Colony Capital 10-Q 11 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	7-May-15
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Colony Capital, Inc.
Trading Symbol	CLNY
Entity Central Index Key	1467076
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Common Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		111,700,970
Common Class B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		563,987

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash	$64,296	$141,936
Loans held for investment, net ($785,708 and $807,761 related to consolidated VIEs, respectively)	2,146,897	2,131,134
Real estate assets, net:
Held for investment	1,814,783	1,643,997
Held for sale	16,163	0
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	1,755,344	1,646,977
Intangible assets, net	143,523	126,060
Other assets ($48,584 and $50,074 related to consolidated VIEs, respectively)	222,887	181,744
Total assets	6,163,893	5,871,848
Liabilities:
Line of credit	398,400	164,000
Debt ($522,049 and $537,268 related to consolidated VIEs, respectively)	2,053,525	1,979,665
Accrued and other liabilities ($38,318 and $38,443 related to consolidated VIEs, respectively)	161,177	128,119
Due to affiliates	10,428	12,236
Dividends payable	47,770	47,537
Convertible senior notes	604,424	604,498
Total liabilities	3,275,724	2,936,055
Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 450,000 shares authorized, 110,266 and 109,634 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	1,103	1,096
Additional paid-in capital	2,518,722	2,512,743
Distributions in excess of earnings	-105,244	-68,003
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-46,370	-28,491
Total stockholders’ equity	2,368,346	2,417,480
Noncontrolling interests	519,823	518,313
Total equity	2,888,169	2,935,793
Total liabilities and equity	6,163,893	5,871,848
Series A Preferred Stock
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, 50,000 shares authorized	101	101
Series B Preferred Stock
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, 50,000 shares authorized	$34	$34

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Loans held for investment, net ($785,708 and $807,761 related to consolidated VIEs, respectively)	$2,146,897	$2,131,134
Other assets ($48,584 and $50,074 related to consolidated VIEs, respectively)	222,887	181,744
Debt ($522,049 and $537,268 related to consolidated VIEs, respectively)	2,053,525	1,979,665
Accrued and other liabilities ($38,318 and $38,443 related to consolidated VIEs, respectively)	161,177	128,119
Common stock, par value (in dollars per shares)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	450,000,000	450,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	110,266,000	109,634,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	110,266,000	109,634,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Series A Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, dividend percentage	8.50%	8.50%
Preferred stock, liquidation preference	252,000	252,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	10,080,000	10,080,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	10,080,000	10,080,000
Series B Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, dividend percentage	7.50%	7.50%
Preferred stock, liquidation preference	86,250	86,250
Preferred stock, shares issued	3,450,000	3,450,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	3,450,000	3,450,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Loans held for investment, net ($785,708 and $807,761 related to consolidated VIEs, respectively)	785,708	807,761
Other assets ($48,584 and $50,074 related to consolidated VIEs, respectively)	48,584	50,074
Debt ($522,049 and $537,268 related to consolidated VIEs, respectively)	522,049	537,268
Accrued and other liabilities ($38,318 and $38,443 related to consolidated VIEs, respectively)	$38,318	$38,443

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Income
Interest income	$46,137		$33,102
Rental income and tenant reimbursements	43,793		3,241
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	26,349		22,639
Other income (including $46 and $225 from affiliates, respectively)	333		225
Total income	116,612		59,207
Expenses
Management fees (including $5,897 and $4,071 of share-based compensation, respectively)	14,961		10,713
Investment and servicing expenses (including $366 and $746 reimbursable to affiliates, respectively)	2,617		1,261
Transaction costs	14,190		4,550
Interest expense	26,593		8,949
Property operating expenses	14,011		848
Depreciation and amortization	22,308		1,252
Administrative expenses (including $2,372 and $991 reimbursable to affiliates, respectively)	4,781		2,519
Total expenses	99,461		30,092
Other (loss) gain, net	-286		980
Income before income taxes	16,865		30,095
Income tax expense	650	[1]	245
Net income	16,215		29,850
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	5,686		8,120
Net income attributable to Colony Capital, Inc.	10,529		21,730
Preferred dividends	6,972		5,355
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$3,557		$16,375
Net income per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.03		$0.20
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.03		$0.20
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	109,415		80,952
Diluted (in shares)	109,415		80,952
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.37		$0.35
[1]	Beginning in 2015, income tax (benefit) expense related to specific investments within each segment is allocated to the respective segments. Income tax expense was previously immaterial.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Other income (including $46 and $225 from affiliates, respectively)	$46	$225
Management fees (including $5,897 and $4,071 of share-based compensation, respectively)	5,986	4,160
Investment and servicing expenses (including $366 and $746 reimbursable to affiliates, respectively)	366	746
Administrative expenses (including $2,372 and $991 reimbursable to affiliates, respectively)	2,372	991
Management Fees
Management fees (including $5,897 and $4,071 of share-based compensation, respectively)	$5,897	$4,071

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$16,215	$29,850
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Equity in other comprehensive loss of unconsolidated joint ventures, net	-451	-3,621
Unrealized loss on beneficial interests in debt securities	0	-27
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges	-270	5
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Foreign currency translation adjustment (loss) gain	-51,331	264
Change in fair value of net investment hedges	30,583	328
Net foreign currency translation adjustments	-20,748	592
Other comprehensive loss	-21,469	-3,051
Comprehensive (loss) income	-5,254	26,799
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,096	8,184
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to stockholders	($7,350)	$18,615

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (Unaudited) (USD $)	Total	Total Stockholders’ Equity	Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Distributions in Excess of Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Noncontrolling Interests	Common Stock	Common Stock	Common Stock	Common Stock
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified										Total Stockholders’ Equity		Additional Paid-in Capital
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$1,954,227	$1,684,310	$101	$765	$1,701,274	($20,423)	$2,593	$269,917
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013			10,080,000	76,492,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	29,850	21,730				21,730		8,120
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-3,051	-3,115					-3,115	64
Common stock offerings									335,956	335,956	154	335,802
Common stock offering, shares											15,356,000
Underwriter discount and offering costs	-376	-376			-376
Share-based payments	4,160	4,160		4	4,156
Share-based payments, shares				511,000
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	29,815							29,815
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-7,920							-7,920
Preferred stock dividends	-5,355	-5,355				-5,355		0
Common stock dividends declared	-32,326	-32,326				-32,326
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2014	2,304,980	2,004,984	101	923	2,040,856	-36,374	-522	299,996
Ending balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2014			10,080,000	92,359,000
Beginning balance at Feb. 28, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock offering, shares									14,950,000
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2014			101
Ending balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2014			10,080,000
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014	2,935,793	2,417,480	135	1,096	2,512,743	-68,003	-28,491	518,313
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014			13,530,000	109,634,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	16,215	10,529				10,529		5,686
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-21,469	-17,879					-17,879	-3,590
Share-based payments	5,986	5,986		7	5,979
Share-based payments, shares				632,000
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	7,574							7,574
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-8,160							-8,160
Preferred stock dividends	-6,972	-6,972				-6,972		0
Common stock dividends declared	-40,798	-40,798				-40,798
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$2,888,169	$2,368,346	$135	$1,103	$2,518,722	($105,244)	($46,370)	$519,823
Ending balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2015			13,530,000	110,266,000

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.37	$0.35

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$16,215	$29,850
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization of discount and net origination fees on purchased and originated loans	-5,073	-7,440
Paid-in-kind interest added to loan principal	-1,547	0
Straight-line rents	-2,978	-93
Amortization of net above-market lease values	1,023	0
Amortization of deferred financing costs	4,416	932
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	-26,349	-22,639
Distributions of income from unconsolidated joint ventures	24,393	24,027
Depreciation and amortization	22,308	1,252
Share-based payments	5,986	4,160
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase in other assets	-4,045	-5,411
Increase in accrued and other liabilities	25,935	8,296
(Decrease) increase in due to affiliates	-1,808	24
Other adjustments, net	-555	358
Net cash provided by operating activities	57,921	33,316
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Contributions to unconsolidated joint ventures	-207,297	-58,188
Distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures	71,632	49,749
Investments in purchased loans receivable, net of seller financing	0	-44,330
Net disbursements on originated loans	-121,463	-354,049
Repayments of loans receivable	26,842	13,146
Cash receipts in excess of accretion on purchased credit impaired loans	62,823	0
Acquisition of real estate and related intangible assets, net	-225,655	0
Other investing activities, net	1,793	1,736
Net cash used in investing activities	-391,325	-391,936
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	0	335,956
Dividends paid to preferred stockholders	-6,972	-5,355
Dividends paid to common stockholders	-40,565	-26,772
Line of credit borrowings	297,400	339,000
Line of credit repayments	-63,000	-477,500
Proceeds from secured financing	165,521	0
Secured financing repayments	-91,778	-10,657
Net proceeds from issuance of convertible senior notes	0	224,250
Payment of deferred financing costs	-2,848	-606
Payment of offering costs	0	-376
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	7,574	29,815
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-8,160	-7,920
Other financing activities, net	-1,539	-42
Net cash provided by financing activities	255,633	399,793
Effect of exchange rates on cash	131	52
Net (decrease) increase in cash	-77,640	41,225
Cash, beginning of period	141,936	43,167
Cash, end of period	64,296	84,392
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest	20,506	4,176
Cash paid for income taxes	428	450
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Dividends payable	47,770	37,681
Seller-provided secured financing on purchased loans	0	82,328
Deferred financing costs deducted from convertible debt issuance proceeds	0	5,750
Accrued and other liabilities assumed in connection with operating property acquisitions, net of cash assumed	$407	$0

Organization

Organization	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization	Organization
	Colony Capital, Inc. (prior to April 2, 2015, Colony Financial, Inc.) (the “Company”) was organized on June 23, 2009 as a Maryland corporation. The Company is a leading global real estate and investment management firm that targets attractive risk-adjusted investment returns and its portfolio is primarily composed of: (i) general partner interests in Company-sponsored private equity funds and vehicles; (ii) real estate equity; and (iii) real estate and real estate-related debt. The Company has elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust ("REIT") under the Internal Revenue Code, for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
	Prior to April 2, 2015, the Company was externally managed and advised by Colony Financial Manager, LLC (the "Manager"), which was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Colony Capital, LLC ("CCLLC"), a privately held global real estate investment firm. On March 31, 2015, the Company's shareholders approved the acquisition by the Company of substantially all of the real estate investment management business and operations of CCLLC (the "Combination"). Upon consummation of the Combination on April 2, 2015, CCLLC's management and investment teams became employed by the Company and the Company became a self-managed REIT. The Company plans to use the Colony name as general partner to sponsor new investment vehicles. The consideration for the Combination was paid primarily in shares of the Company's common stock and units of membership interest in an operating subsidiary of the Company, as described more fully in Note 19.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies
	The significant accounting policies of the Company are described below. The accounting policies of the Company's unconsolidated joint ventures are substantially similar to those of the Company.
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. These statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the interim periods presented. However, the results of operations for the interim period presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015 or any other future period. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, as amended.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The portions of the equity, net income and other comprehensive income of consolidated subsidiaries that are not attributable to the parent are presented separately as amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests in the consolidated financial statements. A substantial portion of noncontrolling interests represent interests held by private investment funds or other investment vehicles managed by CCLLC or its affiliates ("Co-Investment Funds") prior to the Combination and which will be managed by the Company subsequent to the Combination.
	The Company consolidates entities in which it retains a controlling financial interest or entities that meet the definition of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) for which the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. In performing its analysis of whether it is the primary beneficiary, at initial investment and at each quarterly reporting period, the Company considers whether it individually has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly affect the entity’s performance and also has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company also considers whether it is a member of a related party group that collectively meets the power and benefits criteria and, if so, whether the Company is most closely associated with the VIE. In making that determination, the Company considers both qualitative and quantitative factors, including, but not limited to: the amount and characteristics of its investment relative to other investors; the obligation or likelihood for the Company or other investors to fund operating losses of the VIE; the Company’s and the other investors’ ability to control or significantly influence key decisions for the VIE, and the similarity and significance of the VIE’s business activities to those of the Company and the other investors. The determination of whether an entity is a VIE, and whether the Company is the primary beneficiary, involves significant judgment, including the determination of which activities most significantly affect the entities’ performance, estimates about the current and future fair values and performance of assets held by the VIE and/or general market conditions.
	Foreign Currency Translation
	The Company translates the assets and liabilities of its non-U.S. dollar functional currency investments and subsidiaries into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Income and expenses from these investments and subsidiaries are translated at the average rate of exchange prevailing during the period such income was earned or expenses were incurred. Translation adjustments resulting from changes in exchange rates are recorded as other comprehensive income or loss. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses from such investments and subsidiaries are recognized upon sale or upon complete or substantially complete liquidation of the underlying investment in a foreign entity, and are included in other gain or loss in the accompanying statements of operations. When the Company sells part of its ownership interest in an equity method investment in a foreign entity, a proportionate share of the accumulated translation adjustment associated with the investment is reclassified into earnings. For purposes of presenting required disclosures of amounts to be recorded in the future as of balance sheet date, the Company uses the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date to translate such amounts that are denominated in foreign currencies.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Recent Accounting Updates
	Revenue Recognition—In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which amended the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 establishes principles for recognizing revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers, at an amount reflecting the consideration a company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect as of the date of initial application recognized in retained earnings. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. In April 2015, the FASB issued a proposal for a one-year deferral of the effective date of the new standard which would result in the standard being effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted but not before the original effective date. The proposal is not final and is subject to the due process requirements of the FASB. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
	Consolidation—In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which amended the existing accounting standards for consolidation under both the variable interest model and the voting model. Under ASU No. 2015-02, companies will need to re-evaluate whether an entity meets the criteria to be considered a VIE, whether companies still meet the definition of primary beneficiaries, and whether an entity needs to be consolidated under the voting model. ASU No. 2015-02 may be applied using a modified retrospective or full retrospective approach, and is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted in any interim reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of the pending adoption of this new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
	Debt Issuance Costs—In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the associated debt liability, rather than deferring the charges as an asset. This aligns the presentation of debt issuance costs and debt discounts in the balance sheet. ASU No. 2015-03 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, and will be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented. Early adoption is permitted. The Company will comply with the new presentation requirements upon adoption.

Consolidated_Variable_Interest

Consolidated Variable Interest Entity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Consolidated Variable Interest Entities	Consolidated Variable Interest Entities
	The Company consolidates VIEs for which it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary, which, prior to the Combination, consist of the Company's securitization vehicles.
	Securitization Vehicles
	The Company securitizes loans receivable using VIEs as a source of financing and as a means of transferring the economic risk of the loans receivable to third parties. Securitization usually occurs in conjunction with or shortly after the Company's origination or purchase of the loans. The securitization VIEs are structured as pass through entities that receive principal and interest on the underlying loan collateral and distribute those payments to the holders of the notes or certificates issued by the securitization vehicles. The loans are transferred into securitization vehicles such that these assets are restricted and legally isolated from the creditors of the Company, and therefore are not available to satisfy the Company's obligations but only obligations of the securitization vehicles. The obligations of the securitization VIEs do not have any recourse to the general credit of any other consolidated entities, nor to the Company.
	The Company retains beneficial interests in the securitization vehicles including senior and subordinate securities and equity tranches issued by the securitization vehicles. Affiliates of the Company may service some of the loans it securitizes.
	The Company’s rights as the directing holder and controlling class representative give the Company the ability to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the securitization vehicles. Based on these factors, the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary of the securitization VIEs described below; thus, all of the underlying assets, liabilities, equity, revenue and expenses of the VIEs are consolidated into the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. The inclusion of the assets and liabilities of the VIEs in which the Company is deemed the primary beneficiary has no economic effect on the Company. The Company’s exposure to the obligations of the VIEs is generally limited to its investments in these entities. The Company is not obligated to provide any financial support to these consolidated structures and did not do so in the periods reported. As such, the risk associated with the Company’s involvement in the VIEs is limited to the carrying value of its investments in the entities.
	2014-FL1—On April 10, 2014, Colony Mortgage Sub A REIT, Inc. (“SubREIT”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, transferred eleven variable rate commercial mortgage loans originated within the Company’s Transitional CRE (Commercial Real Estate) Lending Platform into a newly formed indirect wholly-owned Cayman subsidiary of SubREIT, Colony Mortgage Capital Series 2014-FL1, Ltd. (“2014-FL1” or the “FL1 Issuer” and a securitization VIE). The FL1 Issuer issued several classes of secured notes and income notes (the "2014-FL1 Notes"), with the four most senior classes sold to third parties ("FL1 Offered Notes"). All of the assets of the FL1 Issuer serve as collateral for the secured 2014-FL1 Notes. The securitization transaction is accounted for as a secured financing. A wholly-owned subsidiary of the SubREIT retained the subordinated classes of rated and unrated 2014-FL1 Notes as directing holder. An unrelated third party has the role of special servicer of the underlying collateral mortgage loans and has the power to direct activities during the loan workout process on defaulted and delinquent loans as permitted by the underlying contractual agreements, which is subject to the consent of the directing holder who, under certain circumstances, has the right to unilaterally remove the special servicer.
	2014-FL2—On November 25, 2014, the SubREIT transferred another fifteen variable rate commercial mortgage loans originated within the Company’s Transitional CRE Lending Platform into a newly formed indirect wholly-owned Cayman subsidiary of SubREIT, Colony Mortgage Capital Series 2014-FL2, Ltd. (“2014-FL2” or the “FL2 Issuer” and a securitization VIE). The FL2 Issuer issued several classes of secured notes and income notes (the "2014-FL2 Notes"), with a majority of the four most senior classes sold to third parties at that time and a portion of the remaining senior notes sold in January 2015 ("FL2 Offered Notes"). All of the assets of the FL2 Issuer serve as collateral for the secured 2014-FL2 Notes. The securitization transaction is accounted for as a secured financing. A wholly-owned subsidiary of the SubREIT retained the subordinated classes of rated and unrated 2014-FL2 Notes as directing holder. An affiliate of the Manager has the role of special servicer subject to the same terms as described above under 2014-FL1.
	MF 2014-1—On October 30, 2014, the Company, through wholly-owned subsidiaries, transferred 298 loans secured by multifamily properties with a combined $316 million UPB into a securitization trust, Colony Multifamily Mortgage Trust 2014-1. The Company had previously purchased the loans from third parties. The securitization trust issued several classes of certificates (collectively, "MF 2014-1 Certificates") of which the most senior class of certificate was sold to third party investors (the "MF 2014-1 Securitization"). A wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company retained the remaining classes of certificates, which may be sold in the future at the Company’s discretion, as the controlling class representative. This securitization transaction did not qualify as sale and is accounted for as secured financing. An affiliate of the Manager has the role of special servicer of the underlying collateral mortgage loans and has the power to direct activities during the loan workout process on defaulted and delinquent loans as permitted by the underlying contractual agreements, which is subject to the consent of the controlling class representative.
	The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets related to the consolidated VIEs:
	(In thousands)	2014-FL1			2014-FL2			MF 2014-1			Total
	March 31, 2015
	Loans held for investment, net	$	190,192		$	305,634		$	289,882		$	785,708
	Restricted cash	10,869			26,009			—			36,878
	Deferred financing costs, net	2,127			2,735			2,989			7,851
	Receivables	993			1,454			1,408			3,855
	Secured financing	(126,216		)	(204,959		)	(190,874		)	(522,049		)
	Accrued and other liabilities	(11,328		)	(26,585		)	(405		)	(38,318		)
	Net investment	$	66,637		$	104,288		$	103,000		$	273,925
	31-Dec-14
	Loans held for investment, net	$	189,898		$	305,238		$	312,625		$	807,761
	Restricted cash	11,902			25,244			—			37,146
	Deferred financing costs, net	2,620			3,030			3,313			8,963
	Receivables	1,055			1,448			1,462			3,965
	Secured financing	(126,204		)	(197,655		)	(213,409		)	(537,268		)
	Accrued and other liabilities	(12,173		)	(25,818		)	(452		)	(38,443		)
	Net investment	$	67,098		$	111,487		$	103,539		$	282,124

Loans_Receivable

Loans Receivable	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans Receivable	Loans Receivable
	Loans Held for Investment
	Below is a summary of the Company’s loans held for investment, including purchased credit impaired ("PCI") loans.
			March 31, 2015													31-Dec-14
	(Amounts in thousands)		Unpaid Principal Balance				Carrying				Weighted			Weighted Average Maturity in Years		Unpaid Principal Balance				Carrying		Weighted		Weighted Average Maturity in Years
							Amount				Average									Amount		Average
											Coupon											Coupon
	Non-PCI Loans
	Fixed rate
	Mortgage loans		$	134,245			$	125,348			5.6	%		8.7		$	134,636			$	126,114	6.4	%	8.7
	Securitized mortgage loans		159,634				163,054				6.5	%		16.8		170,218				174,292		6.5	%	17.1
	B-notes		142,761				140,197				8.5	%		2.9		143,376				140,312		8.5	%	3.2
	Mezzanine loans		122,581				122,581				10.3	%		4.4		125,163				125,163		10.3	%	4.6
			559,221				551,180									573,393				565,881
	Variable rate
	Mortgage loans		444,485				440,270				6.4	%		1.8		331,192				326,491		6.9	%	1.9
	Securitized mortgage loans		618,522				614,543				5.7	%		5.7		630,420				625,050		5.7	%	6.2
	Mezzanine loans		373,790				372,252				10.9	%		1.3		367,863				365,825		10.9	%	1.5
			1,436,797				1,427,065									1,329,475				1,317,366
			1,996,018				1,978,245									1,902,868				1,883,247
	PCI Loans
	Mortgage loans		240,638				160,541									334,500				239,702
	Securitized mortgage loans		9,620				8,111									9,672				8,185
			250,258				168,652									344,172				247,887
	Total loans held for investment		$	2,246,276			$	2,146,897								$	2,247,040			$	2,131,134
	Details of the Company's loans held for investment with variable interest rates, excluding PCI loans, are as follows:
	(Amounts in thousands)		Index		Weighted Average Spread		Weighted Average Rate		Unpaid Principal Balance				Carrying Amount
	March 31, 2015
	Mortgage loans		1-Month LIBOR	-1	6.30%		6.40%	-2	$	439,883			$	435,798
	Mortgage loans		6-Month LIBOR	-1	2.40%		5.30%	-2	4,602				4,472
	Securitized mortgage loans		1-Month LIBOR	-1	5.70%		5.90%	-2	499,661				497,309
	Securitized mortgage loans		6-Month LIBOR	-1	2.50%		5.80%	-2	96,251				96,315
	Securitized mortgage loans		12-Month Treasury Average		2.40%		2.90%	-3	22,610				20,919
	Mezzanine loans		1-Month LIBOR	-1	10.70%		10.90%		373,790				372,252
									$	1,436,797			$	1,427,065
	31-Dec-14
	Mortgage loans		1-Month LIBOR	-1	6.80%		6.90%	-2	$	326,563			$	321,997
	Mortgage loans		6-Month LIBOR	-1	2.40%		5.30%	-2	4,629				4,494
	Securitized mortgage loans		1-Month LIBOR	-1	5.70%		5.80%	-2	499,668				496,394
	Securitized mortgage loans		6-Month LIBOR	-1	2.50%		5.80%	-2	105,684				105,743
	Securitized mortgage loans		12-Month Treasury Average		2.50%		2.80%	-3	25,068				22,913
	Mezzanine loans		1-Month LIBOR	-1	10.70%		10.90%		367,863				365,825
									$	1,329,475			$	1,317,366
	__________
	-1	LIBOR =ondon Interbank Offered Rate
	-2	Certain loans are subject to a LIBOR floor which was higher than the actual LIBOR at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
	-3	Certain loans are subject to a 12-Month Treasury Average ("12MTA") floor, which was higher than the actual 12MTA at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
	Activity in loans held for investment is summarized below:
			Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)		2015				2014
	Carrying amount at January 1		$	2,131,134			$	1,028,654
	Loan acquisitions and originations		121,463				480,707
	Paid-in-kind interest added to loan principal		1,547				—
	Discount and net loan fee amortization		9,157				9,026
	Loan repayments		(26,842		)		(13,146		)
	Payments received from PCI loans		(66,907		)		(1,586		)
	Provision for loan loss		(112		)		—
	Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates		(22,543		)		209
	Carrying amount at March 31		$	2,146,897			$	1,503,864
	Credit Quality Information
	A loan is considered to be impaired when it is probable that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan.
	The following table provides a summary of past due loans, excluding PCI loans which are discussed below. Carrying amounts are presented net of allowances for loan losses.
	(In thousands)	Current or Less Than 30 Days Past Due				30-59 Days Past Due				60-89 Days Past Due				90 Days or More Past Due				Total
	At March 31, 2015	$	1,959,856			$	875			$	—			$	17,514			$	1,978,245
At December 31, 2014	$	1,864,466			$	12,002			$	3,058			$	3,721			$	1,883,247
At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, allowance for loan losses was $0.6 million and $0.2 million, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, provision for loan losses was $0.4 million and $0, respectively.
Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans
PCI loans are acquired loans with evidence of credit quality deterioration since origination for which it is probable at acquisition that the Company will collect less than the contractually required payments. There were no acquisitions of PCI loans during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
Changes in accretable yield for existing PCI loans were as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)		2015				2014
Accretable yield at January 1		$	98,523			$	130,823
Changes in estimated cash flows		2,024				—
Accretion		(5,978		)		(5,488		)
Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates		(10,492		)		(40		)
Accretable yield at March 31		$	84,077			$	125,295
The factors that most significantly affect estimates of cash flows expected to be collected, and accordingly the accretable yield, include: (i) estimate of the remaining life of acquired loans which may change the amount of future interest income; (ii) changes to prepayment assumptions; (iii) changes to collateral value assumptions for loans expected to foreclose; and (iv) changes in interest rates on variable rate loans.

