwill Goodwill Loans receivable Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Loans Receivable Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Loans Receivable Investments in unconsolidated ventures Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Investments In Unconsolidated Ventures Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Investments In Unconsolidated Ventures Securities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Marketable Securities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Marketable Securities Identifiable intangible assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles Management agreement between NSAM and NRF Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Management Agreement Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Management Agreement Other assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Other Assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Other Assets Total assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Assets Debt Intangible liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangible Liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangible Liabilities Management agreement between NSAM and NRF Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Management Agreement Liability Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Management Agreement Liability Tax liabilities Accrued and other liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Accrued And Other Liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Accrued And Other Liabilities Total liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Liabilities Noncontrolling interests—investment entities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Equity Interests Merger consideration Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Goodwill, Assets And Liabilities, Net Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Goodwill, Assets And Liabilities, Net Goodwill Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Goodwill Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Goodwill Management Internalization Management Internalization [Member] Management Internalization [Member] 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] Schedule of Merger Related Costs Schedule Of Merger Related Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Merger Related Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Contributions From Acquired Business Schedule Of Contributions From Acquired Business [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Contributions From Acquired Business [Table Text Block] Schedule of Contributions From Prior Business Schedule Of Contributions From Prior Business [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Contributions From Prior Business [Table Text Block] Schedule of Pro Forma Information Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Summary of Consideration and Preliminary Allocation to Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Type Of Cost [Axis] Type Of Cost [Axis] Type Of Cost [Axis] Type Of Cost [Domain] Type Of Cost [Domain] Type Of Cost [Domain] Fees to investment bankers contingent upon consummation of the Merger Investment Banker Fees [Member] Investment Banker Fees [Member] Other fees Other Fees [Member] Other Fees [Member] Equity-based compensation for replacement awards to NSAM executives Equity-based Compensation Expense [Member] Equity-based Compensation Expense [Member] Severance and other employee transition Employee Severance [Member] Administrative costs Administrative Costs [Member] Administrative Costs [Member] Compensation expense Business Combination, Integration Related Costs Merger-related costs Business Combination, Acquisition And Integration Related Costs Business Combination, Acquisition And Integration Related Costs Income Property operating income Real Estate Revenue, Net Interest income Investment Income, Interest Fee income ($184,914, $67,731 and $64,585 from affiliates, respectively) Other income ($25,630, $4,296 and $4,843 from affiliates, respectively) Total revenues Revenues Management fees to former manager (Note 3) Management Fee Expense Property operating expense Asset Management Costs Interest expense Interest Expense Investment, servicing and commission expense Investment Income, Investment Expense Transaction costs Transaction Related Costs Transaction Related Costs Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Provision for loan loss Provision for Loan and Lease Losses Impairment loss Impairment of Real Estate and Intangible Assets Impairment of Real Estate and Intangible Assets Compensation expense Labor and Related Expense Administrative expenses General and Administrative Expense Total expenses Costs and Expenses Gain on sale of real estate Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate Other gain (loss), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Earnings from investments in unconsolidated ventures Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Gain on remeasurement of consolidated investment entities, net (Note 3) Gain (Loss) On Remeasurement Of Consolidated Investment Entities Gain (Loss) On Remeasurement Of Consolidated Investment Entities Income (loss) before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax benefit (expense) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income (loss) from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income from discontinued operations Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Redeemable noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Redeemable noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Investment entities Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Joint Venture Partners, Redeemable Operating Company Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Operating Partnerships, Redeemable Net income (loss) attributable to Colony NorthStar, Inc. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Preferred stock redemption (Note 15) Preferred Stock Redemption Premium Preferred stock dividends Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Basic earnings (loss) per share Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Net income from continuing operations per basic common share (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Net income per basic common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted earnings (loss) per share Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Net income from continuing operations per diluted common share (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Net income 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 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 Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] 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] Interest receivable Interest Receivable Straight-line rents Straightline Rent Receivable Straightline Rent Receivable Hotel-related 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 Contingent consideration account Contingent Consideration Escrow Contingent Consideration Escrow Prepaid taxes and deferred tax assets, net (4) 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 Contributions receivable Contributions Receivable Contributions Receivable Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Net 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 Other assets Other Assets Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Allowance for unbilled receivables Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Unbilled Receivables Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Unbilled Receivables 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 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 Consolidation of PCI loans held by investment entities (Note 3) Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Debt Securities, Accretable Yield, Consolidation Of Purchased Credit Impaired Loans Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Debt Securities, Accretable Yield, Consolidation Of Purchased Credit Impaired Loans 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 Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Domain] Other Commitments [Domain] Digital Real Estate Infrastructure Fund Commitments Digital Real Estate Infrastructure Fund Commitments [Member] Digital Real Estate Infrastructure Fund Commitments [Member] Investment [Axis] Investment [Axis] Investment [Domain] Investment [Domain] Real Estate Funds Real Estate Funds [Member] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Digital Bridge Digital Bridge [Member] Digital Bridge [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent event Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Callable commitments Other Commitment Capital commitments Capital Commitments Capital Commitments Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block] Weighted Average Weighted Average [Member] 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 Carrying value of the Company's junior mezzanine loan receivable at the time of foreclosure Contingent consideration (Note 13) Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Intangible and other assets Other liabilities Intangible and other assets Capitalization rate Fair Value Assumptions, Real Estate Investments, Capitalization Rate Fair Value Assumptions, Real Estate Investments, Capitalization Rate Discount rate Fair Value Assumptions, Real Estate Investments, Discount Rate Fair Value Assumptions, Real Estate Investments, Discount Rate Results of Operations Included in Consolidated Statements Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Total revenues Net loss attributable to Colony NorthStar, Inc. Accumulated Depreciation SEC Schedule III, Reconciliation of Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation [Roll Forward] Balance at January 1 SEC Schedule III, Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation Depreciation SEC Schedule III, 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 III, Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, 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 Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Executive Officer Executive Officer [Member] Certain Employees Certain Employees [Member] Certain Employees [Member] American Healthcare Investors, LLC American Healthcare Investors, LLC [Member] American Healthcare Investors, LLC [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] RSUs Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Restricted Stock [Member] LTIP Units LTIP Units [Member] Represents information pertaining to LTIP Units. Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Director Stock Plan Director Stock Plan [Member] Director stock plan. Equity Incentive Plan, 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, 2014 [Member] Equity Incentive Plan, 2014 [Member] NSAM Stock Plan NSAM Stock Plan [Member] NSAM Stock Plan [Member] NRF Incentive Plan NRF Incentive Plan [Member] NRF Incentive Plan [Member] CLNS Equity Incentive Plan CLNS Equity Incentive Plan [Member] CLNS Equity Incentive Plan [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Issuance of shares (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Conversion of stock, conversion ratio Conversion Of Stock, Conversion Ratio Conversion Of Stock, Conversion Ratio Ownership percentage Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Shares to be issued under the plan Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Awards Expected To Be Granted Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Awards Expected To Be Granted Shares to be issued under the plan, period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant, Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant, Period Common stock, value outstanding Common Stock, Value, Outstanding Issuance of shares Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Conversion of units, conversion ratio Conversion Of Units, Conversion Ratio Conversion Of Units, Conversion Ratio Volume weighted average price of stock, number of trading days Stock Issued During Period, Volume Weighted Average Price Of Stock, Number Of Trading Days Stock Issued During Period, Volume Weighted Average Price Of Stock, Number Of Trading Days Floor price (USD per share) Stock Issued During Period, Floor Price Stock Issued During Period, Floor Price Number of shares authorized Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Number of shares authorized, percent increase Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Number Of Shares Authorized, Percent Increase Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Number Of Shares Authorized, Percent Increase Fair value of shares vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, 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 Aggregate unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock granted Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options Weighted average period of expected cost Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition 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 Basis difference—investment in partnerships Deferred Tax Asset, Parent's Basis in Discontinued Operation Basis difference—real estate Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Real Estate Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Real Estate 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, net of valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract] Management contract intangibles Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets Gain from remeasurement of consolidated investment entities, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gain From Remeasurement Of Consolidated Investment Entities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gain From Remeasurement Of Consolidated Investment Entities Basis difference—real estate Deferred Tax Liabilities, Operating Real Estate Deferred Tax Liabilities, Operating Real Estate 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 Reduction in valuation allowance Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Foreign exchange contracts Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Gross Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Included on Consolidated Balance Sheets (Assets) Liabilities Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities Cash Collateral Received (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 (Assets) Liabilities Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities Cash Collateral Received (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 Real Estate [Abstract] Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Colony NorthStar Credit Colony NorthStar Credit [Member] Colony NorthStar Credit [Member] Real Estate, Type of Property [Axis] Real Estate, Type of Property [Axis] Real Estate [Domain] Real Estate [Domain] Real Estate Held for Investment Real Estate Held for Investment [Member] Real Estate Held for Investment [Member] Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis] Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis] Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain] Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain] Ground leases Ground Leases [Member] Ground Leases [Member] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Future Contractual Minimum Rental Payments to be Received: Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract] 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Current 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Two Years 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Three Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Four Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Five Years 2023 and thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Thereafter Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable Future Minimum Rental Payments Due on Noncancellable Ground Leases: Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years 2023 and thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Total Stockholders’ Equity Parent [Member] Preferred Stock Preferred Stock [Member] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Distributions in Excess of Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 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 Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Merger consideration (Note 3) Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions Preferred stock dividends Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash Fair value of noncontrolling interests assumed in Merger Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Issuance of shares and units Offering costs Redemption of preferred stock (Note 15) Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Value Common stock repurchases Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Contribution of preferred stock to an affiliate Stock Issued During Period, Value, Other Redemption of units in Operating Company for cash and Class A common stock Exchange of notes for class A common stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities Equity-based compensation Stock Granted, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Consolidation of investment entities Consolidation Of Investment Entities Consolidation Of Investment Entities Shares canceled for tax withholding on vested stock awards Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Deconsolidation of investment entity 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 Contributions from noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Sale of Parent Equity Interest Distributions to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Common stock dividends declared ($0.81 per share; Note 15) Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Reallocation of equity (Notes 2 and 16) Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Reallocation of Equity Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Reallocation of Equity Ending balance Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Table Text Block] Equity Method Investments, Selected Combined Financial Information Equity Method Investments, Selected Combined Financial Information [Table Text Block] Equity Method Investments, Selected Combined Financial Information [Table Text Block] Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Abstract] Movement in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Roll Forward] Movement in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Roll Forward] Balance at January 1 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 Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, New Mortgage Loans 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 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 Recevied on PCI Loans Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Payments Recevied on PCI Loans Accretion on PCI loans Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Accretion on PCI Loans Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Accretion on PCI Loans Transfer to loans held for sale Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Transfer of Loans Held for Sale Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Transfer of Loans Held for Sale Carrying value of loans sold Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Cost of Mortgages Sold Transfer to real estate assets upon foreclosure Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Foreclosures Provision for loan losses Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Provision for Loan Losses Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Provision for Loan Losses Other gain (loss) Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Other Deductions Consolidation of loans receivable held by investment entities and securitization trusts (Notes 3 and 5) Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Consolidation of Loans Receivable Held By Investement Entities and Securitization Trusts Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Consolidation of Loans Receivable Held By Investement Entities and Securitization Trusts 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 Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Restatement adjustment Restatement Adjustment [Member] Office leases Office Leases [Member] Office Leases [Member] Furniture, fixtures, equipment and capitalized software Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment and Capitalized Software [Member] Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment and Capitalized Software [Member] Aircraft Aircraft [Member] Aircraft [Member] Fixed assets useful life Lag period for recording proportionate share of income for equity method investments Equity Method Investments, Proportionate Share Of Income, Lag Period Equity Method Investments, Proportionate Share Of Income, Lag Period Allowance for bad debt Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Allowance for loan losses Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance Right-of-use liability Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Held-for-Sale Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Loans receivable at fair value Loans Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure Investments in unconsolidated ventures, fair value Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Other assets, fair value Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Accrued and other liabilities Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities Due to affiliates, fair value Due To Affiliate, Fair Value Due To Affiliate, Fair Value Assets held for sale fair value Assets Held-for-sale, Not Part of Disposal Group, Other 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 