| Document and Entity Information Document | Nov. 01, 2019 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 1, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Wells Fargo Real Estate Investment Corp. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001616093 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 1-36768 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 56-1986428 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 90 South 7th Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Minneapolis |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MN |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 55402 |
| City Area Code | 855 |
| Local Phone Number | 825-1437 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 6.375% Cumulative Perpetual Series A Preferred Stock |
| Trading Symbol | WFE.PRA |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