Real_Estate_Assets

Real Estate Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Real Estate [Abstract]
Real Estate Assets	Real Estate Assets
	The Company's net real estate assets comprise the following:
		Estimated Useful Life (in weighted average years)		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	(Amounts in thousands)
	Real Estate Held for Investment
	Land	NA		$	281,192		$	265,263
	Buildings and improvements	37		1,519,883			1,351,798
	Tenant improvements	6		34,631			33,357
				1,835,706			1,650,418
	Accumulated depreciation			(20,923		)	(6,421		)
	Net carrying amount			1,814,783			1,643,997
	Real Estate Held for Sale
	Land and buildings	NA		16,163			—
	Real Estate Assets, Net			$	1,830,946		$	1,643,997
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company acquired two higher education campuses in Switzerland. The acquisitions were deemed to be real estate asset acquisitions because the Company acquired the sellers’ properties and concurrently entered into new leases with the sellers in a purchase-leaseback transaction. The total cost of approximately $181 million, including capitalized acquisition costs of approximately $4.1 million, included land of $17.9 million, buildings and improvements of $140.5 million and net lease intangibles of $22.6 million.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company also acquired a portfolio of light industrial properties in Minnesota for a total purchase price of $41.5 million. The acquisition was deemed to be a business combination as the properties were acquired subject to existing leases. The purchase price was allocated $7.0 million to land, $34.8 million to building and improvements, $1.9 million in-place lease intangible assets and $2.2 million below-market lease intangible liability. The Company expensed $0.1 million of transaction costs in connection with the acquisition.
	Depreciation expense on real estate held for investment for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $14.6 million and $0.9 million, respectively.
	Land and buildings in the Company's light industrial platform with carrying amount of approximately $16.2 million were classified as held for sale during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	Tenant Leases
	The Company owns properties which are leased to tenants under operating leases with expiration dates through 2035. Certain leases also provide for additional rents based on real estate taxes, utilities, insurance and other operating expenses. Such reimbursements from tenants for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $10.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively, and included in rental income and tenant reimbursements in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	Future Minimum Rents
	Future contractual minimum rental payments under noncancelable operating leases, excluding tenant reimbursements, as of March 31, 2015 are as follows:
	Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
	Remaining 2015	$	97,798
	2016	122,279
	2017	105,717
	2018	87,123
	2019	68,478
	2020 and after	360,598
	Total	$	841,993

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
	Pursuant to an investment allocation agreement among the Company, the Manager and CCLLC, many of the Company’s investments in real estate debt and equity have been structured as joint ventures with one or more Co-Investment Funds. The joint ventures are generally capitalized through equity contributions from the members, although certain investments are leveraged through various financing arrangements. The Company’s exposure to the joint ventures is limited to amounts invested or committed to the joint ventures at inception, and neither the Company nor the other investors are required to provide financial or other support in excess of their capital commitments.
	The Company exercises significant influence over these joint ventures and account for its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures under the equity method, with the exception of one cost method investment.
	(In thousands)		31-Mar-15				31-Dec-14
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
	Equity method		$	1,655,476			$	1,646,977
	Cost method		99,868				—
			$	1,755,344			$	1,646,977
	Equity Method Investments
	The Company’s equity method investments in joint ventures are summarized below:
	(Amounts in thousands)				Ownership Percentage at March 31, 2015 (1)			Carrying Value
	Joint Ventures		Investment Status at March 31, 2015					March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	CAH Operating Partnership, L.P.	-2	Investment in CAH OP, an investment vehicle created for the purpose of acquiring and renting single-family homes		23.3	%		$	488,811	$	494,613
	Portfolio 8 Investors, LLC	-3	Preferred equity investment in an entity that acquired a multifamily portfolio composed of approximately 7,600 units located in Georgia, Florida and Texas		75	%		153,003		160,981
	ColFin Silverbird Funding A, LLC and ColFin Silverbird Funding B, LLC		Mixed portfolio of 25 commercial properties located throughout the United Kingdom		50	%		67,696		72,761
	ColFin Court Square Funding, LLC		Preferred equity investment in an entity that acquired a Class A office tower located in Long Island City, New York		50	%		53,162		52,115
	ColFin Lir Funding, LLC and ColFin Lir Holding, LLC		Originated loan secured by mortgages and equity pledges of commercial properties located in Ireland and France		50	%		50,335		—
	ColFin Orlando Funding, LLC		Acquired non-performing loan secured by a 444-acre development site located in Orlando, Florida		50	%		44,612		40,160
	(Amounts in thousands)				Ownership Percentage at March 31, 2015 (1)			Carrying Value
	Joint Ventures		Investment Status at March 31, 2015					March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	ColFin Highland UK13 Funding, LLC		Acquired sub-performing loan secured by 13 commercial properties throughout the United Kingdom		50	%		43,667		44,711
	ColFin NW Funding, LLC		Acquired 15 performing first mortgages secured by commercial real estate		37.9	%		35,354		35,023
	ColFin SXC Funding, LLC		Performing mezzanine loan origination cross-collateralized by a portfolio of select service hotels		50	%		35,198		28,374
	ColFin JIH Holdco, LLC, ColFin JIH Mezzco A, LLC and ColFin JIH Opco, LLC		Equity interests in and senior mezzanine loan receivable from entities owning a portfolio of 84 limited service hotels		33.3	%		32,393		32,918
	ColFin Cortland Zero, LLC		Preferred equity investment in an entity that owns a multifamily portfolio located in Georgia and Louisiana		50	%		30,631		—
	ColFin Snow Funding, LLC		Originated loan secured by two mortgages and an equity pledge in a portfolio of 12 hotels located in France		50	%		29,704		32,763
	ColFin ARP Funding, LLC and ColFin ARP Linda Isle Investor, LLC		First mortgage loan to finance the acquisition and redevelopment of high-end, single family residential properties in infill, coastal southern California markets		50	%		27,673		27,173
	Armonia (Italy) Fund		Portfolio of 113 properties located throughout Italy		50	%		26,266		58,513
	ColFin Hunt Holdco A, LLC and ColFin Hunt Holdco B, LLC		2 commercial real estate owned ("REO") properties in Germany		37.9	%		26,216		29,582
	ColFin Athina Funding, LLC		Originated mezzanine loan secured by an equity pledge in the borrower entities that own a Mediterranean resort with a hotel and villas		50	%		23,642		25,996
	ColFin STC Funding, LLC		Acquired performing senior mortgage loan secured by a retail property in Florida		50	%		23,490		23,441
	ColFin Bulls Funding A, LLC and ColFin Bulls Funding B, LLC		249 performing and non-performing acquired loans consisting of substantially all first mortgage recourse commercial real estate loans and 19 REO properties		32.5	%		22,317		24,625
	ColFin 2011 CRE Holdco, LLC and Colony AMC 2011 CRE, LLC		303 performing and non-performing loans acquired in a structured transaction with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"), secured mostly by commercial real estate, and 26 REO properties		44.4	%		20,767		23,378
	ColFin DOD Funding, LLC and ColFin IOD Holding, LLC		Originated first mortgage loan to finance the acquisition of an office development site in Dublin, Ireland		50	%		20,163		21,857
	ColFin Cabo Palm Funding, LLC		Participation in junior first mortgage interest secured by a luxury beach resort in Mexico		50	%		20,097		20,090
	ColFin CPI Funding, LLC		Origination of a mezzanine loan secured by shares of a distressed European real estate company that owns primarily office buildings and hotels in France and Spain		50	%		20,071		21,833
	ColFin Grand Cul Funding, LLC		First mortgage loans secured by a partially constructed hotel and residential development project located in the Caribbean		33.3	%		19,853		20,796
	CDCF III Ver Logistic, LLC		Portfolio of 16 warehouse properties located in Spain and Portugal		50	%		18,799		20,546
	ColFin FCDC Funding, LLC		Equity interests acquired through deed-in-lieu in 2 partially developed master planned communities located in California		50	%		18,514		17,562
	ColFin PHX Tower Funding, LLC		Equity interest in a high-rise office tower located in Phoenix, Arizona		50	%		18,496		18,556
	ColFin London Funding, LLC		4 performing acquired loans secured by commercial real estate		50	%		18,007		18,178
	ColFin 101 Erie Funding, LLC and ColFin 101 Erie Investor, LLC		Origination of a mezzanine loan secured indirectly by a vacant office building in Chicago to finance a hotel redevelopment		50	%		17,465		16,705
	ColFin Inland Funding, LLC and ColFin Inland Investor, LLC		First mortgage loan secured by a Southern California master planned development and equity participation rights		50	%		17,414		17,139
	ColFin DB Guarantor, LLC and Colony AMC DB, LLC		347 performing and non-performing loans acquired in a structured transaction with the FDIC, secured mostly by commercial real estate and 63 REO properties		33.3	%		17,292		19,121
	(Amounts in thousands)				Ownership Percentage at March 31, 2015 (1)			Carrying Value
	Joint Ventures		Investment Status at March 31, 2015					March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	CF/CDG Lake Ranch Venture, LLC	-4	First mortgage loan secured by a 135-acre residential development project located in Southern California and equity participation rights		n/a			17,270		16,821
	ColFin Shadow Funding, LLC and ColFin Shadow Investor, LLC		Senior loan facility origination to finance the development of a master planned residential community located near Austin, TX		50	%		15,026		14,527
	ColFin Marin Funding, LLC		First mortgage loan origination for the land acquisition and pre-development costs of a waterfront mixed-use project located in Northern California		50	%		15,015		14,830
	Other unconsolidated joint ventures		29 investments, each with less than $15 million carrying value at March 31, 2015		4.5% to 50.0%			167,057		181,289
								$	1,655,476	$	1,646,977
	__________
	-1	The Company's ownership percentage represents capital contributed to date and may not be reflective of the Company's economic interest in the entity because of provisions in operating agreements governing various matters, such as classes of partner or member interests, allocations of profits and losses, preferential returns and guaranty of debt. Each unconsolidated joint venture has been determined to be either a VIE for which the Company was not deemed to be the primary beneficiary or a voting interest entity in which the Company does not have a controlling financial interest.
	-2	The Company’s carrying value of its investment in CAH OP is approximately $24.0 million higher than its pro rata share of the partners' capital of CAH OP.  The basis difference is primarily attributable to (i) offering costs incurred by CAH OP which were a direct reduction to partners’ capital but not an expense of the partnership; (ii) CAH OP’s internalization transaction, which was a reorganization of entities under common control and reduced the Company's ownership interest in CAH OP; and (iii) step-up adjustments to real estate assets contributed by the Company upon formation of CAH OP, which were recorded by the Company at carryover basis but recognized by CAH OP at fair value. The portion of the basis difference arising from the step-up of contributed real estate assets is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of such assets.
	-3	While the Company has a preferred equity interest which represents a majority ownership in Portfolio 8 Investors, LLC, the minority member has control over the day-to-day operations of the entity. Accordingly, the Company accounts for its investment using the equity method.
	-4	Pursuant to the terms of the loan agreement, the Company participates in the residual profits of this development project. The Company evaluated the characteristics of this acquisition, development and construction ("ADC") loan and determined that the risks and rewards of the arrangement are more similar to those associated with an investment in joint venture. Accordingly, the Company accounts for this loan receivable under the equity method.
	Activity in the Company’s investments in equity method joint ventures is summarized below:
			Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)		2015				2014
	Balance at January 1		$	1,646,977			$	1,369,529
	Contributions		107,429				58,188
	Distributions		(96,025		)		(73,776		)
	Equity in net income		26,349				22,639
	Equity in other comprehensive (loss) income		(612		)		244
Equity in realized loss (gain) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		161				(3,865		)
Foreign currency translation (loss) gain		(28,803		)		88
Balance at March 31		$	1,655,476			$	1,373,047
Condensed combined balance sheets and statements of operations for all equity method joint ventures are presented below:
Condensed Combined Balance Sheets of Equity Method Joint Ventures
(In thousands)		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	369,667			$	512,487
Loans receivable, net		2,048,978				2,127,148
Investments in real estate, net		5,213,733				5,218,915
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures		297,824				237,722
Debt and equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value		—				39,503
Other assets		491,745				378,220
Total assets		$	8,421,947			$	8,513,995
Liabilities:
Debt		$	3,248,609			$	3,113,038
Other liabilities		245,216				273,816
Total liabilities		3,493,825				3,386,854
Owners’ equity		4,476,434				4,544,846
Noncontrolling interests		451,688				582,295
Total liabilities and equity		$	8,421,947			$	8,513,995
Condensed Combined Statements of Operations of Equity Method Joint Ventures
		Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)		2015				2014
Income:
Interest income		$	89,789			$	82,224
Property operating income		148,023				84,934
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures		9,219				9,787
Other income		11,457				9,054
Total income		258,488				185,999
Expenses:
Interest expense		32,778				18,545
Property operating expenses		81,682				63,716
Depreciation and amortization		43,092				28,953
Other expenses		34,582				21,916
Total expenses		192,134				133,130
Other income:
Realized and unrealized gain on investments, net		5,516				18,690
Net income		71,870				71,559
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		19,593				20,341
Net income attributable to members		$	52,277			$	51,218
No single investment in an unconsolidated joint venture represented greater than 10% of total assets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 or generated greater than 10% of total income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
Cost Method Investment
In January 2015, the Company funded its equity commitment of $50 million to an investor consortium, alongside $50 million from a passive co-investment partner, for the acquisition of common stock in a grocery chain. The Company uses the cost method to account for this non-marketable equity investment as it neither controls nor has significant influence over the underlying investee. Under the cost method, dividends received from the investment are recorded as dividend income to the extent they are not considered a return of capital, which is recorded as a reduction of cost of the investment. No dividends were recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2015.
Related Party Transactions of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
The Company has equity ownership interests in certain unconsolidated asset management companies (each an “AMC”) that provide management services to certain of its unconsolidated joint ventures. The AMCs earn annual management fees equal to 50 to 75 basis points of the outstanding unpaid principal balance of each loan portfolio and are responsible for the payment of allocations of compensation, overhead and direct costs incurred by an affiliate of the Manager pursuant to a cost allocation arrangement.
Certain unconsolidated joint ventures reimburse CCLLC and its affiliates for costs incurred on their behalf, including costs of property management. The joint ventures, including AMCs, were allocated approximately $2.3 million and $7.8 million in costs from such affiliates of the Manager for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Such costs are included in property operating and other expenses in the combined condensed statements of operations of unconsolidated joint ventures above. The Company’s proportionate share, based upon its percentage interests in the joint ventures, was $0.8 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Intangibles

Intangibles	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangibles	Intangibles
	The following table summarizes goodwill and intangibles arising from acquisition of operating real estate properties through business combinations or purchase-leaseback transactions:
		31-Mar-15								31-Dec-14
	(In thousands)	Gross			Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Gross		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
	Intangible assets:
	Goodwill	$	20,000		NA			$	20,000	$	20,000	NA			$	20,000
	In-place lease values	60,511			$	(7,413	)	53,098		48,018		$	(2,295	)	45,723
	Above-market lease values	23,121			(1,945		)	21,176		23,194		(280		)	22,914
	Below-market ground lease obligations	1,420			(20		)	1,400		1,420		(14		)	1,406
	Deferred leasing costs	51,186			(3,337		)	47,849		36,788		(771		)	36,017
	Total intangible assets	$	156,238		$	(12,715	)	$	143,523	$	129,420	$	(3,360	)	$	126,060
	Intangible liabilities:
	Below-market lease values	$	12,475		$	(760	)	$	11,715	$	10,282	$	(114	)	$	10,168
	Above-market ground lease obligations	171			(2		)	169		171		—			171
	Total intangible liabilities	$	12,646		$	(762	)	$	11,884	$	10,453	$	(114	)	$	10,339
	Goodwill represents the excess of consideration transferred over the fair value of net assets from the acquisition of a light industrial operating platform on December 18, 2014, and represents the value of the acquired operating platform, which primarily consists of its work force and business processes. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. As of March 31, 2015, no indications of potential impairment to goodwill was identified.
	The following table summarizes the amortization of intangible assets and liabilities:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	2015			2014
	Above-market lease values	$	(1,670	)	$	—
	Below-market lease values	647			—
	Decrease to rental income	$	(1,023	)	$	—
	In-place lease values	$	5,128		$	288
	Deferred leasing costs	2,572			81
	Amortization expense	$	7,700		$	369
	Net below-market ground lease obligations	$	5		$	—
	Increase to rent expense	$	5		$	—
	The table below presents the estimated annual amortization of acquisition-related lease intangibles for each of the next five years and thereafter:
	(In thousands)	Intangible Assets										Intangible Liabilities
	Year Ending December 31,	In-Place			Above-Market Lease Values			Deferred Leasing Costs		Below-Market Ground Lease Obligations		Below-Market Lease Values			Above-Market Ground Lease Obligations
		Lease Values
	Remaining 2015	$	11,003		$	5,005		$	6,936	$	20	$	(2,319	)	$	(5	)
	2016	10,374			5,737			7,975		26		(2,792		)	(6		)
	2017	7,268			4,143			6,491		26		(2,227		)	(6		)
	2018	5,198			2,589			5,014		26		(1,472		)	(6		)
	2019	3,705			1,173			3,585		26		(894		)	(6		)
	2020 and after	15,550			2,529			17,848		1,276		(2,011		)	(140		)
	Total	$	53,098		$	21,176		$	47,849	$	1,400	$	(11,715	)	$	(169	)

Other_Assets

Other Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Assets [Abstract]
Other Assets	Other Assets
	The following table summarizes the Company's other assets:
	(In thousands)		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Restricted cash (1)		$	83,813	$	76,945
	Deferred financing costs, net (2)		49,535		51,103
	Receivables, including straight-line rents		20,295		12,783
	Derivative assets		55,400		26,479
	Deferred tax assets		6,575		6,713
	Prepaid expenses and other		7,269		7,721
	Total other assets		$	222,887	$	181,744
	__________
	-1	Restricted cash includes borrower escrow accounts, tenant security deposits and escrow accounts for interest, property taxes and capital expenditure reserves required under secured financing agreements.
	-2	Deferred financing costs are shown net of accumulated amortization of $17.5 million and $13.1 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt
	Line of Credit
	The Company has a credit facility (the “JPM Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent, and certain lenders. As of March 31, 2015, the JPM Credit Agreement provides a secured revolving credit facility in the maximum principal amount of $645 million, which may be increased to $800 million, subject to certain conditions, including each lender or substitute lender agreeing to provide commitments for such increased amount.
	The maximum amount available to borrow under the JPM Credit Agreement at any time is limited by a borrowing base of certain investment assets, with the valuation of such investment assets generally determined according to a percentage of net book value or a multiple of Core Earnings (as defined in the management agreement between the Company and the Manager). As of March 31, 2015, the borrowing base valuation was sufficient to permit borrowings of up to the entire $645 million commitment, of which $246.6 million remained available.
	Advances under the amended and restated JPM Credit Agreement accrue interest at a per annum rate equal to the sum of one-month LIBOR plus 2.75%. At March 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding borrowings bearing weighted average interest at 2.92%. The Company also pays a commitment fee of 0.5% or 0.4% of the unused amount (0.4% at March 31, 2015), depending upon usage.
	The initial maturity date of the JPM Credit Agreement is August 5, 2016, and any amounts outstanding upon maturity will convert automatically to a fully amortizing 2-year term loan payable in quarterly installments. In the event of such conversions, the term loan will continue to bear interest at the same rate as the revolving loans from which it was converted.
	Some of the Company’s subsidiaries guaranty the obligations of the Company under the JPM Credit Agreement. As security for the advances under the JPM Credit Agreement, the Company and some of its affiliates pledged their equity interests in certain subsidiaries through which the Company directly or indirectly owns substantially all of its assets.
	The JPM Credit Agreement contains various affirmative and negative covenants, including financial covenants that require the Company to maintain minimum tangible net worth and liquidity levels and financial ratios, as defined in the JPM Credit Agreement. At March 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all of these financial covenants.
	The JPM Credit Agreement also includes customary events of default, in certain cases subject to reasonable and customary periods to cure, including but not limited to: failure to make payments when due; breach of covenants; breach of representations and warranties; insolvency proceedings; cross default to material indebtedness or material judgment defaults; certain judgments and attachments; and certain change of control events. The occurrence of an event of default may result in the termination of the credit facility, accelerate the Company’s repayment obligations, in certain cases limit the Company’s ability to make distributions, and allow the lenders to exercise all rights and remedies available to them with respect to the collateral. There have been no events of default since the inception of the credit facility.
	Secured and Unsecured Debt
	The following table summarizes certain information about the Company's secured and unsecured debt:
	(Amounts in thousands)									Carrying Amount
	Type			Collateral		Interest Rate		Maturity Date		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Secured Debt:
		Secured financing (1)		Portfolio of 18 first mortgage loans and 1 subordinated loan		1-month LIBOR+2.85%		Dec-17		$	85,194		$	90,164
		Secured financing (2)		Senior participation interest in a portfolio of 1 first mortgage loan and 1 subordinated loan		1-month LIBOR+2.85%		N/A		15,939			80,213
		First mortgage loan (3)		Office property in Minnesota		4.84% fixed		Jan-24		88,000			88,000
		First mortgage loans (4)		Two higher education campuses located in Switzerland		2.72% fixed		Dec-29		125,598			—
		First mortgage loan (5)		Portfolio of light industrial real estate assets across the U.S.		1-month LIBOR+2.25%		Dec-19		1,088,500			1,088,500
		Repurchase facility (6)		Eligible first mortgage loans originated within the Transitional CRE Lending Platform		1-month LIBOR+2.5%		Feb-16		118,356			85,520
										1,521,587			1,432,397
	Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securitization ("CMBS") Debt:
		CMBS 2014-FL1 (7)		Portfolio of 11 first mortgage loans originated within the Transitional CRE Lending Platform		1-month LIBOR+1.78%		Apr-31		126,216			126,204
		CMBS 2014-FL2 (8)		Portfolio of 15 commercial mortgage loans originated within the Transitional CRE Lending Platform		1-month LIBOR+1.96%		Nov-31		204,959			197,655
		CMBS MF 2014-1 (9)		Portfolio of 278 performing first mortgage loans secured by multifamily properties		2.54% fixed		N/A		190,874			213,409
										522,049			537,268
	Unsecured Debt:
		Unsecured note (10)		—		(10)		Dec-17		9,889			10,000
		Total								$	2,053,525		$	1,979,665
	__________
	-1	The non-recourse financing is secured by a loan portfolio acquired in October 2013 and requires monthly interest payments and principal curtailment based upon the ratio of principal outstanding to collateral cost basis. The current principal curtailment requirement is 70% of all excess cash flow from the underlying loan portfolio, after payment of certain loan servicing fees and monthly interest, but may increase or decrease in the future.
	-2	In connection with the acquisition of a loan portfolio in March 2014, a lender provided concurrent non-recourse financing for $82.3 million, or 65% of the aggregate purchase price. Although the financing has no contractual maturity date, any principal repayments from the underlying collateral loan portfolio must be applied to repay the financing until the balance is paid in full.
	-3	The loan requires monthly interest payments until January 2016, then principal and interest payments based on a 30-year amortization schedule. The loan agreement requires rent receipts from the collateral property to be initially deposited into a lockbox account controlled by the lender. The excess of monthly rent receipts over monthly debt service is remitted to the Company.
	-4	Concurrent with the acquisition of two single-tenant net leased properties in January 2015, the Company obtained two 15-year term, non-recourse, loans with aggregate principal amount of CHF 122.1 million from a financial institution. These loans are secured by the acquired real estate properties and bear interest at a fixed weighted-average rate of 2.72%. The loan agreements require quarterly interest payments until October 10, 2015, then principal and interest payments based on a 33-year amortization schedule.
	-5	In connection with the acquisition of the portfolio of light industrial real estate assets and operating platform in December 2014, the Company obtained a $1.13 billion mortgage loan, of which $1.09 billion was drawn, from a financial institution. This loan is secured by the acquired real estate portfolio, has an initial term of 2 years, plus three 1-year extension options, and bears interest at one-month LIBOR plus 2.25%. The interest rate will increase to one-month LIBOR plus 2.5% after the fourth anniversary date. The loan requires interest-only monthly payments, plus a 0.05% administration fee, until maturity.
	-6	The Company entered into a master repurchase agreement (“Repurchase Facility”) with a commercial bank to partially finance loans within its Transitional CRE Lending Platform. The Repurchase Facility provides up to $150 million of financing for eligible assets within the Transitional CRE Lending Platform and has an initial term of 2 years, plus a 1-year extension option. Advances under the Repurchase Facility bear interest ranging from one-month LIBOR plus a spread of 2.25% to 2.5%.
	-7	As discussed in Note 3, on April 10, 2014, FL1 Issuer offered and sold to third parties approximately $126.2 million aggregate principal balance of the FL1 Offered Notes with net proceeds from the sale, after deducting securitization costs, of approximately $122.3 million. The FL1 Offered Notes are secured by all assets of the FL1 Issuer consisting of commercial mortgage loans originated within the Transitional CRE Lending Platform with an aggregate UPB of $190.6 million as of March 31, 2015. Although the securitization debt has a contractual maturity date of April 2031, any principal repayments from the underlying collateral mortgage loans must be applied to repay the debt until the balance is paid in full. The underlying collateral mortgage loans have initial terms of 2 to 3 years.
	-8	As discussed in Note 3, in November and December of 2014 and January 2015, FL2 Issuer offered and sold to third parties approximately $205 million aggregate principal balance of the FL2 Offered Notes with net proceeds from the sale, after deducting securitization costs and repayment of $93.1 million outstanding under the Repurchase Facility described below, of approximately $108.9 million. The secured 2014-FL2 Notes are secured by all assets of the FL2 Issuer consisting of commercial mortgage loans originated within the Transitional CRE Lending Platform with an aggregate UPB of $307.6 million as of March 31, 2015. Although the securitization debt has a contractual maturity date of November 2031, any principal repayments from the underlying collateral mortgage loans must be applied to repay the debt until the balance is paid in full. The underlying collateral mortgage loans have initial terms of 2 to 3 years.
	-9	As discussed in Note 3, on October 30, 2014, Colony Multifamily Mortgage Trust 2014-1 offered and sold to third parties approximately $217.2 million principal balance of the MF 2014-1 Certificates with net proceeds, after deducting securitization costs and accrued interest, of approximately $214.4 million. Although the securitization debt does not have a contractual maturity date, any principal repayments from the underlying collateral mortgage loans must be applied to repay the debt until the balance is paid in full. The underlying collateral mortgage loans have initial remaining terms of 1 to 24 years.
	-10	In connection with the acquisition of the portfolio of light industrial real estate assets and operating platform from Cobalt Capital Partners, L.P. and its affiliates in December 2014, the Company issued an unsecured note in the amount of $10 million to Cobalt Capital Management, L.P., an affiliate of Cobalt Capital Partners, L.P. and a service provider that continues to manage the light industrial portfolio and its day-to-day operations. The note will mature on the third anniversary of the date of acquisition and one-third of the initial principal amount of the note is required to be repaid on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of acquisition (each, a “Payment Date”). Principal under the note shall be paid in either (a) shares of the Company’s common stock, or (b) OP Units, which are exchangeable for shares of the Company’s common stock. The interest on the note is payable in an amount equivalent to dividends paid on shares that would have been due had the holder held shares of the Company's common stock in lieu of the note. At the dividend rate in effect as of March 31, 2015, the effective interest rate on this loan is approximately 6.1%.
	The financing agreements require minimum scheduled principal payments or payments that depend upon the net cash flows from the collateral assets and the ratio of principal outstanding to collateral. The following table summarizes such minimum principal payments and estimated principal payments based upon reasonable expectations of cash flows from the underlying collateral assets as of March 31, 2015:
	Year Ending December 31,		(In thousands)
	Remaining 2015		$	221,744		(1)
	2016		201,994			(1)
	2017		259,698			(1)
	2018		34,229
	2019		1,114,224
	2020 and after		221,636
	Total		$	2,053,525
	_________
	(1)	Includes $3.2 million, $3.3 million and $3.3 million payable in shares of the Company's common stock for 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively
	Convertible Senior Notes
	Convertible Senior Notes issued by the Company and outstanding as of balance sheet dates are as follows:
									Conversion Price (per share of common stock)					March 31, 2015				31-Dec-14
			Issuance Date		Due Date		Interest Rate					Redemption Date		Outstanding Principal		Carrying Amount		Outstanding Principal		Carrying Amount
														(in thousands)		(in thousands)		(in thousands)		(in thousands)
	5% Convertible Senior Notes		Apr-13		15-Apr-23		Fixed 5.00%		$	23.6		On or after April 22, 2020		$	200,000	$	200,000	$	200,000	$	200,000
	3.875% Convertible Senior Notes		January and June 2014		15-Jan-21		Fixed 3.875%		24.82			On or after January 22, 2019		402,500		404,424		402,500		404,498
														$	602,500	$	604,424	$	602,500	$	604,498
	The Company may redeem the Convertible Senior Notes at its option at any time on or after the respective redemption dates of the Convertible Notes if the last reported sale price of the Company's common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price of the convertible notes then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during any 30 consecutive trading day period ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date on which the Company provides notice of redemption, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the convertible notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date.