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 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) Total current tax expense Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 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 (expense) Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Series B Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Series D Series D Preferred Stock [Member] Series E Series E Preferred Stock [Member] Series G Series G Preferred Stock [Member] Series H Series H Preferred Stock [Member] Series I Series I Preferred Stock [Member] Series I Preferred Stock Series J Series J Preferred Stock [Member] Series J Preferred Stock [Member] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Dividend Rate Per Annum Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage Par Value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Value, Outstanding Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock, net Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] 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] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Accordion Feature Accordion Feature [Member] Accordion Feature [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] 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 Line of Credit Facility, Extension Commitment Fee Line of Credit Facility, Extension Commitment Fee Maximum amount available for draw Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Percentage of unused amount Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, by Property [Table] SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, by Property [Table] Industry Sector [Axis] Industry Sector [Axis] Industry Sector [Domain] Industry Sector [Domain] Name of Property [Axis] Name of Property [Axis] Name of Property [Domain] Name of Property [Domain] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United States UNITED STATES ALABAMA ALABAMA ARKANSAS ARKANSAS ARIZONA ARIZONA Phoenix Phoenix [Member] Phoenix [Member] California CALIFORNIA COLORADO COLORADO Denver Denver CO [Member] Represents information pertaining to Denver, CO. CONNECTICUT CONNECTICUT FLORIDA FLORIDA Jacksonville Jacksonville [Member] Jacksonville [Member] Orlando Orlando [Member] Orlando [Member] Tampa Tampa [Member] Tampa [Member] GEORGIA GEORGIA Atlanta Atlanta [Member] Atlanta [Member] HAWAII HAWAII IDAHO IDAHO IOWA IOWA ILLINOIS ILLINOIS Chicago Chicago [Member] Chicago [Member] INDIANA INDIANA KANSAS KANSAS KENTUCKY KENTUCKY LOUISIANA LOUISIANA MASSACHUSETTS MASSACHUSETTS MAINE MAINE MARYLAND MARYLAND Las Vegas Las Vegas [Member] Las Vegas [Member] MICHIGAN MICHIGAN MISSOURI MISSOURI Kansas City Kansas City [Member] Kansas City [Member] St Louis St Louis, MO [Member] St Louis, MO [Member] MINNESOTA MINNESOTA Minneapolis Minneapolis [Member] Minneapolis [Member] MISSISSIPPI MISSISSIPPI MONTANA MONTANA NEVADA NEVADA NEW HAMPSHIRE NEW HAMPSHIRE NEW JERSEY NEW JERSEY New Jersey, South / Philadelphia New Jersey, South Philadelphia [Member] New Jersey, South Philadelphia [Member] NEW MEXICO NEW MEXICO New York NEW YORK NEBRASKA NEBRASKA NORTH CAROLINA NORTH CAROLINA NORTH DAKOTA NORTH DAKOTA OHIO OHIO OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMA OREGON OREGON PENNSYLVANIA PENNSYLVANIA RHODE ISLAND RHODE ISLAND SOUTH CAROLINA SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE TENNESSEE TEXAS TEXAS Austin Austin, TX [Member] Represents information pertaining to Austin, TX Dallas Dallas [Member] Dallas [Member] Houston Houston [Member] Houston [Member] UTAH UTAH VIRGINIA VIRGINIA WASHINGTON WASHINGTON WISCONSIN WISCONSIN UNITED KINGDOM UNITED KINGDOM SPAIN SPAIN FRANCE FRANCE ITALY ITALY NORWAY NORWAY Maryland-BWI Maryland-BWI [Member] Maryland-BWI [Member] Salt Lake City Salt Lake City [Member] Salt Lake City [Member] Hospitals Hospitals [Member] Hospitals [Member] Assisted Living Facilities Assisted Living Facilities [Member] Assisted Living Facilities [Member] Medical Office Buildings Medical Office Buildings [Member] Medical Office Buildings [Member] Skilled Nursing Facilities Skilled Nursing Facilities [Member] Skilled Nursing Facilities [Member] Hotel Hotel [Member] 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] Industrial Industrial Property [Member] Leisure Leisure [Member] Leisure [Member] Multifamily Multifamily [Member] Office/Retail Office and Retail [Member] Office and Retail [Member] Office Office Building [Member] Retail Retail Site [Member] Residential Single Family [Member] Residential/Retail Residential and Retail [Member] Residential and Retail [Member] Mixed/Retail Mixed Use Property and Retail [Member] Mixed Use Property and Retail [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] Other Property Other Property [Member] Major Property Class [Axis] Major Property Class [Axis] Major Property Class [Domain] Major Property Class [Domain] Real Estate Held-for-Sale Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Buildings and improvements Building and Building Improvements [Member] SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Number of Units SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Number of Units Initial Cost SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost [Abstract] Encumbrances SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Amount of Encumbrances Land SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land Buildings and Improvements SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements Costs Capitalized SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition, Carrying Costs Gross Cost Basis at December 31, 2017 SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Gross [Abstract] Land SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land Buildings and Improvements SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements Total SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Gross Accumulated Depreciation Net Carrying Amount SEC Schedule III, Real Estate Investment Property, Net Real estate held for sale Real Estate tax basis SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Federal Income Tax Basis Useful life used for depreciation SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Life Used for Depreciation 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] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Healthcare Healthcare [Member] Healthcare [Member] Industrial Industrial [Member] Industrial [Member] Hospitality Hospitality [Member] Hospitality [Member] Other Equity and Debt Other Equity And Debt [Member] Other Equity And Debt [Member] Investment Management Investment Management [Member] Investment Management [Member] Europe Europe [Member] Other Other Geographical [Member] Other Geographical [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Total assets Assets Equity method investments, including fair value option investments Equity Method Investments, Including Fair Value Option Investments Equity Method Investments, Including Fair Value Option Investments Total income by geography Revenues Less Cost Reimbursement Income Revenues Less Cost Reimbursement Income Long-lived assets by geography Long-Lived Assets Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Compensation expense Compensation Expense [Member] Compensation Expense [Member] Management fee expense Management Fee Expense [Member] Management Fee 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, servicing and commission expense Investment, Servicing And Commission Expense [Member] Investment, Servicing And Commission Expense [Member] Share-based compensation expenses Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Federal tax benefit at statutory tax rate (35%) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent 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 Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Amount Excess inclusion income tax expense Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Excess Inclusion Income Tax Expense Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Excess Inclusion Income Tax Expense 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 Current excess inclusion income tax Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Receivables Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality [Axis] Receivables Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality [Axis] Receivables Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality [Domain] Receivables Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality [Domain] PCI Loans Receivables Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality [Member] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Loans and leases receivable, gross Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Table] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Table] Foreign exchange collars Foreign Exchange Collars [Member] Foreign exchange collars. Option Foreign Exchange Option [Member] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items] Notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Exchange rate floor Derivative, Exchange Rate Floor Exchange rate cap Derivative, Exchange Rate Cap Forward exchange rate Derivative, Forward Exchange Rate Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Industrial Investment management Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill Business combinations Goodwill, Acquired During Period Transfer to held for sale Goodwill, Transfers Disposition Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit Impairment Goodwill, Impairment Loss Goodwill 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] Business and Organization Nature of Operations [Text Block] Disclosure of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale Disclosure of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Table Text Block] Management Fee Income [Table] Management Fee Income [Table] Management Fee Income [Table] Private Funds Non Traded REIT Non Traded REIT [Member] Non Traded REIT Registered Investment Companies Registered Investment Companies [Member] Registered Investment Companies [Member] NRE NorthStar Realty Europe Corp. (NRE) [Member] NorthStar Realty Europe Corp. (NRE) [Member] Fee income Base Management Fees [Member] Base management fees. Asset management fees Asset Management Fees [Member] Represents information pertaining to the asset management fees. Selling Commissions or Dealer Manager Fees Selling Commissions Or Dealer Manager Fees [Member] Represents information pertaining to the selling commissions or dealer manager fees. Management Fee Income [Line Items] Management Fee Income [Line Items] [Line Items] for Management Fee Income [Table] Percent of limited partner net funded capital Management Fees Revenue, Percent Of Limited Partner Net Funded Capital Management Fees Revenue, Percent Of Limited Partner Net Funded Capital Percent of gross assets or equity Management Fee, Percent