CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets
Cash	$ 164,172	$ 213,727
Restricted cash	83,314	72,265
Real estate debt investments, net (see Note 4)	624,377	514,058
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated ventures	112,280
Real estate securities, available for sale	53,999	29,582
Receivables, net	17,862	4,654
Deferred costs and other assets, net	13,236	25,652
Total assets	1,069,240	859,938
Liabilities
Securitization bonds payable	124,559	124,491
Credit facilities	180,371	126,321
Due to related party	2,793	15,165
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	707	463
Escrow deposits payable	82,768	71,847
Distribution payable	5,072	3,905
Total liabilities	396,270	342,192
NorthStar Real Estate Income Trust, Inc. Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share; 50,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; 400,000,000 shares authorized, 78,050,197 and 60,204,641 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	781	602
Additional paid-in capital	692,259	532,617
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	(21,477)	(15,935)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,402	457
Total NorthStar Real Estate Income Trust, Inc. stockholders' equity	672,965	517,741
Non-controlling interests	5	5
Total equity	672,970	517,746
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,069,240	$ 859,938