Derivatives_and_Hedging

Derivatives and Hedging	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives and Hedging	Derivatives and Hedging
	The Company does not use derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes, but enters into derivative transactions to manage the risk of changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates, arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. Specifically, the Company enters into derivative instruments to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the Company’s known or expected cash receipts and cash payments, the values of which are driven by interest rates, principally relating to the Company’s investments and borrowings. Additionally, the Company’s foreign operations expose the Company to fluctuations in foreign interest rates and exchange rates. The Company enters into derivative instruments to protect the value or fix certain of these foreign denominated amounts in terms of its functional currency, the U.S. dollar. Derivative instruments used in the Company’s risk management activities may be designated as qualifying hedge accounting relationships (“designated hedges”) or otherwise used for economic hedging purposes (“non-designated hedges”).
	Gross fair value of derivative assets and derivative liabilities included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
			31-Mar-15									31-Dec-14
	(In thousands)		Designated Hedges				Non-Designated Hedges			Total		Designated Hedges		Non-Designated Hedges		Total
	Derivative Assets
	Foreign exchange contracts		$	55,241			$	—		$	55,241	$	25,820	$	—	$	25,820
	Interest rate contracts		134				25			159		402		257		659
	Included in other assets		$	55,375			$	25		$	55,400	$	26,222	$	257	$	26,479
	Derivative Liabilities
	Foreign exchange contracts		$	6,589			$	—		$	6,589	$	6,718	$	—	$	6,718
	Included in accrued and other liabilities		$	6,589			$	—		$	6,589	$	6,718	$	—	$	6,718
	Certain counterparties to the derivative instruments require the Company to deposit cash or other eligible collateral for derivative financial liabilities exceeding $100,000. As of March 31, 2015, the Company had no amounts on deposit related to these agreements.
	Designated Hedges
	Net Investment Hedges
	The Company’s foreign denominated net investments in joint ventures, loans receivable and real estate totaled approximately €341.7 million, £137.0 million and CHF53.2 million, or a total of $624.3 million, as of March 31, 2015 and €315.9 million and £128.0 million, or a total of $581.7 million, as of December 31, 2014.
	The Company entered into foreign exchange contracts to hedge the foreign currency exposure of its net investments, designated as accounting hedges of net investments, as follows:
	•	forward contracts whereby the Company agrees to sell an amount of foreign currency for an agreed upon amount of U.S. dollars; and
	•	foreign exchange collars (caps and floors) without upfront premium costs, which consist of a combination of currency options with single date expirations, whereby the Company gains protection against foreign currency weakening below a specified level and pays for that protection by giving up gains from foreign currency appreciation above a specified level.
	These foreign exchange contracts are used to protect certain of the Company’s foreign denominated investments and receivables from adverse foreign currency fluctuations.
	The following table summarizes the aggregate notional amount of the foreign exchange contracts in place along with various key terms as of March 31, 2015:
	Hedged Currency		Instrument Type		Notional Amount				FX Rates		Range of Expiration Dates
					(in thousands)				($ per unit of foreign currency)
	EUR		Collar		€	218,325			Min $1.09 / Max $1.57		July 2015 to March 2020
	GBP		Collar		£	75,000			Min $1.45 / Max $1.82		September 2017 to December 2019
	EUR		Forward		€	66,900			Range between $1.15 to $1.40		June 2015 to July 2018
	GBP		Forward		£	41,900			Range between $1.49 to $1.65		May 2015 to November 2015
	CHF		Forward		CHF	55,545			Range between $0.67 to $0.68		Jan-30
	Cash Flow Hedges
	The Company uses interest rate caps designated as cash flow hedges to limit the exposure of increases in interest rates on two of the Company's LIBOR-indexed secured debt. Interest rate caps involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty if interest rates rise above the strike rate on the contract in exchange for an upfront premium. As of March 31, 2015 and 2014, there were two interest rate caps with (a) a notional amount of $57.5 million, a 2.5% strike on one-month LIBOR and expiration in November 2015, and (b) a notional amount of $950 million, a 3.0% strike on one-month LIBOR and expiration in December 2016. No gain or loss was recognized in earnings related to these cash flow hedges for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	Changes in fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) and reclassified into the line item in the income statement in which the hedged item is recorded in the same period the hedged item affects earnings. Hedge ineffectiveness as well as gains and losses on any non-designated portion of a derivative instrument are recorded in earnings in other gain (loss), net. Changes in fair value of derivatives designated as hedges of net investments in foreign operations, to the extent effective, are recorded in AOCI.
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015, $215,000 of unrealized gain for ineffectiveness related to net investment hedges was recorded in earnings. There was no hedge ineffectiveness for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	Non-Designated Hedges
	Non-designated hedges are derivatives that do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting or for which the Company did not elect to designate as accounting hedges. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedges are recorded in other gain or loss in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	The Company entered into an interest rate swap in connection with one of the PCI loans acquired in November 2013. The interest rate swap effectively converted the acquired floating rate loan to a fixed rate loan, through receipts at a fixed rate of 4.24% and payments at Euro Interbank Offered Rate ("Euribor") on a €14.0 million notional amount, terminating in February 2015. The Company also entered into an interest rate cap in connection with the $1.1 billion first mortgage debt obtained from a financial institution to finance its acquisition of a light industrial portfolio in December 2014. A portion of this cap in the notional amount of $182.8 million with a 3.0% strike on one-month LIBOR and expiring in December 2016 was not designated as an accounting hedge. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, net fair value loss associated with non-designated hedges of $52,000 and $4,000, respectively, were included in other gain (loss), net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	Level 1 fair values are based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 fair values use quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or valuation techniques utilizing inputs that are observable directly or indirectly. Level 3 fair values are determined based on valuation techniques using at least one significant assumption or input that is unobservable and requires significant management judgment or estimate.
	Recurring Fair Values
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, financial instruments carried at fair value on a recurring basis consist of derivative assets and derivative liabilities, which are classified under Level 2 fair value hierarchy, as presented in Note 10 Derivatives and Hedging. These interest rate contracts and foreign exchange contracts are traded over-the-counter and valued based on observable inputs such as contractual cash flows, yield curve, foreign currency rates and credit spreads, as applicable.
	Nonrecurring Fair Value
	The Company holds certain assets carried at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, which comprise REO properties, loans held for sale and real estate held for sale carried at the lower of carrying value and fair value. Nonrecurring fair value at March 31, 2015 was approximately $16.2 million and consisted of real estate assets classified as held for sale during the three months ended March 31, 2015. These real estate assets fall under the Level 3 fair value hierarchy and their fair values were determined based on either contracted price or market comparables, less estimated costs to sell. An impairment of $450,000 is included in other gain (loss), net, related to these assets held for sale. There were no assets held by the Company which were carried at nonrecurring fair value as of December 31, 2014.
	Fair Value Disclosure of Financial Instruments Reported at Cost
	Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments reported at amortized cost are presented below:
		Fair Value Measurements								Carrying Value
	(In thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	March 31, 2015
	Assets
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	$	—	$	—	$	2,092,368	$	2,092,368	$	1,755,344
	Loans held for investment	—		—		2,184,670		2,184,670		2,146,897
		$	—	$	—	$	4,277,038	$	4,277,038	$	3,902,241
	Liabilities
	Line of credit	$	—	$	398,400	$	—	$	398,400	$	398,400
	Secured and unsecured debt	—		—		1,539,886		1,539,886		1,531,476
	CMBS debt	—		517,600		—		517,600		522,049
	Convertible senior notes	659,157		—		—		659,157		604,424
		$	659,157	$	916,000	$	1,539,886	$	3,115,043	$	3,056,349
	31-Dec-14
	Assets
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	$	—	$	—	$	1,963,965	$	1,963,965	$	1,646,977
	Loans held for investment	—		—		2,163,500		2,163,500		2,131,134
		$	—	$	—	$	4,127,465	$	4,127,465	$	3,778,111
	Liabilities
	Line of credit	$	—	$	164,000	$	—	$	164,000	$	164,000
	Secured and unsecured debt	—		—		1,442,397		1,442,397		1,442,397
	CMBS debt	—		536,927		—		536,927		537,268
	Convertible senior notes	617,763		—		—		617,763		604,498
		$	617,763	$	700,927	$	1,442,397	$	2,761,087	$	2,748,163
	Fair values of loans held for investment are estimated based on cash flow projections of principal and interest expected to be collected, discounted using interest rates available for borrowers with similar credit metrics, and considering any available market comparables or dealer quotes, if applicable. Carrying values of loans held for investment are presented net of allowances for loan losses, where applicable.
	Fair values of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures are primarily derived by applying the Company’s ownership interest to the fair value of the underlying assets and liabilities of each joint venture. The Company’s proportionate share of each joint venture’s fair value approximates the Company’s fair value of the investment, as the timing of cash flows of the joint venture does not deviate materially from the timing of cash flows the Company receives from the joint venture.
	Fair value of the line of credit approximated carrying value as its prevailing interest rate and applicable terms were recently renegotiated and agreed upon with the Company's lender in December 2014. Fair values of the secured and unsecured financing were estimated by discounting expected future cash outlays at current interest rates available for similar instruments. Fair value of CMBS debt was determined using the last trade price of similar instruments in active markets, and for recent securitizations, fair value approximates carrying value. Fair value of convertible senior notes was determined using the last trade price in active markets.
	The fair values of cash, interest receivable, due to affiliates and accrued and other liabilities approximate carrying values due to their short term nature.

Stockholders_Equity_and_Noncon

Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests	Stockholders’ Equity and Noncontrolling Interests
	Preferred Stock
	The Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock are redeemable at $25.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not declared) exclusively at the Company’s option commencing on March 20, 2017 and June 19, 2019, respectively (subject to the Company’s right under limited circumstances to redeem the Series A and B Preferred Stock earlier in order to preserve its qualification as a REIT or upon the occurrence of a change of control (as defined in the articles supplementary relating to the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock, respectively)). The Series A and B Preferred Stock are senior to the Company’s common stock, and the Series B Preferred Stock is on parity with the Series A Preferred Stock with respect to dividends and distributions, including distributions upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
	The Series A and B Preferred Stock generally do not have any voting rights, except if the Company fails to pay dividends on the Series A or B Preferred Stock for six or more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive). Under such circumstances, the Series A and B Preferred Stock will be entitled to vote, together as a class with any other series of parity stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, to elect two additional directors to the Company’s board of directors, until all unpaid dividends have been paid or declared and set aside for payment. In addition, certain changes to the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock cannot be made without the affirmative vote of holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock voting separately as a class; and certain changes to the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock cannot be made without the affirmative vote of holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock voting separately as a class.
	Common Stock
	The Company issued common stock in 2014 as follows:
	(In thousands, except per share data)		Number of Shares			Average Price per Share				Net Proceeds (1)
	Mar-14		14,950			$	21.9			$	327,115
	Jul-14		17,250			22.14				381,545
	At-the-market sales in 2014		406			21.07				8,465
	__________
	-1	Net of underwriting discounts and commissions, sales agent commissions, and offering costs payable by the Company
	The Company used the net proceeds from the offerings to repay amounts outstanding under the line of credit at the time of the offering, fund acquisitions of target assets and for working capital and general corporate purposes.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The following tables present the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to the stockholders, net of immaterial tax effect:
	(In thousands)		Equity in AOCI of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures				Unrealized Gain/Loss on Beneficial Interests in Debt Securities				Unrealized Gain/Loss on Fair Value of Cash Flow Hedge			Foreign Currency Translation Gain/Loss			Unrealized Gain/Loss on Fair Value of Net Investment Hedges			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	3,621			$	325			$	(19	)	$	1,849		$	(3,183	)	$	2,593
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		244				(27		)		4			202			328			751
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		(3,865		)		—				—			(1		)	—			(3,866		)
	Net other comprehensive (loss) income		(3,621		)		(27		)		4			201			328			(3,115		)
	Balance at March 31, 2014		$	—			$	298			$	(15	)	$	2,050		$	(2,855	)	$	(522	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	451			$	—			$	(101	)	$	(52,643	)	$	23,802		$	(28,491	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(612		)		—				(170		)	(47,840		)	30,797			(17,825		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		161				—				—			—			(215		)	(54		)
	Net other comprehensive (loss) income		(451		)		—				(170		)	(47,840		)	30,582			(17,879		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015		$	—			$	—			$	(271	)	$	(100,483	)	$	54,384		$	(46,370	)
	Information about amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to stockholders by component is presented below:
	(In thousands)		Three Months Ended March 31,								Affected Line Item in the
	Component of AOCI with reclassification into earnings		2015				2014				Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
	Equity in realized gain on sale of marketable securities of unconsolidated joint ventures		$	(161	)		$	3,865			Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures
	Realized foreign exchange gain (loss)		—				1				Other gain (loss), net
	Ineffectiveness on net investment hedges		215				—				Other gain (loss), net
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $3.6 million, relating primarily to foreign currency translation. Such amounts for the corresponding period in 2014 were inconsequential.
	Noncontrolling Interests
	The Company entered into investments with various Co-Investment Funds pursuant to an investment allocation agreement among the Company, the Manager and CCLLC. A substantial portion of noncontrolling interests in less-than-wholly-owned subsidiaries represent interests held by private investment funds or other investment vehicles managed by CCLLC or its affiliates prior to the Combination and which will be managed by the Company subsequent to the Combination, while the remainder represents interests held by third-party strategic investment partners.

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share
	The following table provides the basic and diluted earnings per common share computations:
			Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands, except per share data)		2015			2014
	Net income allocated to common stockholders
	Net income		$	16,215		$	29,850
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(5,686		)	(8,120		)
	Net income attributable to Colony Capital, Inc.		10,529			21,730
	Preferred dividends		(6,972		)	(5,355		)
	Net income attributable to common stockholders		3,557			16,375
	Net income allocated to participating securities (nonvested shares)		(305		)	(240		)
	Basic net income allocated to common stockholders		3,252			16,135
	Interest expense attributable to convertible senior notes (1)		—			—
	Diluted net income allocated to common stockholders		$	3,252		$	16,135
	Weighted average common shares outstanding
	Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding		109,415			80,952
	Weighted average effect of dilutive shares (1)		—			—
	Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding		109,415			80,952
	Earnings per share
	Basic		$	0.03		$	0.2
	Diluted		$	0.03		$	0.2
	__________
	(1)	For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, excluded from the calculation of diluted income per share is the effect of adding back $6.8 million and $4.3 million, respectively, of interest expense and 24,694,800 and 14,860,800 weighted average dilutive common share equivalents, respectively, for the assumed conversion of the Convertible Notes, as their inclusion would be antidilutive. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, also excluded from the calculation of diluted income per share is the effect of adding back $169,000 of interest expense and 412,900 weighted average dilutive common share equivalents for the assumed repayment of the $10 million unsecured note issued to Cobalt Capital Management, L.P. (see Note 9) in shares of the Company's common stock as its inclusion would be antidilutive.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions
	The Company has engaged in various transactions with related parties, including co-investments and other transactions with its unconsolidated joint ventures (as described in Note 6), as well as transactions with the Manager and its affiliates.
	Amounts incurred by the Company and payable to the Manager or its affiliates for the periods presented consisted of the following:
			Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)		2015		2014
	Base management fee expense (1)		$	9,064	$	6,642
	Compensation pursuant to secondment agreement		450		324
	Allocated and direct investment-related expenses		366		746
	Allocated and direct administrative expenses		1,922		667
			$	11,802	$	8,379
	_________
	(1)	Excludes share-based compensation cost for vested awards in the Company's common stock granted to the Manager, as described in Note 15.
	Amounts due to the Manager or its affiliates, presented as due to affiliates on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, are as follows:
	(In thousands)		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Base management fee expense		$	9,064	$	9,173
	Secondment reimbursement		364		1,393
	Reimbursement of direct and allocated administrative and investment costs		1,000		1,670
			$	10,428	$	12,236