of Gross Assets Or Equity Management Fee, Percent of Gross Assets Or Equity Percent of net asset value Management Fee, Percent Of Net Asset Value Management Fee, Percent of Net Asset Value Percent of average net assets Management Fee, Percent of Average Net Assets Management Fee, Percent of Average Net Assets Percent increase per year Management Fees Revenue, Percent Increase Per Year Management Fees Revenue, Percent Increase Per Year 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 Management Fees Revenue, Percent Of Amount Funded Or Allocated To Originate Or Acquire Investment Percent of contractual sales price for disposition of investment 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 selling commissions Management Fees Revenue, Percent Of Selling Commissions Management Fees Revenue, Percent Of Selling Commissions Percent of dealer manager fees Management Fees Revenue, Percent Of Dealer Manager Fees Management Fees Revenue, Percent Of Dealer Manager Fees New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Resident fee income Resident Fee Income [Member] Resident Fee Income [Member] Hotel operating income Hotel Operating Income [Member] Hotel Operating Income [Member] Base management fees Incentive fees Incentive Fees [Member] Incentive Fees [Member] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Difference between revenue guidance in effect before and after Topic 606 Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] ASU 2014-09 Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Combination Agreement Combination Agreement [Member] Combination Agreement Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Parent Parent Company [Member] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Domain] Ownership [Domain] Colony Capital Operating Company, LLC Colony Capital Operating Company, LLC [Member] Colony Capital Operating Company, LLC [Member] 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 Ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, 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] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value Option Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] 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, Loans Held for Investment (other than Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans) Finance, Loan and Lease Receivables, Held-for-investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Loans Receivable, Interest Income Finance, Loan and Lease Receivables, Interest Income, Policy [Policy Text Block] Finance, Loan and Lease Receivables, Interest Income, Policy [Policy Text Block] Loans Receivable, Nonaccrual Loans and Leases Receivable, Nonaccrual Loan and Lease Status, Policy [Policy Text Block] Loans Receivable, Impairment and Allowance for Loan Losses Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance for Loan Losses Policy [Policy Text Block] Loans Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring Loans and Leases Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring Policy [Policy Text Block] Loans Receivable, Loans Held for Sale Finance, Loan and Lease Receivables, Held-for-sale, Policy [Policy Text Block] Loans Receivable, Purchased Credit-Impaired (PCI) Loans Finance, Loan and Lease Receivables, Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans, Policy [Policy Text Block] Finance, Loan and Lease Receivables, Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans, Policy [Policy Text Block] Loans Receivable, Acquisition, Development and Construction (ADC) Loan Arrangements Finance, Loan and Lease Receivables, Acquisition, Development and Construction Loans, Policy [Policy Text Block] Finance, Loan and Lease Receivables, Acquisition, Development and Construction Loans, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures Equity and Cost Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Securities Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Identifiable Intangibles Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts Receivable and Related Allowance Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [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, Financings, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Financing Costs Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property Operating Income Property Operating Income [Policy Text Block] Property Operating Income Fee Income Revenue Recognition, Services, Management Fees [Policy Text Block] Other Income Other Income [Policy Text Block] Other Income Compensation Compensation Related Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Equity-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassification Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Updates New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Other gain (loss), net Other Gain Loss Net [Member] Other Gain Loss Net [Member] Earnings from investments in unconsolidated ventures Earnings From Investments In Unconsolidated Ventures [Member] Earnings From Investments In Unconsolidated Ventures [Member] Gain on remeasurement of consolidated investment entities, net Gain On Remeasurement Of Consolidated Investment Entities, Net [Member] Gain On Remeasurement Of Consolidated Investment Entities, Net [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 Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] Other-than-temporary impairment Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment Attributable to Parent [Member] Unrealized gain on ineffective cash flow hedge Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [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] Realization of 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] Release of equity in AOCI of unconsolidated ventures AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Equity in net income Other gain (loss), net Assets and Related Liabilities Held For Sale Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Components of Real Estates 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] Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill, 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 Expected Annual Amortization Expenses 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] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Interest Rate Cap Interest Rate Cap [Member] Forward contracts Forward Contracts [Member] Foreign currency risk Foreign Currency Risk [Member] Foreign currency risk. Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Net Investment Hedging Net Investment Hedging [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Forward interest rate Derivative, Forward Interest Rate Derivative liabilities Increase in fair value of interest rate Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value of Interest Rate Fair Value Hedging Instruments Deposits related to agreements included in other assets Deposits Assets Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures 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 Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Colony Colony [Member] Colony [Member] Class A common stock Preferred stock Common stock, conversion ratio Common Stock, Conversion Ratio Common Stock, Conversion Ratio Ownership interest acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Available-for-sale Securities Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Realized gains recorded in other gain, net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] AFS securities in a gross unrealized loss position Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Purchased credit-impaired debt securities Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Table Text Block] Rent expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [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] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Loans receivable, net Loans Receivable, Net Securities Other Investments Real estate, net Real Estate Investments, Excluding Real Estate Held-for-sale Real Estate Investments, Excluding Real Estate Held-for-sale Other assets Total assets Debt, net Long-term Debt Other liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities 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 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 Equity Interest Type [Axis] Equity Interest Type [Axis] Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Type [Domain] Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Type [Domain] Equity issued Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable Estimated fair value of contingent consideration Other assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets Notes payable Deferred tax liability Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Management fees to former manager Reimbursement to former manager of costs incurred Administrative Fees Expense Number of entities consolidated upon management internalization Number of Businesses Acquired Increase in assets upon consolidation of investment entities Increase in Assets Upon Consolidation of Investment Entities Increase in Assets Upon Consolidation of Investment Entities Increase in liabilities upon consolidation of investment entities Increase in Liabilities Upon Consolidation of Investment Entities Increase in Liabilities Upon Consolidation of Investment Entities Increase in noncontrolling interests upon consolidation of investment entities Increase in Noncontrolling Interests Upon Consolidation of Investment Entities Increase in Noncontrolling Interests Upon Consolidation of Investment Entities Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Investment entities Operating Company Net income (loss) Other comprehensive income from 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. Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation gain (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Change in fair value of net investment hedges Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Foreign Investment Hedges, 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. Net foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive income 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 income (loss) attributable to stockholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Goodwill, Deferred Leasing Costs and Other Intangibles Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] 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] Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Partner Type [Axis] Partner Type [Axis] Partner Type of Partners' Capital Account, Name [Domain] Partner Type of Partners' Capital Account, Name [Domain] Limited Partner Limited Partner [Member] Starwood Waypoint Homes Colony Starwood Homes [Member] Colony Starwood Homes [Member] Colony American Finance Colony American Finance, LLC (“CAF”) [Member] Colony American Finance, LLC (“CAF”) [Member] RXR Realty RXR Realty [Member] RXR Realty [Member] Preferred equity Preferred Equity Investment [Member] Preferred Equity Investment [Member] ADC investments ADC Investments [Member] ADC Investments [Member] Individual other investment venture Individual Other Investment Venture [Member] Individual Other Investment Venture [Member] Ownership Interest Equity method investments (less than for 17 individual other investments) Number of equity method investments Number of Equity Method Investments Number of Equity Method Investments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] AOCI - Stockholders Company's Share in AOCI of Equity Method Investments AOCI In Equity Method Investments [Member] AOCI In Equity Method Investments [Member] Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities Attributable to Parent Gain/(Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent Foreign Currency Translation Gain/(Loss) Attributable to Parent Gain/(Loss) on Net Investment Hedges Attributable to Parent 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 Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to 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] 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 Schedule of Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] 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] Fixed Rate Residential Mortgage Fixed Rate Commercial Mortgage [Member] Fixed Rate Commercial Mortgage [Member] Adjustable Rate Residential Mortgage Adjustable Rate Commercial Mortgage [Member] Adjustable Rate Commercial Mortgage [Member] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Mortgage loans Mortgage Receivable [Member] Securitized loans Securitized Mortgage Loans [Member] Securitized Mortgage Loans [Member] Mezzanine loans Mezzanine Loans [Member] Represents information pertaining to mezzanine loans. Corporate loans Corporate Loans [Member] Corporate Loans [Member] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] Unpaid Principal Balance Principal Amount Outstanding of Loans Held-in-portfolio Carrying Value Loans and Leases Receivable, Net of Deferred Income Allowance for loan losses Loans receivable, net Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount Performing loans, weighted average coupon Weighted Average Coupon Rate Of Performing Loans Weighted average coupon rate of performing loans. Performing loans, weighted average maturity in years Performing Loans Weighted Average Maturity In Years Performing loans weighted average maturity in years. Land Land Buildings and improvements Investment Building and Building Improvements Tenant improvements Tenant Improvements 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 at cost Real Estate Investment Property, at Cost Less: Accumulated depreciation Real Estate Investment Property, Accumulated Depreciation Real estate assets, net Real Estate Investment Property, Net Stock repurchase, authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Stock repurchase, period for repurchase Stock Repurchase Program, Period For Repurchase Stock Repurchase Program, Period For Repurchase Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, incomplete accounting, change in tax rate, provisional income tax expense (benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change in Tax Rate, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change in Tax Rate, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred tax liabilities assumed Deferred taxes, business combination, valuation allowance Deferred Taxes, Business Combination, Valuation Allowance Deferred Taxes, Business Combination, Valuation Allowance 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 Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, 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 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] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Schedule [Table] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Schedule [Table] Various, USA Texas Virginia IRELAND / FRANCE Ireland / France [Member] Ireland / France [Member] IRELAND IRELAND GERMANY GERMANY GREECE GREECE MEXICO MEXICO BAHAMAS BAHAMAS Residential Residential Real Estate [Member] Multifamily Apartment Building [Member] Hospitality Land Land [Member] Other Other Other Property 2 [Member] Other Property 2 [Member] Corporate Corporate Property [Member] Corporate Property [Member] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Description, Loan Category [Axis] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Description, Loan Category [Axis] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Category [Domain] 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] Loans at fair value Loans at Fair Value [Member] Loans at Fair Value [Member] Loans held for investment, net Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items] Number of Loans Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Number of Loans Interest Rate Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Interest Rate Prior Liens Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Prior Liens Unpaid Principal Balance Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Face Amount of Mortgages Carrying Amount Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages Principal Amount Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Delinquent Principal or Interest, Acquired from Affiliates Threshold for aggregation (less than) Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Threshold for Aggregation Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Threshold for Aggregation Aggregate cost basis of loans for federal income tax purposes Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Federal Income Tax Basis Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Trust Trust [Member] Trust [Member] Consolidated open-end fund Consolidated open-end fund [Member] Consolidated open-end fund [Member] Company Sponsored Funds Company Sponsored Funds [Member] Company Sponsored Funds [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entity, Unconsolidated [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Unconsolidated [Member] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Number of securitization vehicles Number Of Securitization Vehicles Number Of Securitization Vehicles Exposure to the obligations of the investment entities Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount 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] Offsetting derivative assets Offsetting Assets [Table Text Block] Offsetting derivative liabilities Offsetting Liabilities [Table Text Block] Position [Axis] Position [Axis] Position [Domain] Position [Domain] Short Short [Member] Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Type [Axis] Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Type [Axis] Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Type [Domain] Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Type [Domain] Call Spread Call Option [Member] Exchange ratio Redemption amount per share (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share Minimum period of dividend defaults providing preferred stockholders to voting rights (six or more) Minimum Period Of Dividend Defaults Providing Preferred Stockholders To Voting Rights Minimum period of dividend defaults providing preferred stockholders to voting rights. Number of directors vote entitles Number Of Directors Vote Entitles Number of Directors vote entitles. 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 Voting rights per share of common stock Voting Rights Attributable to Each Share Number of vote per share. Common stock conversion ratio for Class A to Class B / OP Units Dividends paid (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid 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 Class A common stock acquired under the DRIP Plan Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Dividend Reinvestment Plan Notional amount Derivative Asset, Notional Amount Settlement Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Settlement Alternatives, Cash, at Fair Value Cash pledged as collateral, released Cash Pledged As Collateral, Release Cash Pledged As Collateral, Release Total Investment in Real Estate Assets, at Gross Cost Basis SEC Schedule III, Reconciliation of Carrying Amount of Real Estate Investments [Roll Forward] Balance at January 1 Assumed through the Merger SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Acquisitions Through Mergers SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Acquisitions Through Mergers Assumed through foreclosures or restructuring of mortgage loans SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Acquisitions Through Foreclosures Acquisitions SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Other Acquisitions Improvements and capitalized costs SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Improvements Consolidation of real estate held by investment entities (Note 3) SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Gross, Consolidation by Investment Entities SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Gross, Consolidation by Investment Entities 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 III, Real Estate, Cost of Real Estate Sold Impairment SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Write-down or Reserve, Amount Measurement period adjustments for real estate acquired in business combination SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Increase (Decrease) Effect Of Foreign Exchange Rate SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Increase (Decrease) Effect Of Foreign Exchange Rate Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Gross, Effect of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates SEC Schedule III, 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 Balance at December 31, before reclassification to held for sale SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Held for Investment SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Held for Investment Other Assets [Abstract] Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset by Major Class [Table] Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset by Major Class [Table] In-place lease values Leases, Acquired-in-Place [Member] Above-market lease values Above Market Leases [Member] Below-market ground lease obligations Below-market Ground Lease [Member] Below-market Ground Lease [Member] Investment management contracts Contract-Based Intangible Assets [Member] Franchise agreements Franchise Agreements [Member] Franchise Agreements Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Fee earnings multiple Discounted Cash Flows Projection, Fee Earnings Multiple Discounted Cash Flows Projection, Fee Earnings Multiple Incentive fee multiple Discounted Cash Flows Projection, Incentive Fee Multiple Discounted Cash Flows Projection, Incentive Fee Multiple