Choice Hotels International (CHH) 10-K 2 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 17, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL INC /DE
Trading Symbol	chh
Entity Central Index Key	1046311
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		57,354,284
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$1,494,600,978

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
REVENUES:
Royalty fees	$287,538		$267,812		$261,680
Initial franchise and relicensing fees	19,481		18,686		14,203
Procurement services	23,819		20,668		17,962
Marketing and reservation	412,619		407,633		389,678
Other	14,513		9,851		9,205
Total revenues	757,970		724,650		692,728
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Selling, general and administrative	121,418		111,713		101,879
Depreciation and amortization	9,365		9,056		7,691
Marketing and reservation	412,619		407,633		389,678
Total operating expenses	543,402		528,402		499,248
Operating income	214,568		196,248		193,480
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES:
Interest expense	41,486		42,537		27,189
Interest income	-1,761		-2,547		-1,540
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0		0		526
Other (gains) losses	427		-1,780		-1,989
Equity in net (income) loss of affiliates	658		-634		-212
Other income and expenses, net	40,810		37,576		23,974
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	173,758		158,672		169,506
Income taxes	52,285		45,322		48,228
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes	121,473		113,350		121,278
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	1,687		359		335
Net income	$123,160		$113,709		$121,613
Basic earnings per share:
Basic earnings per share, Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$2.08	[1]	$1.94	[1]	$2.09
Basic earnings per share, Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0.03	[1]	$0	[1]	$0
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$2.11		$1.94		$2.09
Diluted earnings per share:
Diluted earnings per share, Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$2.07	[1]	$1.92	[1]	$2.08
Diluted earnings per share, Discontinued Operations (in dollars per share)	$0.03	[1]	$0.01	[1]	$0.01
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$2.10		$1.93		$2.09
[1]	The sum of the earnings per share for the four quarters may differ from annual earnings per share due to the required method of computing the weighted average shares in interim periods.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$25,285	$39,365	$35,400	$23,110	$23,443	$38,716	$31,807	$19,743	$123,160	$113,709	$121,613
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Amortization of loss on cash flow hedge									861	862	862
Foreign currency translation adjustment									-1,615	-2,863	237
Amortization of pension related costs, net of tax:
Actuarial loss (net of income tax of $48 for the year ended December 31, 2012)									0	0	80
Settlement of pension plan (net of income tax of $840 for the year ended December 31, 2012)									0	0	1,406
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									-754	-2,001	2,585
Comprehensive income									$122,406	$111,708	$124,198

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Actuarial loss, tax	$48
Settlement of pension plan, tax	$840

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$214,879	$167,795
Receivables (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,084 and $12,187, respectively)	91,681	82,385
Income taxes receivable	1,458	0
Deferred income taxes	23,860	26,684
Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value	214	400
Other current assets	19,322	29,710
Total current assets	351,414	306,974
Property and equipment, at cost, net	77,309	67,852
Goodwill	65,813	65,813
Franchise rights and other identifiable intangibles, net	8,912	9,953
Advances, marketing and reservation activities	0	5,844
Notes receivable, net of allowances	40,441	31,872
Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value	17,539	15,950
Deferred income taxes	20,546	0
Other assets	65,296	52,164
Total assets	647,270	556,422
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	57,124	41,663
Accrued expenses	63,530	56,625
Deferred revenue	66,382	61,188
Current portion of long-term debt	12,349	10,088
Deferred compensation and retirement plan obligations	628	2,492
Income taxes payable	85	2,282
Total current liabilities	200,098	174,338
Long-term debt	782,082	783,471
Deferred compensation and retirement plan obligations	23,987	22,527
Deferred income taxes	0	5,149
Other liabilities	69,904	23,808
Total liabilities	1,076,071	1,009,293
Commitments and Contingencies
SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 160,000,000 shares authorized; 95,065,638 shares issued at December 31, 2014 and 2013 and 57,337,720 and 58,638,863 shares outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	573	586
Additional paid-in-capital	127,661	117,768
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-6,971	-6,217
Treasury stock (37,727,918 and 36,426,775 shares at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively), at cost	-982,463	-918,031
Retained earnings	432,399	353,023
Total shareholders’ deficit	-428,801	-452,871
Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit	$647,270	$556,422

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts	$10,084	$12,187
SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	160,000,000	160,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	95,065,638	95,065,638
Common stock, shares outstanding	57,337,720	58,638,863
Treasury stock, shares	37,727,918	36,426,775

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$123,160,000	$113,709,000	$121,613,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	9,365,000	9,582,000	8,226,000
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets	-2,809,000	-151,000	9,000
Provision for bad debts, net	2,775,000	2,743,000	2,923,000
Non-cash stock compensation and other charges	9,706,000	11,422,000	12,366,000
Non-cash interest and other (income) loss	3,174,000	1,545,000	292,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	0	526,000
Deferred income taxes	-22,899,000	-6,277,000	-1,126,000
Equity (earnings) losses from unconsolidated joint ventures, net of distributions received	2,200,000	811,000	1,098,000
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Receivables	-14,250,000	-7,899,000	-6,807,000
Advances to/from marketing and reservation activities, net	70,179,000	42,991,000	30,983,000
Forgivable notes receivable, net	-12,914,000	-8,347,000	-10,898,000
Accounts payable	9,636,000	2,304,000	11,000
Accrued expenses	6,678,000	-9,595,000	12,376,000
Income taxes payable/receivable	-3,582,000	4,276,000	-2,662,000
Deferred revenue	5,297,000	-9,861,000	2,188,000
Other assets	-1,250,000	-3,197,000	-3,476,000
Other liabilities	-575,000	9,857,000	-17,520,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	183,891,000	153,913,000	150,122,000
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investment in property and equipment	-20,946,000	-33,397,000	-15,443,000
Equity method investments	-17,789,000	-5,685,000	-20,285,000
Issuance of mezzanine and other notes receivable	-3,340,000	-1,095,000	-23,736,000
Collections of mezzanine and other notes receivable	11,289,000	9,748,000	3,270,000
Purchases of investments, employee benefit plans	-2,794,000	-2,676,000	-1,697,000
Proceeds from sales of investments, employee benefit plans	964,000	4,168,000	11,223,000
Proceeds from sale of assets	15,612,000	243,000	0
Other items, net	-642,000	-728,000	-433,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-17,646,000	-29,422,000	-47,101,000
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	250,000	3,360,000	543,500,000
Net borrowings (repayments) pursuant to revolving credit facilities	0	-57,000,000	57,000,000
Principal payments on long-term debt	-10,108,000	-8,204,000	-4,422,000
Debt issuance costs	0	0	-4,759,000
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	3,721,000	1,460,000	1,559,000
Purchase of treasury stock	-77,972,000	-3,965,000	-22,586,000
Dividends paid	-43,529,000	-32,799,000	-654,092,000
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	10,098,000	8,864,000	7,090,000
Net cash used in financing activities	-117,540,000	-88,284,000	-76,710,000
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	48,705,000	36,207,000	26,311,000
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-1,621,000	-2,589,000	809,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	167,795,000	134,177,000	107,057,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	214,879,000	167,795,000	134,177,000
Cash payments during the year for:
Income taxes, net of refunds	77,562,000	47,513,000	51,548,000
Interest, net of capitalized interest	40,644,000	43,327,000	16,954,000
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Dividends declared but not paid	11,176,000	10,785,000	1,000
Equity method investments	2,827,000	0	3,900,000
Debt issuance costs	0	0	6,500,000
Investment in property and equipment	15,670,000	658,000	0
Acquisitions, long-term debt assumed	10,667,000	0	0
Restricted Stock [Member]
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Issuance of common stock pursuant to share based compensation plan	8,439,000	9,798,000	9,517,000
Performance Vested Restricted Stock Units [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid	($400,000)	($500,000)	$0

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Deficit (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2011	($16,221)	$583	$102,665	($6,801)	($916,955)	$804,287
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011		58,277,646
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	121,613					121,613
Other comprehensive income	2,585			2,585
Exercise of stock options (shares)	266,754	266,754
Exercise of stock options	7,090	3	3,515		3,572
Issuance of restricted stock and PVRSU (shares)		266,159
Issuance of restricted stock and PVRSU	0	2	-9,517		9,515
Cancellation of restricted stock (shares)		-26,824
Cancellation of restricted stock	0	0	967		-967
Share based compensation on equity awards	11,377		11,377
Excess tax benefits on equity awards	1,239		1,239
Dividends declared	-643,374					-643,374
Treasury purchases (shares)		-612,676
Treasury purchases	-22,586	-6			-22,580
Other	-361				-361
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2012	-538,638	582	110,246	-4,216	-927,776	282,526
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012		58,171,059
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	113,709					113,709
Other comprehensive income	-2,001			-2,001
Exercise of stock options (shares)	347,180	347,180
Exercise of stock options	8,864	2	3,486		5,376
Issuance of restricted stock and PVRSU (shares)		265,056
Issuance of restricted stock and PVRSU	0	3	-9,798		9,795
Cancellation of restricted stock (shares)		-40,552
Cancellation of restricted stock	0	0	1,453		-1,453
Share based compensation on equity awards	11,417		11,417
Excess tax benefits on equity awards	964		964
Dividends declared	-43,212					-43,212
Treasury purchases (shares)		-103,880
Treasury purchases	-3,965	-1			-3,964
Other	-9				-9
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	-452,871	586	117,768	-6,217	-918,031	353,023
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013	58,638,863	58,638,863
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Other (shares)		-300,000
Ending balance at Jan. 01, 2014
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2013	-452,871	586	117,768	-6,217	-918,031	353,023
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013	58,638,863	58,638,863
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	123,160
Other comprehensive income	-754			-754
Exercise of stock options (shares)	390,290	390,290
Exercise of stock options	10,098	4	4,219		5,875
Issuance of restricted stock and PVRSU (shares)		183,719
Issuance of restricted stock and PVRSU	0	2	-8,439		8,437
Cancellation of restricted stock (shares)		-23,804
Cancellation of restricted stock	0	0	928		-928
Share based compensation on equity awards	9,404		9,404
Excess tax benefits on equity awards	3,781		3,781
Dividends declared	-43,784					-43,784
Treasury purchases (shares)		-1,510,070
Treasury purchases	-77,972	-15			-77,957
Other (shares)		-341,278
Other	137	-4			141
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	($428,801)	$573	$127,661	($6,971)	($982,463)	$432,399
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014	57,337,720	57,337,720

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Choice Hotels International, Inc., a Delaware corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company"). The Company consolidates entities under its control, including variable interest entities where it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, including corporate joint ventures and certain other entities, in which the Company owns 50% or less and exercises significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee are accounted for by the equity method. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") and require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Accordingly, ultimate results could differ from those estimates. In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements include all normal and recurring adjustments that are necessary to fairly present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company.
	The financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 have been revised related to revenue recognition and other immaterial errors as disclosed in the Company's Form 10-K/A, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 3, 2014.
	Discontinued Operations
	In the first quarter of 2014, the Company's management approved a plan to dispose of the three Company owned Mainstay Suites hotels. As a result, the Company has reported the operations related to these three hotels as discontinued operations.  The Company's results of operations for the periods included in this Form 10-K have also been recast to account for these operations as discontinued.  For additional information regarding discontinued operations, see Note 27, Discontinued Operations.
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company enters into franchise agreements to provide franchisees with various marketing services, a centralized reservation system and limited non-exclusive rights to utilize the Company’s registered trade names and trademarks. These agreements typically have an initial term from ten to twenty years with provisions permitting franchisees or the Company to terminate after five, ten, or fifteen years under certain circumstances. In most instances, initial franchise and relicensing fees are recognized upon execution of the franchise agreement because the initial franchise and relicensing fees are non-refundable and the Company is not required to provide initial services to the franchisee prior to hotel opening. The initial franchise and relicensing fees related to executed franchise agreements which include incentives, such as future potential cash rebates or forgivable promissory notes, are deferred and recognized when the incentive criteria are met or the agreement is terminated, whichever occurs first.
	Royalty and marketing and reservation system revenues, which are typically based on a percentage of gross room revenues or the number of hotel rooms of each franchisee, are recorded when earned and realizable from the franchisee. Franchise fees based on a percentage of gross room revenues are recognized in the same period that the underlying gross room revenues are earned by the Company's franchisees. An estimate of uncollectible revenue is charged to bad debt expense and included in selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") and marketing and reservation expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
	The Company generates procurement services revenues from qualified vendors. Procurement services revenues are generally based on the level of goods or services purchased from qualified vendors by hotel franchise owners and hotel guests who stay in the Company’s franchised hotels or based on marketing services provided by the Company on behalf of the qualified vendors to hotel owners and guests. The Company recognizes procurement services revenues when the services are performed or the product is delivered, evidence of an arrangement exists, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. The Company defers the recognition of procurement services’ revenues related to upfront fees. Such upfront fees are generally recognized over a period corresponding to the Company’s estimate of the life of the arrangement.
	Marketing and Reservation Revenues and Expenses
	The Company’s franchise agreements require the payment of certain marketing and reservation system fees, which are used exclusively by the Company for expenses associated with providing franchise services such as national marketing, operating a guest loyalty program, media advertising, central reservation systems and technology services. The Company is contractually obligated to expend the marketing and reservation system revenue it collects from franchisees in accordance with the franchise agreements; as such, no income or loss to the Company is generated. In accordance with the franchise agreements, the Company includes in marketing and reservation expenses an allocation of costs for certain activities, such as human resources, facilities, legal, accounting, etc., required to carry out marketing and reservation activities.
	The Company records marketing and reservation system revenues and expenses on a gross basis since the Company is the primary obligor in the arrangement, maintains the credit risk, establishes the price and nature of the marketing or reservation services and retains discretion in supplier selection. In addition, net advances to and recoveries from the franchise system for marketing and reservation activities are presented as cash flows from operating activities.
	Marketing and reservation system revenues not expended in the current year are recorded as a liability in the Company's balance sheet and are carried over to the next fiscal year and expended in accordance with the franchise agreements or utilized to repay previous advances. Marketing and reservation expenses incurred in excess of revenues are recorded as an asset in the Company's balance sheet, with a corresponding reduction in costs, and are similarly recovered in subsequent years. Under the terms of the franchise agreements, the Company may advance capital and incur costs as necessary for marketing and reservation activities and recover such advances through future fees.
	The Company evaluates the recoverability of marketing and reservation costs incurred in excess of cumulative marketing and reservation system revenues earned on a periodic basis. The Company will record a reserve when, based on current information and events, it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts advanced for marketing and reservation activities according to the contractual terms of the franchise agreements. These advances are considered to be unrecoverable if the expected net, undiscounted cash flows from marketing and reservation activities are less than the carrying amount of the asset. The Company believes that any credit risk associated with cumulative cost advances for marketing and reservation system activities is mitigated due to the contractual right to recover these amounts from a large geographically dispersed group of franchisees.
	Choice Privileges is the Company’s frequent guest incentive marketing program. Choice Privileges enables members to earn points based on their spending levels with franchisees and, to a lesser degree, through participation in affiliated partners’ programs, such as those offered by credit card companies. The points, which the Company accumulates and tracks on the members’ behalf, may be redeemed for free accommodations or other benefits.
	The Company provides Choice Privileges as a marketing program to franchised hotels and collects a percentage of program members’ room revenue from franchises to operate the program. Revenues are deferred in an amount equal to the estimated fair value of the future redemption obligation. The Company develops an estimate of the eventual redemption rates and point values using various actuarial methods. These judgmental factors determine the required liability attributable to outstanding points. Upon redemption of points, the Company recognizes the previously deferred revenue as well as the corresponding expense relating to the cost of the awards redeemed. Revenues in excess of the estimated future redemption obligation are recognized when earned to reimburse the Company for costs incurred to operate the program, including administrative costs, marketing, promotion, and performing member services.
	Accounts Receivable and Credit Risk
	Accounts receivable consist primarily of franchise and related fees due from hotel franchises and are recorded at the invoiced amount. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the existing accounts receivable. The Company determines the allowance considering historical write-off experience and a review of aged receivable balances. However, the Company considers its credit risk associated with trade receivables to be partially mitigated due to the dispersion of these receivables across a large number of geographically diverse franchisees.
	The Company records bad debt expense in SG&A and marketing and reservation expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income based on its assessment of the ultimate realizability of trade receivables considering historical collection experience and the economic environment. When the Company determines that an account is not collectible, the account is written-off to the associated allowance for doubtful accounts.
	Advertising Costs
	The Company expenses advertising costs as the advertising occurs. Advertising expense was $93.7 million, $84.7 million and $79.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Prepaid advertising at December 31, 2014 and 2013 totaled $45 thousand and $0.2 million, respectively and is included within other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company includes advertising costs primarily in marketing and reservation expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had book overdrafts totaling $5.4 million and $5.0 million, respectively which are included in accounts payable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. These book overdrafts represent outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit.
	The Company maintains cash balances in domestic banks, which, at times, may exceed the limits of amounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. In addition, the Company also maintains cash balances in international banks which do not provide deposit insurance.
	Capitalization Policies
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or their useful lives. Major renovations and replacements incurred during construction are capitalized. Additionally, the Company capitalizes any interest incurred during construction of property and equipment or the development of software. Upon sale or retirement of property, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and any related gain or loss is recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Maintenance, repairs and minor replacements are charged to expense as incurred.
	Costs for computer software developed for internal use are capitalized during the application development stage and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the software.
	Leased property meeting certain capital lease criteria is capitalized and the present value of the related lease payments is recorded as a liability. The present value of the minimum lease payments are calculated utilizing the lower of the Company’s incremental borrowing rate or the lessor’s interest rate implicit in the lease, if known by the Company. Amortization of capitalized leased assets is computed utilizing the straight-line method over either the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the initial lease term and included in depreciation and amortization in the Company's consolidated statements of income. However, if the lease meets the bargain purchase or transfer of ownership criteria the asset shall be amortized in accordance with the Company’s normal depreciation policy for owned assets.
	Assets Held for Sale
	The Company considers property to be assets held for sale when all of the following criteria are met:
	•	Management commits to a plan to sell an asset;
	•	It is unlikely that the disposal plan will be significantly modified or discontinued;
	•	The asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition;
	•	Actions required to complete the sale of the asset have been initiated;
	•	Sale of the asset is probable and the Company expects the completed sale will occur within one year; and
	•	The asset is actively being marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable given its current market value.
	Upon designation as an asset held for sale, the Company records the carrying value of each asset at the lower of its carrying value or its estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, and ceases recording depreciation. If at any time these criteria are no longer met, subject to certain exceptions, the assets previously classified as held for sale are reclassified as held and used and measured individually at the lower of the following:
	a.	the carrying amount before the asset was classified as held for sale, adjusted for any depreciation (amortization) expense that would have been recognized had the asset been continuously classified as held and used;
	b.	the fair value at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell.
	Valuation of Intangibles and Long-Lived Assets
	The Company evaluates the potential impairment of property and equipment and other long-lived assets, including franchise rights and other definite-lived intangibles, whenever an event or other circumstances indicates that the Company may not be able to recover the carrying value of the asset. When indicators of impairment are present, recoverability is assessed based on net, undiscounted expected cash flows. If the net, undiscounted expected cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the assets, an impairment charge is recorded for the excess of the carrying value over the fair value of the asset. We estimate the fair value of intangibles and long lived assets primarily using undiscounted cash flow analysis. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recognized an impairment loss totaling $0.2 million on the franchise rights recorded in conjunction with an acquisition of a subsidiary in India. The Company did not identify any indicators of impairment of long-lived assets during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. Significant management judgment is involved in evaluating indicators of impairment and developing any required projections to test for recoverability or estimate the fair value of an asset. Furthermore, if management uses different projections or if different conditions occur in future periods, future-operating results could be materially impacted.
	The Company evaluates the impairment of goodwill and trademarks with indefinite lives on an annual basis, or during the year if an event or other circumstance indicates that the Company may not be able to recover the carrying amount of the asset. In evaluating these assets for impairment, the Company may elect to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit or the indefinite lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If the conclusion is that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying value, then no further testing is required. If the conclusion is that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying value, then a two-step impairment test is performed for goodwill. For indefinite-lived intangibles, the carrying value is compared to the fair value of the asset and an impairment charge is recognized for any excess. The Company may elect to forego the qualitative assessment and move directly to the two-step impairment test for goodwill and the the fair value determination for indefinite-lived intangibles. The Company determines the fair value of its reporting units and indefinite-lived intangibles using income and market methods. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recognized an impairment loss totaling $0.2 million on the goodwill recorded in conjunction with an acquisition of a subsidiary in India. Based on the Company's assessment, it was determined that the fair value of the Company's Indian subsidiary, was less than its carrying value resulting in the recognition of an impairment loss equal to the gross amount of the goodwill. The Company did not record any impairment of goodwill or trademarks with indefinite lives during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	Variable Interest Entities
	In accordance with the guidance for the consolidation of variable interest entities, the Company analyzes its variable interests, including loans, guarantees, and equity investments, to determine if the entity in which the Company has a variable interest is a variable interest entity. The analysis includes both quantitative and qualitative consideration. For those entities determined to be variable interests entities, a further quantitative and qualitative analysis is performed to determine if the Company will be deemed the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the party who has the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and who has an obligation to absorb losses of the entity or a right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity. The Company consolidates those entities in which it is determined to be the primary beneficiary.
	Valuation of Investments in Ventures
	The Company evaluates an investment in a venture for impairment when circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable, for example due to loan defaults, significant under performance relative to historical or projected operating performance, and significant negative industry or economic trends. When there is indication that a loss in value has occurred, the Company evaluates the carrying value compared to the estimated fair value of the investment. Fair value is based upon internally developed discounted cash flow models, third-party appraisals, and if appropriate, current estimated net sales proceeds from pending offers. If the estimated fair value is less than carrying value, management uses its judgment to determine if the decline in value is other-than-temporary. In determining this, the Company considers factors including, but not limited to, the length of time and extent of the decline, loss of values as a percentage of the cost, financial condition and near-term financial projections, the Company's intent and ability to recover the lost value and current economic conditions. For declines in value that are deemed other-than-temporary, impairments are charged to earnings.
	Sales Taxes
	The Company presents taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis and therefore they are excluded from revenues in the consolidated financial statements.
	Foreign Operations
	The United States dollar is the functional currency of the consolidated entities operating in the United States. The functional currency for the consolidated entities operating outside of the United States is generally the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity primarily generates and expends cash. The Company translates the financial statements of consolidated entities whose functional currency is not the United States dollar into United States dollars. The Company translates assets and liabilities at the exchange rate in effect as of the financial statement date and translates income statement accounts using the weighted average exchange rate for the period. The Company includes translation adjustments from foreign exchange and the effect of exchange rate changes on inter-company transactions of a long-term investment nature as a separate component of shareholders’ deficit. The Company reports foreign currency transaction gains and losses and the effect of inter-company transactions of a short-term or trading nature in SG&A expenses on the consolidated statements of income. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were a $0.9 million loss, $0.4 million loss and a $0.1 million gain, respectively.
	Derivatives
	The Company periodically uses derivative instruments as part of its overall strategy to manage exposure to market risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates. All outstanding derivative financial instruments are recognized at their fair values as assets or liabilities. The impact on earnings from recognizing the fair values of these instruments depends on their intended use, their hedge designation and their effectiveness in offsetting changes in the fair values of the exposures they are hedging. The Company does not use derivatives for trading purposes.
	The effective portion of changes in fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and the ineffective portion is reported currently in earnings. The amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income are reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged item affects earnings. Amounts reported in earnings are classified consistent with the item being hedged.
	The Company formally documents all relationships between its hedging instruments and hedged items at inception, including its risk management objective and strategy for establishing various hedge relationships. Cash flows from hedging instruments are classified in the consolidated statements of cash flows consistent with the items being hedged.
	Hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively when (i) the derivative instrument is no longer effective in offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of the underlying hedged item, (ii) the derivative instrument expires, is sold, terminated or exercised, or (iii) designating the derivative instrument as a hedge is no longer appropriate. The effectiveness of derivative instruments is assessed at inception and on an ongoing basis.
	Guarantees
	The Company has historically issued certain guarantees to support the growth of its brands. A liability is recognized for the fair value of such guarantees upon inception of the guarantee and upon any subsequent modification, such as renewals, when the Company remains contingently liable. The fair value of a guarantee is the estimated amount at which the liability could be settled in a current transaction between willing unrelated parties. The Company evaluates these guarantees on a quarterly basis to determine if there is a probable loss requiring recognition.
	Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2013-04, "Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date" ("ASU 2013-04"). The ASU requires entities to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date, as the sum of the following: (a) the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and (b) any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. Required disclosures include a description of the joint-and-several arrangement and the total outstanding amount of the obligation for all joint parties. The ASU permits entities to aggregate disclosures (as opposed to providing separate disclosures for each joint-and-several obligation). ASU 2013-04 was effective for all interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2014 and it did not have a material impact on its financial statements.
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, "Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity" ("ASU 2013-05"). ASU 2013-05 clarifies that when a reporting entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity, the parent is required to apply the guidance in ASC 830 "Foreign Currency Matters" Subtopic 830-30 to release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income. Accordingly, the cumulative translation adjustment should be released into net income only if the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary or group of assets had resided. The provisions of ASU 2013-05 are effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and the Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2014. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, "Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists" ("ASU 2013-11"). ASU 2013-11 requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss ("NOL") carryforward, or similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward, rather than as a liability when (1) the uncertain tax position would reduce the NOL or other carryforward under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction and (2) the entity intends to use the deferred tax asset for that purpose. The ASU does not require new recurring disclosures. The provisions of ASU 2013-11 are effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2014 and the adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on its financial statements.