ShareBased_Payments

Share-Based Payments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Payments	Share-Based Payments
	Director Stock Plan
	The Company’s 2009 Non-Executive Director Stock Plan (the “Director Stock Plan”) provides for the grant of restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock-based awards to its non-executive directors. The maximum number of shares of stock reserved under the Director Stock Plan is 100,000. The individual share awards generally vest one year from the date of grant.
	Equity Incentive Plan
	On May 8, 2014, the Company’s stockholders approved the Colony Capital, Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended and restated, the “Equity Incentive Plan”), which constitutes an amendment and restatement of the Company’s 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”). The Equity Incentive Plan provides for the grant of options to purchase shares of common stock, share awards (including restricted stock and stock units), stock appreciation rights, performance awards and annual incentive awards, dividend equivalent rights, long-term incentive units, cash and other equity-based awards. Certain named executive officers of the Company, along with other eligible employees, directors and service providers, including the Manager and employees of the Manager, are eligible to receive awards under the Equity Incentive Plan. The Company has reserved a total of 2,500,000 additional shares of common stock for issuance pursuant to the Equity Incentive Plan, in addition to (i) the number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2011 Plan as of May 8, 2014 and (ii) the number of shares of common stock subject to outstanding awards under the 2011 Plan that terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation or otherwise without the issuance of such shares of common stock. The Equity Incentive Plan will expire in 2024 unless earlier terminated by the Company. The share awards granted under the Equity Incentive Plan generally vest 25% upfront and the remainder over a 3-year period from the date of grant.
	Fair value of stock awards are based on the closing price of the Company's common stock on date of grant. Additionally, fair value of awards granted to the Manager or its employees are remeasured at the end of each period until such time that the awards vest.
	Share-based compensation cost recognized is presented in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as follows:
		Location in Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)			2015				2014
	Stock grants to the Manager	Management fee expense		$	5,897			$	4,071
	Stock grants to non-executive directors and employee	Administrative expenses		89				89
				$	5,986			$	4,160
	Changes in the Company’s nonvested share awards is summarized below:
		Restricted Stock Grants
	(In thousands, except per share data)	Non-Executive				Employee			Manager or its Employees			Total		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
		Directors
	Nonvested shares at December 31, 2013	6,837				17,172			488,759			512,768		$	18.28
	Granted	11,250				—			500,000			511,250		20.31
	Vested	(6,837		)		(8,586	)		(322,505		)	(337,928	)	18.83
	Forfeited	—				—			—			—		n/a
	Nonvested shares at March 31, 2014	11,250				8,586			666,254			686,090		19.52
	Weighted average grant-date fair value for shares granted during the period	$	23.2			n/a			$	20.24
	Nonvested shares at December 31, 2014	15,234				8,586			665,618			689,438		19.54
	Granted	13,928				—			618,081			632,009		24.4
	Vested	(11,250		)		(8,586	)		(476,361		)	(496,197	)	20.61
	Forfeited	—				—			—			—		—
	Nonvested shares at March 31, 2015	17,912				—			807,338			825,250		$	22.62
	Weighted average grant-date fair value for shares granted during the period	$	24.99			n/a			$	24.39
	Total fair value of shares that vested, based on the quoted closing share price of the Company's common stock on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") on the respective grant date or vesting date, is $12.1 million and $6.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	As of March 31, 2015, aggregate unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock grants was approximately $19.2 million and is expected to be fully recognized over a weighted-average period of 27 months.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company’s taxable REIT subsidiaries (each a “TRS”) are subject to corporate-level federal, state, foreign and local income taxes. Components of the Company’s income tax expense is presented below:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	2015		2014
	Current
	Federal	$	268	$	347
	State	210		102
	Total current tax expense	478		449
	Deferred
	Federal	114		(176		)
	State	58		(28		)
	Total deferred tax expense (benefit)	172		(204		)
	Total income tax expense	$	650	$	245
	Net deferred tax assets of $6.3 million and $6.5 million are included in other assets and accrued and other liabilities as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Deferred tax assets and liabilities arise from temporary differences in income recognition for GAAP and tax purposes of investments held through TRSs, primarily due to the timing of discount amortization on purchased loans, accelerated depreciation of real estate for tax purposes and accelerated impairment recognition under GAAP.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Investment Commitments
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures—Pursuant to the operating agreements of certain unconsolidated joint ventures, the joint venture partners may be required to fund additional amounts for future investments, unfunded lending commitments, ordinary operating costs, guaranties or commitments of the joint ventures. As of March 31, 2015, the Company’s share of those commitments was $337.4 million.
	Consolidated real estate debt investments—The Company may be required to fund additional amounts to borrowers pursuant to certain loan agreements. As of March 31, 2015, combined unfunded lending commitments totaled $209.3 million, of which the Company's share, net of noncontrolling interests, was $180.9 million.
	Consolidated real estate equity investments—In connection with the Company's acquisition of a light industrial portfolio and operating platform in December 2014, the Company, together with 37% third-party limited partners, may be required to fund additional amounts for future real estate acquisitions and operating costs through ColFin Industrial Partnership, as directed by the general partner of this entity, which is a controlled affiliate of the Company. As of March 31, 2015, such unfunded commitment was $369.9 million, representing $233.6 million for the Company and $136.3 million for the limited partners.
	Additionally, in March 2015, the Company entered into a purchase agreement to acquire an operating property in Massachusetts and made a $1 million deposit. As of March 31, 2015, the unfunded purchase commitment was $34 million.
	Lease Commitments
	In connection with certain property acquisitions, the Company assumed certain noncancelable operating ground leases as lessee or sublessee. The ground leases expire at various times through 2068. Certain leases require contingent rent payments based on a percentage of gross rental receipts, net of certain operating expenses, as defined in the lease. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, ground rent expense was $77,000, including contingent rent. Rents paid under the ground leases are recoverable from tenants.
	Future minimum rent commitments under the ground leases as of March 31, 2015 are as follows:
	Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
	Remaining 2015	$	189
	2016	255
	2017	255
	2018	255
	2019	255
	2020 and after	10,687
	Total	$	11,896
	Guarantees
	In connection with financing arrangements for certain unconsolidated joint ventures, the Company provided customary non-recourse carve-out guaranties. The Company believes that the likelihood of making any payments under the guaranties is remote, and has not accrued for a guaranty liability as of March 31, 2015.
	Litigation
	In the ordinary course of business, the Company may be involved in litigation and claims which may result in legal costs and liability that could have a material effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations. As of March 31, 2015, the Company was not involved in such litigation.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information
	The following tables present the operating results of the Company’s four reportable segments. Effective December 31, 2014, the Company identified a new reportable segment Light Industrial Platform within its real estate equity business following its acquisition of a portfolio of light industrial real estate properties and associated operating platform in December 2014.
			Real Estate Equity
	(In thousands)		Light Industrial Platform			Single-Family			Other			Real Estate Debt			Amounts Not			Total
						Residential									Allocated to
						Rentals									Segments
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Income:
	Interest income		$	7		$	—		$	6		$	46,124		$	—		$	46,137
	Rental income and tenant reimbursements		36,318			—			7,475			—			—			43,793
	Equity in (loss) income of unconsolidated joint ventures		—			(3,912		)	5,527			24,734			—			26,349
	Other income		—			—			—			226			107			333
	Total income (loss)		36,325			(3,912		)	13,008			71,084			107			116,612
	Expenses:
	Management fees		—			—			—			—			14,961			14,961
	Investment and servicing expenses		601			—			162			1,203			651			2,617
	Transaction costs		93			—			—			—			14,097			14,190
	Interest expense		7,875			—			1,807			6,700			10,211			26,593
	Property operating expenses		12,760			—			1,251			—			—			14,011
	Depreciation and amortization		19,620			—			2,688			—			—			22,308
	Administrative expenses		502			—			112			332			3,835			4,781
	Total expenses		41,451			—			6,020			8,235			43,755			99,461
	Other (loss) gain, net		(502		)	—			—			—			216			(286		)
	(Loss) income before income taxes		(5,628		)	(3,912		)	6,988			62,849			(43,432		)	16,865
	Income tax (benefit) expense (1)		(122		)	—			(49		)	821			—			650
	Net (loss) income		(5,506		)	(3,912		)	7,037			62,028			(43,432		)	16,215
	Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(1,969		)	—			869			6,786			—			5,686
	Net (loss) income attributable to Colony Capital, Inc.		$	(3,537	)	$	(3,912	)	$	6,168		$	55,242		$	(43,432	)	$	10,529
			Real Estate Equity
	(In thousands)		Light Industrial Platform			Single-Family			Other			Real Estate Debt			Amounts Not			Total
						Residential									Allocated to
						Rentals									Segments
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Income:
	Interest income		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	33,064		$	38		$	33,102
	Rental income and tenant reimbursements		—			—			3,241			—			—			3,241
	Equity in (loss) income of unconsolidated joint ventures		—			(3,195		)	7,018			18,816			—			22,639
	Other income		—			—			—			225			—			225
	Total (loss) income		—			(3,195		)	10,259			52,105			38			59,207
	Expenses:
	Management fees		—			—			—			—			10,713			10,713
	Investment and servicing expenses		—			—			—			508			753			1,261
	Transaction costs		—			—			—			4,550			—			4,550
	Interest expense		—			—			1,074			2,073			5,802			8,949
	Property operating expenses		—			—			848			—			—			848
	Depreciation and amortization		—			—			1,252			—			—			1,252
	Administrative expenses		—			—			—			170			2,349			2,519
	Total expenses		—			—			3,174			7,301			19,617			30,092
	Other (loss) gain, net		—			—			—			(93		)	1,073			980
	(Loss) income before income taxes		—			(3,195		)	7,085			44,711			(18,506		)	30,095
	Income tax expense		—			—			—			—			245			245
	Net (loss) income		—			(3,195		)	7,085			44,711			(18,751		)	29,850
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			529			7,591			—			8,120
	Net (loss) income attributable to Colony Capital, Inc.		$	—		$	(3,195	)	$	6,556		$	37,120		$	(18,751	)	$	21,730
	The assets of each of the reportable segments are summarized as follows.
	(In thousands)		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Light industrial platform		$	1,719,486		$	1,693,282
	Single-family residential rentals		488,811			494,613
	Other real estate equity		831,305			558,630
	Real estate debt		3,086,043			3,022,355
	Segment assets (2)		6,125,645			5,768,880
	Amounts not allocated to segments		38,248			102,968
	Total assets		$	6,163,893		$	5,871,848
	_________
(1)	Beginning in 2015, income tax (benefit) expense related to specific investments within each segment is allocated to the respective segments. Income tax expense was previously immaterial.
(2)	Beginning in 2015, the Company allocates cash and other assets held within investment holding entities that previously had not been allocated to segments. The impact of this change is an additional allocation of $63.4 million to segment assets at December 31, 2014, made up primarily of cash balances that can be directly attributed to the respective segments.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	Combination with Colony Capital
	On April 2, 2015, pursuant to agreements dated December 23, 2014, an operating subsidiary of the Company (“OP”) completed its acquisition of the CCLLC trademark name and substantially all of its real estate investment management business and operations, excluding those conducted exclusively in connection with Colony American Homes, Inc. (“CAH”), which is now an internally managed company. Upon consummation of the Combination, CCLLC's personnel became employees of the Company and the Company became an internally managed REIT. The Company is now able to sponsor new investment vehicles as general partner under the Colony name. In addition, the Company changed its name from Colony Financial, Inc. to Colony Capital, Inc., but the Company’s common stock, which was reclassified as Class A Common Stock, continues to be listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “CLNY.”
	The Combination was subject to approval of two-thirds of the Company’s non-affiliated shareholders, which was received at a special meeting of shareholders held on March 31, 2015.
	The consideration for the Combination consists of an upfront and a contingent portion, as follows:
	•	Upfront consideration paid in a combination of 1.43 million shares of Class A Common Stock, 563,987 shares of newly created Class B Common Stock, 21.34 million of membership units issued by OP ("OP units"), $11.8 million of cash payments made on behalf of CCLLC for its transaction costs and 1.37 million shares of Class A Common Stock withheld from distribution to Richard B. Saltzman to satisfy his tax obligations in connection with his receipt of such shares. The aggregate upfront consideration was valued at $658.6 million measured based upon the closing price of the Company’s common stock of $26.19 on April 1, 2015.
	•	Contingent consideration to be paid in a combination of up to approximately 1.02 million shares of Class A Common Stock, 90,991 shares of Class B Common Stock and approximately 3.47 million OP Units, subject to multi-year performance targets for achievement of certain funds from operations per share targets and capital-raising thresholds from the funds management businesses. If the minimum performance target for either of these metrics is not met or exceeded, a portion of the contingent consideration paid in respect of the other metric would not be paid out in full.
	Each share of Class B Common Stock and each OP Unit will be, at the holder’s option, convertible into one share of Class A Common Stock, subject, in the case of OP Units, to the terms and conditions set forth in the operating agreement of OP.
	Upon consummation of the Combination, all of Colony Capital's senior executives became employed by the Company. In order to further demonstrate their collective long-term commitment to the Company’s business, Mr. Thomas J. Barrack, Jr., Executive Chairman, and Mr. Richard B. Saltzman, Chief Executive Officer and President, entered into 5-year employment agreements and related lock-up arrangements with the Company, which, subject to certain exceptions for estate planning, partial share pledges and tax-related sales, will generally restrict them from transferring their respective interests in OP Units and/or shares received in connection with the Combination over the same period as their respective employment agreement terms, which restriction would be ratably reduced over such period. Messrs. Barrack and Saltzman also have entered into non-competition arrangements with the Company, each of which will provide for clawback as to a material portion of consideration in the event such individuals violate the non-compete restrictions during the same period as their respective lock-ups. The employment agreements, and related lock-ups and non-competition arrangements became effective at the closing of the Combination.
	The following table presents pro forma results of the Company as if the Combination had been consummated on January 1, 2014. The amounts have been calculated pursuant to the application of the Company’s accounting policies and adjusting the results of CCLLC's operations to reflect the additional depreciation and amortization, tax and compensation expense, and after eliminating intercompany transactions of the combined entities and allocation of net income to OP Units. The pro forma results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were adjusted to exclude acquisition-related expenses of approximately $14.1 million. The unaudited pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.
			Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)		2015		2014
	Pro forma total income		$	147,711	$	87,319
	Pro forma net income attributable to Colony Capital, Inc.		23,238		17,531
	Pro forma net income attributable to common stockholders		16,266		12,176
	Preferred Stock Issuance
	In April 2015, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of 11,500,000 shares of its 7.125% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share. The net offering proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering costs payable by the Company, were approximately $278 million. The Company used the net proceeds from the offering to repay amounts outstanding under the line of credit at the time of the offering, to fund acquisitions of target assets and for working capital and general corporate purposes.
	Secured Financing
	In April 2015, the Company entered into a master repurchase agreement with a financial institution to partially finance loans secured by real estate within the Company’s Transitional CRE Lending Platform. The facility provides up to $150 million of financing for eligible assets within the Transitional CRE Lending Platform and has an initial term of 3 years with option to extend for one or more additional one year periods. Advances under the facility bear interest at LIBOR plus 2.5%.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The portions of the equity, net income and other comprehensive income of consolidated subsidiaries that are not attributable to the parent are presented separately as amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests in the consolidated financial statements. A substantial portion of noncontrolling interests represent interests held by private investment funds or other investment vehicles managed by CCLLC or its affiliates ("Co-Investment Funds") prior to the Combination and which will be managed by the Company subsequent to the Combination.
	The Company consolidates entities in which it retains a controlling financial interest or entities that meet the definition of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) for which the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. In performing its analysis of whether it is the primary beneficiary, at initial investment and at each quarterly reporting period, the Company considers whether it individually has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly affect the entity’s performance and also has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company also considers whether it is a member of a related party group that collectively meets the power and benefits criteria and, if so, whether the Company is most closely associated with the VIE. In making that determination, the Company considers both qualitative and quantitative factors, including, but not limited to: the amount and characteristics of its investment relative to other investors; the obligation or likelihood for the Company or other investors to fund operating losses of the VIE; the Company’s and the other investors’ ability to control or significantly influence key decisions for the VIE, and the similarity and significance of the VIE’s business activities to those of the Company and the other investors. The determination of whether an entity is a VIE, and whether the Company is the primary beneficiary, involves significant judgment, including the determination of which activities most significantly affect the entities’ performance, estimates about the current and future fair values and performance of assets held by the VIE and/or general market conditions.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation
	The Company translates the assets and liabilities of its non-U.S. dollar functional currency investments and subsidiaries into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Income and expenses from these investments and subsidiaries are translated at the average rate of exchange prevailing during the period such income was earned or expenses were incurred. Translation adjustments resulting from changes in exchange rates are recorded as other comprehensive income or loss. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses from such investments and subsidiaries are recognized upon sale or upon complete or substantially complete liquidation of the underlying investment in a foreign entity, and are included in other gain or loss in the accompanying statements of operations. When the Company sells part of its ownership interest in an equity method investment in a foreign entity, a proportionate share of the accumulated translation adjustment associated with the investment is reclassified into earnings. For purposes of presenting required disclosures of amounts to be recorded in the future as of balance sheet date, the Company uses the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date to translate such amounts that are denominated in foreign currencies.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recent Accounting Updates	Recent Accounting Updates
	Revenue Recognition—In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which amended the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 establishes principles for recognizing revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers, at an amount reflecting the consideration a company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect as of the date of initial application recognized in retained earnings. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. In April 2015, the FASB issued a proposal for a one-year deferral of the effective date of the new standard which would result in the standard being effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted but not before the original effective date. The proposal is not final and is subject to the due process requirements of the FASB. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
	Consolidation—In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which amended the existing accounting standards for consolidation under both the variable interest model and the voting model. Under ASU No. 2015-02, companies will need to re-evaluate whether an entity meets the criteria to be considered a VIE, whether companies still meet the definition of primary beneficiaries, and whether an entity needs to be consolidated under the voting model. ASU No. 2015-02 may be applied using a modified retrospective or full retrospective approach, and is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted in any interim reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of the pending adoption of this new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
	Debt Issuance Costs—In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the associated debt liability, rather than deferring the charges as an asset. This aligns the presentation of debt issuance costs and debt discounts in the balance sheet. ASU No. 2015-03 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, and will be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented. Early adoption is permitted. The Company will comply with the new presentation requirements upon adoption.

Consolidated_Variable_Interest1

Consolidated Variable Interest Entity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of assets and liabilities related to the consolidated VIEs	The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets related to the consolidated VIEs:
	(In thousands)	2014-FL1			2014-FL2			MF 2014-1			Total
	March 31, 2015
	Loans held for investment, net	$	190,192		$	305,634		$	289,882		$	785,708
	Restricted cash	10,869			26,009			—			36,878
	Deferred financing costs, net	2,127			2,735			2,989			7,851
	Receivables	993			1,454			1,408			3,855
	Secured financing	(126,216		)	(204,959		)	(190,874		)	(522,049		)
	Accrued and other liabilities	(11,328		)	(26,585		)	(405		)	(38,318		)
	Net investment	$	66,637		$	104,288		$	103,000		$	273,925
	31-Dec-14
	Loans held for investment, net	$	189,898		$	305,238		$	312,625		$	807,761
	Restricted cash	11,902			25,244			—			37,146
	Deferred financing costs, net	2,620			3,030			3,313			8,963
	Receivables	1,055			1,448			1,462			3,965
	Secured financing	(126,204		)	(197,655		)	(213,409		)	(537,268		)
	Accrued and other liabilities	(12,173		)	(25,818		)	(452		)	(38,443		)
	Net investment	$	67,098		$	111,487		$	103,539		$	282,124

Loans_Receivable_Tables

Loans Receivable (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Company Loans Receivable	Below is a summary of the Company’s loans held for investment, including purchased credit impaired ("PCI") loans.
			March 31, 2015													31-Dec-14
	(Amounts in thousands)		Unpaid Principal Balance				Carrying				Weighted			Weighted Average Maturity in Years		Unpaid Principal Balance				Carrying		Weighted		Weighted Average Maturity in Years
							Amount				Average									Amount		Average
											Coupon											Coupon
	Non-PCI Loans
	Fixed rate
	Mortgage loans		$	134,245			$	125,348			5.6	%		8.7		$	134,636			$	126,114	6.4	%	8.7
	Securitized mortgage loans		159,634				163,054				6.5	%		16.8		170,218				174,292		6.5	%	17.1
	B-notes		142,761				140,197				8.5	%		2.9		143,376				140,312		8.5	%	3.2
	Mezzanine loans		122,581				122,581				10.3	%		4.4		125,163				125,163		10.3	%	4.6
			559,221				551,180									573,393				565,881
	Variable rate
	Mortgage loans		444,485				440,270				6.4	%		1.8		331,192				326,491		6.9	%	1.9
	Securitized mortgage loans		618,522				614,543				5.7	%		5.7		630,420				625,050		5.7	%	6.2
	Mezzanine loans		373,790				372,252				10.9	%		1.3		367,863				365,825		10.9	%	1.5
			1,436,797				1,427,065									1,329,475				1,317,366
			1,996,018				1,978,245									1,902,868				1,883,247
	PCI Loans
	Mortgage loans		240,638				160,541									334,500				239,702
	Securitized mortgage loans		9,620				8,111									9,672				8,185
			250,258				168,652									344,172				247,887
	Total loans held for investment		$	2,246,276			$	2,146,897								$	2,247,040			$	2,131,134
Table Summarizing the Companys' non-PCI Loans with Variable Interest Rates	Details of the Company's loans held for investment with variable interest rates, excluding PCI loans, are as follows:
	(Amounts in thousands)		Index		Weighted Average Spread		Weighted Average Rate		Unpaid Principal Balance				Carrying Amount
	March 31, 2015
	Mortgage loans		1-Month LIBOR	-1	6.30%		6.40%	-2	$	439,883			$	435,798
	Mortgage loans		6-Month LIBOR	-1	2.40%		5.30%	-2	4,602				4,472
	Securitized mortgage loans		1-Month LIBOR	-1	5.70%		5.90%	-2	499,661				497,309
	Securitized mortgage loans		6-Month LIBOR	-1	2.50%		5.80%	-2	96,251				96,315
	Securitized mortgage loans		12-Month Treasury Average		2.40%		2.90%	-3	22,610				20,919
	Mezzanine loans		1-Month LIBOR	-1	10.70%		10.90%		373,790				372,252
									$	1,436,797			$	1,427,065
	31-Dec-14
	Mortgage loans		1-Month LIBOR	-1	6.80%		6.90%	-2	$	326,563			$	321,997
	Mortgage loans		6-Month LIBOR	-1	2.40%		5.30%	-2	4,629				4,494
	Securitized mortgage loans		1-Month LIBOR	-1	5.70%		5.80%	-2	499,668				496,394
	Securitized mortgage loans		6-Month LIBOR	-1	2.50%		5.80%	-2	105,684				105,743
	Securitized mortgage loans		12-Month Treasury Average		2.50%		2.80%	-3	25,068				22,913
	Mezzanine loans		1-Month LIBOR	-1	10.70%		10.90%		367,863				365,825
									$	1,329,475			$	1,317,366
	__________
	-1	LIBOR =ondon Interbank Offered Rate
	-2	Certain loans are subject to a LIBOR floor which was higher than the actual LIBOR at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
	-3	Certain loans are subject to a 12-Month Treasury Average ("12MTA") floor, which was higher than the actual 12MTA at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
Activity in Loans Receivable	Activity in loans held for investment is summarized below:
			Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)		2015				2014
	Carrying amount at January 1		$	2,131,134			$	1,028,654
	Loan acquisitions and originations		121,463				480,707
	Paid-in-kind interest added to loan principal		1,547				—
	Discount and net loan fee amortization		9,157				9,026
	Loan repayments		(26,842		)		(13,146		)
	Payments received from PCI loans		(66,907		)		(1,586		)
	Provision for loan loss		(112		)		—
	Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates		(22,543		)		209
	Carrying amount at March 31		$	2,146,897			$	1,503,864
Summary of Past Due Loans	The following table provides a summary of past due loans, excluding PCI loans which are discussed below. Carrying amounts are presented net of allowances for loan losses.
	(In thousands)	Current or Less Than 30 Days Past Due				30-59 Days Past Due				60-89 Days Past Due				90 Days or More Past Due				Total
	At March 31, 2015	$	1,959,856			$	875			$	—			$	17,514			$	1,978,245
	At December 31, 2014	$	1,864,466			$	12,002			$	3,058			$	3,721			$	1,883,247
Changes in Accretable Yield for the PCI loans	Changes in accretable yield for existing PCI loans were as follows:
			Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)		2015				2014
	Accretable yield at January 1		$	98,523			$	130,823
	Changes in estimated cash flows		2,024				—
	Accretion		(5,978		)		(5,488		)
	Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates		(10,492		)		(40		)
	Accretable yield at March 31		$	84,077			$	125,295

Real_Estate_Assets_Tables

Real Estate Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Real Estate [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Real Estates	The Company's net real estate assets comprise the following:
		Estimated Useful Life (in weighted average years)		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	(Amounts in thousands)
	Real Estate Held for Investment
	Land	NA		$	281,192		$	265,263
	Buildings and improvements	37		1,519,883			1,351,798
	Tenant improvements	6		34,631			33,357
				1,835,706			1,650,418
	Accumulated depreciation			(20,923		)	(6,421		)
	Net carrying amount			1,814,783			1,643,997
	Real Estate Held for Sale
	Land and buildings	NA		16,163			—
	Real Estate Assets, Net			$	1,830,946		$	1,643,997
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	Future contractual minimum rental payments under noncancelable operating leases, excluding tenant reimbursements, as of March 31, 2015 are as follows:
	Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
	Remaining 2015	$	97,798
	2016	122,279
	2017	105,717
	2018	87,123
	2019	68,478
	2020 and after	360,598
	Total	$	841,993

