| Document and Entity Information | Jan. 12, 2022 |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 12, 2022 |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 |
| Entity Registrant Name | KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MD |
| Entity File Number | 001-38082 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 47-2009094 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 30 Hudson Yards |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 7500 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | New York |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 10001 |
| City Area Code | 212 |
| Local Phone Number | 750-8300 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001631596 |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | KREF |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 6.50% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share [Member] | |
| Entity Listings [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 6.50% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | KREF PRA |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