Other_Current_Assets

Other Current Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]
Other Current Assets	Other Current Assets
	Other current assets consist of the following at:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Notes receivable (See Note 3)	$	3,961	$	12,816
	Prepaid expenses	12,280		13,746
	Other current assets	3,081		3,148
	Total	$	19,322	$	29,710

Notes_Receivable_and_Allowance

Notes Receivable and Allowance for Losses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net [Abstract]
Notes Receivable and Allowance for Losses	Notes Receivable and Allowance for Losses
	The Company segregates its notes receivable for the purposes of evaluating allowances for credit losses between two categories: Mezzanine and Other Notes Receivable and Forgivable Notes Receivable. The Company utilizes the level of security it has in the various notes receivable as its primary credit quality indicator (i.e. senior, subordinated or unsecured) when determining the appropriate allowances for uncollectible loans within these categories.
	Mezzanine and Other Notes Receivables
	The Company has provided financing to franchisees in support of the development of properties in strategic markets. Interest income associated with these notes receivable is reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of income under the caption interest income. The Company expects the owners to repay the loans in accordance with the loan agreements, or earlier as the hotels mature and capital markets permit. The Company estimates the collectibility and records an allowance for loss on its mezzanine and other notes receivable when recording the receivables in the Company’s financial statements. These estimates are updated quarterly based on available information.
	The Company considers a loan to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. All amounts due according to the contractual terms means that both the contractual interest payments and the contractual principal payments of a loan will be collected as scheduled in the loan agreement. The Company measures loan impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate or the estimated fair value of the collateral. For impaired loans, the Company establishes a specific impairment reserve for the difference between the recorded investment in the loan and the present value of the expected future cash flows or the estimated fair value of the collateral. The Company applies its loan impairment policy individually to all mezzanine and other notes receivable in the portfolio and does not aggregate loans for the purpose of applying such policy. For impaired loans, the Company recognizes interest income on a cash basis. If it is likely that a loan will not be collected based on financial or other business indicators, it is the Company’s policy to charge off these loans to SG&A expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income in the quarter when it is deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of impaired loans are recorded as a reduction of SG&A expenses in the quarter received.
	The Company assesses the collectibility of its senior notes receivable by comparing the market value of the underlying assets to the carrying value of the outstanding notes. In addition, the Company evaluates the property’s operating performance, the borrower’s compliance with the terms of the loan and franchise agreements, and all related personal guarantees that have been provided by the borrower. In addition, for properties under development, the Company evaluates the progress of development as compared to the project's development schedule and cost budget. For subordinated or unsecured receivables, the Company assesses the property’s operating performance, the subordinated equity available to the Company, the borrower’s compliance with the terms of loan and franchise agreements, and the related personal guarantees that have been provided by the borrower.
	The Company considers loans to be past due and in default when payments are not made when due. Although the Company considers loans to be in default if payments are not received on the due date, the Company does not suspend the accrual of interest until those payments are more than 30 days past due. The Company applies payments received for loans on non-accrual status first to interest and then principal. The Company does not resume interest accrual until all delinquent payments are received.
	The Company determined that approximately $0.8 million and $12.5 million of its mezzanine and other notes receivable were impaired at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company recorded an allowance for credit losses on these impaired loans at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 totaling $0.8 million and $8.3 million respectively, resulting in a carrying value of impaired loans of $0.0 million and $4.2 million. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the average mezzanine and other notes receivable on non-accrual status was approximately $11.5 million and $12.9 million, respectively. The Company recognized approximately $0.2 million and $0.4 million of interest income on impaired loans during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, on the cash basis. The Company provided loan reserves on non-impaired loans totaling $1.5 million and $1.6 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively
	Past due balances of mezzanine and other notes receivable by credit quality indicators are as follows:
		30-89 days			> 90 days			Total			Current		Total Mezzanine and Other
		Past Due			Past Due			Past Due					Notes Receivables
	As of December 31, 2014	(in thousands)
	Senior	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	10,152	$	10,152
	Subordinated	—			—			—			3,863		3,863
	Unsecured	—			47			47			3,948		3,995
		$	—		$	47		$	47		$	17,963	$	18,010
	As of December 31, 2013
	Senior	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	18,052	$	18,052
	Subordinated	—			9,629			9,629			4,523		14,152
	Unsecured	—			47			47			3,358		3,405
		$	—		$	9,676		$	9,676		$	25,933	$	35,609
	Loans Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality
	On December 2, 2011, the Company acquired an $11.5 million first mortgage, held on a franchisee hotel asset, from a financial institution for $7.9 million. At the time of acquisition, the Company determined that it would be unable to collect all contractually required payments under the original mortgage terms. The contractually required payments receivable, including principal and interest, under the terms of the acquired mortgage totaled $12.0 million. The Company expected to collect $9.7 million of these contractually required payments. No prepayments were considered in the determination of contractual cash flows and cash flows expected to be collected. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the borrower repaid the Company an amount equal to its original loan acquisition cost of $7.9 million and the Company does not expect to receive further payments. At December 31, 2013, the carrying amount of this loan, which was reported under senior mezzanine and other notes receivable, was $7.9 million and there was no allowance for uncollectable amounts. The Company's accretable yield at acquisition was $1.8 million or 7.36% and a reconciliation of the accretable yield for years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Balance, Beginning of Year	$	582		$	1,161
	Additions	—			—
	Accretion	(143		)	(579		)
	Disposals	(439		)	—
	Reclassifications from nonaccretable yield	—			—
	Balance, End of Year	$	—		$	582
	Significant Collection Activity
	On December 30, 2014, the Company recovered a portion of a loan previously determined to be impaired. The impaired loan totaled $9.6 million with a corresponding allowance of $7.4 million for a net carrying amount of $2.2 million. The Company recovered this impaired loan through acquisition of the underlying collateral of the promissory note. The underlying collateral for this loan represented the equity interest of a single-purpose limited liability company that owned a commercial office building in Columbus, Ohio and was obtained through a court ruling. The Company accounted for this transaction as a business combination and determined that the gross fair values of the assets and liabilities received totaled $13.5 million and $10.7 million, respectively. The fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired were determined utilizing non-recurring fair value measures such as comparable market transactions, replacement costs, and discounted cash flow analysis which utilized significant assumptions including market rental rates, discount rates, and market interest rates. The net fair value of the assets and liabilities received totaled $2.8 million compared to a carrying value of the impaired loan of $2.2 million. As a result, the Company recorded bad debt recoveries totaling $0.6 million which are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Forgivable Notes Receivable
	In conjunction with brand and development programs, the Company may provide financing to franchisees for property improvements and other purposes in the form of forgivable unsecured promissory notes which bear interest at market rates. Under these promissory notes, the franchisee promises to repay the principal balance together with interest upon maturity unless certain conditions are met throughout the term of the promissory note. The principal balance and related interest are forgiven ratably over the term of the promissory note if the franchisee remains in the system in good standing. If during the term of the promissory note, the franchisee exits our franchise system or is not operating their franchise in accordance with our quality or credit standards, the Company may declare a default under the promissory note and commence collection efforts with respect to the full amount of the then-current outstanding principal and interest.
	In accordance with the terms of the promissory notes, the initial principal balance and related interest are ratably reduced over the term of the loan on each anniversary date until the outstanding amounts are reduced to zero as long as the franchisee remains within the franchise system and operates in accordance with our quality and brand standards. As a result, the amounts recorded as an asset on the Company's consolidated balance sheet are also ratably reduced since the amounts forgiven no longer represent probable future economic benefits to the Company. The Company records the reduction of its recorded assets through amortization and marketing and reservation expense on its consolidated statements of income. Since these forgivable promissory notes receivable are predominately forgiven ratably over the term of the promissory note rather than repaid, the Company classifies the issuance and collection of these notes receivable as operating activities in its consolidated statement of cash flows.
	The Company fully reserves all defaulted notes in addition to recording a reserve on the estimated uncollectible portion of the remaining notes. For those notes not in default, the Company calculates an allowance for losses and determines the ultimate collectability on these forgivable notes based on the historical default rates for those unsecured notes that are not forgiven but are required to be repaid. The Company records bad debt expense in SG&A and marketing and reservation expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income in the quarter when the note is deemed uncollectible.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the unamortized balance of these notes totaled $32.4 million and $20.6 million, respectively. The Company recorded an allowance for credit losses on these forgivable unsecured notes receivable of $3.7 million and $1.7 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. At December 31, 2014, the Company had $1.2 million forgivable unsecured notes that were past due. At December 31, 2013, the Company did not have any forgivable unsecured notes that were past due. Amortization expense included in the accompanying consolidated statements of income related to the notes was $5.0 million, $4.2 million and $2.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	A summary of the Company's notes receivable and related allowances are as follows:
		December 31, 2014									31-Dec-13
		(in thousands)
	Credit Quality Indicator	Forgivable			Mezzanine			Total			Forgivable		Mezzanine		Total
		Notes			& Other						Notes		& Other
		Receivable			Notes						Receivable		Notes
					Receivable								Receivable
	Senior	$	—		$	10,152		$	10,152		$	—	$	18,052	$	18,052
	Subordinated	—			3,863			3,863			—		14,152		14,152
	Unsecured	32,379			3,995			36,374			20,625		3,405		24,030
	Total notes receivable	32,379			18,010			50,389			20,625		35,609		56,234
	Allowance for losses on non-impaired loans	3,661			1,540			5,201			1,650		1,607		3,257
	Allowance for losses on receivables specifically evaluated for impairment	—			786			786			—		8,289		8,289
	Total loan reserves	3,661			2,326			5,987			1,650		9,896		11,546
	Net carrying value	$	28,718		$	15,684		$	44,402		$	18,975	$	25,713	$	44,688
	Current portion, net	$	124		$	3,837		$	3,961		$	361	$	12,455	$	12,816
	Long-term portion, net	28,594			11,847			40,441			18,614		13,258		31,872
	Total	$	28,718		$	15,684		$	44,402		$	18,975	$	25,713	$	44,688
	The Company classifies notes receivable due within one year as other current assets and notes receivable with a maturity greater than one year as other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
	The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s Forgivable Notes Receivable and Mezzanine & Other Notes Receivable allowance for losses for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Year Ended December 31, 2014						Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Forgivable			Mezzanine			Forgivable			Mezzanine
		Notes			& Other  Notes			Notes			& Other  Notes
		Receivable			Receivable			Receivable			Receivable
		(in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	1,650		$	9,896		$	1,623		$	8,927
Provisions	2,528			102			699			969
Recoveries	(303		)	(875		)	(9		)	—
Write-offs	(305		)	(6,797		)	(115		)	—
Other(1)	91			—			(548		)	—
Ending balance	$	3,661		$	2,326		$	1,650		$	9,896
(1) Consists of default rate assumption changes

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
	The components of property and equipment are:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Land and land improvements	$	3,107		$	2,490
	Facilities in progress and software under development	10,408			6,435
	Computer equipment and software	99,306			83,089
	Buildings and leasehold improvements	37,013			38,403
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment	15,326			16,371
	Assets under capital lease	4,827			3,468
		169,987			150,256
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(92,678		)	(82,404		)
	Property and equipment, at cost, net	$	77,309		$	67,852
	As facilities in progress and software development are completed and placed in service, they are transferred to appropriate property and equipment categories and depreciation begins. Interest capitalized as a cost of property and equipment totaled $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	Unamortized capitalized software development costs at December 31, 2014 and 2013 totaled $25.2 million and $15.9 million, respectively. Amortization of software development costs for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 totaled $6.3 million, $3.8 million and $3.3 million, respectively.
	Depreciation has been computed for financial reporting purposes using the straight-line method. A summary of the ranges of estimated useful lives upon which depreciation rates are based follows:
	Computer equipment and software	2-5 years
	Buildings and leasehold improvements	5-40 years
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment	3-15 years
	Assets under capital leases	3 - 8 years
	Depreciation expense, excluding amounts attributable to marketing and reservation activities, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $3.1 million, $3.2 million and $2.4 million, respectively. Accumulated amortization of capital leases, included in accumulated depreciation and amortization above, at December 31, 2014 and 2013 totaled $2.0 million and $1.4 million, respectively.

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	Goodwill
	Goodwill relates to the Company's franchising segment and was acquired in the following transactions (i) the purchase price of a minority interest in the Company for consideration in excess of the recorded minority interest and (ii) the acquisition of 100% of the stock of Suburban Franchise Holding Company, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Suburban Franchise Systems, Inc. (iii) the acquisition of the remaining 60% ownership interest in Choice Hospitality (India) Ltd. The following table details the carrying amount of our goodwill at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Goodwill	$	66,005		$	66,005
	Accumulated impairment losses	(192		)	(192		)
	Net carrying amount	$	65,813		$	65,813

Franchise_Rights_and_Other_Ide

Franchise Rights and Other Identifiable Intangibles	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Franchise Rights and Other Identifiable Intangibles [Abstract]
Franchise Rights and Other Identifiable Intangibles	Franchise Rights and Other Identifiable Intangibles
	The components of franchise rights and other identifiable intangible assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Franchise rights, net of accumulated amortization	$	2,753	$	6,069
	Other identifiable intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	6,159		3,884
	Total	$	8,912	$	9,953
	Franchise rights represent the unamortized purchase price assigned to acquire long-term franchise contracts. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the unamortized balance relates primarily to the Econo Lodge, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel and Choice Hotels Australasia franchise rights. The franchise rights are being amortized over lives ranging from 5 to 25 years. Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 amounted to $3.3 million, $3.5 million and $3.7 million, respectively. Franchise rights are net of accumulated amortization of $79.2 million and $76.4 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The estimated annual amortization expense related to the Company’s franchise rights for each of the years ending December 31, 2015 through 2019 is as follows:
	Year	(In millions)
	2015	$	2.2
	2016	$	0.3
	2017	$	0.2
	2018	$	—
	2019	$	—
	Other identifiable intangible assets consist of the cost of registering and renewing existing trademarks, acquiring new trademarks and intangible assets recognized at fair market value and the acquisition of income producing real estate. The intangible assets pertaining to the acquisition of income producing real estate total $2.2 million and were recognized in conjunction with the acquisition of an office building on December 31, 2014. These amounts represent costs related to in-place leases which met the separability criterion in that they can be sold, transferred, licensed, rented, or exchanged in combination with a related contract, asset, or liability (i.e., the sale of the entire building). The costs are being amortized over the 36 year term of the in-place lease.
	The costs of registering and renewing existing trademarks are being amortized primarily over ten years. Approximately $1.0 million of the Company's outstanding trademarks pertain to the Company's acquisition of the Suburban brand. These trademarks were determined to have an indefinite life and therefore, no amounts have been amortized.
	Amortization expense for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 amounted to $0.6 million, $0.5 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Identifiable intangible assets are net of accumulated amortization of $8.0 million and $7.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The estimated annual amortization expense related to the Company’s other identifiable intangibles for each of the years ending December 31, 2015 through 2019 is as follows:
	Year	(In millions)
	2015	$	0.6
	2016	$	0.5
	2017	$	0.5
	2018	$	0.4
	2019	$	0.4

Marketing_And_Reservation_Acti

Marketing And Reservation Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Advances, Marketing and Reservation Activities [Abstract]
Marketing And Reservation Activities	Marketing and Reservation Activities
	The Company’s franchise agreements require the payment of franchise fees, which include marketing and reservation system fees. The Company is obligated to use the marketing and reservation system revenues it collects from the current franchisees comprising its various hotel brands to provide marketing and reservation services appropriate to support the operation of the overall system. In discharging its obligation to provide sufficient and appropriate marketing and reservation services, the Company has the right to expend funds in an amount reasonably necessary to ensure the provision of such services, whether or not such amount is currently available to the Company for reimbursement. The franchise agreements provide the Company the right to advance monies to the franchise system when the needs of the system surpass the balances currently available. As a result, expenditures by the Company in support of marketing and reservation services in excess of available revenues are deferred and recorded as an asset in the Company’s financial statements. Conversely, cumulative marketing and reservation system revenues not expended are recorded as a liability in the financial statements and are carried over to the next fiscal year and expended in accordance with the franchise agreements or utilized to reimburse the Company for prior year advances.
	Under the terms of these agreements, the Company has the contractually enforceable right to assess and collect from its current franchisees, fees sufficient to pay for the marketing and reservation services the Company has procured for the benefit of the franchise system, including fees to reimburse the Company for past services rendered. The Company has the contractual authority to require that the franchisees in the system at any given point repay any deficits related to marketing and reservation activities. The Company’s current franchisees are contractually obligated to pay any assessment the Company imposes on its franchisees to obtain reimbursement of such deficit regardless of whether those constituents continue to generate gross room revenue and whether or not they joined the system following the deficit's occurrence.
	At December 31, 2013, the Company had incurred marketing and reservation system expenses in excess of cumulative marketing and reservation system fees earned of $5.8 million. Based on the Company’s analysis of projected net cash flows from marketing and reservation activities, the Company concluded that the cumulative advances for marketing and reservation activities recorded as an asset on the balance sheet at December 31, 2013 was fully recoverable and as a result no reserve for possible losses was recorded.
	At December 31, 2014, cumulative marketing and reservation system fees billed exceeded expenses by $44.3 million with the excess reflected as an other long-term liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Depreciation and amortization expense attributable to marketing and reservation activities for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $17.1 million, $16.0 million and $14.5 million, respectively. Interest expense attributable to reservation activities was $1.9 million, $3.7 million and $4.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Other_Assets

Other Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Other Assets	Other Assets
	Other assets consist of the following at:
		December 31,
		2014				2013
		(in thousands)
	Equity method investments	$	50,605			$	32,257
	Deferred financing fees	7,228				8,954
	Land	4,011				10,097
	Other assets	3,452				856
	Total	$	65,296			$	52,164
	Land represents the Company’s purchase of real estate as part of its program to incent franchise development in strategic markets for certain brands. The Company has acquired this real estate with the intent to resell it to third-party developers for the construction of hotels operated under the Company’s brands or contribute the land into joint ventures for the same purpose. The real estate is carried at the lower of its carrying value or its estimated fair value (based on comparable sales), less estimated costs to sell.
	Equity Method Investments - Variable Interest Entities
	Equity method investments include investments in joint ventures totaling $47.1 million and $28.9 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, that the Company has determined to be variable interest entities ("VIEs"). These investments relate to the Company's program to offer equity support to qualified franchisees to develop and operate Cambria Suites hotels in strategic markets. Based on an analysis of who has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact these entities performance and who has an obligation to absorb losses of these entities or a right to receive benefits from these entities that could potentially be significant to the entity, the Company has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of any of its VIEs. The Company based its qualitative analysis on its review of the design of the entity, its organizational structure including decision-making ability and the relevant development, operating management and financial agreements. Although the Company is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs, it does exercise significant influence through its equity ownership and as a result the Company's investment in these entities is accounted for under the equity method. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized a $1.5 million loss and $8 thousand of net income from the investment in these entities, respectively. The Company's maximum exposure to losses related to its investments in VIEs is limited to its equity investments as well as certain guarantees as described in Note 26 "Commitments and Contingencies" of these financial statements.
	Equity method investment ownership interests at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
			Ownership Interest
	Equity Method Investment		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Main Street WP Hotel Associates, LLC		50	%		50	%
	FBC-CHI Hotels LLC		40	%		40	%
	CS Hotel 30W46th, LLC		25	%		25	%
	CS Brickell, LLC		50	%		—	%
	CHH Plano, LLC		50	%		50	%
	CS Maple Grove LLC		50	%		50	%
	CS Hotel West Orange, LLC		50	%		50	%
	Hotel JV Services, LLC		16	%		17	%
	CS at Ninth, LLC		43	%		43	%
	CS at Phoenix, LLC		50	%		50	%
	CS Woodlands, LLC		50	%		—	%
	Choice Hotels Canada		50	%		50	%
	The following tables present summarized financial information for all unconsolidated ventures in which the Company holds an investment that is accounted for under the equity method.
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014				2013			2012
			(in thousands)
	Revenues		$	30,608			$	25,076		$	17,892
	Operating income (loss)		(2,533		)		(752		)	(5,164		)
	Income from continuing operations		(3,616		)		(721		)	(5,105		)
	Net income		(4,670		)		(1,858		)	(6,288		)
			As of December 31,
			2014				2013
			(in thousands)
	Current assets		$	41,783			$	44,722
	Non-current assets		202,810				129,928
	Total assets		$	244,593			$	174,650
	Current liabilities		$	17,823			$	13,859
	Non-current liabilities		98,535				65,431
	Total liabilities		$	116,358			$	79,290

Accrued_Expenses

Accrued Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses	Accrued Expenses
	Accrued expenses consist of the following:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Accrued compensation and benefits	29,975		24,461
	Accrued interest	16,418		16,410
	Dividends payable	11,176		10,785
	Termination benefits (see Note 25)	984		582
	Other liabilities and contingencies	4,977		4,387
	Total	$	63,530	$	56,625

Deferred_Revenue

Deferred Revenue	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred Revenue and Credits [Abstract]
Deferred Revenue	Deferred Revenue
	Deferred revenue consists of the following:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Loyalty programs	$	57,757	$	53,875
	Initial, relicensing and franchise fees	6,439		5,354
	Procurement services fees	1,936		1,504
	Other	250		455
	Total	$	66,382	$	61,188

Other_NonCurrent_Liabilities

Other Non-Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Other Non-Current Liabilities	Other Non-Current Liabilities
	Other non-current liabilities consist of the following at:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Marketing and reservation liability (see Note 7)	$	44,272	$	—
	Deferred rent and unamortized lease incentives	14,898		16,337
	Uncertain tax positions	4,108		5,627
	Deferred revenue	4,320		1,633
	Other liabilities	2,306		211
	Total	$	69,904	$	23,808
	Uncertain tax positions have been recorded for potential exposures involving tax positions that could be challenged by taxing authorities.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt
	Debt consists of the following at:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	$400 million senior unsecured notes with an effective interest rate of 6.0% at December 31, 2014 and 2013	$	400,000	$	400,000
	$250 million senior unsecured notes with an effective interest rate of 6.19%, less a discount of $0.4 million at both December 31, 2014 and 2013	249,636		249,572
	$350 million senior secured credit facility with an effective interest rate of 2.17% at December 31, 2014 and 2013	129,375		138,750
	Fixed rate collateralized mortgage plus a fair value adjustment of $1.2 million with an effective interest rate of 4.65% at December 31, 2014	10,667		—
	Economic development loans with an effective rate interest rate of 3.00% at December 31, 2014 and 2013	3,536		3,360
	Capital lease obligations due 2016 with an effective interest rate of 3.18% at December 31, 2014 and 2013	1,149		1,848
	Other notes payable	68		29
	Total debt	794,431		793,559
	Less current portion	12,349		10,088
	Total long-term debt	$	782,082	$	783,471
	Scheduled principal maturities of debt, net of unamortized discounts and premiums, as of December 31, 2014 were as follows:
	Year Ending	Senior Notes		Capital Lease			Revolving Credit		Other Notes		Total
							Facility		Payable
		(in thousands)
	2015	$	—	$	1,017		$	11,250	$	380	$	12,647
	2016	—		594			118,125		409		119,128
	2017	—		—			—		440		440
	2018	—		—			—		474		474
	2019	—		—			—		498		498
	Thereafter	649,636		—			—		12,070		661,706
	Total payments	649,636		1,611			129,375		14,271		794,893
	Less: Amount representing estimated executory costs	—		(432		)	—		—		(432		)
	Less: Amounts representing interest	—		(30		)	—		—		(30		)
	Net principal payments	$	649,636	$	1,149		$	129,375	$	14,271	$	794,431
	Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2022
	On June 27, 2012, the Company issued unsecured notes in the principal amount of $400 million (the "2012 Senior Notes") at par, bearing a coupon of 5.75% with an effective rate of 6.0%. The 2012 Senior Notes will mature on July 1, 2022, with interest to be paid semi-annually on January 1st and July 1st. The Company used the net proceeds of this offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses, together with borrowings under the Company's senior credit facility, to pay a special cash dividend totaling approximately $600.7 million paid to stockholders on August 23, 2012. The Company's 2012 Senior Notes are guaranteed jointly, severally, fully and unconditionally, subject to certain customary limitations by eight wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries.
	The Company incurred debt issuance costs in connection with the 2012 Senior Notes totaling approximately $7.5 million, which are included in other current assets and other assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. These debt issuance costs are amortized, utilizing the effective interest method through the maturity of the 2012 Senior Notes. Amortization of these costs is included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of income.
	The Company may redeem the 2012 Senior Notes at its option at a redemption price equal to the greater of (a) 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed and (b) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled principal and interest payments from the redemption date to the date of maturity discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis at the Treasury Rate, plus 50 basis points.
	Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2020
	On August 25, 2010, the Company issued unsecured senior notes in the principal amount of $250 million (the "2010 Senior Notes") at a discount of $0.6 million, bearing a coupon of 5.7% with an effective rate of 6.19%. The 2010 Senior Notes will mature on August 28, 2020, with interest to be paid semi-annually on February 28th and August 28th. The Company used the net proceeds from the offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and other offering expenses, to repay outstanding borrowings and for other general corporate purposes. The Company’s 2010 Senior Notes are guaranteed jointly, severally, fully and unconditionally, subject to certain customary limitations, by eight wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries.
	Bond discounts incurred in connection with the 2010 Senior Notes are amortized on a straight-line basis, which is not materially different than the effective interest method, through the maturity of the 2010 Senior Notes. Amortization of these costs is included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of income.
	The Company may redeem the 2010 Senior Notes at its option at a redemption price equal to the greater of (a) 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed and (b) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled principal and interest payments from the redemption date to the date of maturity discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis at the Treasury Rate, plus 45 basis points.
	Revolving Credit Facilities
	On July 25, 2012, the Company entered into a $350 million senior secured credit facility, comprised of a $200 million revolving credit tranche (the "New Revolver") and a $150 million term loan tranche (the "Term Loan") with Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as administrative agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and a syndication of lenders (the "New Credit Facility"). The New Credit Facility has a final maturity date of July 25, 2016, subject to an optional one-year extension provided certain conditions are met. Up to $25 million of the borrowings under the New Revolver may be used for letters of credit, up to $10 million of borrowings under the New Revolver may be used for swing-line loans and up to $35 million of borrowings under the New Revolver may be used for alternative currency loans. The Term Loan requires quarterly amortization payments (a) during the first two years, in equal installments aggregating 5% of the original principal amount of the Term Loan per year, (b) during the second two years, in equal installments aggregating 7.5% of the original principal amount of the Term Loan per year, and (c) during the one-year extension period (if exercised), equal installments aggregating 10% of the original principal amount of the Term Loan.
	The Company utilized the proceeds from the Term Loan and borrowings from the New Revolver, together with the net proceeds from the Company's 2012 Senior Notes offering, to pay during 2012 a special cash dividend of approximately $600.7 million in the aggregate to the Company's stockholders on August 23, 2012.
	The New Credit Facility is unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by certain of the Company's domestic subsidiaries. The subsidiary guarantors currently include all subsidiaries that guarantee the obligations under the Company's Indenture governing the terms of its 2010 and 2012 Senior Notes.
	The New Credit Facility is secured by first priority pledges of (i) 100% of the ownership interests in certain domestic subsidiaries owned by the Company and the guarantors, (ii) 65% of the ownership interests in (a) the top-tier foreign holding company of Choice's foreign subsidiaries and (b) the domestic subsidiary that owns the top-tier foreign holding company of Choice's foreign subsidiaries and (iii) all presently existing and future domestic franchise agreements (the “Franchise Agreements”) between the Company and individual franchisees, but only to the extent that the Franchise Agreements may be pledged without violating any law of the relevant jurisdiction or conflicting with any existing contractual obligation of the Company or the applicable franchisee. At the time that the maximum total leverage ratio is required to be no greater than 4.0 to 1.00 (beginning of year 4 of the New Credit Facility), the security interest in the Franchise Agreements will be released.
	The Company may at any time prior to the final maturity date increase the amount of the New Credit Facility by up to an additional $100 million to the extent that any one or more lenders commit to being a lender for the additional amount and certain other customary conditions are met. Such additional amounts may take the form of an increased revolver or term loan.
	The Company may elect to have borrowings under the New Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to (i) LIBOR, plus a margin ranging from 200 to 425 basis points based on the Company's total leverage ratio or (ii) a base rate plus a margin ranging from 100 to 325 basis points based on the Company's total leverage ratio.
	The New Credit Facility requires the Company to pay a fee on the undrawn portion of the New Revolver, calculated on the basis of the average daily unused amount of the New Revolver multiplied by 0.30% per annum.
	The Company may reduce the New Revolver commitment and/or prepay the Term Loan in whole or in part at any time without penalty, subject to reimbursement of customary breakage costs, if any. Any Term Loan prepayments made by the Company shall be applied to reduce the scheduled amortization payments in direct order of maturity.
	Additionally, the New Credit Facility requires that the Company and its restricted subsidiaries comply with various covenants, including with respect to restrictions on liens, incurring indebtedness, making investments, paying dividends or repurchasing stock, and effecting mergers and/or asset sales. With respect to dividends, the Company may not make any payments if there is an existing event of default or if the payment would create an event of default. In addition, if the Company's total leverage ratio exceeds 4.50 to 1.00, the Company is generally restricted from paying aggregate dividends in excess of $50.0 million during any calendar year.
	The New Credit Facility also imposes financial maintenance covenants (as defined in the loan agreements) requiring the Company to maintain:
	•	a total leverage ratio of not more than 5.75 to 1.00 in year 1, 5.00 to 1.00 in year 2, 4.50 to 1.00 in year 3 and 4.00 to 1.00 thereafter,
	•	a maximum secured leverage ratio of not more than 2.50 to 1.00 in year 1, 2.25 to 1.00 in year 2, 2.00 to 1.00 in year 3 and 1.75 to 1.00 thereafter, and
	•	a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 2.00 to 1.00 in years 1 and 2, 2.25 to 1.00 in year 3 and 2.50 to 1.00 thereafter.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company maintained a total leverage ratio of 3.11x, a maximum secured leverage ratio of 0.51x and a minimum fixed charge ratio of 5.07x.
	The New Credit Facility includes customary events of default, the occurrence of which, following any applicable cure period, would permit the lenders to, among other things, declare the principal, accrued interest and other obligations of the Company under the New Credit Facility to be immediately due and payable. At December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the New Credit Facility.
	The Company incurred debt issuance costs in connection with the New Credit Facility totaling approximately $3.7 million, which are included in other current assets and other assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. These debt issuance costs are amortized, on a straight-line basis, which is not materially different than the effective interest method, through the maturity of the New Credit Facility. Amortization of these costs is included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of income.
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $129.4 million and $138.8 million, respectively, outstanding under the Term Loan and no amounts outstanding under the New Revolver.
	In connection with entering into the New Credit Facility, the Company's $300 million senior unsecured revolving credit agreement, dated as of February 24, 2011, among the Company, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and a syndicate of lenders (the “Old Credit Facility”), was terminated and replaced by the New Credit Facility. Upon refinancing, the Company had unamortized deferred financing fees totaling $1.7 million pertaining to the Old Credit Facility. Based on an analysis of the lenders participating in both the Old and New Credit Facilities, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $0.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2012. The remaining unamortized deferred fees related to the Old Credit Facility are being amortized, on a straight-line basis through the maturity of the New Credit Facility.
	Borrowings under the Old Credit Facility bore interest at (i) a base rate plus a margin ranging from 5 to 80 basis points based on the Company's credit rating or (ii) LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 105 to 180 basis points based on the Company's credit rating. In addition, the Old Credit Facility required the Company to pay a quarterly facility fee on the full amount of the commitments under the Old Credit Facility (regardless of usage) ranging from 20 to 45 basis points based upon the credit rating of the Company.
	Fixed Rate Collateralized Mortgage
	On December 30, 2014, a court awarded the Company title to an office building as settlement for a portion of an outstanding loan receivable for which the building was pledged as collateral. In conjunction with the court award, the Company also assumed the $9.5 million mortgage on the property with a fixed interest rate of 7.26%. The mortgage which is collateralized by the office building requires monthly payments of principal and interest and matures in December 2020 with a a balloon payment due of $6.9 million. At the time of acquisition, the Company determined that the fixed interest rate of 7.26% exceeded market interest rates and therefore the Company increased the carrying value of the debt by $1.2 million to record the debt at fair value. The fair value adjustment will be amortized over the remaining term of the mortgage utilizing the effective interest method.
	Economic Development Loans
	The Company entered into economic development agreements with various governmental entities in conjunction with the relocation of its corporate headquarters in April 2013. In accordance with these agreements, the governmental entities agreed to advance approximately $4.4 million to the Company to offset a portion of the corporate headquarters relocation and tenant improvement costs in consideration of the employment of permanent, full-time employees within the jurisdictions. At December 31, 2014, the Company had been advanced approximately $3.5 million pursuant to these agreements and expects to receive the remaining $0.9 million over the next several years, subject to annual appropriations by the governmental entities. These advances bear interest at a rate of 3% per annum.
	Repayment of the advances is contingent upon the Company achieving certain performance conditions. Performance conditions are measured annually on December 31st and primarily relate to maintaining certain levels of employment within the various jurisdictions. If the Company fails to meet an annual performance condition, the Company may be required to repay a portion or all of the advances including accrued interest by April 30th following the measurement date. Any outstanding advances at the expiration of the Company's ten year corporate headquarters lease in 2023 will be forgiven in full. The advances will be included in long-term debt in Company's consolidated balance sheets until the Company determines that the future performance conditions will be met over the entire term of the agreement and the Company will not be required to repay the advances. The Company accrues interest on the portion of the advances that it expects to repay. The Company was in compliance with all current performance conditions as of December 31, 2014.