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_1

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Text Block]	The Company exercises significant influence over these joint ventures and account for its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures under the equity method, with the exception of one cost method investment.
	(In thousands)		31-Mar-15				31-Dec-14
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
	Equity method		$	1,655,476			$	1,646,977
	Cost method		99,868				—
			$	1,755,344			$	1,646,977
Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	The Company’s equity method investments in joint ventures are summarized below:
	(Amounts in thousands)				Ownership Percentage at March 31, 2015 (1)			Carrying Value
	Joint Ventures		Investment Status at March 31, 2015					March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	CAH Operating Partnership, L.P.	-2	Investment in CAH OP, an investment vehicle created for the purpose of acquiring and renting single-family homes		23.3	%		$	488,811	$	494,613
	Portfolio 8 Investors, LLC	-3	Preferred equity investment in an entity that acquired a multifamily portfolio composed of approximately 7,600 units located in Georgia, Florida and Texas		75	%		153,003		160,981
	ColFin Silverbird Funding A, LLC and ColFin Silverbird Funding B, LLC		Mixed portfolio of 25 commercial properties located throughout the United Kingdom		50	%		67,696		72,761
	ColFin Court Square Funding, LLC		Preferred equity investment in an entity that acquired a Class A office tower located in Long Island City, New York		50	%		53,162		52,115
	ColFin Lir Funding, LLC and ColFin Lir Holding, LLC		Originated loan secured by mortgages and equity pledges of commercial properties located in Ireland and France		50	%		50,335		—
	ColFin Orlando Funding, LLC		Acquired non-performing loan secured by a 444-acre development site located in Orlando, Florida		50	%		44,612		40,160
	(Amounts in thousands)				Ownership Percentage at March 31, 2015 (1)			Carrying Value
	Joint Ventures		Investment Status at March 31, 2015					March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	ColFin Highland UK13 Funding, LLC		Acquired sub-performing loan secured by 13 commercial properties throughout the United Kingdom		50	%		43,667		44,711
	ColFin NW Funding, LLC		Acquired 15 performing first mortgages secured by commercial real estate		37.9	%		35,354		35,023
	ColFin SXC Funding, LLC		Performing mezzanine loan origination cross-collateralized by a portfolio of select service hotels		50	%		35,198		28,374
	ColFin JIH Holdco, LLC, ColFin JIH Mezzco A, LLC and ColFin JIH Opco, LLC		Equity interests in and senior mezzanine loan receivable from entities owning a portfolio of 84 limited service hotels		33.3	%		32,393		32,918
	ColFin Cortland Zero, LLC		Preferred equity investment in an entity that owns a multifamily portfolio located in Georgia and Louisiana		50	%		30,631		—
	ColFin Snow Funding, LLC		Originated loan secured by two mortgages and an equity pledge in a portfolio of 12 hotels located in France		50	%		29,704		32,763
	ColFin ARP Funding, LLC and ColFin ARP Linda Isle Investor, LLC		First mortgage loan to finance the acquisition and redevelopment of high-end, single family residential properties in infill, coastal southern California markets		50	%		27,673		27,173
	Armonia (Italy) Fund		Portfolio of 113 properties located throughout Italy		50	%		26,266		58,513
	ColFin Hunt Holdco A, LLC and ColFin Hunt Holdco B, LLC		2 commercial real estate owned ("REO") properties in Germany		37.9	%		26,216		29,582
	ColFin Athina Funding, LLC		Originated mezzanine loan secured by an equity pledge in the borrower entities that own a Mediterranean resort with a hotel and villas		50	%		23,642		25,996
	ColFin STC Funding, LLC		Acquired performing senior mortgage loan secured by a retail property in Florida		50	%		23,490		23,441
	ColFin Bulls Funding A, LLC and ColFin Bulls Funding B, LLC		249 performing and non-performing acquired loans consisting of substantially all first mortgage recourse commercial real estate loans and 19 REO properties		32.5	%		22,317		24,625
	ColFin 2011 CRE Holdco, LLC and Colony AMC 2011 CRE, LLC		303 performing and non-performing loans acquired in a structured transaction with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"), secured mostly by commercial real estate, and 26 REO properties		44.4	%		20,767		23,378
	ColFin DOD Funding, LLC and ColFin IOD Holding, LLC		Originated first mortgage loan to finance the acquisition of an office development site in Dublin, Ireland		50	%		20,163		21,857
	ColFin Cabo Palm Funding, LLC		Participation in junior first mortgage interest secured by a luxury beach resort in Mexico		50	%		20,097		20,090
	ColFin CPI Funding, LLC		Origination of a mezzanine loan secured by shares of a distressed European real estate company that owns primarily office buildings and hotels in France and Spain		50	%		20,071		21,833
	ColFin Grand Cul Funding, LLC		First mortgage loans secured by a partially constructed hotel and residential development project located in the Caribbean		33.3	%		19,853		20,796
	CDCF III Ver Logistic, LLC		Portfolio of 16 warehouse properties located in Spain and Portugal		50	%		18,799		20,546
	ColFin FCDC Funding, LLC		Equity interests acquired through deed-in-lieu in 2 partially developed master planned communities located in California		50	%		18,514		17,562
	ColFin PHX Tower Funding, LLC		Equity interest in a high-rise office tower located in Phoenix, Arizona		50	%		18,496		18,556
	ColFin London Funding, LLC		4 performing acquired loans secured by commercial real estate		50	%		18,007		18,178
	ColFin 101 Erie Funding, LLC and ColFin 101 Erie Investor, LLC		Origination of a mezzanine loan secured indirectly by a vacant office building in Chicago to finance a hotel redevelopment		50	%		17,465		16,705
	ColFin Inland Funding, LLC and ColFin Inland Investor, LLC		First mortgage loan secured by a Southern California master planned development and equity participation rights		50	%		17,414		17,139
	ColFin DB Guarantor, LLC and Colony AMC DB, LLC		347 performing and non-performing loans acquired in a structured transaction with the FDIC, secured mostly by commercial real estate and 63 REO properties		33.3	%		17,292		19,121
	(Amounts in thousands)				Ownership Percentage at March 31, 2015 (1)			Carrying Value
	Joint Ventures		Investment Status at March 31, 2015					March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	CF/CDG Lake Ranch Venture, LLC	-4	First mortgage loan secured by a 135-acre residential development project located in Southern California and equity participation rights		n/a			17,270		16,821
	ColFin Shadow Funding, LLC and ColFin Shadow Investor, LLC		Senior loan facility origination to finance the development of a master planned residential community located near Austin, TX		50	%		15,026		14,527
	ColFin Marin Funding, LLC		First mortgage loan origination for the land acquisition and pre-development costs of a waterfront mixed-use project located in Northern California		50	%		15,015		14,830
	Other unconsolidated joint ventures		29 investments, each with less than $15 million carrying value at March 31, 2015		4.5% to 50.0%			167,057		181,289
								$	1,655,476	$	1,646,977
	__________
	-1	The Company's ownership percentage represents capital contributed to date and may not be reflective of the Company's economic interest in the entity because of provisions in operating agreements governing various matters, such as classes of partner or member interests, allocations of profits and losses, preferential returns and guaranty of debt. Each unconsolidated joint venture has been determined to be either a VIE for which the Company was not deemed to be the primary beneficiary or a voting interest entity in which the Company does not have a controlling financial interest.
	-2	The Company’s carrying value of its investment in CAH OP is approximately $24.0 million higher than its pro rata share of the partners' capital of CAH OP.  The basis difference is primarily attributable to (i) offering costs incurred by CAH OP which were a direct reduction to partners’ capital but not an expense of the partnership; (ii) CAH OP’s internalization transaction, which was a reorganization of entities under common control and reduced the Company's ownership interest in CAH OP; and (iii) step-up adjustments to real estate assets contributed by the Company upon formation of CAH OP, which were recorded by the Company at carryover basis but recognized by CAH OP at fair value. The portion of the basis difference arising from the step-up of contributed real estate assets is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of such assets.
	-3	While the Company has a preferred equity interest which represents a majority ownership in Portfolio 8 Investors, LLC, the minority member has control over the day-to-day operations of the entity. Accordingly, the Company accounts for its investment using the equity method.
	-4	Pursuant to the terms of the loan agreement, the Company participates in the residual profits of this development project. The Company evaluated the characteristics of this acquisition, development and construction ("ADC") loan and determined that the risks and rewards of the arrangement are more similar to those associated with an investment in joint venture. Accordingly, the Company accounts for this loan receivable under the equity method.
Activity in Company Investments In Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	Activity in the Company’s investments in equity method joint ventures is summarized below:
			Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)		2015				2014
	Balance at January 1		$	1,646,977			$	1,369,529
	Contributions		107,429				58,188
	Distributions		(96,025		)		(73,776		)
	Equity in net income		26,349				22,639
	Equity in other comprehensive (loss) income		(612		)		244
	Equity in realized loss (gain) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		161				(3,865		)
	Foreign currency translation (loss) gain		(28,803		)		88
	Balance at March 31		$	1,655,476			$	1,373,047
Combined Condensed Balance Sheets of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	Condensed Combined Balance Sheets of Equity Method Joint Ventures
	(In thousands)		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	369,667			$	512,487
	Loans receivable, net		2,048,978				2,127,148
	Investments in real estate, net		5,213,733				5,218,915
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures		297,824				237,722
	Debt and equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value		—				39,503
	Other assets		491,745				378,220
	Total assets		$	8,421,947			$	8,513,995
	Liabilities:
	Debt		$	3,248,609			$	3,113,038
	Other liabilities		245,216				273,816
	Total liabilities		3,493,825				3,386,854
	Owners’ equity		4,476,434				4,544,846
	Noncontrolling interests		451,688				582,295
	Total liabilities and equity		$	8,421,947			$	8,513,995
Combined Condensed Statements of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	Condensed Combined Statements of Operations of Equity Method Joint Ventures
			Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)		2015				2014
	Income:
	Interest income		$	89,789			$	82,224
	Property operating income		148,023				84,934
	Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures		9,219				9,787
	Other income		11,457				9,054
	Total income		258,488				185,999
	Expenses:
	Interest expense		32,778				18,545
	Property operating expenses		81,682				63,716
	Depreciation and amortization		43,092				28,953
	Other expenses		34,582				21,916
	Total expenses		192,134				133,130
	Other income:
	Realized and unrealized gain on investments, net		5,516				18,690
	Net income		71,870				71,559
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		19,593				20,341
	Net income attributable to members		$	52,277			$	51,218

Intangibles_Tables

Intangibles (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill and Intangible Assets from Acquisitions	The following table summarizes goodwill and intangibles arising from acquisition of operating real estate properties through business combinations or purchase-leaseback transactions:
		31-Mar-15								31-Dec-14
	(In thousands)	Gross			Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Gross		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
	Intangible assets:
	Goodwill	$	20,000		NA			$	20,000	$	20,000	NA			$	20,000
	In-place lease values	60,511			$	(7,413	)	53,098		48,018		$	(2,295	)	45,723
	Above-market lease values	23,121			(1,945		)	21,176		23,194		(280		)	22,914
	Below-market ground lease obligations	1,420			(20		)	1,400		1,420		(14		)	1,406
	Deferred leasing costs	51,186			(3,337		)	47,849		36,788		(771		)	36,017
	Total intangible assets	$	156,238		$	(12,715	)	$	143,523	$	129,420	$	(3,360	)	$	126,060
	Intangible liabilities:
	Below-market lease values	$	12,475		$	(760	)	$	11,715	$	10,282	$	(114	)	$	10,168
	Above-market ground lease obligations	171			(2		)	169		171		—			171
	Total intangible liabilities	$	12,646		$	(762	)	$	11,884	$	10,453	$	(114	)	$	10,339
Schedule of Expected Annual Amortization Expenses	The following table summarizes the amortization of intangible assets and liabilities:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	2015			2014
	Above-market lease values	$	(1,670	)	$	—
	Below-market lease values	647			—
	Decrease to rental income	$	(1,023	)	$	—
	In-place lease values	$	5,128		$	288
	Deferred leasing costs	2,572			81
	Amortization expense	$	7,700		$	369
	Net below-market ground lease obligations	$	5		$	—
	Increase to rent expense	$	5		$	—
Schedule of Estimated Annual Amortization Expense	The table below presents the estimated annual amortization of acquisition-related lease intangibles for each of the next five years and thereafter:
	(In thousands)	Intangible Assets										Intangible Liabilities
	Year Ending December 31,	In-Place			Above-Market Lease Values			Deferred Leasing Costs		Below-Market Ground Lease Obligations		Below-Market Lease Values			Above-Market Ground Lease Obligations
		Lease Values
	Remaining 2015	$	11,003		$	5,005		$	6,936	$	20	$	(2,319	)	$	(5	)
	2016	10,374			5,737			7,975		26		(2,792		)	(6		)
	2017	7,268			4,143			6,491		26		(2,227		)	(6		)
	2018	5,198			2,589			5,014		26		(1,472		)	(6		)
	2019	3,705			1,173			3,585		26		(894		)	(6		)
	2020 and after	15,550			2,529			17,848		1,276		(2,011		)	(140		)
	Total	$	53,098		$	21,176		$	47,849	$	1,400	$	(11,715	)	$	(169	)

Other_Assets_Tables

Other Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of the Company's Other Assets, Net	The following table summarizes the Company's other assets:
	(In thousands)		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Restricted cash (1)		$	83,813	$	76,945
	Deferred financing costs, net (2)		49,535		51,103
	Receivables, including straight-line rents		20,295		12,783
	Derivative assets		55,400		26,479
	Deferred tax assets		6,575		6,713
	Prepaid expenses and other		7,269		7,721
	Total other assets		$	222,887	$	181,744
	__________
	-1	Restricted cash includes borrower escrow accounts, tenant security deposits and escrow accounts for interest, property taxes and capital expenditure reserves required under secured financing agreements.
	-2	Deferred financing costs are shown net of accumulated amortization of $17.5 million and $13.1 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debts	The following table summarizes certain information about the Company's secured and unsecured debt:
	(Amounts in thousands)									Carrying Amount
	Type			Collateral		Interest Rate		Maturity Date		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Secured Debt:
		Secured financing (1)		Portfolio of 18 first mortgage loans and 1 subordinated loan		1-month LIBOR+2.85%		Dec-17		$	85,194		$	90,164
		Secured financing (2)		Senior participation interest in a portfolio of 1 first mortgage loan and 1 subordinated loan		1-month LIBOR+2.85%		N/A		15,939			80,213
		First mortgage loan (3)		Office property in Minnesota		4.84% fixed		Jan-24		88,000			88,000
		First mortgage loans (4)		Two higher education campuses located in Switzerland		2.72% fixed		Dec-29		125,598			—
		First mortgage loan (5)		Portfolio of light industrial real estate assets across the U.S.		1-month LIBOR+2.25%		Dec-19		1,088,500			1,088,500
		Repurchase facility (6)		Eligible first mortgage loans originated within the Transitional CRE Lending Platform		1-month LIBOR+2.5%		Feb-16		118,356			85,520
										1,521,587			1,432,397
	Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securitization ("CMBS") Debt:
		CMBS 2014-FL1 (7)		Portfolio of 11 first mortgage loans originated within the Transitional CRE Lending Platform		1-month LIBOR+1.78%		Apr-31		126,216			126,204
		CMBS 2014-FL2 (8)		Portfolio of 15 commercial mortgage loans originated within the Transitional CRE Lending Platform		1-month LIBOR+1.96%		Nov-31		204,959			197,655
		CMBS MF 2014-1 (9)		Portfolio of 278 performing first mortgage loans secured by multifamily properties		2.54% fixed		N/A		190,874			213,409
										522,049			537,268
	Unsecured Debt:
		Unsecured note (10)		—		(10)		Dec-17		9,889			10,000
		Total								$	2,053,525		$	1,979,665
	__________
	-1	The non-recourse financing is secured by a loan portfolio acquired in October 2013 and requires monthly interest payments and principal curtailment based upon the ratio of principal outstanding to collateral cost basis. The current principal curtailment requirement is 70% of all excess cash flow from the underlying loan portfolio, after payment of certain loan servicing fees and monthly interest, but may increase or decrease in the future.
	-2	In connection with the acquisition of a loan portfolio in March 2014, a lender provided concurrent non-recourse financing for $82.3 million, or 65% of the aggregate purchase price. Although the financing has no contractual maturity date, any principal repayments from the underlying collateral loan portfolio must be applied to repay the financing until the balance is paid in full.
	-3	The loan requires monthly interest payments until January 2016, then principal and interest payments based on a 30-year amortization schedule. The loan agreement requires rent receipts from the collateral property to be initially deposited into a lockbox account controlled by the lender. The excess of monthly rent receipts over monthly debt service is remitted to the Company.
	-4	Concurrent with the acquisition of two single-tenant net leased properties in January 2015, the Company obtained two 15-year term, non-recourse, loans with aggregate principal amount of CHF 122.1 million from a financial institution. These loans are secured by the acquired real estate properties and bear interest at a fixed weighted-average rate of 2.72%. The loan agreements require quarterly interest payments until October 10, 2015, then principal and interest payments based on a 33-year amortization schedule.
	-5	In connection with the acquisition of the portfolio of light industrial real estate assets and operating platform in December 2014, the Company obtained a $1.13 billion mortgage loan, of which $1.09 billion was drawn, from a financial institution. This loan is secured by the acquired real estate portfolio, has an initial term of 2 years, plus three 1-year extension options, and bears interest at one-month LIBOR plus 2.25%. The interest rate will increase to one-month LIBOR plus 2.5% after the fourth anniversary date. The loan requires interest-only monthly payments, plus a 0.05% administration fee, until maturity.
	-6	The Company entered into a master repurchase agreement (“Repurchase Facility”) with a commercial bank to partially finance loans within its Transitional CRE Lending Platform. The Repurchase Facility provides up to $150 million of financing for eligible assets within the Transitional CRE Lending Platform and has an initial term of 2 years, plus a 1-year extension option. Advances under the Repurchase Facility bear interest ranging from one-month LIBOR plus a spread of 2.25% to 2.5%.
	-7	As discussed in Note 3, on April 10, 2014, FL1 Issuer offered and sold to third parties approximately $126.2 million aggregate principal balance of the FL1 Offered Notes with net proceeds from the sale, after deducting securitization costs, of approximately $122.3 million. The FL1 Offered Notes are secured by all assets of the FL1 Issuer consisting of commercial mortgage loans originated within the Transitional CRE Lending Platform with an aggregate UPB of $190.6 million as of March 31, 2015. Although the securitization debt has a contractual maturity date of April 2031, any principal repayments from the underlying collateral mortgage loans must be applied to repay the debt until the balance is paid in full. The underlying collateral mortgage loans have initial terms of 2 to 3 years.
	-8	As discussed in Note 3, in November and December of 2014 and January 2015, FL2 Issuer offered and sold to third parties approximately $205 million aggregate principal balance of the FL2 Offered Notes with net proceeds from the sale, after deducting securitization costs and repayment of $93.1 million outstanding under the Repurchase Facility described below, of approximately $108.9 million. The secured 2014-FL2 Notes are secured by all assets of the FL2 Issuer consisting of commercial mortgage loans originated within the Transitional CRE Lending Platform with an aggregate UPB of $307.6 million as of March 31, 2015. Although the securitization debt has a contractual maturity date of November 2031, any principal repayments from the underlying collateral mortgage loans must be applied to repay the debt until the balance is paid in full. The underlying collateral mortgage loans have initial terms of 2 to 3 years.
	-9	As discussed in Note 3, on October 30, 2014, Colony Multifamily Mortgage Trust 2014-1 offered and sold to third parties approximately $217.2 million principal balance of the MF 2014-1 Certificates with net proceeds, after deducting securitization costs and accrued interest, of approximately $214.4 million. Although the securitization debt does not have a contractual maturity date, any principal repayments from the underlying collateral mortgage loans must be applied to repay the debt until the balance is paid in full. The underlying collateral mortgage loans have initial remaining terms of 1 to 24 years.
	-10	In connection with the acquisition of the portfolio of light industrial real estate assets and operating platform from Cobalt Capital Partners, L.P. and its affiliates in December 2014, the Company issued an unsecured note in the amount of $10 million to Cobalt Capital Management, L.P., an affiliate of Cobalt Capital Partners, L.P. and a service provider that continues to manage the light industrial portfolio and its day-to-day operations. The note will mature on the third anniversary of the date of acquisition and one-third of the initial principal amount of the note is required to be repaid on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of acquisition (each, a “Payment Date”). Principal under the note shall be paid in either (a) shares of the Company’s common stock, or (b) OP Units, which are exchangeable for shares of the Company’s common stock. The interest on the note is payable in an amount equivalent to dividends paid on shares that would have been due had the holder held shares of the Company's common stock in lieu of the note. At the dividend rate in effect as of March 31, 2015, the effective interest rate on this loan is approximately 6.1%.
Schedule Principal Payments Due Under the Secured Financing Arrangements	The following table summarizes such minimum principal payments and estimated principal payments based upon reasonable expectations of cash flows from the underlying collateral assets as of March 31, 2015:
	Year Ending December 31,		(In thousands)
	Remaining 2015		$	221,744		(1)
	2016		201,994			(1)
	2017		259,698			(1)
	2018		34,229
	2019		1,114,224
	2020 and after		221,636
	Total		$	2,053,525
	_________
	(1)	Includes $3.2 million, $3.3 million and $3.3 million payable in shares of the Company's common stock for 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively
Convertible Senior Notes Issued	Convertible Senior Notes issued by the Company and outstanding as of balance sheet dates are as follows:
									Conversion Price (per share of common stock)					March 31, 2015				31-Dec-14
			Issuance Date		Due Date		Interest Rate					Redemption Date		Outstanding Principal		Carrying Amount		Outstanding Principal		Carrying Amount
														(in thousands)		(in thousands)		(in thousands)		(in thousands)
	5% Convertible Senior Notes		Apr-13		15-Apr-23		Fixed 5.00%		$	23.6		On or after April 22, 2020		$	200,000	$	200,000	$	200,000	$	200,000
	3.875% Convertible Senior Notes		January and June 2014		15-Jan-21		Fixed 3.875%		24.82			On or after January 22, 2019		402,500		404,424		402,500		404,498
														$	602,500	$	604,424	$	602,500	$	604,498

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Tables

Derivatives and Hedging (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	Gross fair value of derivative assets and derivative liabilities included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
		31-Mar-15									31-Dec-14
	(In thousands)	Designated Hedges				Non-Designated Hedges			Total		Designated Hedges		Non-Designated Hedges		Total
	Derivative Assets
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	55,241			$	—		$	55,241	$	25,820	$	—	$	25,820
	Interest rate contracts	134				25			159		402		257		659
	Included in other assets	$	55,375			$	25		$	55,400	$	26,222	$	257	$	26,479
	Derivative Liabilities
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	6,589			$	—		$	6,589	$	6,718	$	—	$	6,718
	Included in accrued and other liabilities	$	6,589			$	—		$	6,589	$	6,718	$	—	$	6,718
Schedule of Foreign Exchange Contracts	The following table summarizes the aggregate notional amount of the foreign exchange contracts in place along with various key terms as of March 31, 2015:
	Hedged Currency	Instrument Type		Notional Amount				FX Rates		Range of Expiration Dates
				(in thousands)				($ per unit of foreign currency)
	EUR	Collar		€	218,325			Min $1.09 / Max $1.57		July 2015 to March 2020
	GBP	Collar		£	75,000			Min $1.45 / Max $1.82		September 2017 to December 2019
	EUR	Forward		€	66,900			Range between $1.15 to $1.40		June 2015 to July 2018
	GBP	Forward		£	41,900			Range between $1.49 to $1.65		May 2015 to November 2015
	CHF	Forward		CHF	55,545			Range between $0.67 to $0.68		Jan-30

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair and Carrying Values of Assets and Liabilities by the Level in the Fair Value Hierarchy by Balance Sheet Grouping	Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments reported at amortized cost are presented below:
		Fair Value Measurements								Carrying Value
	(In thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	March 31, 2015
	Assets
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	$	—	$	—	$	2,092,368	$	2,092,368	$	1,755,344
	Loans held for investment	—		—		2,184,670		2,184,670		2,146,897
		$	—	$	—	$	4,277,038	$	4,277,038	$	3,902,241
	Liabilities
	Line of credit	$	—	$	398,400	$	—	$	398,400	$	398,400
	Secured and unsecured debt	—		—		1,539,886		1,539,886		1,531,476
	CMBS debt	—		517,600		—		517,600		522,049
	Convertible senior notes	659,157		—		—		659,157		604,424
		$	659,157	$	916,000	$	1,539,886	$	3,115,043	$	3,056,349
	31-Dec-14
	Assets
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	$	—	$	—	$	1,963,965	$	1,963,965	$	1,646,977
	Loans held for investment	—		—		2,163,500		2,163,500		2,131,134
		$	—	$	—	$	4,127,465	$	4,127,465	$	3,778,111
	Liabilities
	Line of credit	$	—	$	164,000	$	—	$	164,000	$	164,000
	Secured and unsecured debt	—		—		1,442,397		1,442,397		1,442,397
	CMBS debt	—		536,927		—		536,927		537,268
	Convertible senior notes	617,763		—		—		617,763		604,498
		$	617,763	$	700,927	$	1,442,397	$	2,761,087	$	2,748,163

Stockholders_Equity_and_Noncon1

Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Common Stock Offering	The Company issued common stock in 2014 as follows:
	(In thousands, except per share data)		Number of Shares			Average Price per Share				Net Proceeds (1)
	Mar-14		14,950			$	21.9			$	327,115
	Jul-14		17,250			22.14				381,545
	At-the-market sales in 2014		406			21.07				8,465
	__________
	-1	Net of underwriting discounts and commissions, sales agent commissions, and offering costs payable by the Company
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Stockholders	The following tables present the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to the stockholders, net of immaterial tax effect:
	(In thousands)		Equity in AOCI of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures				Unrealized Gain/Loss on Beneficial Interests in Debt Securities				Unrealized Gain/Loss on Fair Value of Cash Flow Hedge			Foreign Currency Translation Gain/Loss			Unrealized Gain/Loss on Fair Value of Net Investment Hedges			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	3,621			$	325			$	(19	)	$	1,849		$	(3,183	)	$	2,593
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		244				(27		)		4			202			328			751
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		(3,865		)		—				—			(1		)	—			(3,866		)
	Net other comprehensive (loss) income		(3,621		)		(27		)		4			201			328			(3,115		)
	Balance at March 31, 2014		$	—			$	298			$	(15	)	$	2,050		$	(2,855	)	$	(522	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	451			$	—			$	(101	)	$	(52,643	)	$	23,802		$	(28,491	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(612		)		—				(170		)	(47,840		)	30,797			(17,825		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		161				—				—			—			(215		)	(54		)
	Net other comprehensive (loss) income		(451		)		—				(170		)	(47,840		)	30,582			(17,879		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015		$	—			$	—			$	(271	)	$	(100,483	)	$	54,384		$	(46,370	)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Information about amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to stockholders by component is presented below:
	(In thousands)		Three Months Ended March 31,								Affected Line Item in the
	Component of AOCI with reclassification into earnings		2015				2014				Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
	Equity in realized gain on sale of marketable securities of unconsolidated joint ventures		$	(161	)		$	3,865			Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures
	Realized foreign exchange gain (loss)		—				1				Other gain (loss), net
	Ineffectiveness on net investment hedges		215				—				Other gain (loss), net

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciles Numerator and Denominator of Basic and Diluted Per-Share	The following table provides the basic and diluted earnings per common share computations:
			Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands, except per share data)		2015			2014
	Net income allocated to common stockholders
	Net income		$	16,215		$	29,850
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(5,686		)	(8,120		)
	Net income attributable to Colony Capital, Inc.		10,529			21,730
	Preferred dividends		(6,972		)	(5,355		)
	Net income attributable to common stockholders		3,557			16,375
	Net income allocated to participating securities (nonvested shares)		(305		)	(240		)
	Basic net income allocated to common stockholders		3,252			16,135
	Interest expense attributable to convertible senior notes (1)		—			—
	Diluted net income allocated to common stockholders		$	3,252		$	16,135
	Weighted average common shares outstanding
	Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding		109,415			80,952
	Weighted average effect of dilutive shares (1)		—			—
	Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding		109,415			80,952
	Earnings per share
	Basic		$	0.03		$	0.2
	Diluted		$	0.03		$	0.2
	__________
	(1)	For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, excluded from the calculation of diluted income per share is the effect of adding back $6.8 million and $4.3 million, respectively, of interest expense and 24,694,800 and 14,860,800 weighted average dilutive common share equivalents, respectively, for the assumed conversion of the Convertible Notes, as their inclusion would be antidilutive. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, also excluded from the calculation of diluted income per share is the effect of adding back $169,000 of interest expense and 412,900 weighted average dilutive common share equivalents for the assumed repayment of the $10 million unsecured note issued to Cobalt Capital Management, L.P. (see Note 9) in shares of the Company's common stock as its inclusion would be antidilutive.