Discount rate Discounted Cash Flows Projection, Discount Rate Discounted Cash Flows Projection, Discount Rate 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] Below-market lease values, carrying amount Below Market Lease, Gross Below-market lease values, accumulated amortization Below Market Lease, Accumulated Amortization Above-market ground lease obligations, carrying amount Above-Market Ground Lease Obligations, Gross Above-Market Ground Lease Obligations, Gross Above-market ground lease obligations, accumulated amortization Above-Market Ground Lease Obligations, Accumulated Amortization Above-Market Ground Lease Obligations, Accumulated Amortization Above-market ground lease obligations Above-Market Ground Lease Obligations, Net Above-Market Ground Lease Obligations, Net Intangible liabilities, carrying amount Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Gross Intangible liabilities, accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Accumulated Amortization Total intangible liabilities Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Net 1 Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Net 1 Useful life of finite-lived intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Securities Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Balance Sheet [Abstract] Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Balance Sheet [Abstract] Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Balance Sheet [Abstract] 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 Excluding Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling interests Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncontrolling Interest Income Statement [Abstract] Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Abstract] 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 Interests Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests 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 Business Combinations Business Combinations [Member] Business Combinations [Member] Asset Acquisitions Asset Acquisitions [Member] Asset Acquisitions [Member] 2017 Real Estate Acquisitions 2017 Real Estate Acquisitions [Member] 2017 Real Estate Acquisitions [Member] Building Site Improvements Site Improvements [Member] Site Improvements [Member] Building Improvements Building Improvements [Member] Light Industrial Platform Light Industrial Platform [Member] Light Industrial Platform [Member] CALIFORNIA Number of Buildings Number of Real Estate Properties Land and Improvements 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 Ownership interest syndicated Discontinued Operation, Ownership Interest Syndicated Discontinued Operation, Ownership Interest Syndicated Loans Receivable Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Interest Rate Swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] Basis Swap Basis Swap [Member] Deliverable swap futures Deliverable Swap Futures [Member] Deliverable Swap Futures [Member] Three-Month LIBOR Three-Month LIBOR [Member] Three-Month LIBOR [Member] One-Month LIBOR One-Month LIBOR [Member] One-Month LIBOR [Member] Three-Month Euribor Three-Month Euribor [Member] Three-Month Euribor [Member] Three-Month GBP LIBOR Three-Month GBP LIBOR [Member] Three-Month GBP LIBOR [Member] Cash Flow Hedging Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Notional amount Forward rate Strike rate Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Cash flow hedge ineffectiveness Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Derivatives Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Series A Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Dividend rate per annum, preferred stock Preferred stock redemptions payable Preferred Stock, Redemption Amount Liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share Above-market lease values Amortization of above and below Market Leases Below-market lease values Amortization of Below Market Lease Net increase (decrease) to rental income Net Increase (Decrease) to Rental Income Net Increase (Decrease) to Rental Income Above-market ground lease obligations Amortization of Above-Market Ground Lease Obligations Amortization of Above-Market Ground Lease Obligations Below-market ground lease obligations Amortization Of Below Market Ground Lease Obligations Amortization Of Below Market Ground Lease Obligations Net increase 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 Assets Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Loans receivable, net ($45,423 and $0 at fair value, respectively) Investments in unconsolidated ventures ($363,901 and $0 at fair value, respectively) Securities, at fair value Deferred leasing costs and intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Assets held for sale ($49,498 and $67,033 at fair value, respectively) Assets Held-for-sale, Not Part of Disposal Group Other assets ($10,150 and $36,101 at fair value, respectively) Due from affiliates Due from Affiliates Liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] Debt, net ($44,542 and $0 at fair value, respectively) Accrued and other liabilities ($212,267 and $5,448 at fair value, respectively) 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 Commitments and contingencies (Note 23) 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; $1,636,605 and $625,750 liquidation preference, respectively; 250,000 and 50,000 shares authorized, respectively; 65,464 and 25,030 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 Distributions in excess of earnings Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 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 Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity Liabilities and Equity Rental income Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue Tenant reimbursements Tenant Reimbursements Resident fee income Resident Fee Income Resident Fee Income Hotel operating income Revenue from Hotels Property operating income 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] Operating Partnership Unit Operating Partnership Unit [Member] Operating Partnership Unit [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] 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 Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Net income (loss) allocated to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Income (loss) from continuing operations Net income (loss) from discontinued operations after tax Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests: Redeemable noncontrolling interests Investment entities Operating Company Preferred stock redemption Preferred Stock Redemption Preferred Stock Redemption Preferred dividends Net income allocated to participating securities Participating Securities, Distributed and Undistributed Earnings (Loss), Basic Net income (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 income (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 earnings 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 earnings 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) REIT Securities Venture REIT Securities Venture [Member] REIT Securities Venture [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) Number of shares issued or issuable in a combination (in shares) Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares Shares canceled (in shares) Business Acquisition, Shares Canceled Business Acquisition, Shares Canceled Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock, Class A issued Conversion of Stock, Shares Issued Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock, Class B converted Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted Repurchase of stock (in shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Converted instrument, shares issued (in shares) Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Shares Issued Reissuance of preferred stock (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other Share-based compensation, net of forfeitures (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Redemption of restricted stock units 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 Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Repurchase of preferred stock Bonds Bonds [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Gains Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Losses Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Principal amount eliminated in consolidation Principal Amount Eliminated In Consolidation Principal Amount Eliminated In Consolidation Investment owned, balance, principal amount Investment Owned, Balance, Principal Amount Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Convertible and Exchangeable Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Junior Subordinated Notes Junior Subordinated Debt [Member] 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] 7.25% Exchangeable Notes Senior Notes, 7.25 Percent Due June 2027 [Member] Represents information pertaining to 7.25 percent notes, due June 2027. 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. Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Conversion or Exchange Price (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 Convertible Debt Redemption price, percentage of principal amount Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Threshold percentage of stock price trigger 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 Repurchased face amount Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount Repurchase amount Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount Converted instrument, amount Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Amount Original debt, interest rate Debt Conversion, Original Debt, Interest Rate of Debt 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 Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Summary of Related Party Disclosures Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Retail Companies Other Other Affiliates [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Percentage of average invested assets reimbursable as operating costs 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 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 asset management fees Related Party Transaction, Expected Reimbursable Direct And Indirect Operating Costs, Percent Of Asset Management Fees Related Party Transaction, Expected Reimbursable Direct And Indirect Operating Costs, Percent Of Asset Management Fees Percent of combined general and administrative costs 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 Cost reimbursements Reimbursement Revenue Reimbursement percent for organization and offering costs 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. Redeemable noncontrolling interests Redeemable noncontrolling interests [Member] Redeemable noncontrolling interests [Member] Investment Vehicles Investment Vehicles [Member] Investment Vehicles NorthStar Healthcare NorthStar