Pension_Plan

Pension Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension Plan	Pension Plan
	The Company sponsored an unfunded non-qualified defined benefit plan (“SERP”) for certain senior executives. The Company accounted for the SERP in accordance with applicable guidance which required the Company to (a) recognize in its statement of financial position an asset for a plan’s over funded status or a liability for a plan’s underfunded status; (b) measure a plan’s assets and its obligations that determine its funded status as of the end of the employer’s fiscal year; and (c) recognize changes in the funded status of a defined benefit post-retirement plan in the year in which the changes occur. The plan assets and benefit obligations were measured as of the Company’s fiscal year end.
	On December 26, 2011, the Company's board of directors approved the termination of the SERP effective immediately. Pursuant to this termination, the Company effectuated the termination of the SERP through the payment of lump sum distributions to all SERP participants based upon the actuarial equivalent commuted lump sum value of the full accrued benefit earned by each such participant, using actuarial and other assumptions on December 27, 2012. No assets were held with respect to the SERP, therefore benefits were funded when paid to participants.
	The following is a reconciliation of the changes in the projected benefit obligation for the year ended December 31, 2012:
		December 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	$	11,896
	Interest cost	526
	Actuarial loss (gain)	(85		)
	Benefit payments	(414		)
	Settlement payments	(11,923		)
	Projected benefit obligation, end of year	$	—
	For the year ended December 31, 2012 the Company recorded $2.8 million for the expenses related to the SERP which are included in SG&A and marketing and reservation expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
	The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit costs for the year ended December 31, 2012. No periodic benefit costs were incurred during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 due to the 2012 settlement of the SERP:
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Interest cost	$	526
	Amortization of actuarial loss	128
		654
	Settlement loss, net	2,162
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	2,816
	Weighted average assumption:
	Discount rate	4.5		%
	As a result of the settlement of the SERP, the Company recognized a net settlement loss totaling $2.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2012. The net settlement loss consisted of an actuarial gain of $0.1 million representing the difference between actuarial calculation of the lump sum distribution to participants and the projected benefit obligation and the reclassification of the unamortized accumulated loss from other comprehensive loss to the net periodic benefit cost totaling $2.3 million. Following the settlement of the SERP, there were no amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that have not yet been recognized as a component of net periodic benefit costs.

NonQualified_Retirement_Saving

Non-Qualified Retirement, Savings and Investment Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Non-Qualified Retirement, Savings and Investment Plans	Non-Qualified Retirement, Savings and Investment Plans
	The Company sponsors two non-qualified retirement savings and investment plans for certain employees and senior executives. Employee and Company contributions are maintained in separate irrevocable trusts. Legally, the assets of the trusts remain those of the Company; however, access to the trusts’ assets is severely restricted. The trusts cannot be revoked by the Company or an acquirer, but the assets are subject to the claims of the Company’s general creditors. The participants do not have the right to assign or transfer contractual rights in the trusts.
	In 2002, the Company adopted the Choice Hotels International, Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan ("EDCP") which became effective January 1, 2003. Under the EDCP, certain executive officers may defer a portion of their salary into an irrevocable trust and invest these amounts in a selection of available diversified investment options. The Company recorded current and long-term deferred compensation liabilities of $10.2 million and $11.3 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to these deferrals and credited investment returns. Compensation expense is recorded in SG&A expense on the Company’s consolidated statements of income based on the change in the deferred compensation obligation related to earnings credited to participants as well as changes in the fair value of diversified investments. Compensation expense recorded in SG&A for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $0.5 million, $0.9 million and $0.8 million, respectively.
	The Company has invested the employee salary deferrals in diversified long-term investments which are intended to provide investment returns that partially offset the earnings credited to the participants. The diversified investments held in the trusts totaled $4.6 million and $4.1 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and are recorded at their fair value, based on quoted market prices. At December 31, 2014, the Company expects $0.2 million of the assets held in the trust to be distributed during the year ended December 31, 2015 to participants. These investments are considered trading securities and therefore the changes in the fair value of the diversified assets is included in other gains and losses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The Company recorded investment gains (losses) during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 of $(49) thousand, $0.3 million, and $1.2 million, respectively. In addition, the EDCP Plan held shares of the Company's common stock with a market value of $0.2 million and $0.2 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively which were recorded as a component of shareholders' deficit.
	In 1997, the Company adopted the Choice Hotels International, Inc. Non-Qualified Retirement Savings and Investment Plan ("Non-Qualified Plan"). The Non-Qualified Plan allows certain employees who do not participate in the EDCP to defer a portion of their salary and invest these amounts in a selection of available diversified investment options. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had recorded a deferred compensation liability of $14.4 million and $13.7 million, respectively related to these deferrals. Compensation expense is recorded in SG&A expense on the Company’s consolidated statements of income based on the change in the deferred compensation obligation related to earnings credited to participants as well as changes in the fair value of diversified investments. The net increase (decrease) in compensation expense recorded in SG&A for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $(0.3) million, $1.7 million and $0.7 million, respectively.
	The diversified investments held in the trusts were $13.1 million and $12.3 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and are recorded at their fair value, based on quoted market prices. These investments are considered trading securities and therefore the changes in the fair value of the diversified assets are included in other gains and losses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The Company recorded investment gains (losses) during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 of $(0.4) million, $1.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively. In addition, the Non-Qualified Plan held shares of the Company’s common stock with a market value of $1.3 million and $1.4 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	The Company estimates the fair value of its financial instruments utilizing a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The following summarizes the three levels of inputs, as well as the assets that the Company values using those levels of inputs.
	Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. The Company’s Level 1 assets consist of marketable securities (primarily mutual funds) held in the Company’s EDCP and Non-Qualified Plan deferred compensation plans.
	Level 2: Observable inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable. The Company’s Level 2 assets consist of money market funds held in the Company’s EDCP and Non-Qualified Plan deferred compensation plans and those recorded in cash and cash equivalents.
	Level 3: Unobservable inputs, supported by little or no market data available, where the reporting entity is required to develop its own assumptions to determine the fair value of the instrument. The Company does not currently have any assets whose fair value was determined using Level 3 inputs.
	The Company's policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out of the three levels of the fair value hierarchy as of the end of each quarterly reporting period. There were no transfers between Level 1, 2 and 3 assets during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had the following assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		Fair Value Measurements at
		Reporting Date Using
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets (in thousands)
	31-Dec-14
	Money market funds, included in cash and cash equivalents	$	50,001	$	—	$	50,001	$	—
	Mutual funds(1)	16,405		16,405		—		—
	Money market funds(1)	1,348		—		1,348		—
		$	67,754	$	16,405	$	51,349	$	—
	31-Dec-13
	Money market funds, included in cash and cash equivalents	$	50,001	$	—	$	50,001	$	—
	Mutual funds(1)	14,564		14,564		—		—
	Money market funds(1)	1,786		—		1,786		—
		$	66,351	$	14,564	$	51,787	$	—
	____________________________
	(1)	Included in Investments, employee benefit plans at fair value on consolidated balance sheets.
	Other Financial Instruments
	The Company believes that the fair values of its current assets and current liabilities approximate their reported carrying amounts due to the short-term nature of these items. In addition, the interest rates of the Company’s New Credit Facility adjust frequently based on current market rates; accordingly its carrying amount approximates fair value.
	The Company estimates the fair value of notes receivable which approximate their carrying value, utilizing an analysis of future cash flows and credit worthiness for similar types of arrangements. Based upon the availability of market data, the notes receivable have been classified as Level 3 inputs. The primary sensitivity in these calculations is based on the selection of appropriate interest and discount rates. For further information on the notes receivable see Note 3.
	The fair value of the Company's $250 million and $400 million senior notes are classified as Level 2 as the significant inputs are observable in an active market. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the $250 million senior notes had an approximate fair value of $268.9 million and $261.3 million, respectively. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the $400 million senior notes had an approximate fair value of $437.7 million and $416.0 million, respectively.
	Fair values estimated are made at a specific point in time, are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment. Settlement of such fair value amounts may be possible and may not be a prudent management decision.

401k_Retirement_Plan

401(k) Retirement Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
401(k) Retirement Plan	401(k) Retirement Plan
	The Company sponsors a 401(k) retirement plan for all eligible employees. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded compensation expense of $3.5 million, $3.7 million and $3.7 million, respectively, representing matching contributions for plan participants. In accordance with the safe harbor matching provisions of the plan, the Company matches plan participant contributions in cash as bi-weekly deductions are made.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Total income from continuing operations before income taxes, classified by source of income, was as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(in thousands)
	U.S.	$	138,616			$	122,517			$	131,722
	Outside the U.S.	35,142				36,155				37,784
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	173,758			$	158,672			$	169,506
	The provision for income taxes, classified by the timing and location of payment, was as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(in thousands)
	Current tax expense
	Federal	$	67,985			$	46,925			$	40,821
	State	6,278				4,891				4,705
	Foreign	1,689				1,914				2,345
	Deferred tax (benefit) expense
	Federal	(21,398		)		(7,011		)		(249		)
	State	(2,116		)		(635		)		101
	Foreign	(153		)		(762		)		505
	Income taxes	$	52,285			$	45,322			$	48,228
	Net deferred tax assets consisted of:
		December 31,
		2014				2013
		(in thousands)
	Property, equipment and intangible assets	$	(8,687	)		$	(10,153	)
	Accrued compensation	15,124				15,696
	Accrued expenses	35,023				12,718
	Foreign operations	790				603
	Valuation allowance on foreign deferred tax assets	(153		)		(227		)
	Foreign net operating losses	1,800				1,441
	Valuation allowance on foreign net operating losses	(1,800		)		(1,441		)
	Deferred tax asset on unrecognized tax positions	1,283				1,736
	Other	1,026				1,162
	Net deferred tax assets	$	44,406			$	21,535
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $5.5 million before applying tax rates for the respective jurisdictions.  These foreign net operating loss carryforwards have an indefinite life, subject to a full valuation allowance.  In addition, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance on approximately $0.5 million of foreign deferred tax assets before applying the tax rate of the respective jurisdiction.
	Balance sheet presentation:
		December 31,
		2014				2013
		(in thousands)
	Current net deferred tax assets	$	23,860			$	26,684
	Non-current net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	20,546				(5,149		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	44,406			$	21,535
	The statutory United States federal income tax rate reconciles to the effective income tax rates for continuing operations as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	1.6	%		1.6	%		1.5	%
	Benefits and taxes related to foreign operations	(6.2	)%		(7.2	)%		(8.5	)%
	Unrecognized tax positions	(0.4	)%		(0.2	)%		0.1	%
	Adjustment to current and deferred taxes, prior years	—	%		—	%		(0.5	)%
	Other	0.1	%		(0.6	)%		0.9	%
	Effective income tax rates	30.1	%		28.6	%		28.5	%
	The Company's effective income tax rates from continuing operations were 30.1% and 28.6% for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The effective tax rate for discontinued operations was 37.1% for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The effective income tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were lower than the United States federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the recurring impact of foreign operations, partially offset by state income taxes. Additionally, the effective income tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were reduced by the settlement of unrecognized tax positions. The effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2013 also included the impact of legislation retroactively extending the U.S. controlled foreign corporation look-through rules.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s gross unrecognized tax benefits totaled $3.4 million and $4.0 million, respectively. After considering the deferred income tax accounting impact, it is expected that $2.8 million of the total as of December 31, 2014 would favorably affect the effective tax rate if resolved in the Company’s favor. The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits:
		2014				2013				2012
		(in thousands)
	Balance, January 1	$	4,047			$	4,415			$	4,570
	Changes for tax positions of prior years	5				503				410
	Increases for tax positions related to the current year	1,201				1,164				—
	Settlements and lapsing of statutes of limitations	(1,858		)		(2,035		)		(565		)
	Balance, December 31	$	3,395			$	4,047			$	4,415
	It is reasonably possible that the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits could decrease within the next 12 months by as much as $3.4 million due to settlements and the expiration of applicable statutes of limitations.
The Internal Revenue Service has concluded their examination of the Company’s United States federal income tax returns for all tax years prior to 2012. There were no significant adjustments.
The practice of the Company is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in the provision for income taxes. The Company did not incur any material interest or penalties for 2014 and 2013. The Company had $0.7 million and $1.6 million of accrued interest and penalties at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The Company has not provided deferred United States income taxes on approximately $205.2 million of accumulated and undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries.  The Company's intent is for such earnings to be permanently reinvested in operations outside the United States.  Determination of the deferred United States income tax liability on these earnings is not practicable because such liability, if any, is dependent on circumstances existing if and when remittance occurs.

ShareBased_Compensation_and_Ca

Share-Based Compensation and Capital Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation and Capital Stock	Share-Based Compensation and Capital Stock
	Dividends
	The Company currently maintains the payment of a quarterly dividend on its common shares outstanding, however, the declaration of future dividends are subject to the discretion of our board of directors. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company's board of directors declared quarterly cash dividends at a quarterly rate of $0.185 per share for an annual rate of $0.74 per share or $43.2 million and $42.7 million, respectively. The Company maintained its quarterly dividend rate of $0.185 per share for the first three quarters of 2014. In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company's board of directors announced an increase in the quarterly dividend rate to $0.195 per share. As a result, annual dividends declared during the year ended December 31, 2014 were $0.75 per share or $43.8 million.
	In addition, during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company paid previously declared but unrecorded dividends totaling $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, that were contingent upon the vesting of performance vested restricted units. No dividends on performance vested restricted units were paid during the year ended December 31, 2012.
	On July 26, 2012, the Company's board of directors declared a special cash dividend to common shareholders in the amount of $10.41 per share or approximately $600.7 million ("Special Cash Dividend") which was paid on August 23, 2012.
	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company recognizes compensation cost related to share-based payment transactions in the financial statements based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. Compensation expense related to the fair value of share-based awards is recognized over the requisite service period based on an estimate of those awards that will ultimately vest. The Company estimates the share-based compensation expense for awards that will ultimately vest at the inception of the grant. Over the life of the grant, the estimate of share-based compensation expense for awards with performance and/or service requirements is adjusted so that compensation cost is recognized only for awards that ultimately vest.
	The Company has stock compensation plans pursuant to which it is authorized to grant stock-based awards of up to 7.6 million shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 2.7 million shares remain available for grant as of December 31, 2014. The Company’s policy allows the issuance of new or treasury shares to satisfy stock-based awards. Restricted stock, stock options, stock appreciation rights and performance share awards may be granted to officers, key employees and non-employee directors with contractual terms set by the Compensation and Management Development Committee of the Board of Directors.
	Stock Options
	The Company granted approximately 0.7 million, 0.2 million and 0.2 million options to certain employees of the Company at a fair value of approximately $5.7 million, $1.7 million and $1.6 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The stock options granted by the Company had an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of the options granted was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
		2014				2013				2012
	Risk-free interest rate	1.56		%		0.73		%		0.78		%
	Expected volatility	25.01		%		38.14		%		40.15		%
	Expected life of stock option	4.5 years				4.5 years				4.4 years
	Dividend yield	1.62		%		2.01		%		2.08		%
	Requisite service period	4 years				4 years				4 years
	Contractual life	7 years				7 years				7 years
	Weighted average fair value of options granted (per option)	$	8.82			$	9.89			$	9.98
	The expected term of the options and volatility are based on the historical data which is believed to be indicative of future exercise patterns and volatility. Historical volatility is calculated based on a period that corresponds to the expected term of the stock option. The dividend yield and the risk-free rate of return are calculated on the grant date based on the then current dividend rate and the risk-free rate for the period corresponding to the expected life of the stock option. Compensation expense related to the fair value of these awards is recognized straight-line over the requisite service period based on those awards that ultimately vest.
	The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2014 was $43.7 million and $30.8 million respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $10.1 million, $5.2 million and $2.8 million, respectively.
	The Company received $10.1 million, $8.9 million, and $7.1 million in proceeds from the exercise of 0.4 million, 0.3 million and 0.3 million employee stock options during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014:
		Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise Prices	Number			Weighted Average		Weighted				Number		Weighted
		Outstanding at			Remaining		Average				Exercisable at		Average
		December 31,			Contractual Life		Exercise Price				December 31,		Exercise Price
		2014									2014
	$ 0.00 to $24.37	337,565			1.1 years		$	20.57			337,565		$	20.57
	$24.38 to $29.25	591,074			2.4 years		$	25.84			494,330		$	25.61
	$29.26 to $34.12	163,058			3.1 years		$	31.31			122,288		$	31.31
	$34.13 to $39.00	163,975			5.1 years		$	36.76			40,990		$	36.76
	$43.88 to $48.75	647,505			6.2 years		45.59				—		—
		1,903,177			3.8 years		$	33.03			995,173		$	25.06
	Special Dividend Adjustment
	The Company's long-term incentive plans ("the Plans") contain provisions which require the automatic adjustment of
	outstanding share-based awards in the event that the Company makes any changes to its capital structure, such as special
	dividends, stock splits or spin-offs, if such changes result in the dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits
	intended upon the grant of the award. The Company's board of directors concluded that the Special Cash Dividend paid on
	August 23, 2012 would result in the dilution of the value of the Company's outstanding stock options. Therefore, in accordance
	with the anti-dilution provision of the Plans, the Company's outstanding stock options were automatically adjusted to maintain their pre-dividend value. The Company elected to maintain the pre-dividend value of the outstanding options by adjusting both the exercise price and the number of stock options outstanding as of the ex-dividend date of the Special Dividend so that the
	aggregate difference between the market price and exercise price multiplied by the number of shares issuable upon exercise
	was substantially the same immediately before and after the payment of the Special Cash Dividend. As a result of this
	adjustment, an additional 0.5 million stock options were awarded during the year ended December 31, 2012 and the
	exercise price of the outstanding options were reduced by approximately 24%. This adjustment did not result in additional
	stock-based compensation expense as the fair value of the options immediately before and after the payment of the Special
	Cash Dividend was substantially equal.
	Restricted Stock
	The following table is a summary of activity related to restricted stock grants for the year ended December 31:
		2014				2013				2012
	Restricted shares granted	154,833				225,240				266,159
	Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$	46.81			$	37.74			$	35.76
	Aggregate grant date fair value ($000)	$	7,248			$	8,500			$	9,517
	Restricted shares forfeited	23,804				40,552				26,824
	Vesting service period of shares granted	12 - 48 months				12 - 48 months				12-68 months
	Grant date fair value of shares vested ($000)	$	10,280			$	8,569			$	6,696
	Compensation expense related to the fair value of these awards is recognized straight-line over the requisite service period based on those restricted stock grants that ultimately vest. The fair value of grants is measured by the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Restricted stock awards generally vest ratably over the service period beginning with the first anniversary of the grant date. Awards granted to retirement eligible non-employee directors are recognized over the shorter of the requisite service period or the length of time until retirement since the terms of the grant provide that awards will vest upon retirement.
	Performance Vested Restricted Stock Units
	The Company has granted performance vested restricted stock units (“PVRSU”) to certain employees. The fair value is measured by the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The vesting of these stock awards is contingent upon the Company achieving performance targets at the end of specified performance periods and the employees’ continued employment. The performance conditions affect the number of shares that will ultimately vest. The range of possible stock-based awards vesting is generally between 0% and 200% of the initial target. If minimum performance targets are not attained then no awards will vest under the terms of the various PVRSU agreements. Compensation expense related to these awards is recognized over the requisite period based on the Company's estimate of the achievement of the various performance targets. The Company has currently estimated that between 0% and 180% of the various award targets will be achieved. Compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period only on those PVRSUs that ultimately vest.
	The following table is a summary of activity related to PVRSU grants for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		2014				2013				2012
	Performance vested restricted stock units granted at target	24,678				80,184				117,523
	Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$	45.59			$	39.48			$	35.27
	Aggregate grant date fair value ($000)	$	1,125			$	3,165			$	4,145
	Stock units forfeited	22,099				3,334				57,176
Requisite service period	36 months				22-38 months				24-60 months
During the year ended December 31, 2014, a total of 28,886 PVRSU grants vested at a fair value of $1.4 million. These PVRSU grants were initially granted at a target of 18,635 units. However, since the Company achieved 155% of the targeted performance conditions contained in the stock awards granted in prior periods, an additional 10,251 shares were earned and issued. During the year ended December 31, 2013, a total of 39,816 PVRSU grants vested at a fair value of $1.5 million. These PVRSU grants were initially granted at a target of 30,624 units. However, since the Company achieved 130% of the targeted performance conditions contained in the stock awards granted in prior periods, an additional 9,192 shares were earned and issued. During the year ended December 31, 2012, no PVRSU grants vested.
During the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, PVRSU grants totaling 22,099 units and 3,334 units, respectively, were forfeited due to termination of employment. During the year ended December 31, 2012, PVRSU grants totaling 57,176 units were terminated in accordance with an amended and restated employment agreement of an executive officer.
A summary of stock-based award activity as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and the changes during the years are presented below:
	2014
	Stock Options									Restricted Stock				Performance Vested
														Restricted Stock Units
	Options			Weighted				Weighted		Shares		Weighted		Shares		Weighted
				Average				Average				Average Grant				Average Grant
				Exercise Price				Remaining Contractual				Date Fair Value				Date Fair Value
								LIfe
Outstanding at January 1, 2014	1,661,952			$	26.44					563,345		$	36.64	216,342		$	37.34
Granted	651,757			$	45.59					154,833		$	46.81	24,678		$	45.59
Performance-Based Leveraging*	—			—						—		$	—	10,251		$	41.25
Exercised/Vested	(390,290	)		$	25.87					(214,818	)	$	35.91	(28,886	)	$	41.25
Expired	—			$	—					—		$	—	—		$	—
Forfeited	(20,242	)		$	34.33					(23,804	)	$	38.97	(22,099	)	$	34.77
Outstanding at December 31, 2014	1,903,177			$	33.03			3.8 years		479,556		$	40.14	200,286		$	38.28
Options exercisable at December 31, 2014	995,173			$	25.06			2.0 years
* PVRSU units outstanding have been increased by 10,251 units during the year ended December 31, 2014, due to the Company exceeding the targeted performance conditions contained in PVRSU's granted in prior periods.
	2013
	Stock Options									Restricted Stock				Performance Vested
														Restricted Stock Units
	Options			Weighted				Weighted		Shares		Weighted		Shares		Weighted
				Average				Average				Average Grant				Average Grant
				Exercise				Remaining Contractual				Date Fair Value				Date Fair Value
				Price				Life
Outstanding at January 1, 2013	1,934,034			$	25.8					606,547		$	35.17	170,116		$	35.56
Granted	173,413			$	36.76					225,240		$	37.74	80,184		$	39.48
Performance-Based Leveraging*	—			—						—		—		9,192		$	32.6
Exercised/Vested	(347,180	)		$	25.54					(227,890	)	$	33.94	(39,816	)	$	32.6
Expired	(75,473	)		$	36.99					—		—		—		—
Forfeited	(22,842	)		$	28.94					(40,552	)	$	35.85	(3,334	)	$	41.25
Outstanding at December 31, 2013	1,661,952			$	26.44			3.0 years		563,345		$	36.64	216,342		$	37.34
Options exercisable at December 31, 2013	1,181,374			$	24.61			2.2 years
* PVRSU units outstanding have been increased by 9,192 units during the year ended December 31, 2013, due to the Company exceeding the targeted performance conditions contained in PVRSU's granted in prior periods.
	2012
	Stock Options									Restricted Stock				Performance Vested
														Restricted Stock Units
	Options			Weighted				Weighted		Shares		Weighted		Shares		Weighted
				Average				Average				Average Grant				Average Grant
				Exercise				Remaining Contractual				Date Fair Value				Date Fair Value
				Price(1)				Life
Outstanding at January 1, 2012	1,573,726			$	33.3					565,627		$	34.43	109,769		$	35.57
Granted	160,408			$	35.6					266,159		$	35.76	117,523		$	35.27
Special Dividend Adjustment	497,497			$	25.31					—		—		—		—
Exercised/Vested	(266,754	)		$	26.57					(198,415	)	$	33.75	—		—
Forfeited	(30,843	)		$	36.67					(26,824	)	$	36.06	(57,176	)	$	34.98
Outstanding at December 31, 2012	1,934,034			$	25.8			4.0 years		606,547		$	35.17	170,116		$	35.56
Options exercisable at December 31, 2012	1,302,624			$	25.62			3.1 years
(1) The weighted average exercise price for options outstanding and exercisable reflect the reduction of the option price for outstanding options as described under "Special Dividend Adjustment". The weighted average exercise price for options granted, exercised or forfeited reflects the option price in effect at the time of the transaction.
The components of the Company’s pretax stock-based compensation expense and associated income tax benefits are as follows for the years ended December 31:
(in millions)	2014				2013				2012
Stock options	$	2.4			$	1.8			$	2.1
Restricted stock	7.2				7.5				7.5
Performance vested restricted stock units	(0.2		)		2.2				1.7
Total	$	9.4			$	11.5			$	11.3
Income tax benefits	$	3.5			$	4.2			$	4.1
During all years presented, the Company revised its estimate of the projected achievement of various performance conditions that affect the number of PVRSUs that will ultimately vest. As a result, previously recognized stock-based compensation costs related to these PVRSUs has been decreased by $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 and decreased by $0.3 million and increased by $0.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The total unrecognized compensation costs related to stock-based awards that have not yet vested and the related weighted average amortization period over which the costs are to be recognized as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
	Unrecognized				Weighted
	Compensation				Average Remaining
	Expense on Unvested				Amortization
	Awards				Period
	(in millions)
Stock options	$	5.7			2.8 years
Restricted stock	11.9				2.4 years
Performance vested restricted stock units	1.8				2.0 years
Total	$	19.4
Share Repurchases and Redemptions
The Company announced a stock repurchase program on June 25, 1998 to return excess capital to its shareholders. Treasury stock activity is recorded at cost in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company repurchased 1.4 million of its common stock under the repurchase program at a total cost of $72.6 million. These shares were purchased from family members of the Company's largest shareholder. There were no share repurchases during the year ended December 31, 2013. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company purchased 0.5 million shares of its common stock under the repurchase program at a total cost of $19.9 million. Through December 31, 2014, the Company repurchased 46.7 million shares of its common stock (including 33.0 million prior to the two-for-one stock split effected in October 2005) under the share repurchase program at a total cost of $1.2 billion.
During 2014, the Company redeemed 110,579 shares of common stock at a total cost of $5.3 million from employees to satisfy the option price and minimum tax-withholding requirements related to the exercising of options and vesting of performance vested restricted stock units and restricted stock grants. During 2013 and 2012, the Company redeemed 103,880 and 75,105 shares of common stock at a total cost of $4.0 million and $2.7 million, respectively. These redemptions were outside the share repurchase program initiated in June 1998.
Other
Effective January 1, 2014, the Company reduced its reported number of common shares outstanding by 0.3 million shares to address a reconciling item with the Company's share transfer agent.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss is as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(2,087	)	$	(472	)	$	2,391
	Deferred loss on cash flow hedge	(4,884		)	(5,745		)	(6,607		)
	Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(6,971	)	$	(6,217	)	$	(4,216	)
	Cash Flow Hedge
	In July 2010, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement to protect itself from an increase in the market interest rate on $250 million of 10-year, fixed rate debt with the coupon to be set at market interest rates. The interest rate swap agreement was designated as a cash flow hedge under the guidance for derivatives and hedging. In August 2010, upon issuance of the related fixed-rate debt, the Company terminated and settled the interest rate swap agreement for a cash payment of $8.7 million. The Company recorded the effective portion of this deferred loss as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The ineffective portion was recognized immediately as a component of earnings under interest expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. The effective portion of the deferred loss is being amortized over the term of the related debt as interest expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
	The following represents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax by component for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Year Ended December 31, 2014									Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Loss on Cash Flow Hedge			Foreign Currency Items			Total			Loss on Cash Flow Hedge			Foreign Currency Items			Total
		(in thousands)									(in thousands)
	Beginning Balance	$	(5,745	)	$	(472	)	$	(6,217	)	$	(6,607	)	$	2,391		$	(4,216	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	—			(1,615		)	(1,615		)	—			(2,863		)	(2,863		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	861			—			861			862			—			862
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	861			(1,615		)	(754		)	862			(2,863		)	(2,001		)
	Ending Balance	$	(4,884	)	$	(2,087	)	$	(6,971	)	$	(5,745	)	$	(472	)	$	(6,217	)
	The amounts reclassified from other accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were reclassified to the following line items in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Component		Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income(Loss)						Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statement of Income
			Year Ended December 31, 2014			Year Ended December 31, 2013
			(in thousands)
	Loss on cash flow hedge
	Interest rate contract		$	861		$	862		Interest expense
			—			—			Tax (expense) benefit
			$	861		$	862		Net of tax