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Summary of Amounts Due to Manager or its Affiliates	Amounts incurred by the Company and payable to the Manager or its affiliates for the periods presented consisted of the following:
			Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)		2015		2014
	Base management fee expense (1)		$	9,064	$	6,642
	Compensation pursuant to secondment agreement		450		324
	Allocated and direct investment-related expenses		366		746
	Allocated and direct administrative expenses		1,922		667
			$	11,802	$	8,379
	_________
	(1)	Excludes share-based compensation cost for vested awards in the Company's common stock granted to the Manager, as described in Note 15.
	Amounts due to the Manager or its affiliates, presented as due to affiliates on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, are as follows:
	(In thousands)		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Base management fee expense		$	9,064	$	9,173
	Secondment reimbursement		364		1,393
	Reimbursement of direct and allocated administrative and investment costs		1,000		1,670
			$	10,428	$	12,236

ShareBased_Payments_Tables

Share-Based Payments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Components of Share-Based Compensation	Share-based compensation cost recognized is presented in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as follows:
		Location in Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)			2015				2014
	Stock grants to the Manager	Management fee expense		$	5,897			$	4,071
	Stock grants to non-executive directors and employee	Administrative expenses		89				89
				$	5,986			$	4,160
Nonvested Shares Under Director Stock Plan and Equity Incentive Plan	Changes in the Company’s nonvested share awards is summarized below:
		Restricted Stock Grants
	(In thousands, except per share data)	Non-Executive				Employee			Manager or its Employees			Total		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
		Directors
	Nonvested shares at December 31, 2013	6,837				17,172			488,759			512,768		$	18.28
	Granted	11,250				—			500,000			511,250		20.31
	Vested	(6,837		)		(8,586	)		(322,505		)	(337,928	)	18.83
	Forfeited	—				—			—			—		n/a
	Nonvested shares at March 31, 2014	11,250				8,586			666,254			686,090		19.52
	Weighted average grant-date fair value for shares granted during the period	$	23.2			n/a			$	20.24
	Nonvested shares at December 31, 2014	15,234				8,586			665,618			689,438		19.54
	Granted	13,928				—			618,081			632,009		24.4
	Vested	(11,250		)		(8,586	)		(476,361		)	(496,197	)	20.61
	Forfeited	—				—			—			—		—
	Nonvested shares at March 31, 2015	17,912				—			807,338			825,250		$	22.62
	Weighted average grant-date fair value for shares granted during the period	$	24.99			n/a			$	24.39

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)	The Company’s taxable REIT subsidiaries (each a “TRS”) are subject to corporate-level federal, state, foreign and local income taxes. Components of the Company’s income tax expense is presented below:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	2015		2014
	Current
	Federal	$	268	$	347
	State	210		102
	Total current tax expense	478		449
	Deferred
	Federal	114		(176		)
	State	58		(28		)
	Total deferred tax expense (benefit)	172		(204		)
	Total income tax expense	$	650	$	245

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Minimum Future Rent Commitment Under the Ground Leases	Future minimum rent commitments under the ground leases as of March 31, 2015 are as follows:
	Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
	Remaining 2015	$	189
	2016	255
	2017	255
	2018	255
	2019	255
	2020 and after	10,687
	Total	$	11,896

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of Operating Results and Net Investments for Each of Reportable Operating Segment	The following tables present the operating results of the Company’s four reportable segments. Effective December 31, 2014, the Company identified a new reportable segment Light Industrial Platform within its real estate equity business following its acquisition of a portfolio of light industrial real estate properties and associated operating platform in December 2014.
			Real Estate Equity
	(In thousands)		Light Industrial Platform			Single-Family			Other			Real Estate Debt			Amounts Not			Total
						Residential									Allocated to
						Rentals									Segments
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Income:
	Interest income		$	7		$	—		$	6		$	46,124		$	—		$	46,137
	Rental income and tenant reimbursements		36,318			—			7,475			—			—			43,793
	Equity in (loss) income of unconsolidated joint ventures		—			(3,912		)	5,527			24,734			—			26,349
	Other income		—			—			—			226			107			333
	Total income (loss)		36,325			(3,912		)	13,008			71,084			107			116,612
	Expenses:
	Management fees		—			—			—			—			14,961			14,961
	Investment and servicing expenses		601			—			162			1,203			651			2,617
	Transaction costs		93			—			—			—			14,097			14,190
	Interest expense		7,875			—			1,807			6,700			10,211			26,593
	Property operating expenses		12,760			—			1,251			—			—			14,011
	Depreciation and amortization		19,620			—			2,688			—			—			22,308
	Administrative expenses		502			—			112			332			3,835			4,781
	Total expenses		41,451			—			6,020			8,235			43,755			99,461
	Other (loss) gain, net		(502		)	—			—			—			216			(286		)
	(Loss) income before income taxes		(5,628		)	(3,912		)	6,988			62,849			(43,432		)	16,865
	Income tax (benefit) expense (1)		(122		)	—			(49		)	821			—			650
	Net (loss) income		(5,506		)	(3,912		)	7,037			62,028			(43,432		)	16,215
	Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(1,969		)	—			869			6,786			—			5,686
	Net (loss) income attributable to Colony Capital, Inc.		$	(3,537	)	$	(3,912	)	$	6,168		$	55,242		$	(43,432	)	$	10,529
			Real Estate Equity
	(In thousands)		Light Industrial Platform			Single-Family			Other			Real Estate Debt			Amounts Not			Total
						Residential									Allocated to
						Rentals									Segments
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Income:
	Interest income		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	33,064		$	38		$	33,102
	Rental income and tenant reimbursements		—			—			3,241			—			—			3,241
	Equity in (loss) income of unconsolidated joint ventures		—			(3,195		)	7,018			18,816			—			22,639
	Other income		—			—			—			225			—			225
	Total (loss) income		—			(3,195		)	10,259			52,105			38			59,207
	Expenses:
	Management fees		—			—			—			—			10,713			10,713
	Investment and servicing expenses		—			—			—			508			753			1,261
	Transaction costs		—			—			—			4,550			—			4,550
	Interest expense		—			—			1,074			2,073			5,802			8,949
	Property operating expenses		—			—			848			—			—			848
	Depreciation and amortization		—			—			1,252			—			—			1,252
	Administrative expenses		—			—			—			170			2,349			2,519
	Total expenses		—			—			3,174			7,301			19,617			30,092
	Other (loss) gain, net		—			—			—			(93		)	1,073			980
	(Loss) income before income taxes		—			(3,195		)	7,085			44,711			(18,506		)	30,095
	Income tax expense		—			—			—			—			245			245
	Net (loss) income		—			(3,195		)	7,085			44,711			(18,751		)	29,850
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			529			7,591			—			8,120
	Net (loss) income attributable to Colony Capital, Inc.		$	—		$	(3,195	)	$	6,556		$	37,120		$	(18,751	)	$	21,730
Assets of Reportable Segments
			Real Estate Equity
	(In thousands)		Light Industrial Platform			Single-Family			Other			Real Estate Debt			Amounts Not			Total
						Residential									Allocated to
						Rentals									Segments
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Income:
	Interest income		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	33,064		$	38		$	33,102
	Rental income and tenant reimbursements		—			—			3,241			—			—			3,241
	Equity in (loss) income of unconsolidated joint ventures		—			(3,195		)	7,018			18,816			—			22,639
	Other income		—			—			—			225			—			225
	Total (loss) income		—			(3,195		)	10,259			52,105			38			59,207
	Expenses:
	Management fees		—			—			—			—			10,713			10,713
	Investment and servicing expenses		—			—			—			508			753			1,261
	Transaction costs		—			—			—			4,550			—			4,550
	Interest expense		—			—			1,074			2,073			5,802			8,949
	Property operating expenses		—			—			848			—			—			848
	Depreciation and amortization		—			—			1,252			—			—			1,252
	Administrative expenses		—			—			—			170			2,349			2,519
	Total expenses		—			—			3,174			7,301			19,617			30,092
	Other (loss) gain, net		—			—			—			(93		)	1,073			980
	(Loss) income before income taxes		—			(3,195		)	7,085			44,711			(18,506		)	30,095
	Income tax expense		—			—			—			—			245			245
	Net (loss) income		—			(3,195		)	7,085			44,711			(18,751		)	29,850
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			529			7,591			—			8,120
	Net (loss) income attributable to Colony Capital, Inc.		$	—		$	(3,195	)	$	6,556		$	37,120		$	(18,751	)	$	21,730
	The assets of each of the reportable segments are summarized as follows.
	(In thousands)		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Light industrial platform		$	1,719,486		$	1,693,282
	Single-family residential rentals		488,811			494,613
	Other real estate equity		831,305			558,630
	Real estate debt		3,086,043			3,022,355
	Segment assets (2)		6,125,645			5,768,880
	Amounts not allocated to segments		38,248			102,968
	Total assets		$	6,163,893		$	5,871,848
	_________
	(1)	Beginning in 2015, income tax (benefit) expense related to specific investments within each segment is allocated to the respective segments. Income tax expense was previously immaterial.
	(2)	Beginning in 2015, the Company allocates cash and other assets held within investment holding entities that previously had not been allocated to segments. The impact of this change is an additional allocation of $63.4 million to segment assets at December 31, 2014, made up primarily of cash balances that can be directly attributed to the respective segments.

Subsequent_Events_Tables

Subsequent Events (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Schedule of Pro Forma Information	The pro forma results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were adjusted to exclude acquisition-related expenses of approximately $14.1 million. The unaudited pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	2015		2014
	Pro forma total income	$	147,711	$	87,319
	Pro forma net income attributable to Colony Capital, Inc.	23,238		17,531
	Pro forma net income attributable to common stockholders	16,266		12,176

Consolidated_Variable_Interest2

Consolidated Variable Interest Entity (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 10, 2014	Nov. 25, 2014	Oct. 30, 2014
	SecurityLoan	SecurityLoan	SecurityLoan
Colony Mortgage Capital Series 2014-FL1, Ltd | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Principal balance of mortgage notes securitized	126.2
Senior Notes | Colony Mortgage Capital Series 2014-FL1, Ltd | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Number of loans securitized	11
Senior Notes | Colony Mortgage Capital Series 2014-FL2, Ltd | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Number of loans securitized		15
Transitional CRE Lending Platform | Senior Notes | Colony Mortgage Capital Series 2014-FL1, Ltd | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Number of mortgage loans sold	4
Transitional CRE Lending Platform | Senior Notes | Colony Mortgage Capital Series 2014-FL2, Ltd | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Number of mortgage loans sold		4
First Mortgage | MF 2014-1
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Number of loans securitized			298
Principal balance of mortgage notes securitized			$316

Consolidated_Variable_Interest3

Consolidated Variable Interest Entity - Summary of Assets and Liabilities Related to Consolidated VIE (Details) (Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Net investment	$273,925	$282,124
2014-FL1
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Net investment	66,637	67,098
2014-FL2
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Net investment	104,288	111,487
MF 2014-1
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Net investment	103,000	103,539
Loans held for investment, net
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated VIE: Assets	785,708	807,761
Loans held for investment, net | 2014-FL1
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated VIE: Assets	190,192	189,898
Loans held for investment, net | 2014-FL2
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated VIE: Assets	305,634	305,238
Loans held for investment, net | MF 2014-1
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated VIE: Assets	289,882	312,625
Restricted cash
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated VIE: Assets	36,878	37,146
Restricted cash | 2014-FL1
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated VIE: Assets	10,869	11,902
Restricted cash | 2014-FL2
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated VIE: Assets	26,009	25,244
Restricted cash | MF 2014-1
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated VIE: Assets	0	0
Deferred financing costs, net
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated VIE: Assets	7,851	8,963
Deferred financing costs, net | 2014-FL1
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated VIE: Assets	2,127	2,620
Deferred financing costs, net | 2014-FL2
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated VIE: Assets	2,735	3,030
Deferred financing costs, net | MF 2014-1
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated VIE: Assets	2,989	3,313
Receivables
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated VIE: Assets	3,855	3,965
Receivables | 2014-FL1
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated VIE: Assets	993	1,055
Receivables | 2014-FL2
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated VIE: Assets	1,454	1,448
Receivables | MF 2014-1
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated VIE: Assets	1,408	1,462
Secured financing
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated VIE: Liabilities	-522,049	-537,268
Secured financing | 2014-FL1
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated VIE: Liabilities	-126,216	-126,204
Secured financing | 2014-FL2
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated VIE: Liabilities	-204,959	-197,655
Secured financing | MF 2014-1
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated VIE: Liabilities	-190,874	-213,409
Accrued and other liabilities
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated VIE: Liabilities	-38,318	-38,443
Accrued and other liabilities | 2014-FL1
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated VIE: Liabilities	-11,328	-12,173
Accrued and other liabilities | 2014-FL2
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated VIE: Liabilities	-26,585	-25,818
Accrued and other liabilities | MF 2014-1
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Consolidated VIE: Liabilities	($405)	($452)

Loans_Receivable_Company_Loan_

Loans Receivable - Company Loan Receivable (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans principal amount outstanding	$2,246,276	$2,247,040
Loans receivable, net	2,146,897	2,131,134	1,503,864	1,028,654
Performing
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans principal amount outstanding	1,996,018	1,902,868
Loans receivable, net	1,978,245	1,883,247
Non-performing
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans principal amount outstanding	250,258	344,172
Loans receivable, net	168,652	247,887
Non-performing | Mortgage loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans principal amount outstanding	240,638	334,500
Loans receivable, net	160,541	239,702
Non-performing | Securitized mortgage loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans principal amount outstanding	9,620	9,672
Loans receivable, net	8,111	8,185
Fixed Rate Residential Mortgage | Performing
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans principal amount outstanding	559,221	573,393
Loans receivable, net	551,180	565,881
Fixed Rate Residential Mortgage | Performing | Mortgage loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans principal amount outstanding	134,245	134,636
Loans receivable, net	125,348	126,114
Performing loans, weighted average coupon	5.60%	6.40%
Performing loans, weighted average maturity in years	8 years 8 months 12 days	8 years 8 months 12 days
Fixed Rate Residential Mortgage | Performing | Securitized mortgage loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans principal amount outstanding	159,634	170,218
Loans receivable, net	163,054	174,292
Performing loans, weighted average coupon	6.50%	6.50%
Performing loans, weighted average maturity in years	16 years 9 months 18 days	17 years 1 month 6 days
Fixed Rate Residential Mortgage | Performing | B-note
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans principal amount outstanding	142,761	143,376
Loans receivable, net	140,197	140,312
Performing loans, weighted average coupon	8.50%	8.50%
Performing loans, weighted average maturity in years	2 years 10 months 27 days	3 years 2 months 12 days
Fixed Rate Residential Mortgage | Performing | Mezzanine loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans principal amount outstanding	122,581	125,163
Loans receivable, net	122,581	125,163
Performing loans, weighted average coupon	10.30%	10.30%
Performing loans, weighted average maturity in years	4 years 4 months 13 days	4 years 7 months 6 days
Adjustable Rate Residential Mortgage | Performing
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans principal amount outstanding	1,436,797	1,329,475
Loans receivable, net	1,427,065	1,317,366
Adjustable Rate Residential Mortgage | Performing | Mortgage loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans principal amount outstanding	444,485	331,192
Loans receivable, net	440,270	326,491
Performing loans, weighted average coupon	6.40%	6.90%
Performing loans, weighted average maturity in years	1 year 10 months 6 days	1 year 10 months 24 days
Adjustable Rate Residential Mortgage | Performing | Securitized mortgage loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans principal amount outstanding	618,522	630,420
Loans receivable, net	614,543	625,050
Performing loans, weighted average coupon	5.70%	5.70%
Performing loans, weighted average maturity in years	5 years 8 months 4 days	6 years 2 months 12 days
Adjustable Rate Residential Mortgage | Performing | Mezzanine loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans principal amount outstanding	373,790	367,863
Loans receivable, net	$372,252	$365,825
Performing loans, weighted average coupon	10.90%	10.90%
Performing loans, weighted average maturity in years	1 year 3 months 18 days	1 year 6 months

Loans_Receivable_Schedule_of_N

Loans Receivable - Schedule of Non-PCI Loans with Variable Rates (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	$2,246,276		$2,247,040
Performing
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	1,996,018		1,902,868
Adjustable Rate Residential Mortgage | Performing
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	1,436,797		1,329,475
Carrying Amount	1,427,065		1,317,366
Adjustable Rate Residential Mortgage | Performing | One-Month LIBOR | Mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Index	1-Month LIBOR	[1]	1-Month LIBOR	[1]
Weighted Average Spread	6.30%		6.80%
Weighted Average Rate	6.40%	[2]	6.90%	[2]
Unpaid Principal Balance	439,883		326,563
Carrying Amount	435,798		321,997
Adjustable Rate Residential Mortgage | Performing | One-Month LIBOR | Securitized mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Index	1-Month LIBOR	[1]	1-Month LIBOR	[1]
Weighted Average Spread	5.70%		5.70%
Weighted Average Rate	5.90%	[2]	5.80%	[2]
Unpaid Principal Balance	499,661		499,668
Carrying Amount	497,309		496,394
Adjustable Rate Residential Mortgage | Performing | One-Month LIBOR | Mezzanine loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Index	1-Month LIBOR	[1]	1-Month LIBOR	[1]
Weighted Average Spread	10.70%		10.70%
Weighted Average Rate	10.90%		10.90%
Unpaid Principal Balance	373,790		367,863
Carrying Amount	372,252		365,825
Adjustable Rate Residential Mortgage | Performing | 6-Month LIBOR | Mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Index	6-Month LIBOR	[1]	6-Month LIBOR	[1]
Weighted Average Spread	2.40%		2.40%
Weighted Average Rate	5.30%	[2]	5.30%	[2]
Unpaid Principal Balance	4,602		4,629
Carrying Amount	4,472		4,494
Adjustable Rate Residential Mortgage | Performing | 6-Month LIBOR | Securitized mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Index	6-Month LIBOR	[1]	6-Month LIBOR	[1]
Weighted Average Spread	2.50%		2.50%
Weighted Average Rate	5.80%	[2]	5.80%	[2]
Unpaid Principal Balance	96,251		105,684
Carrying Amount	96,315		105,743
Adjustable Rate Residential Mortgage | Performing | 12-Month Treasury Average | Securitized mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Index	12-Month Treasury Average		12-Month Treasury Average
Weighted Average Spread	2.40%		2.50%
Weighted Average Rate	2.90%	[3]	2.80%	[3]
Unpaid Principal Balance	22,610		25,068
Carrying Amount	$20,919		$22,913
[1]	LIBOR =ondon Interbank Offered Rate
[2]	Certain loans are subject to a LIBOR floor which was higher than the actual LIBOR at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
[3]	Certain loans are subject to a 12-Month Treasury Average ("12MTA") floor, which was higher than the actual 12MTA at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

Loans_Receivable_Activity_in_L

Loans Receivable - Activity in Loan Receivable (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Loans Receivable [Roll Forward]
Carrying amount at January 1	$2,131,134	$1,028,654
Loan acquisitions and originations	121,463	480,707
Paid-in-kind interest added to loan principal	1,547	0
Discount and net loan fee amortization	9,157	9,026
Loan repayments	-26,842	-13,146
Payments received from PCI loans	-66,907	-1,586
Provision for loan loss	-112	0
Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates	-22,543	209
Carrying amount at March 31	$2,146,897	$1,503,864

Loans_Receivable_Summary_of_Pa

Loans Receivable - Summary of Past Due Loans (Details) (Performing, Real Estate Loan, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Loan receivable past due	$1,978,245	$1,883,247
Current or Less Than 30 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Loan receivable past due	1,959,856	1,864,466
30-59 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Loan receivable past due	875	12,002
60-89 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Loan receivable past due	0	3,058
90 Days or More Past Due
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Loan receivable past due	$17,514	$3,721

Loans_Receivable_Details

Loans Receivable (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Provision for loan losses	$112,000	$0
Performing
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Allowance for loan losses	600,000		200,000
Provision for loan losses	$400,000	$0

Loans_Receivable_Changes_in_Ac

Loans Receivable - Changes in Accretable Yield (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Accretable Yield Movement Schedule [Roll Forward]
Accretable yield at January 1	$98,523	$130,823
Changes in estimated cash flows	2,024	0
Accretion	-5,978	-5,488
Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates	-10,492	-40
Accretable yield at March 31	$84,077	$125,295

Real_Estate_Assets_Details

Real Estate Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
			campus
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Depreciation	$14,600,000	$900,000
Held for sale	16,163,000			0
Tenant Reimbursements	10,400,000	800,000
Land and Building
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Held for sale	16,200,000
SWITZERLAND | Higher Education Campuses
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired	2		2
Total consideration transferred	181,000,000
Business combination: land	17,900,000
Business combination: buildings and improvements	140,500,000
Business combination: finite-lived intangibles	22,600,000
Business combination costs capitalized	4,100,000
MINNESOTA | Light Industrial Platform
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total consideration transferred	41,500,000
Business combination: land	7,000,000
Business combination: buildings and improvements	34,800,000
Business combination: finite-lived intangibles	1,900,000
Business combination: below market lease intangible liability	2,200,000
Closing costs	$100,000

Real_Estate_Assets_Components_

Real Estate Assets - Components of Real Estate (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Land	281,192	$265,263
Buildings and improvements	1,519,883	1,351,798
Tenant improvements	34,631	33,357
Real estate held for investment at cost	1,835,706	1,650,418
Accumulated depreciation	-20,923	-6,421
Net carrying amount	1,814,783	1,643,997
Held for sale	16,163	0
Real Estate Assets, Net	1,830,946	$1,643,997
Buildings and improvements
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Real estate assets estimated useful life	37 years
Tenant improvements
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Real estate assets estimated useful life	6 years

Real_Estate_Assets_Future_Mini

Real Estate Assets - Future Minimum Rental Payments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Real Estate [Abstract]
Remaining 2015	$97,798
2016	122,279
2017	105,717
2018	87,123
2019	68,478
2020 and after	360,598
Total	$841,993

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_2

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 30, 2015
		Investment
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Threshold percentage of total assets	10.00%
Threshold percentage of total income	10.00%
Dividend income from cost method investment	$0
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of single investment in an unconsolidated joint venture generated greater than 10% of total income	0	0
Expenses allocated from affiliates related to unconsolidated joint ventures	2,300,000	7,800,000
Entity's share of other expenses reimbursed to affiliates	800,000	2,100,000
Minimum | Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of management fees of each loan portfolio	0.50%
Maximum | Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of management fees of each loan portfolio	0.75%
Consortium Equity Commitment
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Payment to fund equity commitment			$50,000,000

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_3

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures - Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity method	$1,655,476	$1,646,977	$1,373,047	$1,369,529
Cost method	99,868	0
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	$1,755,344	$1,646,977