Healthcare [Member] NorthStar Healthcare [Member] Healthcare Strategic Partnership Healthcare Strategic Partnership [Member] Healthcare Strategic Partnership [Member] Management and Advisory Fees Management and Advisory Fees [Member] Management and Advisory Fees [Member] Distribution Support Agreement Distribution Support Agreement [Member] Represents activity pursuant the distribution support agreement with the sponsor. The activity includes the shares issued to satisfy the minimum offering requirement and excludes equity proceeds from the initial capitalization. Corporate Aircraft Use Reimbursement Corporate Aircraft Use Reimbursement [Member] Corporate Aircraft Use Reimbursement Extension option, term Debt Instrument, Term, Extension Option Debt Instrument, Term, Extension Option Unused borrowing capacity, fee Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Fee Outstanding advances Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding 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 Commitment to invest as distribution support Related Party Transaction, Commitment to Invest as Distribution Support Related Party Transaction, Commitment to Invest as Distribution Support Investments Investments 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] Colony NorthStar Colony NorthStar, Inc. [Member] Colony NorthStar, Inc. [Member] NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. [Member] NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. [Member] Series A 8.75% Series B 8.25% Series C 8.875% Series C Preferred Stock [Member] Series D 8.50% Series E 8.75% Investment Issuer [Axis] Investment Issuer [Axis] Investment Issuer [Domain] Investment Issuer [Domain] Equity issued as part of merger consideration (in shares) Fair value of stock issued 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 Number of Shares Outstanding (in shares) Price Per Share (in dollars per share) Share Price 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 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] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income 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 purchased and originated loans 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. Accretion in excess of cash receipts on purchased credit-impaired loan Accretion in Excess of Cash Receipts on Purchased Credit Impaired Loan Accretion in Excess of Cash Receipts on Purchased Credit Impaired Loan Paid-in-kind interest added to loan principal, net of interest received Paid In Kind Interest Added To Loan Principal 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 deferred financing costs and debt discount and premium Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs Earnings from investments in unconsolidated ventures Distributions of income from equity method investments Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution Impairment of real estate and management contract intangibles Impairment of Real Estate Goodwill impairment Equity-based compensation Share-based Compensation Net gain on remeasurement of net assets of consolidated investment entities Gain (Loss) On Remeasurement Of Net Assets Of Consolidated Investment Entities, Net Gain (Loss) On Remeasurement Of Net Assets Of Consolidated Investment Entities, Net Change in fair value of contingent consideration—Internalization 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 Foreign currency loss recognized on repayment of loans receivable Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) Recognized on Repayment of Loans Receivable The noncash impact of the amount before tax of foreign currency transaction realized and unrealized gain (loss) recognized during the period. Other loss, net Other Noncash Income (Expense) (Increase) decrease in other assets, operating restricted cash 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, Continuing Operations Cash Flows from Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Contributions to investments in unconsolidated ventures Payments to Acquire Interest in Joint Venture Return of capital from investments in unconsolidated ventures Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital Acquisition of loans receivable and securities Payments to Acquire Loans Held-for-investment Payment of Merger-related liabilities, net of cash acquired (Note 3) Dividends Paid Related To Merger Dividends Paid Related To Merger 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 securities Proceeds from Sale of Loans Receivable 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 Proceeds from sales of real estate, net of debt assumed by buyers Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate Held-for-investment Proceeds from paydown and maturity of securities Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from sale of investments in unconsolidated venture Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses and Interests in Affiliates Proceeds from syndication of investment, net of cash deconsolidated (Note 4) 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 16) Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested Internalization of manager, net of cash acquired Payments To Internalize Manager, Net Of Cash Acquired Payments To Internalize Manager, Net Of Cash Acquired Acquisition of CPI, net of cash acquired (Note 3) Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Acquisition of THL Hotel Portfolio, net of cash acquired (Note 3) Payments to Acquire Business Two, Net of Cash Acquired Investment deposits Payments for Deposits Increase in restricted cash related to investing activities Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Net (payments) receipts on settlement of derivative instruments Payments for (Proceeds from) Derivative Instrument, Investing Activities 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, Continuing Operations 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 Settlement of call spread option 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 Distributions to and redemptions of noncontrolling interests Proceeds from (Repayments of) Restricted Cash, Financing Activities 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 Reissuance of preferred stock to an equity method investee Proceeds from Reissuance of Preferred Stock to An Equity Method Investee Proceeds from Reissuance of Preferred Stock to An Equity Method Investee Redemption of OP Units for cash Payments For Redemption Of Units Payments For Redemption Of Units Acquisition of noncontrolling interests Payments to Noncontrolling Interests 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 provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Cash held by investment entities consolidated Cash Held By Investment Entities Cash Held By Investment Entities Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Total cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents included in assets held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Base management fees ($165,436, $63,212 and $60,750 from affiliates, respectively) Management Fees, Base Revenue Asset management fees—from affiliates Management Fees, Asset Revenue Management Fees, Asset Revenue Incentive fees ($172, $0 and $0 from affiliates, respectively) Management Fees, Incentive Revenue Other fee income Selling, Commission And Dealer Manager Fees Selling, Commission And Dealer Manager Fees Fee income 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] Transactions with Affiliates Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Equity-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Real Estate Real Estate Disclosure [Text Block] Deferred Stock Units [Member] Deferred Stock Units [Member] Deferred Stock Units [Member] 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 Awards assumed through the Merger (shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Assumed In Period Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Assumed In Period Granted (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period 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 Awards assumed through the Merger (USD per share) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Assumed In Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Assumed 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) 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] Share price (in dollars per share) 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 assumed Management agreement, off-market component, value Management agreement, discount rate 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 Weighted average discount rate Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Business Combinations Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Convertible Senior Notes Issued Convertible Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Principal Payments Due Under Financing Agreements Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Table Text Block] 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] Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward] Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward] Allowance for loan losses Provision for loan losses Provision for Loan Losses Provision for Loan Losses Charge-off Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Write-offs Allowance for loan losses Provision for loan losses, reversal Provision For Loan Losses, Reversal Provision For Loan Losses, Reversal Other commitments Convertible senior notes Convertible Debt [Member] Secured and Unsecured Debt Secured and Unsecured Debt [Member] Secured and Unsecured Debt [Member] Assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Loans at amortized cost Liabilities Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Line of credit Lines of Credit, Fair Value Disclosure Recourse Recourse Debt [Member] Recourse Debt [Member] Non-recourse Non-Recourse [Member] Non-Recourse [Member] Credit Facilities 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] Other Real Estate Equity Other Real Estate Equity Investments [Member] Other Real Estate Equity Investments Real Estate Debt Real Estate Debt Investments [Member] Real estate debt investments. Healthcare And Hospitality Healthcare And Hospitality [Member] Healthcare And Hospitality [Member] Principal Long-term Debt, Gross Weighted Average Interest Rate (Per Annum) Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Weighted Average Years Remaining to Maturity Debt Instrument, Term Number of secured promissory notes Debt Instrument, Number Of Secured Promissory Notes Debt Instrument, Number Of Secured Promissory Notes Outstanding principal not in compliance with certain covenants Long Term Debt, Covenant Compliance, Not In Compliance Long Term Debt, Covenant Compliance, Not In Compliance Outstanding principal in payment default Debt Instrument, Debt Default, Amount NorthStar RXR NY Metro NorthStar RXR