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share
	The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Computation of Basic Earnings Per Share:
	Numerator:
	Net income from continuing operations	$	121,473		$	113,350		$	121,278
	Net income from discontinued operations	1,687			359			335
	Net income	123,160			113,709			121,613
	Income allocated to participating securities	(1,075		)	(1,127		)	(1,281		)
	Net income available to common shareholders	$	122,085		$	112,582		$	120,332
	Denominator
	Weighted average common shares outstanding -- basic	57,730			57,925			57,467
	Basic earnings per share -- Continuing operations	$	2.08		$	1.94		$	2.09
	Basic earnings per share -- Discontinued operations	0.03			—			—
		$	2.11		$	1.94		$	2.09
	Computation of Diluted Earnings Per Share:
	Numerator:
	Net income from continuing operations	$	121,473		$	113,350		$	121,278
	Net income from discontinued operations	1,687			359			335
	Net income	123,160			113,709			121,613
	Income allocated to participating securities	(1,069		)	(1,122		)	(1,299		)
	Net income available to common shareholders	$	122,091		$	112,587		$	120,314
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding -- basic	57,730			57,925			57,467
	Diluted effect of stock options and PVRSUs	526			410			186
	Weighted average commons shares outstanding -- diluted	58,256			58,335			57,653
	Diluted earnings per share -- Continuing operations	$	2.07		$	1.92		$	2.08
	Diluted earnings per share -- Discontinued operations	0.03			0.01			0.01
		$	2.1		$	1.93		$	2.09
	The Company’s unvested restricted shares contain rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends and thus are participating securities requiring the two-class method of computing earnings per share ("EPS"). The calculation of EPS for common stock shown above excludes the income attributable to the unvested restricted share awards from the numerator and excludes the dilutive impact of those awards from the denominator.
	At December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company had 1.9 million, 1.7 million and 1.9 million outstanding stock options, respectively. Stock options are included in the diluted earnings per share calculation using the treasury stock method and average market prices during the period, unless the stock options would be anti-dilutive. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, no anti-dilutive stock options were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation. For the year ended December 31, 2012 , the Company excluded 0.3 million of anti-dilutive stock options from the diluted earnings per share calculation.
	PVRSUs are also included in the diluted earnings per share calculation if the performance conditions have been met at the reporting date. However, at December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, PVRSUs totaling 161,810, 197,707 and 139,492 respectively, were excluded from the computation since the performance conditions had not been met at the reporting date.

Operating_Leases

Operating Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Leases	Operating Leases
	The Company enters into operating leases primarily for office space, office equipment and transportation vehicles. Minimum rents as defined in the Company’s lease agreements including rent escalations, rent holidays and rental concessions are recognized on the straight-line basis over the non-cancellable lease term. Payments made to or on behalf of the Company for leasehold improvement incentives are considered reductions in rental expense and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the non-cancellable lease term. Rental expense under non-cancellable operating leases was approximately $10.4 million, $12.6 million and $9.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company received sublease rental income related to real estate leased to third-parties totaling $0.4 million, $0.3 million and $0.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Future minimum lease payments are as follows:
		2015			2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter		Total
		(in thousands)
	Minimum lease payments	$	11,604		$	11,532	$	10,856	$	9,897	$	9,286	$	26,403	$	79,578
	Minimum sublease rentals	(75		)	—		—		—		—		—		(75		)
		$	11,529		$	11,532	$	10,856	$	9,897	$	9,286	$	26,403	$	79,503

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements
	The Company’s Senior Notes due 2020 and 2022 are guaranteed jointly, severally, fully and unconditionally, subject to certain customary limitations, by eight wholly owned domestic subsidiaries. There are no legal or regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends to Choice Hotels International, Inc. from subsidiaries that do not guarantee the Senior Notes. As a result of the guarantee arrangements, the following condensed consolidating financial statements are presented. Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
	Choice Hotels International, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
		Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
						Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries
	REVENUES:
	Royalty fees	$	262,540			$	121,295			$	44,357			$	(140,654	)		$	287,538
	Initial franchise and relicensing fees	18,753				—				728				—				19,481
	Procurement services	22,959				23				837				—				23,819
	Marketing and reservation	367,726				369,359				18,783				(343,249		)		412,619
	Other items, net	13,758				16				739				—				14,513
	Total revenues	685,736				490,693				65,444				(483,903		)		757,970
	OPERATING EXPENSES:
	Selling, general and administrative	137,759				110,545				13,768				(140,654		)		121,418
	Marketing and reservation	383,584				354,342				17,942				(343,249		)		412,619
	Depreciation and amortization	3,038				5,679				648				—				9,365
	Total operating expenses	524,381				470,566				32,358				(483,903		)		543,402
	Operating income	161,355				20,127				33,086				—				214,568
	OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES, NET:
	Interest expense	41,454				3				29				—				41,486
	Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	(45,426		)		881				—				44,545				—
	Other items, net	(1,465		)		567				222				—				(676		)
	Other income and expenses, net	(5,437		)		1,451				251				44,545				40,810
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	166,792				18,676				32,835				(44,545		)		173,758
	Income taxes	43,632				7,922				731				—				52,285
	Income from from continuing operations, net of income taxes	123,160				10,754				32,104				(44,545		)		121,473
	Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	—				1,687				—				—				1,687
	Net income	$	123,160			$	12,441			$	32,104			$	(44,545	)		$	123,160
	Choice Hotels International, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
		Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
						Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries
	REVENUES:
	Royalty fees	$	243,272			$	112,215			$	43,967			$	(131,642	)		$	267,812
	Initial franchise and relicensing fees	17,432				—				1,254				—				18,686
	Procurement services	19,864				—				804				—				20,668
	Marketing and reservation	362,459				350,134				19,327				(324,287		)		407,633
	Other items, net	8,834				—				1,017				—				9,851
	Total revenues	651,861				462,349				66,369				(455,929		)		724,650
	OPERATING EXPENSES:
	Selling, general and administrative	128,966				100,900				13,489				(131,642		)		111,713
	Marketing and reservation	377,884				336,498				17,538				(324,287		)		407,633
	Depreciation and amortization	3,100				5,087				869				—				9,056
	Total operating expenses	509,950				442,485				31,896				(455,929		)		528,402
	Operating income	141,911				19,864				34,473				—				196,248
	OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES, NET:
	Interest expense	42,418				113				6				—				42,537
	Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	(47,362		)		—				—				47,362				—
	Other items, net	(2,406		)		(1,532		)		(1,023		)		—				(4,961		)
	Other income and expenses, net	(7,350		)		(1,419		)		(1,017		)		47,362				37,576
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	149,261				21,283				35,490				(47,362		)		158,672
	Income taxes	35,552				8,897				873				—				45,322
	Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes	113,709				12,386				34,617				(47,362		)		113,350
	Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	—				359				—				—				359
	Net income	$	113,709			$	12,745			$	34,617			$	(47,362	)		$	113,709
	Choice Hotels International, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(in thousands)
	Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
					Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries
REVENUES:
Royalty fees	$	236,269			$	97,881			$	54,420			$	(126,890	)		$	261,680
Initial franchise and relicensing fees	13,727				—				476				—				14,203
Procurement services	17,152				—				810				—				17,962
Marketing and reservation	343,566				335,869				19,900				(309,657		)		389,678
Other items, net	8,363				—				842				—				9,205
Total revenues	619,077				433,750				76,448				(436,547		)		692,728
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Selling, general and administrative	130,709				89,122				8,938				(126,890		)		101,879
Marketing and reservation	350,573				326,865				18,036				(305,796		)		389,678
Depreciation and amortization	2,832				3,852				1,007				—				7,691
Total operating expenses	484,114				419,839				27,981				(432,686		)		499,248
Operating income	134,963				13,911				48,467				(3,861		)		193,480
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES, NET:
Interest expense	31,041				—				9				(3,861		)		27,189
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	(56,246		)		—				—				56,246				—
Other items, net	(551		)		(1,995		)		(669		)		—				(3,215		)
Other income and expenses, net	(25,756		)		(1,995		)		(660		)		52,385				23,974
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	160,719				15,906				49,127				(56,246		)		169,506
Income taxes	39,106				6,769				2,353				—				48,228
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes	121,613				9,137				46,774				(56,246		)		121,278
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	—				335				—				—				335
Net income	$	121,613			$	9,472			$	46,774			$	(56,246	)		$	121,613
Choice Hotels International, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
(in thousands)
	Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
					Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries
Net income	$	123,160			$	12,441			$	32,104			$	(44,545	)		$	123,160
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Amortization of loss on cash flow hedge	861				—				—				—				861
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1,615		)		—				(1,615		)		1,615				(1,615		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(754		)		—				(1,615		)		1,615				(754		)
Comprehensive income	$	122,406			$	12,441			$	30,489			$	(42,930	)		$	122,406
Choice Hotels International, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
(in thousands)
	Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
					Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries
Net income	$	113,709			$	12,745			$	34,617			$	(47,362	)		$	113,709
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Amortization of loss on cash flow hedge	862				—				—				—				862
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(2,863		)		—				(2,863		)		2,863				(2,863		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(2,001		)		—				(2,863		)		2,863				(2,001		)
Comprehensive income	$	111,708			$	12,745			$	31,754			$	(44,499	)		$	111,708
Choice Hotels International, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
(in thousands)
	Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
					Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries
Net income	$	121,613			$	9,472			$	46,774			$	(56,246	)		$	121,613
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Amortization of loss on cash flow hedge	862				—				—				—				862
Foreign currency translation adjustment	237				5				224				(229		)		237
Amortization of pension related costs, net of tax:
Actuarial loss	80				80				—				(80		)		80
Settlement of pension plan	1,406				1,406				—				(1,406		)		1,406
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	2,585				1,491				224				(1,715		)		2,585
Comprehensive income	$	124,198			$	10,963			$	46,998			$	(57,961	)		$	124,198
Choice Hotels International, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2014
(in thousands)
	Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
					Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	25,290			$	25			$	189,564			$	—			$	214,879
Receivables, net	82,195				1,194				8,292				—				91,681
Other current assets	25,152				33,585				1,875				(15,758		)		44,854
Total current assets	132,637				34,804				199,731				(15,758		)		351,414
Property and equipment, at cost, net	25,300				37,675				14,334				—				77,309
Goodwill	60,620				5,193				—				—				65,813
Franchise rights and other identifiable intangibles, net	4,380				1,479				3,053				—				8,912
Notes receivable, net of allowances	11,847				27,895				699				—				40,441
Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value	—				17,539				—				—				17,539
Investments in affiliates	424,600				31,139				—				(455,739		)		—
Advances to affiliates	15,670				222,500				7,793				(245,963		)		—
Deferred income taxes	9,418				10,429				699				—				20,546
Other assets	7,228				23,891				34,177				—				65,296
Total assets	$	691,700			$	412,544			$	260,486			$	(717,460	)		$	647,270
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Accounts payable	$	15,588			$	37,970			$	3,566			$	—			$	57,124
Accrued expenses	28,719				32,649				2,162				—				63,530
Deferred revenue	8,467				57,339				576				—				66,382
Current portion of long-term debt	11,250				718				381				—				12,349
Deferred compensation & retirement plan obligations	—				628				—				—				628
Other current liabilities	—				15,843				—				(15,758		)		85
Total current liabilities	64,024				145,147				6,685				(15,758		)		200,098
Long-term debt	767,760				3,966				10,356				—				782,082
Deferred compensation & retirement plan obligations	—				23,978				9				—				23,987
Advances from affiliates	237,973				341				7,649				(245,963		)		—
Other liabilities	50,744				16,116				3,044				—				69,904
Total liabilities	1,120,501				189,548				27,743				(261,721		)		1,076,071
Total shareholders’ (deficit) equity	(428,801		)		222,996				232,743				(455,739		)		(428,801		)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit	$	691,700			$	412,544			$	260,486			$	(717,460	)		$	647,270
Choice Hotels International, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2013
(in thousands)
	Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
					Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	9,785			$	569			$	157,441			$	—			$	167,795
Receivables, net	72,219				1,475				8,691				—				82,385
Other current assets	26,395				34,987				752				(5,340		)		56,794
Total current assets	108,399				37,031				166,884				(5,340		)		306,974
Property and equipment, at cost, net	11,087				55,963				802				—				67,852
Goodwill	60,620				5,193				—				—				65,813
Franchise rights and other identifiable intangibles, net	6,553				2,096				1,304				—				9,953
Advances, marketing and reservations activities	5,844				—				—				—				5,844
Notes receivable, net of allowances	13,257				17,158				1,457				—				31,872
Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value	—				15,950				—				—				15,950
Investments in affiliates	376,712				28,312				—				(405,024		)		—
Advances to affiliates	14,198				189,833				10,896				(214,927		)		—
Deferred income taxes	—				10,710				871				(11,581		)		—
Other assets	8,955				13,184				30,025				—				52,164
Total assets	$	605,625			$	375,430			$	212,239			$	(636,872	)		$	556,422
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Accounts payable	$	6,276			$	30,778			$	4,609			$	—			$	41,663
Accrued expenses	28,215				26,503				1,907				—				56,625
Deferred revenue	7,065				53,414				709				—				61,188
Current portion of long-term debt	9,375				702				11				—				10,088
Deferred compensation & retirement plan obligations	—				2,492				—				—				2,492
Other current liabilities	—				7,401				221				(5,340		)		2,282
Total current liabilities	50,931				121,290				7,457				(5,340		)		174,338
Long-term debt	778,946				4,507				18				—				783,471
Deferred compensation & retirement plan obligations	—				22,520				7				—				22,527
Advances from affiliates	206,931				362				7,634				(214,927		)		—
Other liabilities	21,688				18,216				634				(11,581		)		28,957
Total liabilities	1,058,496				166,895				15,750				(231,848		)		1,009,293
Total shareholders’ (deficit) equity	(452,871		)		208,535				196,489				(405,024		)		(452,871		)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit	$	605,625			$	375,430			$	212,239			$	(636,872	)		$	556,422
Choice Hotels International, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
(in thousands)
		Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
						Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries
Net cash provided by operating activities		$	140,738			$	9,106			$	34,704			$	(657	)		$	183,891
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Investment in property and equipment		(11,234		)		(9,188		)		(524		)		—				(20,946		)
Proceeds from sale of assets		27				15,585				—				—				15,612
Equity method investments		—				(11,390		)		(6,399		)		—				(17,789		)
Issuance of mezzanine and other notes receivable		(3,340		)		—				—				—				(3,340		)
Collections of mezzanine and other notes receivable		11,289				—				—				—				11,289
Purchases of investments, employee benefit plans		—				(2,794		)		—				—				(2,794		)
Proceeds from sales of investments, employee benefit plans		—				964				—				—				964
Advances to and investments in affiliates		(1,000		)		(5,578		)		—				6,578				—
Other items, net		(496		)		(146		)		—				—				(642		)
Net cash used in investing activities		(4,754		)		(12,547		)		(6,923		)		6,578				(17,646		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal payments on long-term debt		(9,375		)		(701		)		(32		)		—				(10,108		)
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt		—				176				74				—				250
Purchase of treasury stock		(77,972		)		—				—				—				(77,972		)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		299				3,422				—				—				3,721
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		10,098				—				—				—				10,098
Proceeds from contributions from affiliates		—				—				6,578				(6,578		)		—
Dividends paid		(43,529		)		—				(657		)		657				(43,529		)
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities		(120,479		)		2,897				5,963				(5,921		)		(117,540		)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		15,505				(544		)		33,744				—				48,705
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—				—				(1,621		)		—				(1,621		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		9,785				569				157,441				—				167,795
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	25,290			$	25			$	189,564			$	—			$	214,879
Choice Hotels International, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
(in thousands)
		Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
						Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries
Net cash provided by operating activities		$	91,745			$	27,209			$	36,529			$	(1,570	)		$	153,913
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Investment in property and equipment		(5,167		)		(27,984		)		(246		)		—				(33,397		)
Equity method investments		—				(2,401		)		(3,284		)		—				(5,685		)
Issuance of mezzanine and other notes receivable		(1,095		)		—				—				—				(1,095		)
Collections of mezzanine and other notes receivable		9,748				—				—				—				9,748
Purchases of investments, employee benefit plans		—				(2,676		)		—				—				(2,676		)
Proceeds from sales of investments, employee benefit plans		—				4,168				—				—				4,168
Advances to and investments in affiliates		(1,000		)		(2,284		)		—				3,284				—
Other items, net		(485		)		—				—				—				(485		)
Net cash used in investing activities		2,001				(31,177		)		(3,530		)		3,284				(29,422		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net repayments pursuant to revolving credit facilities		(57,000		)		—				—				—				(57,000		)
Principal payments on long-term debt		(7,500		)		(671		)		(33		)		—				(8,204		)
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt		—				3,360				—				—				3,360
Purchase of treasury stock		(3,965		)		—				—				—				(3,965		)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		19				1,441				—				—				1,460
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		8,864				—				—				—				8,864
Proceeds from contributions from affiliates		—				—				3,284				(3,284		)		—
Dividends paid		(32,799		)		—				(1,570		)		1,570				(32,799		)
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities		(92,381		)		4,130				1,681				(1,714		)		(88,284		)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		1,365				162				34,680				—				36,207
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—				—				(2,589		)		—				(2,589		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		8,420				407				125,350				—				134,177
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	9,785			$	569			$	157,441			$	—			167,795
Choice Hotels International, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
(in thousands)
	Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
					Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	90,688			$	18,191			$	41,243			$	—			$	150,122
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Investment in property and equipment	(7,404		)		(7,800		)		(239		)		—				(15,443		)
Equity method investments	—				—				(20,285		)		—				(20,285		)
Issuance of mezzanine and other notes receivable	(23,736		)		—				—				—				(23,736		)
Collections of mezzanine and other notes receivable	3,270				—				—				—				3,270
Purchases of investments, employee benefit plans	—				(1,697		)		—				—				(1,697		)
Proceeds from sales of investments, employee benefit plans	—				11,223				—				—				11,223
Advances to and investments in affiliates	—				(20,586		)		—				20,586				—
Other items, net	(433		)		—				—				—				(433		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(28,303		)		(18,860		)		(20,524		)		20,586				(47,101		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net borrowings pursuant to revolving credit facilities	57,000				—				—				—				57,000
Principal payments on long-term debt	(3,750		)		(653		)		(19		)		—				(4,422		)
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	543,500				—				—				—				543,500
Purchase of treasury stock	(22,586		)		—				—				—				(22,586		)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	262				1,297				—				—				1,559
Debt issuance costs	(4,759		)		—				—				—				(4,759		)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	7,090				—				—				—				7,090
Proceeds from contributions from affiliates	—				—				20,586				(20,586		)		—
Dividends paid	(654,092		)		—				—				—				(654,092		)
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	(77,335		)		644				20,567				(20,586		)		(76,710		)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(14,950		)		(25		)		41,286				—				26,311
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	—				—				809				—				809
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	23,370				432				83,255				—				107,057
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	8,420			$	407			$	125,350			$	—			$	134,177

