| Document and Entity Information | Apr. 17, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Apr. 17, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Colony Credit Real Estate, Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001717547 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Incorporation, State or 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 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | CLNC |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