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_4

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures - Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method	$1,655,476,000		$1,646,977,000		$1,373,047,000	$1,369,529,000
CAH Operating Partnership Lp
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	Investment in CAH OP, an investment vehicle created for the purpose of acquiring and renting single-family homes	[1]
Percentage of joint venture ownership	23.30%	[1],[2]
Equity method	488,811,000	[1]	494,613,000	[1]
Difference in carrying value in investment and underlying equity	24,000,000
Portfolio 8 Investors Llc
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	Preferred equity investment in an entity that acquired a multifamily portfolio composed of approximately 7,600 units located in Georgia, Florida and Texas	[3]
Percentage of joint venture ownership	75.00%	[2],[3]
Equity method	153,003,000	[3]	160,981,000	[3]
Number of units in real estate property	7,600	[1]
ColFin Silverbird Funding A, LLC and ColFin Silverbird Funding B, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	Mixed portfolio of 25 commercial properties located throughout the United Kingdom
Percentage of joint venture ownership	50.00%	[2]
Equity method	67,696,000		72,761,000
Number of real estates	25
ColFin Court Square Funding, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	Preferred equity investment in an entity that acquired a Class A office tower located in Long Island City, New York
Percentage of joint venture ownership	50.00%	[2]
Equity method	53,162,000		52,115,000
ColFin Lir Funding, LLC and ColFin Lir Holding, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	Originated loan secured by mortgages and equity pledges of commercial properties located in Ireland and France
Percentage of joint venture ownership	50.00%	[2]
Equity method	50,335,000		0
ColFin Orlando Funding, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	Acquired non-performing loan secured by a 444-acre development site located in Orlando, Florida
Percentage of joint venture ownership	50.00%	[2]
Equity method	44,612,000		40,160,000
Area of real estate property	444
ColFin Highland UK13 Funding, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	Acquired sub-performing loan secured by 13 commercial properties throughout the United Kingdom
Percentage of joint venture ownership	50.00%	[2]
Equity method	43,667,000		44,711,000
Number of real estates	13
ColFin NW Funding, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	Acquired 15 performing first mortgages secured by commercial real estate
Percentage of joint venture ownership	37.90%	[2]
Equity method	35,354,000		35,023,000
Number of real estates	15
Colfin Sxc Funding Llc
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	Performing mezzanine loan origination cross-collateralized by a portfolio of select service hotels
Percentage of joint venture ownership	50.00%	[2]
Equity method	35,198,000		28,374,000
ColFin JIH Holdco, LLC, ColFin JIH Mezzco A, LLC and ColFin JIH Opco, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	Equity interests in and senior mezzanine loan receivable from entities owning a portfolio of 84 limited service hotels
Percentage of joint venture ownership	33.30%	[2]
Equity method	32,393,000		32,918,000
Number of real estates	84
ColFin Cortland Zero, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	Preferred equity investment in an entity that owns a multifamily portfolio located in Georgia and Louisiana
Percentage of joint venture ownership	50.00%	[2]
Equity method	30,631,000		0
ColFin Snow Funding, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	Originated loan secured by two mortgages and an equity pledge in a portfolio of 12 hotels located in France
Percentage of joint venture ownership	50.00%	[2]
Equity method	29,704,000		32,763,000
Number of real estates	12
Number of loans acquired	2
ColFin ARP Funding, LLC and ColFin ARP Linda Isle Investor, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	First mortgage loan to finance the acquisition and redevelopment of high-end, single family residential properties in infill, coastal southern California markets
Percentage of joint venture ownership	50.00%	[2]
Equity method	27,673,000		27,173,000
Armonia Fund
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	Portfolio of 113 properties located throughout Italy
Percentage of joint venture ownership	50.00%	[2]
Equity method	26,266,000		58,513,000
Number of real estates	113
ColFin Hunt Holdco A, LLC and ColFin Hunt Holdco B, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	2 commercial real estate owned ("REO") properties in Germany
Percentage of joint venture ownership	37.90%	[2]
Equity method	26,216,000		29,582,000
Number of real estates	2
ColFin Athina Funding, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	Originated mezzanine loan secured by an equity pledge in the borrower entities that own a Mediterranean resort with a hotel and villas
Percentage of joint venture ownership	50.00%	[2]
Equity method	23,642,000		25,996,000
Colfin STC Funding Llc
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	Acquired performing senior mortgage loan secured by a retail property in Florida
Percentage of joint venture ownership	50.00%	[2]
Equity method	23,490,000		23,441,000
ColFin Bulls Funding A, LLC and ColFin Bulls Funding B, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	249 performing and non-performing acquired loans consisting of substantially all first mortgage recourse commercial real estate loans and 19 REO properties
Percentage of joint venture ownership	32.50%	[2]
Equity method	22,317,000		24,625,000
Number of real estates	19
Number of loans acquired	249
ColFin 2011 CRE Holdco, LLC and Colony AMC 2011 CRE, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	303 performing and non-performing loans acquired in a structured transaction with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"), secured mostly by commercial real estate, and 26 REO properties
Percentage of joint venture ownership	44.40%	[2]
Equity method	20,767,000		23,378,000
Number of real estates	26
Number of loans acquired	303
ColFin DOD Funding, LLC and ColFin IOD Holding, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	Originated first mortgage loan to finance the acquisition of an office development site in Dublin, Ireland
Percentage of joint venture ownership	50.00%	[2]
Equity method	20,163,000		21,857,000
ColFin Cabo Palm Funding, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	Participation in junior first mortgage interest secured by a luxury beach resort in Mexico
Percentage of joint venture ownership	50.00%	[2]
Equity method	20,097,000		20,090,000
ColFin CPI Funding, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	Origination of a mezzanine loan secured by shares of a distressed European real estate company that owns primarily office buildings and hotels in France and Spain
Percentage of joint venture ownership	50.00%	[2]
Equity method	20,071,000		21,833,000
ColFin Grand Cul Funding, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	First mortgage loans secured by a partially constructed hotel and residential development project located in the Caribbean
Percentage of joint venture ownership	33.30%	[2]
Equity method	19,853,000		20,796,000
CDCF III Ver Logistic, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	Portfolio of 16 warehouse properties located in Spain and Portugal
Percentage of joint venture ownership	50.00%	[2]
Equity method	18,799,000		20,546,000
Number of real estates	16
ColFin FCDC Funding, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	Equity interests acquired through deed-in-lieu in 2 partially developed master planned communities located in California
Percentage of joint venture ownership	50.00%	[2]
Equity method	18,514,000		17,562,000
Number of real estates	2
ColFin PHX Tower Funding, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	Equity interest in a high-rise office tower located in Phoenix, Arizona
Percentage of joint venture ownership	50.00%	[2]
Equity method	18,496,000		18,556,000
ColFin London Funding, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	4 performing acquired loans secured by commercial real estate
Percentage of joint venture ownership	50.00%	[2]
Equity method	18,007,000		18,178,000
Number of loans acquired	4
ColFin 101 Erie Funding, LLC and ColFin 101 Erie Investor, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	Origination of a mezzanine loan secured indirectly by a vacant office building in Chicago to finance a hotel redevelopment
Percentage of joint venture ownership	50.00%	[2]
Equity method	17,465,000		16,705,000
ColFin Inland Funding, LLC and ColFin Inland Investor, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	First mortgage loan secured by a Southern California master planned development and equity participation rights
Percentage of joint venture ownership	50.00%	[2]
Equity method	17,414,000		17,139,000
ColFin DB Guarantor, LLC and Colony AMC DB, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	347 performing and non-performing loans acquired in a structured transaction with the FDIC, secured mostly by commercial real estate and 63 REO properties
Percentage of joint venture ownership	33.30%	[2]
Equity method	17,292,000		19,121,000
Number of real estates	63
Number of loans acquired	347
CF/CDG Lake Ranch Venture, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	First mortgage loan secured by a 135-acre residential development project located in Southern California and equity participation rights	[4]
Equity method	17,270,000	[4]	16,821,000	[4]
Area of real estate property	135	[4]
ColFin Shadow Funding, LLC and ColFin Shadow Investor, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	Senior loan facility origination to finance the development of a master planned residential community located near Austin, TX
Percentage of joint venture ownership	50.00%	[2]
Equity method	15,026,000		14,527,000
ColFin Marin Funding, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	First mortgage loan origination for the land acquisition and pre-development costs of a waterfront mixed-use project located in Northern California
Percentage of joint venture ownership	50.00%	[2]
Equity method	15,015,000		14,830,000
Other unconsolidated joint ventures (investments less than $15 million carrying value at March 31, 2014)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment description	29 investments, each with less than $15 million carrying value at March 31, 2015
Equity method	167,057,000		181,289,000
Other unconsolidated joint ventures, investment	$15,000,000
Number of investments	29
Other unconsolidated joint ventures (investments less than $15 million carrying value at March 31, 2014) | Minimum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of joint venture ownership	4.50%	[2]
Other unconsolidated joint ventures (investments less than $15 million carrying value at March 31, 2014) | Maximum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of joint venture ownership	50.00%	[2]
[1]	The Company’s carrying value of its investment in CAH OP is approximately $24.0 million higher than its pro rata share of the partners' capital of CAH OP. The basis difference is primarily attributable to (i) offering costs incurred by CAH OP which were a direct reduction to partners’ capital but not an expense of the partnership; (ii) CAH OP’s internalization transaction, which was a reorganization of entities under common control and reduced the Company's ownership interest in CAH OP; and (iii) step-up adjustments to real estate assets contributed by the Company upon formation of CAH OP, which were recorded by the Company at carryover basis but recognized by CAH OP at fair value. The portion of the basis difference arising from the step-up of contributed real estate assets is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of such assets.
[2]	The Company's ownership percentage represents capital contributed to date and may not be reflective of the Company's economic interest in the entity because of provisions in operating agreements governing various matters, such as classes of partner or member interests, allocations of profits and losses, preferential returns and guaranty of debt. Each unconsolidated joint venture has been determined to be either a VIE for which the Company was not deemed to be the primary beneficiary or a voting interest entity in which the Company does not have a controlling financial interest.
[3]	While the Company has a preferred equity interest which represents a majority ownership in Portfolio 8 Investors, LLC, the minority member has control over the day-to-day operations of the entity. Accordingly, the Company accounts for its investment using the equity method.
[4]	Pursuant to the terms of the loan agreement, the Company participates in the residual profits of this development project. The Company evaluated the characteristics of this acquisition, development and construction ("ADC") loan and determined that the risks and rewards of the arrangement are more similar to those associated with an investment in joint venture. Accordingly, the Company accounts for this loan receivable under the equity method.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_5

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures - Activity in the Company's Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1	$1,646,977	$1,369,529
Contributions	107,429	58,188
Distributions	-96,025	-73,776
Equity in net income	26,349	22,639
Equity in other comprehensive (loss) income	-612	244
Equity in realized loss (gain) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	161	-3,865
Foreign currency translation (loss) gain	-28,803	88
Balance at March 31	$1,655,476	$1,373,047

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_6

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures - Combined Condensed Balance Sheets of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$64,296	$141,936	$84,392	$43,167
Loans receivable, net	2,146,897	2,131,134	1,503,864	1,028,654
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	1,755,344	1,646,977
Other assets	222,887	181,744
Total assets	6,163,893	5,871,848
Liabilities:
Other liabilities	161,177	128,119
Total liabilities	3,275,724	2,936,055
Total stockholders’ equity	2,368,346	2,417,480
Noncontrolling interests	519,823	518,313
Total liabilities and equity	6,163,893	5,871,848
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	369,667	512,487
Loans receivable, net	2,048,978	2,127,148
Investments in real estate, net	5,213,733	5,218,915
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	297,824	237,722
Debt and equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	0	39,503
Other assets	491,745	378,220
Total assets	8,421,947	8,513,995
Liabilities:
Debt	3,248,609	3,113,038
Other liabilities	245,216	273,816
Total liabilities	3,493,825	3,386,854
Total stockholders’ equity	4,476,434	4,544,846
Noncontrolling interests	451,688	582,295
Total liabilities and equity	$8,421,947	$8,513,995

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_7

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures - Combined Condensed Statements of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income:
Interest income	$46,137	$33,102
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	26,349	22,639
Other income	333	225
Total income	116,612	59,207
Expenses:
Interest expense	26,593	8,949
Property operating expenses	14,011	848
Depreciation and amortization	22,308	1,252
Total expenses	99,461	30,092
Other income:
Net income	16,215	29,850
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	5,686	8,120
Net income attributable to members	10,529	21,730
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Income:
Interest income	89,789	82,224
Property operating income	148,023	84,934
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	9,219	9,787
Other income	11,457	9,054
Total income	258,488	185,999
Expenses:
Interest expense	32,778	18,545
Property operating expenses	81,682	63,716
Depreciation and amortization	43,092	28,953
Other expenses	34,582	21,916
Total expenses	192,134	133,130
Other income:
Realized and unrealized gain on investments, net	5,516	18,690
Net income	71,870	71,559
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	19,593	20,341
Net income attributable to members	$52,277	$51,218

Intangibles_Goodwill_Intangibl

Intangibles - Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Liabilities Acquired (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill
Goodwill, Gross Carrying Amount	$20,000,000	$20,000,000
Goodwill	20,000,000	20,000,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Gross (Including Goodwill)	156,238,000	129,420,000
Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization (Including Goodwill)	-12,715,000	-3,360,000
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)	143,523,000	126,060,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Below Market Lease, Gross	12,475,000	10,282,000
Below Market Lease, Accumulated Amortization	-760,000	-114,000
Below Market Lease, Net	11,715,000	10,168,000
Above-Market Ground Lease Obligations, Gross	171,000	171,000
Above-Market Ground Lease Obligations, Accumulated Amortization	-2,000	0
Ground Lease Obligations, Net	169,000	171,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Gross	12,646,000	10,453,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Accumulated Amortization	-762,000	-114,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Net	11,884,000	10,339,000
Impairment of goodwill	0
In-place lease value
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	60,511,000	48,018,000
Accumulated Amortization	-7,413,000	-2,295,000
Net Carrying Amount	53,098,000	45,723,000
Above-market lease values
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	23,121,000	23,194,000
Accumulated Amortization	-1,945,000	-280,000
Net Carrying Amount	21,176,000	22,914,000
Below-market ground lease obligation
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,420,000	1,420,000
Accumulated Amortization	-20,000	-14,000
Net Carrying Amount	1,400,000	1,406,000
Deferred leasing costs
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	51,186,000	36,788,000
Accumulated Amortization	-3,337,000	-771,000
Net Carrying Amount	$47,849,000	$36,017,000

Intangibles_Remaining_Terms_of

Intangibles - Remaining Terms of Acquired Leases (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities Amortization [Abstract]
Decrease to rental income	($1,023)	$0
Below-market lease values	647	0
Amortization of Intangible Assets	7,700	369
Net below-market ground lease obligations	5	0
Increase to rent expense	5	0
Above-market lease values
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities Amortization [Abstract]
Decrease to rental income	-1,670	0
In-place lease value
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities Amortization [Abstract]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	5,128	288
Deferred leasing costs
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities Amortization [Abstract]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$2,572	$81

Intangibles_Future_Amortizatio

Intangibles - Future Amortization Expense (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Below Market Lease, Net [Abstract]
Remaining 2015	($2,319)
2016	-2,792
2017	-2,227
2018	-1,472
2019	-894
2020 and after	-2,011
Below Market Lease, Net	-11,715	-10,168
Above-market Ground Lease Obligations, Net [Abstract]
Remaining 2015	-5
2016	-6
2017	-6
2018	-6
2019	-6
2020 and after	-140
Ground Lease Obligations, Net	-169	-171
In-place lease value
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Remaining 2015	11,003
2016	10,374
2017	7,268
2018	5,198
2019	3,705
2020 and after	15,550
Net Carrying Amount	53,098	45,723
Above-market lease values
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Remaining 2015	5,005
2016	5,737
2017	4,143
2018	2,589
2019	1,173
2020 and after	2,529
Net Carrying Amount	21,176	22,914
Deferred leasing costs
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Remaining 2015	6,936
2016	7,975
2017	6,491
2018	5,014
2019	3,585
2020 and after	17,848
Net Carrying Amount	47,849	36,017
Below-market ground lease obligation
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Remaining 2015	20
2016	26
2017	26
2018	26
2019	26
2020 and after	1,276
Net Carrying Amount	$1,400	$1,406

Other_Assets_Details

Other Assets (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Company's other assets
Restricted cash	$83,813,000	[1]	$76,945,000	[1]
Deferred financing costs, net	49,535,000	[2]	51,103,000	[2]
Receivables, including straight-line rents	20,295,000		12,783,000
Derivative assets	55,400,000		26,479,000
Deferred tax assets	6,575,000		6,713,000
Prepaid expenses and other	7,269,000		7,721,000
Other assets	222,887,000		181,744,000
Accumulated amortization of deferred financing costs	$17,500,000		$13,100,000
[1]	Restricted cash includes borrower escrow accounts, tenant security deposits and escrow accounts for interest, property taxes and capital expenditure reserves required under secured financing agreements.
[2]	Deferred financing costs are shown net of accumulated amortization of $17.5 million and $13.1 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Debt_Line_of_Credits_Details

Debt - Line of Credits (Details) (JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum principal amount of credit facility	$645,000,000
Increase in maximum principal amount of credit facility	800,000,000
Maximum amount available for draw	645,000,000
Remaining borrowing capacity	$246,600,000
Credit agreement automatically converted to term loan	2 years
Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable rate basis	LIBOR
Weighted average interest rate (in percent)	2.92%
Percentage of unused amount	0.40%
Minimum | Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Percentage of unused amount	0.40%
Maximum | Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Percentage of unused amount	0.50%
LIBOR | Minimum | Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate for credit agreement (in percent)	2.75%

Debt_Schedule_of_Secured_and_U

Debt - Schedule of Secured and Unsecured Debts (Details)

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 18, 2014

Dec. 18, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2015

Jan. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 18, 2014

Dec. 18, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 18, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Apr. 10, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Oct. 30, 2014

Dec. 18, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Oct. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Oct. 30, 2014

Oct. 10, 2015

Jan. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Second Mortgage

Second Mortgage

First Mortgage

First Mortgage

First Mortgage

First Mortgage

First Mortgage

First Mortgage

First Mortgage

First Mortgage

First Mortgage

First Mortgage

First Mortgage

First Mortgage

First Mortgage

First Mortgage

First Mortgage

First Mortgage

First Mortgage

Secured Debt

Secured Debt

Secured Debt

Secured Debt

Secured Debt

Secured Debt

Secured Debt

Secured Debt

Secured Debt

Secured Debt

Secured Debt

Secured Debt

Secured Debt

Secured Debt

Secured Debt

Secured Debt

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities

Unsecured Debt

Unsecured Debt

Unsecured Debt

Light Industrial Platform

Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary

Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary

Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary

Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary

Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary

Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary

Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary

Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary

Cobalt Capital Management, L.P.

Cobalt Capital Management, L.P.

First Mortgage

First Mortgage

First Mortgage

First Mortgage

Scenario, Forecast

SWITZERLAND

SWITZERLAND

Secured financing, mature 2017

Secured financing

Extension_Option

Secured financing, mature 2017

Secured financing

First mortgage loan, mature 2024

First mortgage loan, mature 2024

Secured financing, mature 2029

Secured financing, mature 2029

Secured financing, mature 2029

Secured financing, mature 2029

First mortgage loan, mature 2019

First mortgage loan, mature 2019

CMBS 2014-FL1

CMBS 2014-FL2

LIBOR

One-Month LIBOR

One-Month LIBOR

USD ($)

USD ($)

Secured financing, mature 2017

Secured financing, mature 2017

Secured financing

Secured financing

Secured financing

Repurchase facility

Repurchase facility

Repurchase facility

LIBOR

One-Month LIBOR

One-Month LIBOR

One-Month LIBOR

Minimum

Maximum

USD ($)

USD ($)

CMBS 2014-FL1

CMBS 2014-FL1

CMBS 2014-FL2

CMBS 2014-FL2

CMBS MF 2014-1

CMBS MF 2014-1

One-Month LIBOR

One-Month LIBOR

Minimum

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Light Industrial Portfolio Notes

Unsecured note, mature 2017

Unsecured note, mature 2017

First Mortgage

USD ($)

USD ($)

Colony Mortgage Capital Series 2014-FL1, Ltd

Colony Mortgage Capital Series 2014-FL1, Ltd

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities

Light Industrial Platform

Light Industrial Platform

MF 2014-1

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities

Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary

First Mortgage

Higher Education Campuses

Higher Education Campuses

SecurityLoan

SecurityLoan

SecurityLoan

SecurityLoan

USD ($)

USD ($)

CHF

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

First mortgage loan, mature 2019

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Repurchase facility

Secured financing, mature 2017

Secured financing

Repurchase facility

LIBOR

LIBOR

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

CMBS 2014-FL1

CMBS 2014-FL2

Colony Mortgage Capital Series 2014-FL1, Ltd

Colony Mortgage Capital Series 2014-FL2, Ltd

Colony Mortgage Capital Series 2014-FL1, Ltd

Colony Mortgage Capital Series 2014-FL2, Ltd

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Colony Mortgage Capital Series 2014-FL2, Ltd

Colony Mortgage Capital Series 2014-FL2, Ltd

Colony Mortgage Capital Series 2014-FL2, Ltd

MF 2014-1

Light Industrial Portfolio Notes

Light Industrial Portfolio Notes

USD ($)

Minimum

Maximum

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities

Secured financing, mature 2029

campus

campus

SecurityLoan

Property

Repurchase facility

Repurchase facility

SecurityLoan

SecurityLoan

SecurityLoan

Loans held for investment, net

Loans held for investment, net

Loans held for investment, net

Loans held for investment, net

USD ($)

USD ($)

Repurchase facility

USD ($)

USD ($)

MF 2014-1

MF 2014-1

MF 2014-1

USD ($)

Loans held for investment, net

Loans held for investment, net

USD ($)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Number Of Loans Acquired

2

2

Number of loans pledged as collateral

1

[1]

1

[2]

18

[1]

1

[2]

11

[3]

15

[4]

278

[5]

Variable rate basis

1-month LIBOR

[6]

LIBOR

1-month LIBOR

[1]

1-month LIBOR

[2]

1-month LIBOR

[7]

1-month LIBOR

[3]

1-month LIBOR

[4]

Basis spread on variable rate (in percent)

2.50%

2.25%

2.25%

[6]

2.85%

[1]

2.85%

[2]

2.25%

[7]

2.25%

2.50%

1.78%

[3]

1.96%

[4]

Maturity Date

1-Jan-24

[8]

31-Dec-29

[9]

1-Dec-19

[6]

1-Apr-31

1-Nov-31

1-Dec-17

[1]

4-Feb-16

[7]

Number Of Properties Collateralized With Loan

2

[9]

Interest Rate

4.84%

[8]

2.72%

[9]

2.72%

[9]

2.72%

[9]

2.54%

[5]

Outstanding balance on the debt

$2,053,525,000

$1,979,665,000

$88,000,000

[8]

$88,000,000

[8]

$125,598,000

[9]

$0

[9]

$1,088,500,000

[6]

$1,088,500,000

[6]

$1,521,587,000

$1,432,397,000

$85,194,000

[1]

$90,164,000

[1]

$15,939,000

[2]

$80,213,000

[2]

$118,356,000

[7]

$85,520,000

[7]

$522,049,000

$537,268,000

$126,216,000

[3]

$126,204,000

[3]

$204,959,000

[4]

$197,655,000

[4]

$190,874,000

[5]

$213,409,000

[5]

$10,000,000

$9,889,000

[10]

$10,000,000

[10]

$522,049,000

$537,268,000

Principal curtailment, percentage of net cash flow from the underling loan portfolio

70.00%

Concurrent financing provided by seller

82,300,000

Percentage concurrent financing provided by seller

65.00%

Fixed-rate mortgage loan terms

2 years

30 years

15 years

15 years

2 years

33 years

Number of businesses acquired

2

2

Maximum principal amount of repurchase facility

150,000,000

1,130,000,000

Amount of loan financed to acquire property

122,100,000

1,090,000,000

Debt instrument term extension option

3

Repurchase facility extension term

1 year

1 year

Debt instrument, frequency of fee

monthly

Administration fee percentage

0.05%

Principal balance of mortgage notes

126,200,000

205,000,000

217,200,000

316,000,000

Proceeds from securitization of loans held for investment

122,300,000

108,900,000

214,400,000

Loans principal amount outstanding

2,246,276,000

2,247,040,000

190,600,000

307,600,000

Initial terms on loans receivable

2 years

2 years

3 years

3 years

1 year

24 years

Secured financing repayments

91,778,000

10,657,000

93,100,000

Proceeds from issuance of unsecured debt

$10,000,000

Effective interest rate (percent)

6.10%

[1]

The non-recourse financing is secured by a loan portfolio acquired in October 2013 and requires monthly interest payments and principal curtailment based upon the ratio of principal outstanding to collateral cost basis. The current principal curtailment requirement is 70% of all excess cash flow from the underlying loan portfolio, after payment of certain loan servicing fees and monthly interest, but may increase or decrease in the future.

[2]

In connection with the acquisition of a loan portfolio in March 2014, a lender provided concurrent non-recourse financing for $82.3 million, or 65% of the aggregate purchase price. Although the financing has no contractual maturity date, any principal repayments from the underlying collateral loan portfolio must be applied to repay the financing until the balance is paid in full.

[3]

As discussed in Note 3, on April 10, 2014, FL1 Issuer offered and sold to third parties approximately $126.2 million aggregate principal balance of the FL1 Offered Notes with net proceeds from the sale, after deducting securitization costs, of approximately $122.3 million. The FL1 Offered Notes are secured by all assets of the FL1 Issuer consisting of commercial mortgage loans originated within the Transitional CRE Lending Platform with an aggregate UPB of $190.6 million as of March 31, 2015. Although the securitization debt has a contractual maturity date of April 2031, any principal repayments from the underlying collateral mortgage loans must be applied to repay the debt until the balance is paid in full. The underlying collateral mortgage loans have initial terms of 2 to 3 years.

[4]

As discussed in Note 3, in November and December of 2014 and January 2015, FL2 Issuer offered and sold to third parties approximately $205 million aggregate principal balance of the FL2 Offered Notes with net proceeds from the sale, after deducting securitization costs and repayment of $93.1 million outstanding under the Repurchase Facility described below, of approximately $108.9 million. The secured 2014-FL2 Notes are secured by all assets of the FL2 Issuer consisting of commercial mortgage loans originated within the Transitional CRE Lending Platform with an aggregate UPB of $307.6 million as of March 31, 2015. Although the securitization debt has a contractual maturity date of November 2031, any principal repayments from the underlying collateral mortgage loans must be applied to repay the debt until the balance is paid in full. The underlying collateral mortgage loans have initial terms of 2 to 3 years.

[5]

As discussed in Note 3, on October 30, 2014, Colony Multifamily Mortgage Trust 2014-1 offered and sold to third parties approximately $217.2 million principal balance of the MF 2014-1 Certificates with net proceeds, after deducting securitization costs and accrued interest, of approximately $214.4 million. Although the securitization debt does not have a contractual maturity date, any principal repayments from the underlying collateral mortgage loans must be applied to repay the debt until the balance is paid in full. The underlying collateral mortgage loans have initial remaining terms of 1 to 24 years.

[6]

In connection with the acquisition of the portfolio of light industrial real estate assets and operating platform in December 2014, the Company obtained a $1.13 billion mortgage loan, of which $1.09 billion was drawn, from a financial institution. This loan is secured by the acquired real estate portfolio, has an initial term of 2 years, plus three 1-year extension options, and bears interest at one-month LIBOR plus 2.25%. The interest rate will increase to one-month LIBOR plus 2.5% after the fourth anniversary date. The loan requires interest-only monthly payments, plus a 0.05% administration fee, until maturity.

[7]

The Company entered into a master repurchase agreement (“Repurchase Facility”) with a commercial bank to partially finance loans within its Transitional CRE Lending Platform. The Repurchase Facility provides up to $150 million of financing for eligible assets within the Transitional CRE Lending Platform and has an initial term of 2 years, plus a 1-year extension option. Advances under the Repurchase Facility bear interest ranging from one-month LIBOR plus a spread of 2.25% to 2.5%.

[8]

The loan requires monthly interest payments until January 2016, then principal and interest payments based on a 30-year amortization schedule. The loan agreement requires rent receipts from the collateral property to be initially deposited into a lockbox account controlled by the lender. The excess of monthly rent receipts over monthly debt service is remitted to the Company.

[9]

Concurrent with the acquisition of two single-tenant net leased properties in January 2015, the Company obtained two 15-year term, non-recourse, loans with aggregate principal amount of CHF 122.1 million from a financial institution. These loans are secured by the acquired real estate properties and bear interest at a fixed weighted-average rate of 2.72%. The loan agreements require quarterly interest payments until October 10, 2015, then principal and interest payments based on a 33-year amortization schedule.

[10]

In connection with the acquisition of the portfolio of light industrial real estate assets and operating platform from Cobalt Capital Partners, L.P. and its affiliates in December 2014, the Company issued an unsecured note in the amount of $10 million to Cobalt Capital Management, L.P., an affiliate of Cobalt Capital Partners, L.P. and a service provider that continues to manage the light industrial portfolio and its day-to-day operations. The note will mature on the third anniversary of the date of acquisition and one-third of the initial principal amount of the note is required to be repaid on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of acquisition (each, a “Payment Date”). Principal under the note shall be paid in either (a) shares of the Company’s common stock, or (b) OP Units, which are exchangeable for shares of the Company’s common stock. The interest on the note is payable in an amount equivalent to dividends paid on shares that would have been due had the holder held shares of the Company's common stock in lieu of the note. At the dividend rate in effect as of March 31, 2015, the effective interest rate on this loan is approximately 6.1%.