Reportable_Segment_Information

Reportable Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reportable Segment Information	Reportable Segment Information
	Franchising: Franchising includes the Company's hotel franchising operations consisting of its eleven brands. The eleven brands are aggregated within this segment considering their similar economic characteristics, types of customers, distribution channels and regulatory business environments. Revenues from the franchising business include royalty fees, initial franchise and relicensing fees, marketing and reservation system fees, procurement services revenue and other franchising related revenue. The Company is obligated under its franchise agreements to provide marketing and reservation services appropriate for the operation of its systems. These services do not represent separate reportable segments as their operations are directly related to the Company's franchising business. The revenues received from franchisees that are used to pay for part of the Company's ongoing operations are included in franchising revenues and are offset by the related expenses paid for marketing and reservation activities to calculate franchising operating income.
	SkyTouch Technology: SkyTouch Technology ("SkyTouch") is a division of the Company that develops and markets cloud-based technology products to hoteliers not under franchise agreements with the Company.
	The Company evaluates its segments based primarily on the results of the segment without allocating corporate expenses, income taxes or indirect general and administrative expenses. Equity in earnings or losses from franchising related joint ventures is allocated to the Company's franchising segment. Corporate and other expenses consist primarily of overhead selling, general and administrative costs such as finance, legal, human resources and other general administrative expenses that are not allocated to the Company's two segments. As described in Note 7, certain interest expenses related to the Company's marketing and reservation activities are allocated to the franchising segment. The Company does not allocate the remaining interest expense, interest income, other gains and losses or income taxes to its segments.
	The following tables present the financial information for the Company's segments:
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Franchising		SkyTouch Technology			Corporate			Elimination			Consolidated
							& Other			Adjustments
		(in thousands)
	Revenues	$	757,370	$	600		$	—		$	—		$	757,970
	Operating income (loss)	273,177		(17,065		)	(41,544		)	—			214,568
	Depreciation and amortization	23,251		1,007			2,233			(17,126		)	9,365
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes	272,520		(17,065		)	(81,697		)	—			173,758
	Capital expenditures	19,958		1,816			14,800			—			36,574
	Total assets	318,306		4,197			324,767			—			647,270
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Franchising		SkyTouch Technology			Corporate			Elimination			Consolidated
							& Other			Adjustments
		(in thousands)
	Revenues	$	724,617	$	33		$	—		$	—		$	724,650
	Operating income (loss)	248,253		(9,994		)	(42,011		)	—			196,248
	Depreciation and amortization	22,295		398			2,378			(16,015		)	9,056
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes	248,887		(9,994		)	(80,221		)	—			158,672
	Capital expenditures	12,079		2,295			19,023			—			33,397
	Total assets	300,292		2,303			253,827			—			556,422
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Franchising		SkyTouch Technology			Corporate & Other			Elimination Adjustment			Consolidated
		(in thousands)
	Revenues	$	692,728	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	692,728
	Operating income (loss)	236,013		(3,370		)	(39,163		)	—			193,480
	Depreciation and amortization	20,111		10			2,102			(14,532		)	7,691
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes	236,225		(3,370		)	(63,349		)	—			169,506
	Capital expenditures	13,998		107			1,338			—			15,443
	Total assets	322,434		101			209,367			—			531,902
	The Company conducts its international franchise operations through a combination of direct franchising and master franchising relationships. Master franchising relationships allow the use of the Company’s brands by third parties in foreign countries. Direct franchising operations are primarily conducted through wholly-owned subsidiaries. The results of the Company's international operations are included in the franchising segment. Revenues generated by foreign operations, including royalty, marketing and reservations system fees and other revenues for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $57.6 million, $57.3 million and $55.6 million, respectively. Long-lived assets related to international operations were $4.5 million, $8.6 million and $8.2 million as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. All other long-lived assets of the Company are associated with domestic activities. The Company's investment in equity method investees at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $50.6 million, $32.3 million, and $27.5 million, respectively. These investments are included as a component of total assets for the Company’s franchising segment.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions
	Transactions with Company's Largest Shareholder
	Effective October 15, 1997, Choice Hotels International, Inc. which included both a franchising business and owned hotel business, separated the businesses via a spin-off into two companies: Sunburst Hospitality Corporation (referred to hereafter as “Sunburst”) and the Company. Subsequent to the spin-off, the Company’s largest shareholder retained significant ownership percentages in both Sunburst and the Company. As part of the spin-off, Sunburst and the Company entered into a strategic alliance agreement. Among other things, the strategic alliance agreement, as amended, provided for the determination of liquidated damages related to the termination of Choice branded Sunburst properties. The liquidated damage provisions extend through the life of the existing Sunburst franchise agreements. As of December 31, 2014, Sunburst operates 10 hotels under franchise with the Company.
	Total franchise fees, including royalty, marketing and reservation system fees, paid by Sunburst to the Company, included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements were $2.4 million, $2.6 million and $2.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, accounts receivable included $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively, due from Sunburst.
	Through June 3, 2013, the Company maintained a Master Aircraft Lease Agreement with LP_C, LLC ("LPC"), which is owned by family members of the Company’s largest shareholder. The agreement permitted the Company to lease an aircraft owned by LPC. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company incurred $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively, pursuant to the lease agreement.
	On June 3, 2013, an unrelated financial institution purchased the aircraft from LPC pursuant to a purchase agreement between LPC and the Company which the Company assigned to the financial institution. Simultaneously, the financial institution entered into an agreement with the Company to lease the aircraft. In connection with the lease of the aircraft by the Company, the Company and family members of the Company's largest shareholder entered into an agreement that allows those family members to sub-lease the aircraft from the Company from time to time for their personal use. The agreements provide for lease payments that contribute towards the fixed costs associated with the aircraft as well as reimbursement of the Company’s variable costs associated with operation of the aircraft, in compliance with, and to the extent authorized by, applicable regulatory requirements. The terms of the sub-lease agreements are consistent with the terms of sub-lease agreements that the Company has entered into with unrelated third parties for use of the aircraft.  During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company received $0.1 million pursuant to this arrangement. During 2013, no amounts were paid to the Company pursuant to this agreement.
	Through May 2013 (which was the expiration date of the Company's master lease), the Company subleased space in its corporate headquarters complex for use by a non-profit organization. Several family members of the Company's largest shareholder serve as members of the board of directors of this non-profit organization. The Company donated the entire space utilized by the non-profit organization, as a result, no rent payments were received. Upon the expiration of the Company's corporate headquarter lease, the Company provided a $0.1 million contribution to the non-profit organization to defray their costs of transitioning to new office space.
	The Company maintained a lease agreement on behalf of a family member of the Company’s largest shareholder for 1,950 square feet of office space located in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The lease had a 5 year term ending in 2013 with annual lease payments totaling approximately $72,000. In August 2012, the Company amended the terms of this lease to increase the square footage to 2,154 and extend the lease term until 2016. Annual rent payments under the amended lease terms total approximately $84,000. The Company provided the use of the entire leased space free of charge and reimbursed the family member for the taxes incurred related to the personal use of the office space. These payments ranged between $30,000 and $50,000 per year over the last three years. The lease was terminated as of September 30, 2014, and a $102,840 termination payment was made to the landlord in connection with the early termination.
	In December 2008, the Company's board of directors approved an arrangement with an entity controlled by the family members of the Company's largest shareholder to permit this entity to utilize services of a particular Company employee. Under the terms of the agreement, the related party is permitted to utilize up to 50% of the designated employee's overall working time and in return is required to reimburse the Company for 50% of the Company's overall costs associated with the individual's employment. This arrangement was terminated in January 2013. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company received payments pursuant to this arrangement totaling $37 thousand and $0.2 million, respectively.
	In December 2013, the Company's board of directors approved an arrangement with an entity controlled by the family members of the Company's largest shareholder to sublease approximately 2,200 square feet of office space located in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The lease has a month to month term, with a 90 day notice period, and annual lease payments totaling approximately $90,000. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded approximately $90,000 and $15,000, respectively, in rent expense associated with this lease.
	Transactions with Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
	In December 2012, the Company entered into a $19.5 million promissory note with Concord 46th NYC, LLC ("Concord"). The Company and Concord are both members in a limited liability company whose sole business and purpose is to develop and operate a Cambria hotel & suites hotel in the borough of Manhattan in New York City ("the Joint Venture"). The proceeds from the promissory note were utilized to partially finance the construction of the Cambria Suites hotel by the Joint Venture.
	The promissory note matures in two tranches with $9.5 million of the promissory note maturing during the year ended December 31, 2013 and the remaining $10.0 million maturing on the fifth anniversary date of the promissory note. The promissory note bears interest at a fixed rate of interest which increases from 6% to 8% after the completion of the hotel construction. Interest is payable quarterly during the hotel construction and due monthly, thereafter. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company was repaid the first tranche of the promissory note or $9.5 million.
	The promissory note is secured by a pledge of 100% of Concord's membership interests in the Joint Venture. In addition, the members of Concord have unconditionally guaranteed and agreed to be fully and personally liable for the entire outstanding amount of the promissory note. If Concord defaults under the terms of the promissory note, the Company may purchase Concord's interest in the Joint Venture for the sum of one dollar.
	In July 2014, the Company sold a parcel of land to FBC-CHI Hotels, LLC ("FBC") for $6.5 million in exchange for cash and an equity investment in the joint venture. No gain or loss was recognized on the sale. FBC is an unconsolidated limited liability company whose sole business and purpose is to develop and operate Cambria hotel & suites hotels.

Termination_Charges

Termination Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Termination Charges	Termination Charges
	During the year ended December 31, 2014 the Company recorded a $1.8 million charge in SG&A and marketing and reservation expenses related to salary and benefit continuation termination benefits provided to employees separating from service with the Company and remitted approximately $0.8 million of these benefits during the current year. At December 31, 2014, approximately $1.0 million of these salary and benefits continuation payments remain to be remitted.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded a $1.7 million charge in SG&A and marketing and reservation expenses related to salary and benefit continuation termination benefits provided to employees separating from service with the Company. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company remitted $0.6 million and $1.1 million, respectively, related to these salary and benefit continuation benefits and at December 31, 2014 all benefits incurred had been remitted.
	During the year ended December 31, 2012 , the Company recorded a $2.9 million charge in SG&A and marketing and reservation expenses related to salary and benefit continuation termination benefits provided to employees separating from service with the Company. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company remitted $2.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively, related to the salary and benefit continuation benefits and at December 31, 2013 all benefits incurred had been remitted.
	At December 31, 2014, approximately $1.0 million of termination benefits remained to be paid and were included in current liabilities in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company is not a party to any litigation other than litigation in the ordinary course of business. The Company's management and legal counsel do not expect that the ultimate outcome of any of its currently ongoing legal proceedings, individually or collectively, will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	Contingencies
	On October 9, 2012, the Company entered into a limited payment guaranty with regards to a VIE's $18.0 million bank loan for the construction of a hotel franchised under one of the Company's brands in the United States. Under the terms of the limited guaranty, the Company has agreed to guarantee 25.0% of the outstanding principal balance for a maximum exposure of $4.5 million and accrued and unpaid interest, as well as any unpaid expenses incurred by the lender. The limited guaranty shall remain in effect until the maximum amount guaranteed by the Company is paid in full. In addition to the limited guaranty, the Company entered into an agreement in which the Company guarantees the completion of the construction of the hotel and an environmental indemnity agreement which indemnifies the lending institution from and against any damages relating to or arising out of possible environmental contamination issues with regards to the property.
	On November 15, 2013, the Company entered into a limited payment guaranty with regards to a VIE's $46.2 million bank loan for the construction of a hotel franchised under one of the Company's brands in the United States. Under the terms of the limited guaranty, the Company has agreed to unconditionally guarantee and become surety for the full and timely payment of the guaranteed outstanding principal balance, as well as any unpaid expenses incurred by the lender. The guarantee is limited to 25.0% of the outstanding principal balance of the $46.2 million loan due at any time for a maximum exposure of $11.6 million. The limited guaranty shall remain in effect until the maximum amount guaranteed by the Company is repaid in full. The maturity date of the VIE's loan is May 2017. In conjunction with this guaranty, the Company has entered into a reimbursement and guaranty agreement with certain individuals that requires them to reimburse the Company in an amount equal to 75.0% of any payments made by the Company under this limited payment guaranty.
	The Company believes the likelihood of having to perform under the aforementioned limited payment guarantees is remote at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	Commitments
	The Company has the following commitments outstanding:
	•The Company occasionally provides financing in the form of forgivable promissory notes or cash incentives to franchisees for property improvements, hotel development efforts and other purposes. At December 31, 2014, the Company had commitments to extend an additional $42.5 million for these purposes provided certain conditions are met by its franchisees, of which $22.5 million is expected to be advanced in the next twelve months.
	•The Company has committed to make additional capital contributions totaling $2.1 million to existing joint ventures, related to the construction of various hotels to be operated under the Company's Cambria Suites brand. These commitments are expected to be funded in the next twelve months.
	In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into numerous agreements that contain standard indemnities whereby the Company indemnifies another party for breaches of representations and warranties. Such indemnifications are granted under various agreements, including those governing (i) purchases or sales of assets or businesses, (ii) leases of real estate, (iii) licensing of trademarks, (iv) access to credit facilities, (v) issuances of debt or equity securities, and (vi) certain operating agreements. The indemnifications issued are for the benefit of the (i) buyers in sale agreements and sellers in purchase agreements, (ii) landlords in lease contracts, (iii) franchisees in licensing agreements, (iv) financial institutions in credit facility arrangements, (v) underwriters in debt or equity security issuances and (vi) parties under certain operating agreements. In addition, these parties are also generally indemnified against any third party claim resulting from the transaction that is contemplated in the underlying agreement. While some of these indemnities extend only for the duration of the underlying agreement, many survive the expiration of the term of the agreement or extend into perpetuity (unless subject to a legal statute of limitations). There are no specific limitations on the maximum potential amount of future payments that the Company could be required to make under these indemnities, nor is the Company able to develop an estimate of the maximum potential amount of future payments to be made under these indemnifications as the triggering events are not subject to predictability. With respect to certain of the aforementioned indemnities, such as indemnifications of landlords against third party claims for the use of real estate property leased by the Company, the Company maintains insurance coverage that mitigates potential liability.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations
	In the first quarter of 2014, the Company's management approved a plan to sell the three Company-owned hotels operated under the MainStay Suites brand. The Company determined that this disposal transaction met the definition of a discontinued operation since the operations and cash flows of this component would be eliminated from the on-going operations of the Company and the Company will not have significant continuing involvement in the operations of the hotels after the disposal transaction.
	The operations related to these three Company-owned hotels were reported as a component of "Corporate and Other" for segment reporting purposes. The results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 presented in these Consolidated Financial Statements reflect these three Company-owned hotels as discontinued operations. All prior period amounts have been recast throughout these financial statements as appropriate. Unless noted otherwise, discussion in the notes to the consolidated financial statements pertain to continuing operations. Summarized financial information related to the discontinued operations is as follows:
		For the Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Revenues
	Hotel operations	$	801		$	4,774	$	4,573
	Total revenues	801			4,774		4,573
	Operating Expenses
	Hotel operations	927			3,678		3,505
	Depreciation and amortization	—			526		535
	Total operating expenses	927			4,204		4,040
	Operating income (loss)	(126		)	570		533
	Gain on disposal of discontinued operations	2,807			—		—
	Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	2,681			570		533
	Income taxes	994			211		198
	Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$	1,687		$	359	$	335
		As of December 31, 2014			As of December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Cash	$	—		$	550
	Receivables, net	—			106
	Other current assets	—			223
	Income taxes receivable	—			20
	Total current assets	—			899
	Property and equipment, at cost, net	—			8,816
	Total assets	—			9,715
	Accounts payable	45			425
	Accrued expenses	—			10
	Income taxes payable	994			—
	Total liabilities	1,039			435
	Net assets of discontinued operations	$	(1,039	)	$	9,280

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D

Selected Quarterly Financial Data - (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data - (Unaudited)	Selected Quarterly Financial Data—(Unaudited)
		First			Second		Third			Fourth			2014(1)
		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter			Quarter
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Revenues	$	159,736		$	197,664	$	215,168		$	185,402		$	757,970
	Operating income	$	41,172		$	60,153	$	66,986		$	46,257		$	214,568
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	31,528		$	50,234	$	55,958		$	36,038		$	173,758
	Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes	$	21,469		$	35,279	$	39,416		$	25,309		$	121,473
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$	1,641		$	121	$	(51	)	$	(24	)	$	1,687
	Net income	$	23,110		$	35,400	$	39,365		$	25,285		$	123,160
	Per basic share:
	Continuing Operations	$	0.37		$	0.61	$	0.67		$	0.44		$	2.08
	Discontinued Operations	$	0.03		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	0.03
	Per diluted share:
	Continuing operations	$	0.36		$	0.6	$	0.67		$	0.43		$	2.07
	Discontinued operations	$	0.03		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	0.03
		First			Second		Third			Fourth			2013 (1)
		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter			Quarter
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Revenues	$	148,171		$	190,930	$	216,718		$	168,831		$	724,650
	Operating income	$	37,139		$	54,739	$	63,228		$	41,142		$	196,248
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	27,582		$	44,504	$	54,271		$	32,315		$	158,672
	Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes	$	19,776		$	31,624	$	38,573		$	23,377		$	113,350
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$	(33	)	$	183	$	143		$	66		$	359
	Net income	$	19,743		$	31,807	$	38,716		$	23,443		$	113,709
	Per basic share:
	Continuing Operations	$	0.34		$	0.54	$	0.66		$	0.4		$	1.94
	Discontinued Operations	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Per diluted share:
	Continuing operations	$	0.34		$	0.54	$	0.65		$	0.4		$	1.92
	Discontinued operations	$	—		$	—	$	0.01		$	—		$	0.01
	(1) The sum of the earnings per share for the four quarters may differ from annual earnings per share due to the required method of computing the weighted average shares in interim periods.
	The matters which affect the comparability of the quarterly results include the following:
	•	Seasonality: The Company’s revenues and operating income reflect the industry’s seasonality and as a result are lower in the first and fourth quarters and higher in the second and third quarters.
	•	Investment income and losses: The Company’s net income reflects gains and losses related to the Company’s investments held in non-qualified retirement plans and are subject to market conditions.

Future_Adoption_of_Accounting_

Future Adoption of Accounting Standards	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Future Adoption of Accounting Standards	Future Adoption of Accounting Standards
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, "Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant, and Equipment: Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity" ("ASU 2014-08"). ASU 2014-08 changes the definition of a discontinued operation to include only those disposals of components of an entity that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. ASU 2014-08 is effective for all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years. The Company is currently evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this ASU will have on the presentation of its consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue From Contracts with Customers" ("ASU 2014-09"), which impacts virtually all aspects of an entity's revenue recognition. ASU No. 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, as well as most industry-specific guidance, and significantly enhances comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities and industries by providing a principles-based, comprehensive framework for addressing revenue recognition issues. In order for a provider of promised goods or services to recognize as revenue the consideration that it expects to receive in exchange for the promised goods or services, the provider should apply the following five steps: (1) identify the contract with a customer(s); (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. ASU No. 2014-09 also specifies the accounting for some costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer and provides enhanced disclosure requirements. ASU No. 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The guidance permits the retrospective or modified retrospective method when adopting ASU No. 2014-09 but early application is not permitted. The Company is still assessing the impact that ASU No. 2014-09 will have on its financial statements and disclosures.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	On February 28, 2015, the Company's board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.195 per share of common stock. The dividend is payable on April 17, 2015 to shareholders of record on April 3, 2015.

Schedule_IIValuation_And_Quali

Schedule II-Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	(In thousands of dollars)
	Description	Balance at Beginning of Period		Additions/Charges to Profit & Loss		Recoveries/Write offs			Balance at End of Period
	Accounts Receivable:
	Year ended December 31, 2014 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$	12,187	$	4,090	$	(6,193	)	$	10,084
	Year ended December 31, 2013 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$	11,658	$	4,708	$	(4,179	)	$	12,187
	Year ended December 31, 2012 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$	10,771	$	4,787	$	(3,900	)	$	11,658
	Notes Receivable:
	Year ended December 31, 2014 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$	11,546	$	2,630	$	(8,189	)	$	5,987
	Year ended December 31, 2013 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$	10,550	$	1,668	$	(672	)	$	11,546
	Year ended December 31, 2012 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$	9,228	$	1,735	$	(413	)	$	10,550

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Choice Hotels International, Inc., a Delaware corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company"). The Company consolidates entities under its control, including variable interest entities where it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, including corporate joint ventures and certain other entities, in which the Company owns 50% or less and exercises significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee are accounted for by the equity method. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") and require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Accordingly, ultimate results could differ from those estimates. In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements include all normal and recurring adjustments that are necessary to fairly present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company.
	The financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 have been revised related to revenue recognition and other immaterial errors as disclosed in the Company's Form 10-K/A, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 3, 2014.
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations
	In the first quarter of 2014, the Company's management approved a plan to dispose of the three Company owned Mainstay Suites hotels. As a result, the Company has reported the operations related to these three hotels as discontinued operations.  The Company's results of operations for the periods included in this Form 10-K have also been recast to account for these operations as discontinued.  For additional information regarding discontinued operations, see Note 27, Discontinued Operations.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	The Company enters into franchise agreements to provide franchisees with various marketing services, a centralized reservation system and limited non-exclusive rights to utilize the Company’s registered trade names and trademarks. These agreements typically have an initial term from ten to twenty years with provisions permitting franchisees or the Company to terminate after five, ten, or fifteen years under certain circumstances. In most instances, initial franchise and relicensing fees are recognized upon execution of the franchise agreement because the initial franchise and relicensing fees are non-refundable and the Company is not required to provide initial services to the franchisee prior to hotel opening. The initial franchise and relicensing fees related to executed franchise agreements which include incentives, such as future potential cash rebates or forgivable promissory notes, are deferred and recognized when the incentive criteria are met or the agreement is terminated, whichever occurs first.
	Royalty and marketing and reservation system revenues, which are typically based on a percentage of gross room revenues or the number of hotel rooms of each franchisee, are recorded when earned and realizable from the franchisee. Franchise fees based on a percentage of gross room revenues are recognized in the same period that the underlying gross room revenues are earned by the Company's franchisees. An estimate of uncollectible revenue is charged to bad debt expense and included in selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") and marketing and reservation expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
	The Company generates procurement services revenues from qualified vendors. Procurement services revenues are generally based on the level of goods or services purchased from qualified vendors by hotel franchise owners and hotel guests who stay in the Company’s franchised hotels or based on marketing services provided by the Company on behalf of the qualified vendors to hotel owners and guests. The Company recognizes procurement services revenues when the services are performed or the product is delivered, evidence of an arrangement exists, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. The Company defers the recognition of procurement services’ revenues related to upfront fees. Such upfront fees are generally recognized over a period corresponding to the Company’s estimate of the life of the arrangement.
Marketing and Reservation Revenues and Expenses	Marketing and Reservation Revenues and Expenses
	The Company’s franchise agreements require the payment of certain marketing and reservation system fees, which are used exclusively by the Company for expenses associated with providing franchise services such as national marketing, operating a guest loyalty program, media advertising, central reservation systems and technology services. The Company is contractually obligated to expend the marketing and reservation system revenue it collects from franchisees in accordance with the franchise agreements; as such, no income or loss to the Company is generated. In accordance with the franchise agreements, the Company includes in marketing and reservation expenses an allocation of costs for certain activities, such as human resources, facilities, legal, accounting, etc., required to carry out marketing and reservation activities.
	The Company records marketing and reservation system revenues and expenses on a gross basis since the Company is the primary obligor in the arrangement, maintains the credit risk, establishes the price and nature of the marketing or reservation services and retains discretion in supplier selection. In addition, net advances to and recoveries from the franchise system for marketing and reservation activities are presented as cash flows from operating activities.
	Marketing and reservation system revenues not expended in the current year are recorded as a liability in the Company's balance sheet and are carried over to the next fiscal year and expended in accordance with the franchise agreements or utilized to repay previous advances. Marketing and reservation expenses incurred in excess of revenues are recorded as an asset in the Company's balance sheet, with a corresponding reduction in costs, and are similarly recovered in subsequent years. Under the terms of the franchise agreements, the Company may advance capital and incur costs as necessary for marketing and reservation activities and recover such advances through future fees.
	The Company evaluates the recoverability of marketing and reservation costs incurred in excess of cumulative marketing and reservation system revenues earned on a periodic basis. The Company will record a reserve when, based on current information and events, it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts advanced for marketing and reservation activities according to the contractual terms of the franchise agreements. These advances are considered to be unrecoverable if the expected net, undiscounted cash flows from marketing and reservation activities are less than the carrying amount of the asset. The Company believes that any credit risk associated with cumulative cost advances for marketing and reservation system activities is mitigated due to the contractual right to recover these amounts from a large geographically dispersed group of franchisees.
	Choice Privileges is the Company’s frequent guest incentive marketing program. Choice Privileges enables members to earn points based on their spending levels with franchisees and, to a lesser degree, through participation in affiliated partners’ programs, such as those offered by credit card companies. The points, which the Company accumulates and tracks on the members’ behalf, may be redeemed for free accommodations or other benefits.
	The Company provides Choice Privileges as a marketing program to franchised hotels and collects a percentage of program members’ room revenue from franchises to operate the program. Revenues are deferred in an amount equal to the estimated fair value of the future redemption obligation. The Company develops an estimate of the eventual redemption rates and point values using various actuarial methods. These judgmental factors determine the required liability attributable to outstanding points. Upon redemption of points, the Company recognizes the previously deferred revenue as well as the corresponding expense relating to the cost of the awards redeemed. Revenues in excess of the estimated future redemption obligation are recognized when earned to reimburse the Company for costs incurred to operate the program, including administrative costs, marketing, promotion, and performing member services.
Accounts Receivable and Credit Risk	Accounts Receivable and Credit Risk
	Accounts receivable consist primarily of franchise and related fees due from hotel franchises and are recorded at the invoiced amount. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the existing accounts receivable. The Company determines the allowance considering historical write-off experience and a review of aged receivable balances. However, the Company considers its credit risk associated with trade receivables to be partially mitigated due to the dispersion of these receivables across a large number of geographically diverse franchisees.
	The Company records bad debt expense in SG&A and marketing and reservation expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income based on its assessment of the ultimate realizability of trade receivables considering historical collection experience and the economic environment. When the Company determines that an account is not collectible, the account is written-off to the associated allowance for doubtful accounts.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs
	The Company expenses advertising costs as the advertising occurs. Advertising expense was $93.7 million, $84.7 million and $79.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Prepaid advertising at December 31, 2014 and 2013 totaled $45 thousand and $0.2 million, respectively and is included within other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company includes advertising costs primarily in marketing and reservation expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had book overdrafts totaling $5.4 million and $5.0 million, respectively which are included in accounts payable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. These book overdrafts represent outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit.
	The Company maintains cash balances in domestic banks, which, at times, may exceed the limits of amounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. In addition, the Company also maintains cash balances in international banks which do not provide deposit insurance.
Capitalization Policies	Capitalization Policies
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or their useful lives. Major renovations and replacements incurred during construction are capitalized. Additionally, the Company capitalizes any interest incurred during construction of property and equipment or the development of software. Upon sale or retirement of property, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and any related gain or loss is recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Maintenance, repairs and minor replacements are charged to expense as incurred.
	Costs for computer software developed for internal use are capitalized during the application development stage and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the software.
	Leased property meeting certain capital lease criteria is capitalized and the present value of the related lease payments is recorded as a liability. The present value of the minimum lease payments are calculated utilizing the lower of the Company’s incremental borrowing rate or the lessor’s interest rate implicit in the lease, if known by the Company. Amortization of capitalized leased assets is computed utilizing the straight-line method over either the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the initial lease term and included in depreciation and amortization in the Company's consolidated statements of income. However, if the lease meets the bargain purchase or transfer of ownership criteria the asset shall be amortized in accordance with the Company’s normal depreciation policy for owned assets.
Assets Held For Sale	Assets Held for Sale
	The Company considers property to be assets held for sale when all of the following criteria are met:
	•	Management commits to a plan to sell an asset;
	•	It is unlikely that the disposal plan will be significantly modified or discontinued;
	•	The asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition;
	•	Actions required to complete the sale of the asset have been initiated;
	•	Sale of the asset is probable and the Company expects the completed sale will occur within one year; and
	•	The asset is actively being marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable given its current market value.
	Upon designation as an asset held for sale, the Company records the carrying value of each asset at the lower of its carrying value or its estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, and ceases recording depreciation. If at any time these criteria are no longer met, subject to certain exceptions, the assets previously classified as held for sale are reclassified as held and used and measured individually at the lower of the following:
	a.	the carrying amount before the asset was classified as held for sale, adjusted for any depreciation (amortization) expense that would have been recognized had the asset been continuously classified as held and used;
	b.	the fair value at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell.
Valuation of Intangibles and Long-Lived Assets	Valuation of Intangibles and Long-Lived Assets
	The Company evaluates the potential impairment of property and equipment and other long-lived assets, including franchise rights and other definite-lived intangibles, whenever an event or other circumstances indicates that the Company may not be able to recover the carrying value of the asset. When indicators of impairment are present, recoverability is assessed based on net, undiscounted expected cash flows. If the net, undiscounted expected cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the assets, an impairment charge is recorded for the excess of the carrying value over the fair value of the asset. We estimate the fair value of intangibles and long lived assets primarily using undiscounted cash flow analysis. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recognized an impairment loss totaling $0.2 million on the franchise rights recorded in conjunction with an acquisition of a subsidiary in India. The Company did not identify any indicators of impairment of long-lived assets during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. Significant management judgment is involved in evaluating indicators of impairment and developing any required projections to test for recoverability or estimate the fair value of an asset. Furthermore, if management uses different projections or if different conditions occur in future periods, future-operating results could be materially impacted.
	The Company evaluates the impairment of goodwill and trademarks with indefinite lives on an annual basis, or during the year if an event or other circumstance indicates that the Company may not be able to recover the carrying amount of the asset. In evaluating these assets for impairment, the Company may elect to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit or the indefinite lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If the conclusion is that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying value, then no further testing is required. If the conclusion is that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying value, then a two-step impairment test is performed for goodwill. For indefinite-lived intangibles, the carrying value is compared to the fair value of the asset and an impairment charge is recognized for any excess. The Company may elect to forego the qualitative assessment and move directly to the two-step impairment test for goodwill and the the fair value determination for indefinite-lived intangibles. The Company determines the fair value of its reporting units and indefinite-lived intangibles using income and market methods. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recognized an impairment loss totaling $0.2 million on the goodwill recorded in conjunction with an acquisition of a subsidiary in India. Based on the Company's assessment, it was determined that the fair value of the Company's Indian subsidiary, was less than its carrying value resulting in the recognition of an impairment loss equal to the gross amount of the goodwill. The Company did not record any impairment of goodwill or trademarks with indefinite lives during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Variable Interest Entities	Variable Interest Entities
	In accordance with the guidance for the consolidation of variable interest entities, the Company analyzes its variable interests, including loans, guarantees, and equity investments, to determine if the entity in which the Company has a variable interest is a variable interest entity. The analysis includes both quantitative and qualitative consideration. For those entities determined to be variable interests entities, a further quantitative and qualitative analysis is performed to determine if the Company will be deemed the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the party who has the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and who has an obligation to absorb losses of the entity or a right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity. The Company consolidates those entities in which it is determined to be the primary beneficiary.
Value of Investments in Ventures	Valuation of Investments in Ventures
	The Company evaluates an investment in a venture for impairment when circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable, for example due to loan defaults, significant under performance relative to historical or projected operating performance, and significant negative industry or economic trends. When there is indication that a loss in value has occurred, the Company evaluates the carrying value compared to the estimated fair value of the investment. Fair value is based upon internally developed discounted cash flow models, third-party appraisals, and if appropriate, current estimated net sales proceeds from pending offers. If the estimated fair value is less than carrying value, management uses its judgment to determine if the decline in value is other-than-temporary. In determining this, the Company considers factors including, but not limited to, the length of time and extent of the decline, loss of values as a percentage of the cost, financial condition and near-term financial projections, the Company's intent and ability to recover the lost value and current economic conditions. For declines in value that are deemed other-than-temporary, impairments are charged to earnings.
Sales Taxes	Sales Taxes
	The Company presents taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis and therefore they are excluded from revenues in the consolidated financial statements.
Foreign Operations	Foreign Operations
	The United States dollar is the functional currency of the consolidated entities operating in the United States. The functional currency for the consolidated entities operating outside of the United States is generally the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity primarily generates and expends cash. The Company translates the financial statements of consolidated entities whose functional currency is not the United States dollar into United States dollars. The Company translates assets and liabilities at the exchange rate in effect as of the financial statement date and translates income statement accounts using the weighted average exchange rate for the period. The Company includes translation adjustments from foreign exchange and the effect of exchange rate changes on inter-company transactions of a long-term investment nature as a separate component of shareholders’ deficit. The Company reports foreign currency transaction gains and losses and the effect of inter-company transactions of a short-term or trading nature in SG&A expenses on the consolidated statements of income. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were a $0.9 million loss, $0.4 million loss and a $0.1 million gain, respectively.
Derivatives	Derivatives
	The Company periodically uses derivative instruments as part of its overall strategy to manage exposure to market risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates. All outstanding derivative financial instruments are recognized at their fair values as assets or liabilities. The impact on earnings from recognizing the fair values of these instruments depends on their intended use, their hedge designation and their effectiveness in offsetting changes in the fair values of the exposures they are hedging. The Company does not use derivatives for trading purposes.
	The effective portion of changes in fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and the ineffective portion is reported currently in earnings. The amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income are reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged item affects earnings. Amounts reported in earnings are classified consistent with the item being hedged.
	The Company formally documents all relationships between its hedging instruments and hedged items at inception, including its risk management objective and strategy for establishing various hedge relationships. Cash flows from hedging instruments are classified in the consolidated statements of cash flows consistent with the items being hedged.
	Hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively when (i) the derivative instrument is no longer effective in offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of the underlying hedged item, (ii) the derivative instrument expires, is sold, terminated or exercised, or (iii) designating the derivative instrument as a hedge is no longer appropriate. The effectiveness of derivative instruments is assessed at inception and on an ongoing basis.
Guarantees	Guarantees
	The Company has historically issued certain guarantees to support the growth of its brands. A liability is recognized for the fair value of such guarantees upon inception of the guarantee and upon any subsequent modification, such as renewals, when the Company remains contingently liable. The fair value of a guarantee is the estimated amount at which the liability could be settled in a current transaction between willing unrelated parties. The Company evaluates these guarantees on a quarterly basis to determine if there is a probable loss requiring recognition.
Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance and Future Adoption of Accounting Standards	Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2013-04, "Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date" ("ASU 2013-04"). The ASU requires entities to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date, as the sum of the following: (a) the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and (b) any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. Required disclosures include a description of the joint-and-several arrangement and the total outstanding amount of the obligation for all joint parties. The ASU permits entities to aggregate disclosures (as opposed to providing separate disclosures for each joint-and-several obligation). ASU 2013-04 was effective for all interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2014 and it did not have a material impact on its financial statements.
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, "Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity" ("ASU 2013-05"). ASU 2013-05 clarifies that when a reporting entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity, the parent is required to apply the guidance in ASC 830 "Foreign Currency Matters" Subtopic 830-30 to release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income. Accordingly, the cumulative translation adjustment should be released into net income only if the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary or group of assets had resided. The provisions of ASU 2013-05 are effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and the Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2014. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, "Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists" ("ASU 2013-11"). ASU 2013-11 requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss ("NOL") carryforward, or similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward, rather than as a liability when (1) the uncertain tax position would reduce the NOL or other carryforward under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction and (2) the entity intends to use the deferred tax asset for that purpose. The ASU does not require new recurring disclosures. The provisions of ASU 2013-11 are effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2014 and the adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on its financial statements.
	Future Adoption of Accounting Standards
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, "Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant, and Equipment: Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity" ("ASU 2014-08"). ASU 2014-08 changes the definition of a discontinued operation to include only those disposals of components of an entity that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. ASU 2014-08 is effective for all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years. The Company is currently evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this ASU will have on the presentation of its consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue From Contracts with Customers" ("ASU 2014-09"), which impacts virtually all aspects of an entity's revenue recognition. ASU No. 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, as well as most industry-specific guidance, and significantly enhances comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities and industries by providing a principles-based, comprehensive framework for addressing revenue recognition issues. In order for a provider of promised goods or services to recognize as revenue the consideration that it expects to receive in exchange for the promised goods or services, the provider should apply the following five steps: (1) identify the contract with a customer(s); (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. ASU No. 2014-09 also specifies the accounting for some costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer and provides enhanced disclosure requirements. ASU No. 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The guidance permits the retrospective or modified retrospective method when adopting ASU No. 2014-09 but early application is not permitted. The Company is still assessing the impact that ASU No. 2014-09 will have on its financial statements and disclosures.

