| Document and Entity Information | Mar. 20, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001717547 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Mar. 20, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | COLONY CREDIT REAL ESTATE, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | MD |
| Entity File Number | 001-38377 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 38-4046290 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 515 S. Flower Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 44th Floor |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Los Angeles |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 90071 |
| City Area Code | (310) |
| Local Phone Number | 282-8820 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | CLNC |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