NY Metro [Member] NorthStar RXR NY Metro [Member] RIDEA Properties RIDEA Properties [Member] RIDEA Properties [Member] European Portfolio European Portfolio [Member] European Portfolio [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 Nonrecurring Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] Assets, nonrecurring Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring Impairment loss Asset Impairment Charges Selling costs Fair Value Inputs, Selling Costs, Percent of Fair Value Fair Value Inputs, Selling Costs, Percent of Fair Value Terminal capitalization rate Fair Value Inputs, Terminal Capitalization Rate Fair Value Inputs, Terminal Capitalization Rate Number of properties sold Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Number of Facilities Sold Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Number of Facilities Sold Noncancelable operating ground leases assumed in connection with business combinations Noncancelable Operating Ground Leases Assumed in Connection with Business Combinations [Member] Noncancelable Operating Ground Leases Assumed in Connection with Business Combinations [Member] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Guarantee of franchise obligations Financial Guarantee [Member] Catastrophic Event [Axis] Catastrophic Event [Axis] Catastrophic Event [Domain] Catastrophic Event [Domain] Hurricanes Hurricane [Member] Three buildings in Florida Three Buildings in Florida [Member] Three Buildings in Florida [Member] Deposit paid Purchase Commitment, Deposit Paid Purchase Commitment, Deposit Paid Remaining minimum amount committed Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed Estimate of possible loss Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Rent expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense Number of properties sustaining physical damage, expected to reopen Number Of Properties Sustaining Physical Damage, Expected To Reopen Number Of Properties Sustaining Physical Damage, Expected To Reopen Number of properties sustaining physical damage Number Of Properties Sustaining Physical Damage Number Of Properties Sustaining Physical Damage Loss from hurricanes Loss from Catastrophes Proceeds from sale Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains (Losses), Sale Proceeds Gross realized gain (including $0.4 million of unrealized gains transferred from AOCI) Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss) Realized gain, net Gain (Loss) on Sale of Equity Investments Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gain Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain Tenant security deposits 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 Current and deferred income tax liability Current and Deferred Tax Liabilities Current and Deferred Tax Liabilities Accrued compensation Accrued Salaries Accrued real estate and other taxes Accrued Real Estate And Other Taxes Accrued Real Estate And Other Taxes Other accrued expenses Other Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable and other liabilities Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities Total Consolidation of sponsored fund Proceeds from sale of interest, 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] Balance at December 31, 2016 Assumed through Contributions Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance Distributions Net income Redemption Currency translation adjustment and other Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Balance at December 31, 2017 Document and Entity Information -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date 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 Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Total revenues Property operating expenses Cost of Other Property Operating Expense Interest expense Income tax benefit (expense) Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Proceeds from sales of real estate Gain on sale of real estate Company Loans Receivable Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Summary of Past Due Loans Past Due Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Schedule of Troubled Debt Restructuring Troubled Debt Restructurings on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] 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 Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Pro Forma Pro Forma [Member] NorthStar Income I Stockholders NorthStar Income I Stockholders [Member] NorthStar Income I [Member] NorthStar Income II Stockholders NorthStar Income II Stockholders [Member] NorthStar Income II Stockholders [Member] Commercial Real Estate Credit REIT (Combination) Commercial Real Estate Credit REIT (Combination) [Member] Commercial Real Estate Credit REIT (Combination) Common Class B-3 Common Class B-3 [Member] Common Class B-3 [Member] Common Membership Units Common Membership Units [Member] Common Membership Units [Member] Conversion of stock, conversion ratio Stockholders' Equity Note, Conversion Of Stock, Conversion Ratio Stockholders' Equity Note, Conversion Of Stock, Conversion Ratio Transfer of stock to non affiliates limitation period Business Combination, Transfer Of Stock To Non Affiliates Limitation Period Business Combination, Transfer Of Stock To Non Affiliates Limitation Period Base management fee Management Fee, Base Management Fee Management Fee, Base Management Fee Management agreement, initial term Management Agreement, Initial Term Management Agreement, Initial Term Management agreement, renewal term Management Agreement, Renewal Term Management Agreement, Renewal Term Assets Liabilities Noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest in Variable Interest Entity Write off of intangible asset Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived Earnings Per Share Reconciliation Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Components of Share-Based Compensation Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Nonvested Shares Under Director Stock Plan and Equity Incentive Plan Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block] Deferred financing costs Debt Issuance Costs, Net Qualifying conditions for extension of maturity, amount Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance, Qualifying Conditions For Extension Of Maturity, Amount Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance, Qualifying Conditions For Extension Of Maturity, Amount Future scheduled minimum principal payments Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Remaining 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five 2023 and thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Total Estimated Principal Payments Long-term Debt, Estimated Principal Payments [Abstract] Long-term Debt, Estimated Principal Payments [Abstract] 2018 Long-term Debt, Estimated Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year Long-term Debt, Estimated Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2018 Long-term Debt, Estimated Repayments of Principal in Year Two Long-term Debt, Estimated Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2019 Long-term Debt, Estimated Repayments of Principal in Year Three Long-term Debt, Estimated Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2020 Long-term Debt, Estimated Repayments of Principal in Year Four Long-term Debt, Estimated Repayments of Principal in Year Four Estimated Principal Payments Long-term Debt, Estimated Principal Payments Long-term Debt, Estimated Principal Payments 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] Fee Income Fee Income [Text Block] Fee Income Real Estate [Table] Real Estate [Table] Real Estate Real Estate [Member] Real Estate [Line Items] Real Estate [Line Items] Depreciation Depreciation Cost reimbursements and recoverable expenses Recoverable Expenses [Member] Recoverable Expenses [Member] N-Star CDOs Employees and other affiliates Due from Employees and Other Affiliated Entities [Member] Due from Employees and Other Affiliated Entities [Member] Investment vehicles and unconsolidated ventures Due to affiliates Unpaid Principal Balance Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance With Allowance for Loan Losses Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Recorded Investment Without Allowance for Loan Losses Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment Total Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment Allowance for Loan Losses Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance 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 Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operations Amended And Restated NRE Management Agreement Amended And Restated NRE Management Agreement [Member] Amended And Restated NRE Management Agreement [Member] Co-Investment Partner Co-Investment Partner [Member] Co-Investment Partner [Member] Third Party Sponsored Funds Third Party Sponsored Funds [Member] Third Party Sponsored Funds [Member] Number of shares issued Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Proceeds from share issuance Sale of Stock, Consideration Received on Transaction Gain in earnings of investments in unconsolidated ventures Gain (Loss) on Sale of Previously Unissued Stock by Subsidiary or Equity Investee, Nonoperating Income Equity method investments, shares acquired Equity Method Investments, Shares Acquired Equity Method Investments, Shares Acquired Maximum stock purchase eligibility, percent Management Incentive Fees Revenue, Ownership Waiver, Maximum Stock Purchase Eligibility, Percent Management Incentive Fees Revenue, Ownership Waiver, Maximum Stock Purchase Eligibility, Percent Shares owned in excess of threshold, threshold percent Management Incentive Fees Revenue, Shares Owned In Excess Of Threshold, Threshold Percent Management Incentive Fees Revenue, Shares Owned In Excess Of Threshold, Threshold Percent Equity method investment, shares Payments to acquire businesses and interest in affiliates Payments to Acquire Businesses and Interest in Affiliates Proceeds from dividends received Proceeds from Dividends Received Lending commitments Lending Commitments, Amount Lending Commitments, Amount Unfunded lending commitment Unfunded Lending Commitment Unfunded Lending Commitment Long-term purchase commitment, amount Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount Maximum number of new companies to have distribution support Related Party Transaction, Commitment to Invest as Distribution Support, Maximum Number Of New Companies Related Party Transaction, Commitment to Invest as Distribution Support, Maximum Number Of New Companies Discontinued Operations Assets Held For Sale Assets of Properties Held for Sale [Member] Assets of Properties Held for Sale [Member] Premium (discount), net Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net Deferred financing costs Debt, net Schedule IV - Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, by Loan Disclosure [Text Block]