Other_Current_Assets_Tables

Other Current Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]
Schedule Of Other Current Assets	Other current assets consist of the following at:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Notes receivable (See Note 3)	$	3,961	$	12,816
	Prepaid expenses	12,280		13,746
	Other current assets	3,081		3,148
	Total	$	19,322	$	29,710

Notes_Receivable_and_Allowance1

Notes Receivable and Allowance for Losses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net [Abstract]
Past due balances of mezzanine and other notes receivable by credit quality indicators	Past due balances of mezzanine and other notes receivable by credit quality indicators are as follows:
		30-89 days			> 90 days			Total			Current		Total Mezzanine and Other
		Past Due			Past Due			Past Due					Notes Receivables
	As of December 31, 2014	(in thousands)
	Senior	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	10,152	$	10,152
	Subordinated	—			—			—			3,863		3,863
	Unsecured	—			47			47			3,948		3,995
		$	—		$	47		$	47		$	17,963	$	18,010
	As of December 31, 2013
	Senior	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	18,052	$	18,052
	Subordinated	—			9,629			9,629			4,523		14,152
	Unsecured	—			47			47			3,358		3,405
		$	—		$	9,676		$	9,676		$	25,933	$	35,609
Accretable yield reconciliation	The Company's accretable yield at acquisition was $1.8 million or 7.36% and a reconciliation of the accretable yield for years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Balance, Beginning of Year	$	582		$	1,161
	Additions	—			—
	Accretion	(143		)	(579		)
	Disposals	(439		)	—
	Reclassifications from nonaccretable yield	—			—
	Balance, End of Year	$	—		$	582
Schedule of notes receivable	A summary of the Company's notes receivable and related allowances are as follows:
		December 31, 2014									31-Dec-13
		(in thousands)
	Credit Quality Indicator	Forgivable			Mezzanine			Total			Forgivable		Mezzanine		Total
		Notes			& Other						Notes		& Other
		Receivable			Notes						Receivable		Notes
					Receivable								Receivable
	Senior	$	—		$	10,152		$	10,152		$	—	$	18,052	$	18,052
	Subordinated	—			3,863			3,863			—		14,152		14,152
	Unsecured	32,379			3,995			36,374			20,625		3,405		24,030
	Total notes receivable	32,379			18,010			50,389			20,625		35,609		56,234
	Allowance for losses on non-impaired loans	3,661			1,540			5,201			1,650		1,607		3,257
	Allowance for losses on receivables specifically evaluated for impairment	—			786			786			—		8,289		8,289
	Total loan reserves	3,661			2,326			5,987			1,650		9,896		11,546
	Net carrying value	$	28,718		$	15,684		$	44,402		$	18,975	$	25,713	$	44,688
	Current portion, net	$	124		$	3,837		$	3,961		$	361	$	12,455	$	12,816
	Long-term portion, net	28,594			11,847			40,441			18,614		13,258		31,872
	Total	$	28,718		$	15,684		$	44,402		$	18,975	$	25,713	$	44,688
Summary of activity related to allowance for losses	The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s Forgivable Notes Receivable and Mezzanine & Other Notes Receivable allowance for losses for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Year Ended December 31, 2014						Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Forgivable			Mezzanine			Forgivable			Mezzanine
		Notes			& Other  Notes			Notes			& Other  Notes
		Receivable			Receivable			Receivable			Receivable
		(in thousands)
	Beginning balance	$	1,650		$	9,896		$	1,623		$	8,927
	Provisions	2,528			102			699			969
	Recoveries	(303		)	(875		)	(9		)	—
	Write-offs	(305		)	(6,797		)	(115		)	—
	Other(1)	91			—			(548		)	—
	Ending balance	$	3,661		$	2,326		$	1,650		$	9,896
	(1) Consists of default rate assumption changes

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Components of Property and Equipment	The components of property and equipment are:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Land and land improvements	$	3,107		$	2,490
	Facilities in progress and software under development	10,408			6,435
	Computer equipment and software	99,306			83,089
	Buildings and leasehold improvements	37,013			38,403
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment	15,326			16,371
	Assets under capital lease	4,827			3,468
		169,987			150,256
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(92,678		)	(82,404		)
	Property and equipment, at cost, net	$	77,309		$	67,852
Schedule of Estimated Useful Lives	A summary of the ranges of estimated useful lives upon which depreciation rates are based follows:
	Computer equipment and software	2-5 years
	Buildings and leasehold improvements	5-40 years
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment	3-15 years
	Assets under capital leases	3 - 8 years

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The following table details the carrying amount of our goodwill at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Goodwill	$	66,005		$	66,005
	Accumulated impairment losses	(192		)	(192		)
	Net carrying amount	$	65,813		$	65,813

Franchise_Rights_and_Other_Ide1

Franchise Rights and Other Identifiable Intangibles (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Franchise Rights and Other Identifiable Intangibles [Abstract]
Schedule of Franchise Rights and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets	The components of franchise rights and other identifiable intangible assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Franchise rights, net of accumulated amortization	$	2,753	$	6,069
	Other identifiable intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	6,159		3,884
	Total	$	8,912	$	9,953
Schedule of Franchise Rights, Estimated Annual Amortization Expense	The estimated annual amortization expense related to the Company’s franchise rights for each of the years ending December 31, 2015 through 2019 is as follows:
	Year	(In millions)
	2015	$	2.2
	2016	$	0.3
	2017	$	0.2
	2018	$	—
	2019	$	—
Schedule of Trademarks, Estimated Annual Amortization Expense	The estimated annual amortization expense related to the Company’s other identifiable intangibles for each of the years ending December 31, 2015 through 2019 is as follows:
	Year	(In millions)
	2015	$	0.6
	2016	$	0.5
	2017	$	0.5
	2018	$	0.4
	2019	$	0.4

Other_Assets_Table

Other Assets (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Components of Other Assets	Other assets consist of the following at:
		December 31,
		2014				2013
		(in thousands)
	Equity method investments	$	50,605			$	32,257
	Deferred financing fees	7,228				8,954
	Land	4,011				10,097
	Other assets	3,452				856
	Total	$	65,296			$	52,164
Equity Method Investments	Equity method investment ownership interests at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
			Ownership Interest
	Equity Method Investment		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Main Street WP Hotel Associates, LLC		50	%		50	%
	FBC-CHI Hotels LLC		40	%		40	%
	CS Hotel 30W46th, LLC		25	%		25	%
	CS Brickell, LLC		50	%		—	%
	CHH Plano, LLC		50	%		50	%
	CS Maple Grove LLC		50	%		50	%
	CS Hotel West Orange, LLC		50	%		50	%
	Hotel JV Services, LLC		16	%		17	%
	CS at Ninth, LLC		43	%		43	%
	CS at Phoenix, LLC		50	%		50	%
	CS Woodlands, LLC		50	%		—	%
	Choice Hotels Canada		50	%		50	%
	The following tables present summarized financial information for all unconsolidated ventures in which the Company holds an investment that is accounted for under the equity method.
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014				2013			2012
			(in thousands)
	Revenues		$	30,608			$	25,076		$	17,892
	Operating income (loss)		(2,533		)		(752		)	(5,164		)
	Income from continuing operations		(3,616		)		(721		)	(5,105		)
	Net income		(4,670		)		(1,858		)	(6,288		)
			As of December 31,
			2014				2013
			(in thousands)
	Current assets		$	41,783			$	44,722
	Non-current assets		202,810				129,928
	Total assets		$	244,593			$	174,650
	Current liabilities		$	17,823			$	13,859
	Non-current liabilities		98,535				65,431
	Total liabilities		$	116,358			$	79,290

Accrued_Expenses_Tables

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Expenses	Accrued expenses consist of the following:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Accrued compensation and benefits	29,975		24,461
	Accrued interest	16,418		16,410
	Dividends payable	11,176		10,785
	Termination benefits (see Note 25)	984		582
	Other liabilities and contingencies	4,977		4,387
	Total	$	63,530	$	56,625

Deferred_Revenue_Tables

Deferred Revenue (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred Revenue and Credits [Abstract]
Components of Deferred Revenue	Deferred revenue consists of the following:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Loyalty programs	$	57,757	$	53,875
	Initial, relicensing and franchise fees	6,439		5,354
	Procurement services fees	1,936		1,504
	Other	250		455
	Total	$	66,382	$	61,188

Other_NonCurrent_Liabilities_T

Other Non-Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Non-Current Liabilities	Other non-current liabilities consist of the following at:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Marketing and reservation liability (see Note 7)	$	44,272	$	—
	Deferred rent and unamortized lease incentives	14,898		16,337
	Uncertain tax positions	4,108		5,627
	Deferred revenue	4,320		1,633
	Other liabilities	2,306		211
	Total	$	69,904	$	23,808

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Debt	Debt consists of the following at:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	$400 million senior unsecured notes with an effective interest rate of 6.0% at December 31, 2014 and 2013	$	400,000	$	400,000
	$250 million senior unsecured notes with an effective interest rate of 6.19%, less a discount of $0.4 million at both December 31, 2014 and 2013	249,636		249,572
	$350 million senior secured credit facility with an effective interest rate of 2.17% at December 31, 2014 and 2013	129,375		138,750
	Fixed rate collateralized mortgage plus a fair value adjustment of $1.2 million with an effective interest rate of 4.65% at December 31, 2014	10,667		—
	Economic development loans with an effective rate interest rate of 3.00% at December 31, 2014 and 2013	3,536		3,360
	Capital lease obligations due 2016 with an effective interest rate of 3.18% at December 31, 2014 and 2013	1,149		1,848
	Other notes payable	68		29
	Total debt	794,431		793,559
	Less current portion	12,349		10,088
	Total long-term debt	$	782,082	$	783,471
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	Scheduled principal maturities of debt, net of unamortized discounts and premiums, as of December 31, 2014 were as follows:
	Year Ending	Senior Notes		Capital Lease			Revolving Credit		Other Notes		Total
							Facility		Payable
		(in thousands)
	2015	$	—	$	1,017		$	11,250	$	380	$	12,647
	2016	—		594			118,125		409		119,128
	2017	—		—			—		440		440
	2018	—		—			—		474		474
	2019	—		—			—		498		498
	Thereafter	649,636		—			—		12,070		661,706
	Total payments	649,636		1,611			129,375		14,271		794,893
	Less: Amount representing estimated executory costs	—		(432		)	—		—		(432		)
	Less: Amounts representing interest	—		(30		)	—		—		(30		)
	Net principal payments	$	649,636	$	1,149		$	129,375	$	14,271	$	794,431

Pension_Plan_Tables

Pension Plan (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Reconciliation of The Changes in Projected Benefit Obligation	The following is a reconciliation of the changes in the projected benefit obligation for the year ended December 31, 2012:
		December 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	$	11,896
	Interest cost	526
	Actuarial loss (gain)	(85		)
	Benefit payments	(414		)
	Settlement payments	(11,923		)
	Projected benefit obligation, end of year	$	—
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit costs for the year ended December 31, 2012. No periodic benefit costs were incurred during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 due to the 2012 settlement of the SERP:
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Interest cost	$	526
	Amortization of actuarial loss	128
		654
	Settlement loss, net	2,162
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	2,816
	Weighted average assumption:
	Discount rate	4.5		%

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value of Assets	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had the following assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		Fair Value Measurements at
		Reporting Date Using
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets (in thousands)
	31-Dec-14
	Money market funds, included in cash and cash equivalents	$	50,001	$	—	$	50,001	$	—
	Mutual funds(1)	16,405		16,405		—		—
	Money market funds(1)	1,348		—		1,348		—
		$	67,754	$	16,405	$	51,349	$	—
	31-Dec-13
	Money market funds, included in cash and cash equivalents	$	50,001	$	—	$	50,001	$	—
	Mutual funds(1)	14,564		14,564		—		—
	Money market funds(1)	1,786		—		1,786		—
		$	66,351	$	14,564	$	51,787	$	—
	____________________________
	(1)	Included in Investments, employee benefit plans at fair value on consolidated balance sheets.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	Total income from continuing operations before income taxes, classified by source of income, was as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(in thousands)
	U.S.	$	138,616			$	122,517			$	131,722
	Outside the U.S.	35,142				36,155				37,784
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	173,758			$	158,672			$	169,506
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The provision for income taxes, classified by the timing and location of payment, was as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(in thousands)
	Current tax expense
	Federal	$	67,985			$	46,925			$	40,821
	State	6,278				4,891				4,705
	Foreign	1,689				1,914				2,345
	Deferred tax (benefit) expense
	Federal	(21,398		)		(7,011		)		(249		)
	State	(2,116		)		(635		)		101
	Foreign	(153		)		(762		)		505
	Income taxes	$	52,285			$	45,322			$	48,228
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Net deferred tax assets consisted of:
		December 31,
		2014				2013
		(in thousands)
	Property, equipment and intangible assets	$	(8,687	)		$	(10,153	)
	Accrued compensation	15,124				15,696
	Accrued expenses	35,023				12,718
	Foreign operations	790				603
	Valuation allowance on foreign deferred tax assets	(153		)		(227		)
	Foreign net operating losses	1,800				1,441
	Valuation allowance on foreign net operating losses	(1,800		)		(1,441		)
	Deferred tax asset on unrecognized tax positions	1,283				1,736
	Other	1,026				1,162
	Net deferred tax assets	$	44,406			$	21,535
Schedule of Income Tax Balance Sheet Presentation	Balance sheet presentation:
		December 31,
		2014				2013
		(in thousands)
	Current net deferred tax assets	$	23,860			$	26,684
	Non-current net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	20,546				(5,149		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	44,406			$	21,535
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The statutory United States federal income tax rate reconciles to the effective income tax rates for continuing operations as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	1.6	%		1.6	%		1.5	%
	Benefits and taxes related to foreign operations	(6.2	)%		(7.2	)%		(8.5	)%
	Unrecognized tax positions	(0.4	)%		(0.2	)%		0.1	%
	Adjustment to current and deferred taxes, prior years	—	%		—	%		(0.5	)%
	Other	0.1	%		(0.6	)%		0.9	%
	Effective income tax rates	30.1	%		28.6	%		28.5	%
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits:
		2014				2013				2012
		(in thousands)
	Balance, January 1	$	4,047			$	4,415			$	4,570
	Changes for tax positions of prior years	5				503				410
	Increases for tax positions related to the current year	1,201				1,164				—
	Settlements and lapsing of statutes of limitations	(1,858		)		(2,035		)		(565		)
	Balance, December 31	$	3,395			$	4,047			$	4,415

ShareBased_Compensation_and_Ca1

Share-Based Compensation and Capital Stock (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Weighted Average Assumptions of Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model	The fair value of the options granted was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
		2014				2013				2012
	Risk-free interest rate	1.56		%		0.73		%		0.78		%
	Expected volatility	25.01		%		38.14		%		40.15		%
	Expected life of stock option	4.5 years				4.5 years				4.4 years
	Dividend yield	1.62		%		2.01		%		2.08		%
	Requisite service period	4 years				4 years				4 years
	Contractual life	7 years				7 years				7 years
	Weighted average fair value of options granted (per option)	$	8.82			$	9.89			$	9.98
Schedule of Options Outstanding and Exercisable	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014:
		Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise Prices	Number			Weighted Average		Weighted				Number		Weighted
		Outstanding at			Remaining		Average				Exercisable at		Average
		December 31,			Contractual Life		Exercise Price				December 31,		Exercise Price
		2014									2014
	$ 0.00 to $24.37	337,565			1.1 years		$	20.57			337,565		$	20.57
	$24.38 to $29.25	591,074			2.4 years		$	25.84			494,330		$	25.61
	$29.26 to $34.12	163,058			3.1 years		$	31.31			122,288		$	31.31
	$34.13 to $39.00	163,975			5.1 years		$	36.76			40,990		$	36.76
	$43.88 to $48.75	647,505			6.2 years		45.59				—		—
		1,903,177			3.8 years		$	33.03			995,173		$	25.06
Summary of Activity Related to Restricted Stock Grants	The following table is a summary of activity related to restricted stock grants for the year ended December 31:
		2014				2013				2012
	Restricted shares granted	154,833				225,240				266,159
	Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$	46.81			$	37.74			$	35.76
	Aggregate grant date fair value ($000)	$	7,248			$	8,500			$	9,517
	Restricted shares forfeited	23,804				40,552				26,824
	Vesting service period of shares granted	12 - 48 months				12 - 48 months				12-68 months
	Grant date fair value of shares vested ($000)	$	10,280			$	8,569			$	6,696
Summary of Activity Related to PVRSU Grants	The following table is a summary of activity related to PVRSU grants for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		2014				2013				2012
	Performance vested restricted stock units granted at target	24,678				80,184				117,523
	Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$	45.59			$	39.48			$	35.27
	Aggregate grant date fair value ($000)	$	1,125			$	3,165			$	4,145
	Stock units forfeited	22,099				3,334				57,176
	Requisite service period	36 months				22-38 months				24-60 months
Summary of Change in Stock-Based Award Activity	A summary of stock-based award activity as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and the changes during the years are presented below:
		2014
		Stock Options									Restricted Stock				Performance Vested
															Restricted Stock Units
		Options			Weighted				Weighted		Shares		Weighted		Shares		Weighted
					Average				Average				Average Grant				Average Grant
					Exercise Price				Remaining Contractual				Date Fair Value				Date Fair Value
									LIfe
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	1,661,952			$	26.44					563,345		$	36.64	216,342		$	37.34
	Granted	651,757			$	45.59					154,833		$	46.81	24,678		$	45.59
	Performance-Based Leveraging*	—			—						—		$	—	10,251		$	41.25
	Exercised/Vested	(390,290	)		$	25.87					(214,818	)	$	35.91	(28,886	)	$	41.25
	Expired	—			$	—					—		$	—	—		$	—
	Forfeited	(20,242	)		$	34.33					(23,804	)	$	38.97	(22,099	)	$	34.77
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	1,903,177			$	33.03			3.8 years		479,556		$	40.14	200,286		$	38.28
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2014	995,173			$	25.06			2.0 years
	* PVRSU units outstanding have been increased by 10,251 units during the year ended December 31, 2014, due to the Company exceeding the targeted performance conditions contained in PVRSU's granted in prior periods.
		2013
		Stock Options									Restricted Stock				Performance Vested
															Restricted Stock Units
		Options			Weighted				Weighted		Shares		Weighted		Shares		Weighted
					Average				Average				Average Grant				Average Grant
					Exercise				Remaining Contractual				Date Fair Value				Date Fair Value
					Price				Life
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013	1,934,034			$	25.8					606,547		$	35.17	170,116		$	35.56
	Granted	173,413			$	36.76					225,240		$	37.74	80,184		$	39.48
	Performance-Based Leveraging*	—			—						—		—		9,192		$	32.6
	Exercised/Vested	(347,180	)		$	25.54					(227,890	)	$	33.94	(39,816	)	$	32.6
	Expired	(75,473	)		$	36.99					—		—		—		—
	Forfeited	(22,842	)		$	28.94					(40,552	)	$	35.85	(3,334	)	$	41.25
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	1,661,952			$	26.44			3.0 years		563,345		$	36.64	216,342		$	37.34
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2013	1,181,374			$	24.61			2.2 years
	* PVRSU units outstanding have been increased by 9,192 units during the year ended December 31, 2013, due to the Company exceeding the targeted performance conditions contained in PVRSU's granted in prior periods.
		2012
		Stock Options									Restricted Stock				Performance Vested
															Restricted Stock Units
		Options			Weighted				Weighted		Shares		Weighted		Shares		Weighted
					Average				Average				Average Grant				Average Grant
					Exercise				Remaining Contractual				Date Fair Value				Date Fair Value
					Price(1)				Life
	Outstanding at January 1, 2012	1,573,726			$	33.3					565,627		$	34.43	109,769		$	35.57
	Granted	160,408			$	35.6					266,159		$	35.76	117,523		$	35.27
	Special Dividend Adjustment	497,497			$	25.31					—		—		—		—
	Exercised/Vested	(266,754	)		$	26.57					(198,415	)	$	33.75	—		—
	Forfeited	(30,843	)		$	36.67					(26,824	)	$	36.06	(57,176	)	$	34.98
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	1,934,034			$	25.8			4.0 years		606,547		$	35.17	170,116		$	35.56
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2012	1,302,624			$	25.62			3.1 years
	(1) The weighted average exercise price for options outstanding and exercisable reflect the reduction of the option price for outstanding options as described under "Special Dividend Adjustment". The weighted average exercise price for options granted, exercised or forfeited reflects the option price in effect at the time of the transaction.
Pre-Tax Stock-Based Compensation Expenses and Associated Income Tax Benefits	The components of the Company’s pretax stock-based compensation expense and associated income tax benefits are as follows for the years ended December 31:
	(in millions)	2014				2013				2012
	Stock options	$	2.4			$	1.8			$	2.1
	Restricted stock	7.2				7.5				7.5
	Performance vested restricted stock units	(0.2		)		2.2				1.7
	Total	$	9.4			$	11.5			$	11.3
	Income tax benefits	$	3.5			$	4.2			$	4.1
Schedule of Unrecognized Compensation Cost, Nonvested Awards	The total unrecognized compensation costs related to stock-based awards that have not yet vested and the related weighted average amortization period over which the costs are to be recognized as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
		Unrecognized				Weighted
		Compensation				Average Remaining
		Expense on Unvested				Amortization
		Awards				Period
		(in millions)
	Stock options	$	5.7			2.8 years
	Restricted stock	11.9				2.4 years
	Performance vested restricted stock units	1.8				2.0 years
	Total	$	19.4