Debt_Schedule_Principal_Paymen

Debt - Schedule Principal Payments Due Under the Secured Financing Arrangements (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Minimum scheduled principal payments due under the secured financing arrangements
Remaining 2015	$221,744,000	[1]
2016	201,994,000	[1]
2017	259,698,000	[1]
2018	34,229,000
2019	1,114,224,000
2020 and after	221,636,000
Total	2,053,525,000		1,979,665,000
Scenario, Forecast | Light Industrial Platform | Cobalt Capital Management, L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt payable in shares of common stock				$3,300,000	$3,300,000	$3,200,000
[1]	Includes $3.2 million, $3.3 million and $3.3 million payable in shares of the Company's common stock for 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively

Debt_Convertible_Senior_Notes_

Debt - Convertible Senior Notes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
	D
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding balance on the debt	$2,053,525,000	$1,979,665,000
Convertible Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of loan financed to acquire property	602,500,000	602,500,000
Outstanding balance on the debt	604,424,000	604,498,000
Threshold percentage of stock price trigger (in percent)	130.00%
Threshold trading days (in days)	20
Threshold consecutive trading days	30 days
Redemption price, percentage of principal amount (in percent)	100.00%
Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 | Convertible Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate	5.00%
Conversion Rate (per share of common stock)	$23.60
Amount of loan financed to acquire property	200,000,000	200,000,000
Outstanding balance on the debt	200,000,000	200,000,000
Convertible Senior Note Due 2021 | Convertible Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate	3.88%
Conversion Rate (per share of common stock)	$24.82
Amount of loan financed to acquire property	402,500,000	402,500,000
Outstanding balance on the debt	$404,424,000	$404,498,000

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Detail

Derivatives and Hedging (Details)

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

Foreign currency risk

Foreign currency risk

Foreign currency risk

Foreign currency risk

Foreign currency risk

Foreign currency risk

Foreign currency risk

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Mortgages

Debt

USD ($)

USD ($)

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

Interest rate contracts designated as hedging instruments

Interest rate contracts

Other loss, net

Other loss, net

Designated as Hedging Instrument

Designated as Hedging Instrument

Designated as Hedging Instrument

Designated as Hedging Instrument

Light Industrial Platform

USD ($)

CHF

EUR (€)

GBP (£)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

GBP (£)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

Interest rate swap and cap

Interest rate swap and cap

Interest Rate Cap, Expiration November 2015

Interest Rate Cap, Expiration December 2016

Interest rate contracts designated as hedging instruments

Interest rate contracts designated as hedging instruments

USD ($)

Interest_Rate_Swap

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

Minimum threshold of derivative liabilities require cash deposit

$100,000

Deposits related to agreements included in other assets

0

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures

1,755,344,000

1,646,977,000

297,824,000

237,722,000

624,300,000

53,200,000

341,700,000

137,000,000

581,700,000

315,900,000

128,000,000

Number of secured debt

2

Notional amount

182,800,000

14,000,000

57,500,000

950,000,000

One-month LIBOR rate cap

3.00%

2.50%

3.00%

Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges

0

0

Gain on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness

215,000

0

Number of interest rate swaps acquired

1

Interest rate swap fixed rate

4.24%

Outstanding principal

1,100,000,000

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives

$52,000

$4,000

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Fair_V

Derivatives and Hedging - Fair Value of Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Foreign exchange contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	$55,241	$25,820
Derivative Liabilities	6,589	6,718
Foreign exchange contracts | Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	55,241	25,820
Derivative Liabilities	6,589	6,718
Foreign exchange contracts | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	0	0
Derivative Liabilities	0	0
Interest rate contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	159	659
Interest rate contracts | Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	134	402
Interest rate contracts | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	25	257
Other Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	55,400	26,479
Other Assets | Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	55,375	26,222
Other Assets | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	25	257
Accrued and other liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	6,589	6,718
Accrued and other liabilities | Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	6,589	6,718
Accrued and other liabilities | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	$0	$0

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Schedu

Derivatives and Hedging - Schedule of Net Investment Hedge (Details)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
	Foreign Exchange Collars	Foreign Exchange Collars	Foreign currency forward-exchange contracts	Foreign currency forward-exchange contracts	Foreign currency forward-exchange contracts	Maximum	Maximum	Maximum	Minimum	Minimum	Minimum
	EUR (€)	GBP (£)	CHF	EUR (€)	GBP (£)	Foreign currency forward-exchange contracts	Foreign currency forward-exchange contracts	Foreign currency forward-exchange contracts	Foreign currency forward-exchange contracts	Foreign currency forward-exchange contracts	Foreign currency forward-exchange contracts
						CHF	EUR (€)	GBP (£)	CHF	EUR (€)	GBP (£)
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional amount	€ 218,325,000	£ 75,000,000	55,545,000	€ 66,900,000	£ 41,900,000
Derivative, Exchange Rate Floor	0.917431193	0.689655172
Derivative, Exchange Rate Cap	0.636942675	0.54945055
Derivative, Forward Exchange Rate						1.470588235	0.714285714	0.606060606	1.492537313	0.869565217	0.67114094

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Details) (Level 3, USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Nonrecurring fair value of assets held for sale	$16,200,000
Nonrecurring fair value of assets		0
Other loss, net
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment of real estate held for sale	$450,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_Estima

Fair Value Measurements - Estimated Fair Values and Carrying Values of Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Measurement [Domain] | Level 1
Assets
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	$0	$0
Loans held for investment	0	0
Assets	0	0
Liabilities
Liabilities	659,157	617,763
Fair Value Measurement [Domain] | Level 1 | Line of Credit
Liabilities
Line of credit	0	0
Fair Value Measurement [Domain] | Level 1 | Secured and Unsecured Debt
Liabilities
Secured financing	0
Fair Value Measurement [Domain] | Level 1 | Secured Debt
Liabilities
Secured financing		0
Fair Value Measurement [Domain] | Level 1 | CMBS debt
Liabilities
Secured financing	0	0
Fair Value Measurement [Domain] | Level 1 | Convertible Debt
Liabilities
Secured financing	659,157	617,763
Fair Value Measurement [Domain] | Level 2
Assets
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0
Loans held for investment	0	0
Assets	0	0
Liabilities
Liabilities	916,000	700,927
Fair Value Measurement [Domain] | Level 2 | Line of Credit
Liabilities
Line of credit	398,400	164,000
Fair Value Measurement [Domain] | Level 2 | Secured and Unsecured Debt
Liabilities
Secured financing	0
Fair Value Measurement [Domain] | Level 2 | Secured Debt
Liabilities
Secured financing		0
Fair Value Measurement [Domain] | Level 2 | CMBS debt
Liabilities
Secured financing	517,600	536,927
Fair Value Measurement [Domain] | Level 2 | Convertible Debt
Liabilities
Secured financing	0	0
Fair Value Measurement [Domain] | Level 3
Assets
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	2,092,368	1,963,965
Loans held for investment	2,184,670	2,163,500
Assets	4,277,038	4,127,465
Liabilities
Liabilities	1,539,886	1,442,397
Fair Value Measurement [Domain] | Level 3 | Line of Credit
Liabilities
Line of credit	0	0
Fair Value Measurement [Domain] | Level 3 | Secured and Unsecured Debt
Liabilities
Secured financing	1,539,886
Fair Value Measurement [Domain] | Level 3 | Secured Debt
Liabilities
Secured financing		1,442,397
Fair Value Measurement [Domain] | Level 3 | CMBS debt
Liabilities
Secured financing	0	0
Fair Value Measurement [Domain] | Level 3 | Convertible Debt
Liabilities
Secured financing	0	0
Fair Value
Assets
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	2,092,368	1,963,965
Loans held for investment	2,184,670	2,163,500
Assets	4,277,038	4,127,465
Liabilities
Liabilities	3,115,043	2,761,087
Fair Value | Line of Credit
Liabilities
Line of credit	398,400	164,000
Fair Value | Secured and Unsecured Debt
Liabilities
Secured financing	1,539,886
Fair Value | Secured Debt
Liabilities
Secured financing		1,442,397
Fair Value | CMBS debt
Liabilities
Secured financing	517,600	536,927
Fair Value | Convertible Debt
Liabilities
Secured financing	659,157	617,763
Carrying Value
Assets
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	1,755,344	1,646,977
Loans held for investment	2,146,897	2,131,134
Assets	3,902,241	3,778,111
Liabilities
Liabilities	3,056,349	2,748,163
Carrying Value | Line of Credit
Liabilities
Line of credit	398,400	164,000
Carrying Value | Secured and Unsecured Debt
Liabilities
Secured financing	1,531,476
Carrying Value | Secured Debt
Liabilities
Secured financing		1,442,397
Carrying Value | CMBS debt
Liabilities
Secured financing	522,049	537,268
Carrying Value | Convertible Debt
Liabilities
Secured financing	$604,424	$604,498

Stockholders_Equity_and_Noncon2

Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Directors
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	($46,370)	($28,491)	($522)	$2,593
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$3,600
Series A and Series B Preferred Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Redemption amount per share (in dollars per share)	$25
Minimum period of dividend defaults providing preferred stockholders to voting rights	six or more quarterly periods
Number of Directors vote entitles	2

Stockholders_Equity_and_Noncon3

Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests - Common Stock Offerings (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	$0	$335,956
Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock offering, shares			17,250,000		14,950,000
Common stock offering, average price per share (in USD per share)		$21.90	$22.14		$21.90
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net			381,545	[1]	327,115	[1]
May 2014 At-The-Market Stock Offering | Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock offering, shares							406,000
Common stock offering, average price per share (in USD per share)							$21.07
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net							$8,465	[1]
[1]	Net of underwriting discounts and commissions, sales agent commissions, and offering costs payable by the Company

Stockholders_Equity_and_Noncon4

Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Stockholders (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	($28,491)	$2,593
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-17,825	751
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	-54	-3,866
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	-17,879	-3,115
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), ending period	-46,370	-522
Equity in AOCI of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	451	3,621
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-612	244
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	161	-3,865
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	-451	-3,621
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), ending period	0	0
Unrealized Gain/Loss on Beneficial Interests in Debt Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	0	325
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	-27
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	0	-27
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), ending period	0	298
Unrealized Gain/Loss on Fair Value of Net Investment Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	-101	-19
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-170	4
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	-170	4
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), ending period	-271	-15
Foreign Currency Translation Gain/Loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	-52,643	1,849
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-47,840	202
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	-1
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	-47,840	201
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), ending period	-100,483	2,050
Net Investment Hedging
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	23,802	-3,183
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	30,797	328
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	-215	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	30,582	328
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), ending period	$54,384	($2,855)

Stockholders_Equity_and_Noncon5

Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests - Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Equity in realized gain on sale of marketable securities of unconsolidated joint ventures	($161)	$3,865
Other (loss) gain, net
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Realized foreign exchange gain (loss)	0	1
Ineffectiveness on net investment hedges	$215	$0

Earnings_per_Share_Reconciles_

Earnings per Share - Reconciles Numerator and Denominator of Basic and Diluted per-Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Outstanding balance on the debt	$2,053,525				$1,979,665
Numerator:
Net income	16,215		29,850
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-5,686		-8,120
Net income attributable to Colony Capital, Inc.	10,529		21,730
Preferred dividends	-6,972		-5,355
Net income attributable to common stockholders	3,557		16,375
Net income allocated to participating securities (nonvested shares)	-305		-240
Basic net income allocated to common stockholders	3,252		16,135
Interest expense attributable to convertible senior notes	0	[1]	0	[1]
Diluted net income allocated to common stockholders	3,252		16,135
Denominator:
Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in shares)	109,415,000		80,952,000
Weighted average effect of dilutive shares (in shares)	0	[1]	0	[1]
Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in shares)	109,415,000		80,952,000
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.03		$0.20
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.03		$0.20
Convertible Debt Securities
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Interest expense on convertible note excluded from diluted EPS	6,800		4,300
Weighted average dilutive common share	24,694,800		14,860,800
Unsecured Debt
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Interest expense on convertible note excluded from diluted EPS	169
Weighted average dilutive common share	412,900
Light Industrial Portfolio Notes | Unsecured Debt
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Outstanding balance on the debt	$10,000
[1]	For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, excluded from the calculation of diluted income per share is the effect of adding back $6.8 million and $4.3 million, respectively, of interest expense and 24,694,800 and 14,860,800 weighted average dilutive common share equivalents, respectively, for the assumed conversion of the Convertible Notes, as their inclusion would be antidilutive. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, also excluded from the calculation of diluted income per share is the effect of adding back $169,000 of interest expense and 412,900 weighted average dilutive common share equivalents for the assumed repayment of the $10 million unsecured note issued to Cobalt Capital Management, L.P. (see Note 9) in shares of the Company's common stock as its inclusion would be antidilutive.

Related_Party_Transactions_Sum

Related Party Transactions - Summary of Amounts Incurred and Payable to Manager or its Affiliates (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Allocated and direct investment-related expenses	$366		$746
Allocated and direct investment-related expenses	2,372		991
Manager and its affiliates
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Base management fee expense	9,064	[1]	6,642	[1]
Compensation pursuant to secondment agreement	450		324
Allocated and direct investment-related expenses	366		746
Allocated and direct investment-related expenses	1,922		667
Total	$11,802		$8,379
[1]	Excludes share-based compensation cost for vested awards in the Company's common stock granted to the Manager, as described in Note 15.

Related_Party_Transactions_Sum1

Related Party Transactions - Summary of Amounts Due to Manager or its Affiliates (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total amounts due to the manager or its affiliates	$10,428	$12,236
Base management fee expense
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total amounts due to the manager or its affiliates	9,064	9,173
Secondment reimbursement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total amounts due to the manager or its affiliates	364	1,393
Reimbursement of direct and allocated administrative and investment costs
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total amounts due to the manager or its affiliates	$1,000	$1,670

ShareBased_Payments_Details

Share-Based Payments (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	8-May-14	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity Incentive Plan, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		3 years
Additional shares of common stock authorized	2,500,000
Percentage of award vesting rights		25.00%
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of shares vested		12.1	$6.90
Aggregate unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock granted		19.2
Weighted average period of expected cost		27 months
Restricted Stock | Director Stock Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized		100,000
Vesting period		1 year

ShareBased_Payments_Components

Share-Based Payments - Components of Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation included in administrative expenses	$5,986	$4,160
Management Fees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation included in administrative expenses	5,897	4,071
General and Administrative Expense
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation included in administrative expenses	$89	$89

ShareBased_Payments_Nonvested_

Share-Based Payments - Nonvested Shares Under Director Stock Plan and Equity Incentive Plan (Details) (Restricted Stock, USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested shares at beginning period	689,438	512,768
Granted	632,009	511,250
Vested	-496,197	-337,928
Forfeited	0	0
Nonvested shares at period end	825,250	686,090
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Nonvested shares at beginning period (USD per share)	$19.54	$18.28
Granted (USD per share)	$24.40	$20.31
Vested (USD per share)	$20.61	$18.83
Forfeited (USD per share)	$0
Nonvested shares at period end (USD per share)	$22.62	$19.52
Non-Executive Directors
Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested shares at beginning period	15,234	6,837
Granted	13,928	11,250
Vested	-11,250	-6,837
Forfeited	0	0
Nonvested shares at period end	17,912	11,250
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Granted (USD per share)	$24.99	$23.20
Employee
Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested shares at beginning period	8,586	17,172
Granted	0	0
Vested	-8,586	-8,586
Forfeited	0	0
Nonvested shares at period end	0	8,586
Total
Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested shares at beginning period	665,618	488,759
Granted	618,081	500,000
Vested	-476,361	-322,505
Forfeited	0	0
Nonvested shares at period end	807,338	666,254
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Granted (USD per share)	$24.39	$20.24

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Provis

Income Taxes - Income Tax Provision (Benefit) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Current
Federal	$268		$347
State	210		102
Total current tax expense	478		449
Deferred
Federal	114		-176
State	58		-28
Total deferred tax expense (benefit)	172		-204
Total income tax (benefit) provision	$650	[1]	$245
[1]	Beginning in 2015, income tax (benefit) expense related to specific investments within each segment is allocated to the respective segments. Income tax expense was previously immaterial.

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets, net	$6.30	$6.50

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 18, 2014
Additional Funding to Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other Commitment	$337,400,000
Unfunded Lending Commitment
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other Commitment	180,900,000
Unfunded Purchase Commitment
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other Commitment	34,000,000
Corporate Joint Venture | Unfunded Lending Commitment
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other Commitment	209,300,000
ColFin Industrial Partnership | Future Capital Contributions
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other Commitment	369,900,000
Light Industrial Platform | Cobalt Capital Partners, L.P. | Industrial Property
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Ownership interest of limited partners (percent)		37.00%
General Partner | Future Capital Contributions
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other Commitment	233,600,000
Limited Partner | ColFin Industrial Partnership | Future Capital Contributions
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other Commitment	136,300,000
Ground Leases
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Ground lease rent expense	77,000
MASSACHUSETTS | Property Purchase Commitment
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Deposit Assets	$1,000,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Future Rental Commitment (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Remaining 2015	$97,798
2016	122,279
2017	105,717
2018	87,123
2019	68,478
2020 and after	360,598
Total	841,993
Ground Leases
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Remaining 2015	189
2016	255
2017	255
2018	255
2019	255
2020 and after	10,687
Total	$11,896

Segment_Information_Summary_of

Segment Information - Summary of Operating Results for Each of Reportable Operating Segments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Income:
Interest income	$46,137		$33,102
Rental income and tenant reimbursements	43,793		3,241
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	26,349		22,639
Other income	333		225
Total income	116,612		59,207
Expenses:
Management fees	14,961		10,713
Investment and servicing expenses	2,617		1,261
Transaction costs	14,190		4,550
Interest expense	26,593		8,949
Property operating expenses	14,011		848
Depreciation and amortization	22,308		1,252
Administrative expenses	4,781		2,519
Total expenses	99,461		30,092
Other (loss) gain, net	-286		980
Income before income taxes	16,865		30,095
Income tax expense	650	[1]	245
Net income	16,215		29,850
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	5,686		8,120
Net income attributable to Colony Capital, Inc.	10,529		21,730
Operating Segments | Light Industrial Platform
Income:
Interest income	7		0
Rental income and tenant reimbursements	36,318		0
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	0		0
Other income	0		0
Total income	36,325		0
Expenses:
Management fees	0		0
Investment and servicing expenses	601		0
Transaction costs	93		0
Interest expense	7,875		0
Property operating expenses	12,760		0
Depreciation and amortization	19,620		0
Administrative expenses	502		0
Total expenses	41,451		0
Other (loss) gain, net	-502		0
Income before income taxes	-5,628		0
Income tax expense	-122	[1]	0
Net income	-5,506		0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-1,969		0
Net income attributable to Colony Capital, Inc.	-3,537		0
Operating Segments | Single-family residential rentals
Income:
Interest income	0		0
Rental income and tenant reimbursements	0		0
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	-3,912		-3,195
Other income	0		0
Total income	-3,912		-3,195
Expenses:
Management fees	0		0
Investment and servicing expenses	0		0
Transaction costs	0		0
Interest expense	0		0
Property operating expenses	0		0
Depreciation and amortization	0		0
Administrative expenses	0		0
Total expenses	0		0
Other (loss) gain, net	0		0
Income before income taxes	-3,912		-3,195
Income tax expense	0	[1]	0
Net income	-3,912		-3,195
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0		0
Net income attributable to Colony Capital, Inc.	-3,912		-3,195
Operating Segments | Other
Income:
Interest income	6		0
Rental income and tenant reimbursements	7,475		3,241
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	5,527		7,018
Other income	0		0
Total income	13,008		10,259
Expenses:
Management fees	0		0
Investment and servicing expenses	162		0
Transaction costs	0		0
Interest expense	1,807		1,074
Property operating expenses	1,251		848
Depreciation and amortization	2,688		1,252
Administrative expenses	112		0
Total expenses	6,020		3,174
Other (loss) gain, net	0		0
Income before income taxes	6,988		7,085
Income tax expense	-49	[1]	0
Net income	7,037		7,085
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	869		529
Net income attributable to Colony Capital, Inc.	6,168		6,556
Operating Segments | Real estate debt investments
Income:
Interest income	46,124		33,064
Rental income and tenant reimbursements	0		0
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	24,734		18,816
Other income	226		225
Total income	71,084		52,105
Expenses:
Management fees	0		0
Investment and servicing expenses	1,203		508
Transaction costs	0		4,550
Interest expense	6,700		2,073
Property operating expenses	0		0
Depreciation and amortization	0		0
Administrative expenses	332		170
Total expenses	8,235		7,301
Other (loss) gain, net	0		-93
Income before income taxes	62,849		44,711
Income tax expense	821	[1]	0
Net income	62,028		44,711
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	6,786		7,591
Net income attributable to Colony Capital, Inc.	55,242		37,120
Amounts Not Allocated to Segments
Income:
Interest income	0		38
Rental income and tenant reimbursements	0		0
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	0		0
Other income	107		0
Total income	107		38
Expenses:
Management fees	14,961		10,713
Investment and servicing expenses	651		753
Transaction costs	14,097		0
Interest expense	10,211		5,802
Property operating expenses	0		0
Depreciation and amortization	0		0
Administrative expenses	3,835		2,349
Total expenses	43,755		19,617
Other (loss) gain, net	216		1,073
Income before income taxes	-43,432		-18,506
Income tax expense	0	[1]	245
Net income	-43,432		-18,751
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0		0
Net income attributable to Colony Capital, Inc.	($43,432)		($18,751)
[1]	Beginning in 2015, income tax (benefit) expense related to specific investments within each segment is allocated to the respective segments. Income tax expense was previously immaterial.

Segment_Information_Assets_of_

Segment Information - Assets of Reportable Operating Segments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Total consolidated assets	$6,163,893		$5,871,848
Cash	64,296		141,936		84,392	43,167
Operating Segments
Assets:
Total consolidated assets	6,125,645	[1]	5,768,880	[1]
Cash			63,400
Operating Segments | Light Industrial Platform
Assets:
Total consolidated assets	1,719,486		1,693,282
Operating Segments | Single-family residential rentals
Assets:
Total consolidated assets	488,811		494,613
Operating Segments | Other Real Estate Equity Investments
Assets:
Total consolidated assets	831,305		558,630
Operating Segments | Real estate debt investments
Assets:
Total consolidated assets	3,086,043		3,022,355
Amounts Not Allocated to Segments
Assets:
Total consolidated assets	$38,248		$102,968
[1]	Beginning in 2015, the Company allocates cash and other assets held within investment holding entities that previously had not been allocated to segments. The impact of this change is an additional allocation of $63.4 million to segment assets at December 31, 2014, made up primarily of cash balances that can be directly attributed to the respective segments.

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 02, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Apr. 01, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)		$0.01			$0.01
Series C Preferred Stock | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Common stock offering, shares	11,500,000
Preferred stock, dividend percentage	7.13%
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01
Proceeds from issuance of redeemable preferred stock	$278,000,000
Colony Capital Operating Company, LLC
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Pro forma total income		147,711,000	87,319,000
Affiliated Entity | Colony Capital | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Consideration transferred, equity interested issued (in shares)				658,600,000
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross				11,800,000
Share price in business acquisition						$26.19
Management Agreement, Employment Term				5 years
Common Stock | Affiliated Entity | Colony Capital | Common Class A | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Consideration transferred, equity interested issued (in shares)				1,430,000
Common Stock | Affiliated Entity | Colony Capital | Common Class B | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Consideration transferred, equity interested issued (in shares)				563,987
Colony Capital Operating Company, LLC | Partnership Interest | Affiliated Entity | Colony Capital | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Consideration transferred, equity interested issued (in shares)				21,340,000
Multi-year Performance Targets | Common Stock | Affiliated Entity | Colony Capital | Common Class A | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of shares contingent upon achievement of performance targets				1,020,000
Multi-year Performance Targets | Common Stock | Affiliated Entity | Colony Capital | Common Class B | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of shares contingent upon achievement of performance targets				90,991
Multi-year Performance Targets | Colony Capital Operating Company, LLC | Partnership Interest | Affiliated Entity | Colony Capital | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of shares contingent upon achievement of performance targets				3,470,000
Secured Debt | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Maximum principal amount of credit facility	150,000,000
Acquisition-related Costs | Colony Capital Operating Company, LLC
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Pro forma total income		($14,100,000)
Secured Debt | Line of Credit | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, initial term	3 years
Repurchase facility extension term	1 year
Minimum | Secured Debt | Line of Credit | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument term extension option	1
LIBOR | Secured Debt | Line of Credit | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (in percent)	2.50%
Richard B. Saltzman | Affiliated Entity | Common Class A | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of shares withheld from distribution for tax obligations				1,370,000

Subsequent_Events_Schedule_of_

Subsequent Events - Schedule of Pro Forma (Details) (Colony Capital Operating Company, LLC, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Colony Capital Operating Company, LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Pro forma total income	$147,711	$87,319
Pro forma net income attributable to Colony Capital, Inc.	23,238	17,531
Pro forma net income attributable to common stockholders	$16,266	$12,176