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss is as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(2,087	)	$	(472	)	$	2,391
	Deferred loss on cash flow hedge	(4,884		)	(5,745		)	(6,607		)
	Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(6,971	)	$	(6,217	)	$	(4,216	)
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, by Component	The following represents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax by component for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Year Ended December 31, 2014									Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Loss on Cash Flow Hedge			Foreign Currency Items			Total			Loss on Cash Flow Hedge			Foreign Currency Items			Total
		(in thousands)									(in thousands)
	Beginning Balance	$	(5,745	)	$	(472	)	$	(6,217	)	$	(6,607	)	$	2,391		$	(4,216	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	—			(1,615		)	(1,615		)	—			(2,863		)	(2,863		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	861			—			861			862			—			862
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	861			(1,615		)	(754		)	862			(2,863		)	(2,001		)
	Ending Balance	$	(4,884	)	$	(2,087	)	$	(6,971	)	$	(5,745	)	$	(472	)	$	(6,217	)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The amounts reclassified from other accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were reclassified to the following line items in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Component		Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income(Loss)						Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statement of Income
			Year Ended December 31, 2014			Year Ended December 31, 2013
			(in thousands)
	Loss on cash flow hedge
	Interest rate contract		$	861		$	862		Interest expense
			—			—			Tax (expense) benefit
			$	861		$	862		Net of tax

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Computation of Basic Earnings Per Share:
	Numerator:
	Net income from continuing operations	$	121,473		$	113,350		$	121,278
	Net income from discontinued operations	1,687			359			335
	Net income	123,160			113,709			121,613
	Income allocated to participating securities	(1,075		)	(1,127		)	(1,281		)
	Net income available to common shareholders	$	122,085		$	112,582		$	120,332
	Denominator
	Weighted average common shares outstanding -- basic	57,730			57,925			57,467
	Basic earnings per share -- Continuing operations	$	2.08		$	1.94		$	2.09
	Basic earnings per share -- Discontinued operations	0.03			—			—
		$	2.11		$	1.94		$	2.09
	Computation of Diluted Earnings Per Share:
	Numerator:
	Net income from continuing operations	$	121,473		$	113,350		$	121,278
	Net income from discontinued operations	1,687			359			335
	Net income	123,160			113,709			121,613
	Income allocated to participating securities	(1,069		)	(1,122		)	(1,299		)
	Net income available to common shareholders	$	122,091		$	112,587		$	120,314
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding -- basic	57,730			57,925			57,467
	Diluted effect of stock options and PVRSUs	526			410			186
	Weighted average commons shares outstanding -- diluted	58,256			58,335			57,653
	Diluted earnings per share -- Continuing operations	$	2.07		$	1.92		$	2.08
	Diluted earnings per share -- Discontinued operations	0.03			0.01			0.01
		$	2.1		$	1.93		$	2.09

Operating_Leases_Tables

Operating Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	Future minimum lease payments are as follows:
		2015			2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter		Total
		(in thousands)
	Minimum lease payments	$	11,604		$	11,532	$	10,856	$	9,897	$	9,286	$	26,403	$	79,578
	Minimum sublease rentals	(75		)	—		—		—		—		—		(75		)
		$	11,529		$	11,532	$	10,856	$	9,897	$	9,286	$	26,403	$	79,503

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ1

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income	Choice Hotels International, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
		Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
						Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries
	REVENUES:
	Royalty fees	$	262,540			$	121,295			$	44,357			$	(140,654	)		$	287,538
	Initial franchise and relicensing fees	18,753				—				728				—				19,481
	Procurement services	22,959				23				837				—				23,819
	Marketing and reservation	367,726				369,359				18,783				(343,249		)		412,619
	Other items, net	13,758				16				739				—				14,513
	Total revenues	685,736				490,693				65,444				(483,903		)		757,970
	OPERATING EXPENSES:
	Selling, general and administrative	137,759				110,545				13,768				(140,654		)		121,418
	Marketing and reservation	383,584				354,342				17,942				(343,249		)		412,619
	Depreciation and amortization	3,038				5,679				648				—				9,365
	Total operating expenses	524,381				470,566				32,358				(483,903		)		543,402
	Operating income	161,355				20,127				33,086				—				214,568
	OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES, NET:
	Interest expense	41,454				3				29				—				41,486
	Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	(45,426		)		881				—				44,545				—
	Other items, net	(1,465		)		567				222				—				(676		)
	Other income and expenses, net	(5,437		)		1,451				251				44,545				40,810
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	166,792				18,676				32,835				(44,545		)		173,758
	Income taxes	43,632				7,922				731				—				52,285
	Income from from continuing operations, net of income taxes	123,160				10,754				32,104				(44,545		)		121,473
	Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	—				1,687				—				—				1,687
	Net income	$	123,160			$	12,441			$	32,104			$	(44,545	)		$	123,160
	Choice Hotels International, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
		Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
						Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries
	REVENUES:
	Royalty fees	$	243,272			$	112,215			$	43,967			$	(131,642	)		$	267,812
	Initial franchise and relicensing fees	17,432				—				1,254				—				18,686
	Procurement services	19,864				—				804				—				20,668
	Marketing and reservation	362,459				350,134				19,327				(324,287		)		407,633
	Other items, net	8,834				—				1,017				—				9,851
	Total revenues	651,861				462,349				66,369				(455,929		)		724,650
	OPERATING EXPENSES:
	Selling, general and administrative	128,966				100,900				13,489				(131,642		)		111,713
	Marketing and reservation	377,884				336,498				17,538				(324,287		)		407,633
	Depreciation and amortization	3,100				5,087				869				—				9,056
	Total operating expenses	509,950				442,485				31,896				(455,929		)		528,402
	Operating income	141,911				19,864				34,473				—				196,248
	OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES, NET:
	Interest expense	42,418				113				6				—				42,537
	Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	(47,362		)		—				—				47,362				—
	Other items, net	(2,406		)		(1,532		)		(1,023		)		—				(4,961		)
	Other income and expenses, net	(7,350		)		(1,419		)		(1,017		)		47,362				37,576
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	149,261				21,283				35,490				(47,362		)		158,672
	Income taxes	35,552				8,897				873				—				45,322
	Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes	113,709				12,386				34,617				(47,362		)		113,350
	Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	—				359				—				—				359
	Net income	$	113,709			$	12,745			$	34,617			$	(47,362	)		$	113,709
	Choice Hotels International, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(in thousands)
		Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
						Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries
REVENUES:
Royalty fees	$	236,269			$	97,881			$	54,420			$	(126,890	)		$	261,680
Initial franchise and relicensing fees	13,727				—				476				—				14,203
Procurement services	17,152				—				810				—				17,962
Marketing and reservation	343,566				335,869				19,900				(309,657		)		389,678
Other items, net	8,363				—				842				—				9,205
Total revenues	619,077				433,750				76,448				(436,547		)		692,728
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Selling, general and administrative	130,709				89,122				8,938				(126,890		)		101,879
Marketing and reservation	350,573				326,865				18,036				(305,796		)		389,678
Depreciation and amortization	2,832				3,852				1,007				—				7,691
Total operating expenses	484,114				419,839				27,981				(432,686		)		499,248
Operating income	134,963				13,911				48,467				(3,861		)		193,480
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES, NET:
Interest expense	31,041				—				9				(3,861		)		27,189
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	(56,246		)		—				—				56,246				—
Other items, net	(551		)		(1,995		)		(669		)		—				(3,215		)
Other income and expenses, net	(25,756		)		(1,995		)		(660		)		52,385				23,974
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	160,719				15,906				49,127				(56,246		)		169,506
Income taxes	39,106				6,769				2,353				—				48,228
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes	121,613				9,137				46,774				(56,246		)		121,278
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	—				335				—				—				335
Net income	$	121,613			$	9,472			$	46,774			$	(56,246	)		$	121,613
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income	Choice Hotels International, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
		Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
						Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries
	Net income	$	123,160			$	12,441			$	32,104			$	(44,545	)		$	123,160
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
	Amortization of loss on cash flow hedge	861				—				—				—				861
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1,615		)		—				(1,615		)		1,615				(1,615		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(754		)		—				(1,615		)		1,615				(754		)
	Comprehensive income	$	122,406			$	12,441			$	30,489			$	(42,930	)		$	122,406
	Choice Hotels International, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
		Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
						Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries
	Net income	$	113,709			$	12,745			$	34,617			$	(47,362	)		$	113,709
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
	Amortization of loss on cash flow hedge	862				—				—				—				862
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(2,863		)		—				(2,863		)		2,863				(2,863		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(2,001		)		—				(2,863		)		2,863				(2,001		)
	Comprehensive income	$	111,708			$	12,745			$	31,754			$	(44,499	)		$	111,708
	Choice Hotels International, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(in thousands)
		Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
						Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries
	Net income	$	121,613			$	9,472			$	46,774			$	(56,246	)		$	121,613
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
	Amortization of loss on cash flow hedge	862				—				—				—				862
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	237				5				224				(229		)		237
	Amortization of pension related costs, net of tax:
	Actuarial loss	80				80				—				(80		)		80
	Settlement of pension plan	1,406				1,406				—				(1,406		)		1,406
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	2,585				1,491				224				(1,715		)		2,585
	Comprehensive income	$	124,198			$	10,963			$	46,998			$	(57,961	)		$	124,198
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	Choice Hotels International, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	As of December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
		Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
						Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries
	ASSETS
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	25,290			$	25			$	189,564			$	—			$	214,879
	Receivables, net	82,195				1,194				8,292				—				91,681
	Other current assets	25,152				33,585				1,875				(15,758		)		44,854
	Total current assets	132,637				34,804				199,731				(15,758		)		351,414
	Property and equipment, at cost, net	25,300				37,675				14,334				—				77,309
	Goodwill	60,620				5,193				—				—				65,813
	Franchise rights and other identifiable intangibles, net	4,380				1,479				3,053				—				8,912
	Notes receivable, net of allowances	11,847				27,895				699				—				40,441
	Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value	—				17,539				—				—				17,539
	Investments in affiliates	424,600				31,139				—				(455,739		)		—
	Advances to affiliates	15,670				222,500				7,793				(245,963		)		—
	Deferred income taxes	9,418				10,429				699				—				20,546
	Other assets	7,228				23,891				34,177				—				65,296
	Total assets	$	691,700			$	412,544			$	260,486			$	(717,460	)		$	647,270
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
	Accounts payable	$	15,588			$	37,970			$	3,566			$	—			$	57,124
	Accrued expenses	28,719				32,649				2,162				—				63,530
	Deferred revenue	8,467				57,339				576				—				66,382
	Current portion of long-term debt	11,250				718				381				—				12,349
	Deferred compensation & retirement plan obligations	—				628				—				—				628
	Other current liabilities	—				15,843				—				(15,758		)		85
	Total current liabilities	64,024				145,147				6,685				(15,758		)		200,098
	Long-term debt	767,760				3,966				10,356				—				782,082
	Deferred compensation & retirement plan obligations	—				23,978				9				—				23,987
	Advances from affiliates	237,973				341				7,649				(245,963		)		—
	Other liabilities	50,744				16,116				3,044				—				69,904
	Total liabilities	1,120,501				189,548				27,743				(261,721		)		1,076,071
	Total shareholders’ (deficit) equity	(428,801		)		222,996				232,743				(455,739		)		(428,801		)
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit	$	691,700			$	412,544			$	260,486			$	(717,460	)		$	647,270
	Choice Hotels International, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	As of December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
		Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
						Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries
	ASSETS
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	9,785			$	569			$	157,441			$	—			$	167,795
	Receivables, net	72,219				1,475				8,691				—				82,385
	Other current assets	26,395				34,987				752				(5,340		)		56,794
	Total current assets	108,399				37,031				166,884				(5,340		)		306,974
	Property and equipment, at cost, net	11,087				55,963				802				—				67,852
	Goodwill	60,620				5,193				—				—				65,813
	Franchise rights and other identifiable intangibles, net	6,553				2,096				1,304				—				9,953
	Advances, marketing and reservations activities	5,844				—				—				—				5,844
	Notes receivable, net of allowances	13,257				17,158				1,457				—				31,872
	Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value	—				15,950				—				—				15,950
	Investments in affiliates	376,712				28,312				—				(405,024		)		—
	Advances to affiliates	14,198				189,833				10,896				(214,927		)		—
	Deferred income taxes	—				10,710				871				(11,581		)		—
	Other assets	8,955				13,184				30,025				—				52,164
	Total assets	$	605,625			$	375,430			$	212,239			$	(636,872	)		$	556,422
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
	Accounts payable	$	6,276			$	30,778			$	4,609			$	—			$	41,663
	Accrued expenses	28,215				26,503				1,907				—				56,625
	Deferred revenue	7,065				53,414				709				—				61,188
	Current portion of long-term debt	9,375				702				11				—				10,088
	Deferred compensation & retirement plan obligations	—				2,492				—				—				2,492
Other current liabilities	—				7,401				221				(5,340		)		2,282
Total current liabilities	50,931				121,290				7,457				(5,340		)		174,338
Long-term debt	778,946				4,507				18				—				783,471
Deferred compensation & retirement plan obligations	—				22,520				7				—				22,527
Advances from affiliates	206,931				362				7,634				(214,927		)		—
Other liabilities	21,688				18,216				634				(11,581		)		28,957
Total liabilities	1,058,496				166,895				15,750				(231,848		)		1,009,293
Total shareholders’ (deficit) equity	(452,871		)		208,535				196,489				(405,024		)		(452,871		)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit	$	605,625			$	375,430			$	212,239			$	(636,872	)		$	556,422
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	Choice Hotels International, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
			Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
							Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries
	Net cash provided by operating activities		$	140,738			$	9,106			$	34,704			$	(657	)		$	183,891
	CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
	Investment in property and equipment		(11,234		)		(9,188		)		(524		)		—				(20,946		)
	Proceeds from sale of assets		27				15,585				—				—				15,612
	Equity method investments		—				(11,390		)		(6,399		)		—				(17,789		)
	Issuance of mezzanine and other notes receivable		(3,340		)		—				—				—				(3,340		)
	Collections of mezzanine and other notes receivable		11,289				—				—				—				11,289
	Purchases of investments, employee benefit plans		—				(2,794		)		—				—				(2,794		)
	Proceeds from sales of investments, employee benefit plans		—				964				—				—				964
	Advances to and investments in affiliates		(1,000		)		(5,578		)		—				6,578				—
	Other items, net		(496		)		(146		)		—				—				(642		)
	Net cash used in investing activities		(4,754		)		(12,547		)		(6,923		)		6,578				(17,646		)
	CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
	Principal payments on long-term debt		(9,375		)		(701		)		(32		)		—				(10,108		)
	Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt		—				176				74				—				250
	Purchase of treasury stock		(77,972		)		—				—				—				(77,972		)
	Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		299				3,422				—				—				3,721
	Proceeds from exercise of stock options		10,098				—				—				—				10,098
	Proceeds from contributions from affiliates		—				—				6,578				(6,578		)		—
	Dividends paid		(43,529		)		—				(657		)		657				(43,529		)
	Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities		(120,479		)		2,897				5,963				(5,921		)		(117,540		)
	Net change in cash and cash equivalents		15,505				(544		)		33,744				—				48,705
	Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—				—				(1,621		)		—				(1,621		)
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		9,785				569				157,441				—				167,795
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	25,290			$	25			$	189,564			$	—			$	214,879
	Choice Hotels International, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
			Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
							Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries
	Net cash provided by operating activities		$	91,745			$	27,209			$	36,529			$	(1,570	)		$	153,913
	CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
	Investment in property and equipment		(5,167		)		(27,984		)		(246		)		—				(33,397		)
	Equity method investments		—				(2,401		)		(3,284		)		—				(5,685		)
	Issuance of mezzanine and other notes receivable		(1,095		)		—				—				—				(1,095		)
	Collections of mezzanine and other notes receivable		9,748				—				—				—				9,748
	Purchases of investments, employee benefit plans		—				(2,676		)		—				—				(2,676		)
	Proceeds from sales of investments, employee benefit plans		—				4,168				—				—				4,168
	Advances to and investments in affiliates		(1,000		)		(2,284		)		—				3,284				—
	Other items, net		(485		)		—				—				—				(485		)
	Net cash used in investing activities		2,001				(31,177		)		(3,530		)		3,284				(29,422		)
	CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
	Net repayments pursuant to revolving credit facilities		(57,000		)		—				—				—				(57,000		)
	Principal payments on long-term debt		(7,500		)		(671		)		(33		)		—				(8,204		)
	Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt		—				3,360				—				—				3,360
	Purchase of treasury stock		(3,965		)		—				—				—				(3,965		)
	Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		19				1,441				—				—				1,460
	Proceeds from exercise of stock options		8,864				—				—				—				8,864
	Proceeds from contributions from affiliates		—				—				3,284				(3,284		)		—
	Dividends paid		(32,799		)		—				(1,570		)		1,570				(32,799		)
	Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities		(92,381		)		4,130				1,681				(1,714		)		(88,284		)
	Net change in cash and cash equivalents		1,365				162				34,680				—				36,207
	Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—				—				(2,589		)		—				(2,589		)
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		8,420				407				125,350				—				134,177
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	9,785			$	569			$	157,441			$	—			167,795
	Choice Hotels International, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
(in thousands)
	Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantor				Eliminations				Consolidated
					Subsidiaries				Subsidiaries
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	90,688			$	18,191			$	41,243			$	—			$	150,122
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Investment in property and equipment	(7,404		)		(7,800		)		(239		)		—				(15,443		)
Equity method investments	—				—				(20,285		)		—				(20,285		)
Issuance of mezzanine and other notes receivable	(23,736		)		—				—				—				(23,736		)
Collections of mezzanine and other notes receivable	3,270				—				—				—				3,270
Purchases of investments, employee benefit plans	—				(1,697		)		—				—				(1,697		)
Proceeds from sales of investments, employee benefit plans	—				11,223				—				—				11,223
Advances to and investments in affiliates	—				(20,586		)		—				20,586				—
Other items, net	(433		)		—				—				—				(433		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(28,303		)		(18,860		)		(20,524		)		20,586				(47,101		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net borrowings pursuant to revolving credit facilities	57,000				—				—				—				57,000
Principal payments on long-term debt	(3,750		)		(653		)		(19		)		—				(4,422		)
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	543,500				—				—				—				543,500
Purchase of treasury stock	(22,586		)		—				—				—				(22,586		)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	262				1,297				—				—				1,559
Debt issuance costs	(4,759		)		—				—				—				(4,759		)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	7,090				—				—				—				7,090
Proceeds from contributions from affiliates	—				—				20,586				(20,586		)		—
Dividends paid	(654,092		)		—				—				—				(654,092		)
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	(77,335		)		644				20,567				(20,586		)		(76,710		)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(14,950		)		(25		)		41,286				—				26,311
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	—				—				809				—				809
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	23,370				432				83,255				—				107,057
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	8,420			$	407			$	125,350			$	—			$	134,177

Reportable_Segment_Information1

Reportable Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Financial Information for Company's Franchising Segment	The following tables present the financial information for the Company's segments:
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Franchising		SkyTouch Technology			Corporate			Elimination			Consolidated
							& Other			Adjustments
		(in thousands)
	Revenues	$	757,370	$	600		$	—		$	—		$	757,970
	Operating income (loss)	273,177		(17,065		)	(41,544		)	—			214,568
	Depreciation and amortization	23,251		1,007			2,233			(17,126		)	9,365
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes	272,520		(17,065		)	(81,697		)	—			173,758
	Capital expenditures	19,958		1,816			14,800			—			36,574
	Total assets	318,306		4,197			324,767			—			647,270
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Franchising		SkyTouch Technology			Corporate			Elimination			Consolidated
							& Other			Adjustments
		(in thousands)
	Revenues	$	724,617	$	33		$	—		$	—		$	724,650
	Operating income (loss)	248,253		(9,994		)	(42,011		)	—			196,248
	Depreciation and amortization	22,295		398			2,378			(16,015		)	9,056
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes	248,887		(9,994		)	(80,221		)	—			158,672
	Capital expenditures	12,079		2,295			19,023			—			33,397
	Total assets	300,292		2,303			253,827			—			556,422
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Franchising		SkyTouch Technology			Corporate & Other			Elimination Adjustment			Consolidated
		(in thousands)
	Revenues	$	692,728	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	692,728
	Operating income (loss)	236,013		(3,370		)	(39,163		)	—			193,480
	Depreciation and amortization	20,111		10			2,102			(14,532		)	7,691
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes	236,225		(3,370		)	(63,349		)	—			169,506
	Capital expenditures	13,998		107			1,338			—			15,443
	Total assets	322,434		101			209,367			—			531,902

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Discontinued Operations, Income Statement and Balance Sheet Disclosures	Summarized financial information related to the discontinued operations is as follows:
		For the Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Revenues
	Hotel operations	$	801		$	4,774	$	4,573
	Total revenues	801			4,774		4,573
	Operating Expenses
	Hotel operations	927			3,678		3,505
	Depreciation and amortization	—			526		535
	Total operating expenses	927			4,204		4,040
	Operating income (loss)	(126		)	570		533
	Gain on disposal of discontinued operations	2,807			—		—
	Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	2,681			570		533
	Income taxes	994			211		198
	Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$	1,687		$	359	$	335
		As of December 31, 2014			As of December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Cash	$	—		$	550
	Receivables, net	—			106
	Other current assets	—			223
	Income taxes receivable	—			20
	Total current assets	—			899
	Property and equipment, at cost, net	—			8,816
	Total assets	—			9,715
	Accounts payable	45			425
	Accrued expenses	—			10
	Income taxes payable	994			—
	Total liabilities	1,039			435
	Net assets of discontinued operations	$	(1,039	)	$	9,280

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D1

Selected Quarterly Financial Data - (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data - (Unaudited)
		First			Second		Third			Fourth			2014(1)
		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter			Quarter
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Revenues	$	159,736		$	197,664	$	215,168		$	185,402		$	757,970
	Operating income	$	41,172		$	60,153	$	66,986		$	46,257		$	214,568
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	31,528		$	50,234	$	55,958		$	36,038		$	173,758
	Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes	$	21,469		$	35,279	$	39,416		$	25,309		$	121,473
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$	1,641		$	121	$	(51	)	$	(24	)	$	1,687
	Net income	$	23,110		$	35,400	$	39,365		$	25,285		$	123,160
	Per basic share:
	Continuing Operations	$	0.37		$	0.61	$	0.67		$	0.44		$	2.08
	Discontinued Operations	$	0.03		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	0.03
	Per diluted share:
	Continuing operations	$	0.36		$	0.6	$	0.67		$	0.43		$	2.07
	Discontinued operations	$	0.03		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	0.03
		First			Second		Third			Fourth			2013 (1)
		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter			Quarter
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Revenues	$	148,171		$	190,930	$	216,718		$	168,831		$	724,650
	Operating income	$	37,139		$	54,739	$	63,228		$	41,142		$	196,248
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	27,582		$	44,504	$	54,271		$	32,315		$	158,672
	Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes	$	19,776		$	31,624	$	38,573		$	23,377		$	113,350
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$	(33	)	$	183	$	143		$	66		$	359
	Net income	$	19,743		$	31,807	$	38,716		$	23,443		$	113,709
	Per basic share:
	Continuing Operations	$	0.34		$	0.54	$	0.66		$	0.4		$	1.94
	Discontinued Operations	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Per diluted share:
	Continuing operations	$	0.34		$	0.54	$	0.65		$	0.4		$	1.92
	Discontinued operations	$	—		$	—	$	0.01		$	—		$	0.01
	(1) The sum of the earnings per share for the four quarters may differ from annual earnings per share due to the required method of computing the weighted average shares in interim periods.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	hotel
Company-owned hotels, approved to be sold	3
Franchise agreements, provision for termination, period 1		5 years
Franchise agreements, provision for termination, period 2		10 years
Franchise agreements, provision for termination, period 3		15 years
Advertising expense		$93,700,000	$84,700,000	$79,700,000
Prepaid advertising		45,000	200,000
Impairment of intangible assets (excluding goodwill)		0	0
Goodwill, impairment loss		0	0
Foreign currency transaction gains and (losses)		900,000	400,000	-100,000
Choice Hospitality India LTD [Member]
Impairment of intangible assets (excluding goodwill)			200,000
Goodwill, impairment loss			200,000
Trademarks [Member]
Impairment of intangible assets, indefinite-lived (excluding goodwill)		0	0
Accounts Payable [Member]
Book overdrafts		$5,400,000	$5,000,000
Minimum [Member]
Franchise agreement, initial term		10 years
Maximum [Member]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage		50.00%
Franchise agreement, initial term		20 years

Other_Current_Assets_Schedule_

Other Current Assets - Schedule Of Other Current Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]
Notes receivable	$3,961	$12,816
Prepaid expenses	12,280	13,746
Other current assets	3,081	3,148
Total	$19,322	$29,710

Notes_Receivable_and_Allowance2

Notes Receivable and Allowance for Losses - Past due balances of mezzanine and other notes receivable (Details) (Mezzanine & Other Notes Receivable [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
30-89 days Past Due	$0	$0
Greater than 90 days Past Due	47	9,676
Total Past Due	47	9,676
Current	17,963	25,933
Total Mezzanine and Other Notes Receivables	18,010	35,609
Senior [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
30-89 days Past Due	0	0
Greater than 90 days Past Due	0	0
Total Past Due	0	0
Current	10,152	18,052
Total Mezzanine and Other Notes Receivables	10,152	18,052
Subordinated [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
30-89 days Past Due	0	0
Greater than 90 days Past Due	0	9,629
Total Past Due	0	9,629
Current	3,863	4,523
Total Mezzanine and Other Notes Receivables	3,863	14,152
Unsecured [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
30-89 days Past Due	0	0
Greater than 90 days Past Due	47	47
Total Past Due	47	47
Current	3,948	3,358
Total Mezzanine and Other Notes Receivables	$3,995	$3,405

Notes_Receivable_and_Allowance3

Notes Receivable and Allowance for Losses - Accretable yield reconciliation (Details) (Mezzanine & Other Notes Receivable [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Mezzanine & Other Notes Receivable [Member]
Loans, Accretable Yield Movement Schedule [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning of Year	$582	$1,161
Additions	0	0
Accretion	-143	-579
Disposals	-439	0
Reclassifications from nonaccretable yield	0	0
Balance, End of Year	$0	$582

Notes_Receivable_and_Allowance4

Notes Receivable and Allowance for Losses - Schedule of notes receivable (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes receivable	$50,389	$56,234
Allowance for losses on non-impaired loans	5,201	3,257
Allowance for losses on receivables specifically evaluated for impairment	786	8,289
Total loan reserves	5,987	11,546
Net carrying value	44,402	44,688
Current portion, net	3,961	12,816
Long-term portion, net	40,441	31,872
Senior [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes receivable	10,152	18,052
Subordinated [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes receivable	3,863	14,152
Unsecured [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes receivable	36,374	24,030
Forgivable Notes Receivable [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes receivable	32,379	20,625
Allowance for losses on non-impaired loans	3,661	1,650
Allowance for losses on receivables specifically evaluated for impairment	0	0
Total loan reserves	3,661	1,650	1,623
Net carrying value	28,718	18,975
Current portion, net	124	361
Long-term portion, net	28,594	18,614
Forgivable Notes Receivable [Member] | Senior [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes receivable	0	0
Forgivable Notes Receivable [Member] | Subordinated [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes receivable	0	0
Forgivable Notes Receivable [Member] | Unsecured [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes receivable	32,379	20,625
Mezzanine & Other Notes Receivable [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes receivable	18,010	35,609
Allowance for losses on non-impaired loans	1,540	1,607
Allowance for losses on receivables specifically evaluated for impairment	786	8,289
Total loan reserves	2,326	9,896	8,927
Net carrying value	15,684	25,713
Current portion, net	3,837	12,455
Long-term portion, net	11,847	13,258
Mezzanine & Other Notes Receivable [Member] | Senior [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes receivable	10,152	18,052
Mezzanine & Other Notes Receivable [Member] | Subordinated [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes receivable	3,863	14,152
Mezzanine & Other Notes Receivable [Member] | Unsecured [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes receivable	$3,995	$3,405

Notes_Receivable_and_Allowance5

Notes Receivable and Allowance for Losses - Summary of activity related to allowance for losses (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Ending balance	$5,987		$11,546
Forgivable Notes Receivable [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,650		1,623
Provisions	2,528		699
Recoveries	-303		-9
Write-offs	-305		-115
Other	91	[1]	-548	[1]
Ending balance	3,661		1,650
Mezzanine & Other Notes Receivable [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	9,896		8,927
Provisions	102		969
Recoveries	-875		0
Write-offs	-6,797		0
Other	0	[1]	0	[1]
Ending balance	$2,326		$9,896
[1]	Consists of default rate assumption changes

Notes_Receivable_and_Allowance6

Notes Receivable and Allowance for Losses - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 02, 2011
	category
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Number of notes receivable categories for evaluating credit losses	2
Number of days outstanding to consider loans outstanding past due in order to cease accruing interest (more than)	30 days
Allowance for losses on non-impaired loans	$5,201,000	$3,257,000
Notes receivable, related parties	50,389,000	56,234,000
Amortization expense	9,365,000	9,056,000	7,691,000
Collateral of Single-purpose Limited Liability Company [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Face value of notes value deemed impaired				9,600,000
Loan reserves on impaired loans				7,400,000
Impaired loans, carrying value				2,200,000
Business combination, assets acquired				13,500,000
Business combination, liabilities assumed				-10,700,000
Business combination, net fair value				2,800,000
Recovery of bad debts				600,000
Senior [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes receivable, related parties	10,152,000	18,052,000
Mezzanine & Other Notes Receivable [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Face value of notes value deemed impaired	800,000	12,500,000
Loan reserves on impaired loans	800,000	8,300,000
Impaired loans, carrying value	0	4,200,000
Average mezzanine and other notes receivable on non-accrual status	11,500,000	12,900,000
Interest income on impaired loans, cash basis method	200,000	400,000
Allowance for losses on non-impaired loans	1,540,000	1,607,000
Mortgage loans acquired					11,500,000
Payments to acquire mortgage notes receivable					7,900,000
Contractually required payments receivable at acquisition					12,000,000
Cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition					9,700,000
Accretable yield, amount	1,800,000	1,800,000
Accretable yield, percentage	7.36%	7.36%
Notes receivable, related parties	18,010,000	35,609,000
Mezzanine & Other Notes Receivable [Member] | Senior [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Mortgage notes receivable, carrying amount		7,900,000
Mortgage loans receivable, allowance for uncollectable amounts		0
Notes receivable, related parties	10,152,000	18,052,000
Forgivable Notes Receivable [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Allowance for losses on non-impaired loans	3,661,000	1,650,000
Notes receivable, related parties	32,379,000	20,625,000
Forgivable, unsecured notes, past due	1,200,000
Amortization expense	5,000,000	4,200,000	2,800,000
Forgivable Notes Receivable [Member] | Senior [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes receivable, related parties	$0	$0

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$169,987,000	$150,256,000
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-92,678,000	-82,404,000
Property and equipment, at cost, net	77,309,000	67,852,000
Depreciation and amortization	9,365,000	9,056,000	7,691,000
Land and land improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	3,107,000	2,490,000
Facilities in progress and software under development [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	10,408,000	6,435,000
Computer equipment and software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	99,306,000	83,089,000
Buildings and leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	37,013,000	38,403,000
Furniture, fixtures and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	15,326,000	16,371,000
Assets under capital lease [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	4,827,000	3,468,000
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-2,000,000	-1,400,000
Property and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Interest costs capitalized	400,000
Software Development [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost, net	25,200,000	15,900,000
Depreciation and amortization	$6,300,000	$3,800,000	$3,300,000

Property_and_Equipment_Estimat

Property and Equipment - Estimated useful lives (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$3.10	$3.20	$2.40
Minimum [Member] | Computer equipment and software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	2 years
Minimum [Member] | Buildings and leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Furniture, fixtures and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Assets under capital leases [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	3 years
Maximum [Member] | Computer equipment and software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	5 years
Maximum [Member] | Buildings and leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	40 years
Maximum [Member] | Furniture, fixtures and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	15 years
Maximum [Member] | Assets under capital leases [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	8 years

Goodwill_Details

Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$66,005	$66,005
Accumulated impairment losses	-192	-192
Net carrying amount	$65,813	$65,813
Suburban transaction [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Business acquisition, percentage of interest acquired	100.00%
India acquisition [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Business acquisition, percentage of interest acquired	60.00%

Franchise_Rights_and_Other_Ide2

Franchise Rights and Other Identifiable Intangibles - Components of Franchise Rights and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Franchise rights and other identifiable intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	$8,912	$9,953
Franchise rights, net of accumulated amortization [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Franchise rights and other identifiable intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	2,753	6,069
Other identifiable intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Franchise rights and other identifiable intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	$6,159	$3,884

Franchise_Rights_and_Other_Ide3

Franchise Rights and Other Identifiable Intangibles - Franchise Rights Future Amortization Expense (Details) (Franchise Rights [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Franchise Rights [Member]
Franchise Rights Amortization [Line Items]
2015	$2.20
2016	0.3
2017	0.2
2018	0
2019	$0

Franchise_Rights_and_Other_Ide4

Franchise Rights and Other Identifiable Intangibles - Trademark Future Amortization Expense (Details) (Trademarks [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Trademarks [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2015	$0.60
2016	0.5
2017	0.5
2018	0.4
2019	$0.40

Franchise_Rights_and_Other_Ide5

Franchise Rights and Other Identifiable Intangibles - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$9,365,000	$9,056,000	$7,691,000
Intangible assets acquired	2,200,000
Trademarks [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	1,000,000
Franchise Rights [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	3,300,000	3,500,000	3,700,000
Accumulated amortization	79,200,000	76,400,000
Franchise Rights [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	5 years
Franchise Rights [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	25 years
Trademarks [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	10 years
Amortization expense	600,000	500,000	500,000
Accumulated amortization	$8,000,000	$7,500,000
Other identifiable intangible assets [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	36 years

Marketing_And_Reservation_Acti1

Marketing And Reservation Activities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Advances, Marketing and Reservation Activities [Line Items]
Advances, marketing and reservation activities	$0	$5,844
Depreciation and amortization	9,365	9,056	7,691
Interest expense	41,486	42,537	27,189
Marketing and reservation fees [Member]
Advances, Marketing and Reservation Activities [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	17,100	16,000	14,500
Reservation activities [Member]
Advances, Marketing and Reservation Activities [Line Items]
Interest expense	1,900	3,700	4,000
Other Long-term Liabilities [Member]
Advances, Marketing and Reservation Activities [Line Items]
Advances, marketing and reservation activities	$44,300

Other_Assets_Components_Of_Oth

Other Assets - Components Of Other Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Assets [Line Items]
Equity method investments	$50,605,000	$32,257,000
Deferred financing fees	7,228,000	8,954,000
Land	4,011,000	10,097,000
Other assets	3,452,000	856,000
Total	65,296,000	52,164,000
Investment in joint venture, variable interest entity, carrying amount	47,100,000	28,900,000
Net income attributable to variable interest entities	-1,500,000	8,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	30,608,000	25,076,000	17,892,000
Operating income (loss)	-2,533,000	-752,000	-5,164,000
Income from continuing operations	-3,616,000	-721,000	-5,105,000
Net income	-4,670,000	-1,858,000	-6,288,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets [Abstract]
Current assets	41,783,000	44,722,000
Non-current assets	202,810,000	129,928,000
Total assets	244,593,000	174,650,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities [Abstract]
Current liabilities	17,823,000	13,859,000
Non-current liabilities	98,535,000	65,431,000
Total liabilities	$116,358,000	$79,290,000
Main Street WP Hotel Associates, LLC [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	50.00%
FBC-CHI Hotels LLC [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	40.00%	40.00%
CS Hotel 30W46th, LLC [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	25.00%	25.00%
CS Brickell, LLC [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	0.00%
CHH Plano, LLC [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	50.00%
CS Maple Grove LLC [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	50.00%
CS Hotel West Orange, LLC [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	50.00%
Hotel JV Services, LLC [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	16.00%	17.00%
CS at Ninth, LLC [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	43.00%	43.00%
CS at Phoenix, LLC [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	50.00%
CS Woodlands, LLC [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	0.00%
Choice Hotels Canada Inc CHC [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	50.00%

Accrued_Expenses_Details

Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued compensation and benefits	$29,975	$24,461
Accrued interest	16,418	16,410
Dividends payable	11,176	10,785
Termination benefits	984	582
Other liabilities and contingencies	4,977	4,387
Total	$63,530	$56,625

Deferred_Revenue_Components_Of

Deferred Revenue - Components Of Deferred Revenue (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Deferred revenue	$66,382	$61,188
Loyalty programs [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Deferred revenue	57,757	53,875
Initial, relicensing and franchise fees [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Deferred revenue	6,439	5,354
Procurement services fees [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Deferred revenue	1,936	1,504
Other [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Deferred revenue	$250	$455

Other_NonCurrent_Liabilities_D

Other Non-Current Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Marketing and reservation liability	$44,272	$0
Deferred rent and unamortized lease incentives	14,898	16,337
Uncertain tax positions	4,108	5,627
Deferred revenue	4,320	1,633
Other liabilities	2,306	211
Total	$69,904	$23,808

Debt_Schedule_Of_Components_Of

Debt - Schedule Of Components Of Debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 27, 2012	Aug. 25, 2010	Jul. 25, 2012	Dec. 30, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net principal payments	$794,431,000	$793,559,000
Less current portion	12,349,000	10,088,000
Long-term debt	782,082,000	783,471,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net principal payments	649,636,000
Senior Notes [Member] | $400 Million Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net principal payments	400,000,000	400,000,000
Debt instrument, face amount			400,000,000
Debt instrument effective interest rate	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%
Senior Notes [Member] | $250 Million Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net principal payments	249,636,000	249,572,000
Debt instrument, face amount				250,000,000
Debt instrument effective interest rate	6.19%	6.19%		6.19%
Senior notes, discount	400,000	400,000		600,000
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net principal payments	129,375,000
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | $350 Million Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net principal payments	129,375,000	138,750,000
Debt instrument, face amount					350,000,000
Debt instrument effective interest rate	2.17%	2.17%
Collateralized Mortgage [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net principal payments	10,667,000	0
Debt instrument, fair value adjustment	1,200,000					1,200,000
Debt instrument effective interest rate	4.65%
Economic Development Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net principal payments	3,536,000	3,360,000
Debt instrument effective interest rate	3.00%	3.00%
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net principal payments	1,149,000	1,848,000
Debt instrument effective interest rate	3.18%	3.18%
Capital lease maturity, year	2016	2016
Other Notes Payable [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net principal payments	$68,000	$29,000

Debt_Maturities_Of_Debt_Detail

Debt - Maturities Of Debt (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$12,647,000
2016	119,128,000
2017	440,000
2018	474,000
2019	498,000
Thereafter	661,706,000
Total payments	794,893,000
Less: Amount representing estimated executory costs	-432,000
Less: Amounts representing interest	-30,000
Net principal payments	794,431,000	793,559,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	0
2016	0
2017	0
2018	0
2019	0
Thereafter	649,636,000
Total payments	649,636,000
Less: Amount representing estimated executory costs	0
Less: Amounts representing interest	0
Net principal payments	649,636,000
Capital Lease [Member]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	1,017,000
2016	594,000
2017	0
2018	0
2019	0
Thereafter	0
Total payments	1,611,000
Less: Amount representing estimated executory costs	-432,000
Less: Amounts representing interest	-30,000
Net principal payments	1,149,000	1,848,000
Revolving Credit Facilities [Member]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	11,250,000
2016	118,125,000
2017	0
2018	0
2019	0
Thereafter	0
Total payments	129,375,000
Less: Amount representing estimated executory costs	0
Less: Amounts representing interest	0
Net principal payments	129,375,000
Other Notes Payable [Member]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	380,000
2016	409,000
2017	440,000
2018	474,000
2019	498,000
Thereafter	12,070,000
Total payments	14,271,000
Less: Amount representing estimated executory costs	0
Less: Amounts representing interest	0
Net principal payments	$14,271,000

Debt_Narrative_Details

Debt - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended			17 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 23, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 27, 2012	Aug. 25, 2010	Jul. 25, 2012	Jul. 25, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 30, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt		$794,431,000						$793,559,000
2012 Special Cash Dividend [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Special dividend payment date	23-Aug-12
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt		649,636,000
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt		129,375,000
Economic Development Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument stated interest rate		3.00%
Debt instrument effective interest rate		3.00%						3.00%
Outstanding debt		3,536,000						3,360,000
Economic development agreements - total advances agreed upon		4,400,000
Economic development agreements - advances received		3,500,000
Economic development agreements - advances not yet received		900,000
Economic development agreements - measurement frequency		annually
Economic development agreements - term		10 years
Collateralized Mortgage [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument stated interest rate									7.26%
Debt instrument effective interest rate		4.65%
Outstanding debt		10,667,000						0
Mortgage obligation									9,500,000
Debt instrument, future balloon payment									6,900,000
Debt instrument, unamortized premium		1,200,000							1,200,000
$400 Million Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument issuance date			27-Jun-12
Debt instrument, face amount			400,000,000
Debt instrument stated interest rate			5.75%
Debt instrument effective interest rate		6.00%	6.00%					6.00%
Debt instrument maturity date			1-Jul-22
Debt instrument payment frequency			semi-annually
Number of wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries			8
Outstanding debt		400,000,000						400,000,000
$400 Million Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument Redemption [Domain]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, percentage of principal amount to be redeemed			100.00%
$400 Million Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument Redemption [Domain] | Treasury Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, description of variable rate basis			Treasury Rate
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate			0.50%
$400 Million Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Other Current Assets and Other Assets [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance cost			7,500,000
$400 Million Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | 2012 Special Cash Dividend [Member] | 2012 Special Cash Dividend [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Payments of special dividends	600,700,000
Special dividend payment date	23-Aug-12
$250 Million Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument issuance date				25-Aug-10
Debt instrument, face amount				250,000,000
Debt instrument stated interest rate				5.70%
Debt instrument effective interest rate		6.19%		6.19%				6.19%
Debt instrument maturity date				28-Aug-20
Debt instrument payment frequency				semi-annually
Number of wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries				8
Senior notes, discount		400,000		600,000				400,000
Outstanding debt		249,636,000						249,572,000
$250 Million Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument Redemption [Domain]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, percentage of principal amount to be redeemed				100.00%
$250 Million Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument Redemption [Domain] | Treasury Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, description of variable rate basis				Treasury Rate
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate				0.45%
$350 Million Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument issuance date					25-Jul-12
Debt instrument, face amount					350,000,000	350,000,000
Debt instrument effective interest rate		2.17%						2.17%
Percentage of ownership in certain domestic subsidiaries included as security by first priority pledges					100.00%
Percentage of ownership in certain foreign and domestic subsidiaries and franchise agreements included as security by first priority pledges					65.00%
Debt instrument additional borrowing capacity					100,000,000	100,000,000
Credit facility, unused capacity, commitment fee percentage					0.30%
Total leverage ratio		3.11
Maximum secured leverage ratio		0.51
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio		5.07
Outstanding debt		129,375,000						138,750,000
$350 Million Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total leverage ratio (not more than)					4.5
$350 Million Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate					4.25%
$350 Million Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate					2.00%
$350 Million Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate					3.25%
$350 Million Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate					1.00%
$350 Million Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Final Loan Term (Extension) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, extension, term					1 year
$350 Million Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Total Leverage Ratio exceeds 4.50 to 1.00 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, dividend restrictions					50,000,000
$350 Million Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Year 1 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total leverage ratio (not more than)					5.75
Secured leverage ratio (not more than)					2.5
$350 Million Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Year 2 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total leverage ratio (not more than)					5
Secured leverage ratio (not more than)					2.25
$350 Million Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Year 3 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total leverage ratio (not more than)					4.5
Secured leverage ratio (not more than)					2
$350 Million Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Year 3 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed charge coverage ratio (not less than)					2.25
$350 Million Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | After Year 3 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total leverage ratio (not more than)					4
Secured leverage ratio (not more than)					1.75
$350 Million Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | After Year 3 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed charge coverage ratio (not less than)					2.5
$350 Million Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Years 1 and 2 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed charge coverage ratio (not less than)					2
$350 Million Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Other Current Assets and Other Assets [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance cost					3,700,000
$350 Million Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | 2012 Special Cash Dividend [Member] | 2012 Special Cash Dividend [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Payments of special dividends	600,700,000
Special dividend payment date	23-Aug-12
$350 Million Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument maturity date					25-Jul-16
$200 Million Revolver [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit maximum borrowing capacity					200,000,000	200,000,000
Outstanding debt		0						0
$200 Million Revolver [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit maximum borrowing capacity					25,000,000	25,000,000
$200 Million Revolver [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | Swingline Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit maximum borrowing capacity					10,000,000	10,000,000
$200 Million Revolver [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | Alternative Currency Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit maximum borrowing capacity					35,000,000	35,000,000
$150 Million Term Loan [Member] | Term Loan, Long-term [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount					150,000,000	150,000,000
Debt instrument payment frequency					quarterly
Outstanding debt		129,400,000					138,800,000
$150 Million Term Loan [Member] | Term Loan, Long-term [Member] | Final Loan Term (Extension) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, amortization installment payment phases					1 year
Debt instrument, amortization installment payments, percentage of original principal balance					10.00%
$150 Million Term Loan [Member] | Term Loan, Long-term [Member] | Initial Loan Term [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, amortization installment payment phases					2 years
Debt instrument, amortization installment payments, percentage of original principal balance					5.00%
$150 Million Term Loan [Member] | Term Loan, Long-term [Member] | Second Loan Term [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, amortization installment payment phases					2 years
Debt instrument, amortization installment payments, percentage of original principal balance					7.50%
$300 Million Revolver [Member] [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, commitment fee percentage						0.45%
$300 Million Revolver [Member] [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, commitment fee percentage						0.20%
$300 Million Revolver [Member] [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate						1.80%
$300 Million Revolver [Member] [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate						1.05%
$300 Million Revolver [Member] [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate						0.80%
$300 Million Revolver [Member] [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate						0.05%
$300 Million Revolver [Member] [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Termination of unsecured revolving credit agreement					300,000,000
Unamortized debt issuance expense					1,700,000	1,700,000
Write off of deferred debt issuance cost							$500,000
Credit facility, frequency of commitment fee payment					quarterly

Pension_Plan_Reconciliation_Of

Pension Plan - Reconciliation Of The Changes In Projected Benefit Obligation (Details) (Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	$11,896
Interest cost	526
Actuarial loss (gain)	-85
Benefit payments	-414
Settlement payments	-11,923
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	$0

Pension_Plan_Components_Of_Net

Pension Plan - Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Details) (Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Interest cost	$526
Amortization of actuarial loss	128
Subtotal	654
Settlement loss, net	2,162
Net periodic benefit cost	$2,816
Weighted average assumption:
Discount rate	4.50%

Pension_Plan_Narrative_Details

Pension Plan - Narrative (Details) (Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Settlement loss, net	($2,162,000)
Actuarial gain (loss)	85,000
OCI reclassification, net gain (loss) recognized in net periodic benefit cost	-2,300,000
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension expense		$2,800,000

NonQualified_Retirement_Saving1

Non-Qualified Retirement, Savings and Investment Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits
Number of non-qualified retirement savings and investment plans	2
Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value	$214,000	$400,000
Executive Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits
Deferred compensation liability, current and long-term	10,200,000	11,300,000
Compensation expense	500,000	900,000	800,000
Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value	200,000
Investment gains (losses)	-49,000	300,000	1,200,000
Common stock held by non-qualified plan	200,000	200,000
Restricted Investments, at Fair Value	4,600,000	4,100,000
Non-Qualified Plan [Member]
Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits
Deferred compensation liability, current and long-term	14,400,000	13,700,000
Investment gains (losses)	-400,000	1,300,000	800,000
Common stock held by non-qualified plan	1,300,000	1,400,000
Increase (decrease) in compensation expense	-300,000	1,700,000	700,000
Restricted Investments, at Fair Value	$13,100,000	$12,300,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule Of Fair Value Of Assets (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Assets measured at fair value	$67,754		$66,351
Money Market Funds [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Assets
Money market funds, included in cash and cash equivalents, fair value	50,001		50,001
Money Market Funds [Member] | Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value [Member]
Assets
Mutual funds and money market funds, fair value	1,348	[1]	1,786	[1]
Mutual Funds [Member] | Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value [Member]
Assets
Mutual funds and money market funds, fair value	16,405	[1]	14,564	[1]
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Assets measured at fair value	16,405		14,564
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Assets
Money market funds, included in cash and cash equivalents, fair value	0		0
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member] | Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value [Member]
Assets
Mutual funds and money market funds, fair value	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value [Member]
Assets
Mutual funds and money market funds, fair value	16,405	[1]	14,564	[1]
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Assets measured at fair value	51,349		51,787
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Assets
Money market funds, included in cash and cash equivalents, fair value	50,001		50,001
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member] | Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value [Member]
Assets
Mutual funds and money market funds, fair value	1,348	[1]	1,786	[1]
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value [Member]
Assets
Mutual funds and money market funds, fair value	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Assets measured at fair value	0		0
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Assets
Money market funds, included in cash and cash equivalents, fair value	0		0
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member] | Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value [Member]
Assets
Mutual funds and money market funds, fair value	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value [Member]
Assets
Mutual funds and money market funds, fair value	$0	[1]	$0	[1]
[1]	Included in Investments, employee benefit plans at fair value on consolidated balance sheets.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2010	Jun. 27, 2012
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, transfers between measurement levels	$0	$0
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, transfers between measurement levels	0	0
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] | $250 Million Senior Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt instrument, fair value	268,900,000	261,300,000
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] | $400 Million Senior Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt instrument, fair value	437,700,000	416,000,000
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | $250 Million Senior Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount			250,000,000
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | $400 Million Senior Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount				400,000,000
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, transfers between measurement levels	$0	$0

401k_Retirement_Plan_Details

401(k) Retirement Plan (Details) (401 K Retirement Plan, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
401 K Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Compensation expense	$3.50	$3.70	$3.70

Income_Taxes_Pretax_Income_Det

Income Taxes - Pretax Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$36,038	$55,958	$50,234	$31,528	$32,315	$54,271	$44,504	$27,582	$173,758	$158,672	$169,506
U.S. [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									138,616	122,517	131,722
Outside the U.S. [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									$35,142	$36,155	$37,784

Income_Taxes_Provision_For_Inc

Income Taxes - Provision For Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current tax expense
Federal	$67,985	$46,925	$40,821
State	6,278	4,891	4,705
Foreign	1,689	1,914	2,345
Deferred tax (benefit) expense
Federal	-21,398	-7,011	-249
State	-2,116	-635	101
Foreign	-153	-762	505
Income taxes	$52,285	$45,322	$48,228

Income_Taxes_Net_Deferred_Tax_

Income Taxes - Net Deferred Tax Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Tax Assets [Line Items]
Property, equipment and intangible assets	($8,687)	($10,153)
Accrued compensation	15,124	15,696
Accrued expenses	35,023	12,718
Foreign operations	790	603
Foreign net operating losses	1,800	1,441
Deferred tax asset on unrecognized tax positions	1,283	1,736
Other	1,026	1,162
Net deferred tax assets	44,406	21,535
Valuation Allowance, Other Tax Carryforward [Member]
Deferred Tax Assets [Line Items]
Valuation allowance, foreign	-153	-227
Valuation Allowance, Operating Loss Carryforwards [Member]
Deferred Tax Assets [Line Items]
Valuation allowance, foreign	($1,800)	($1,441)

Income_Taxes_Net_Deferred_Tax_1

Income Taxes - Net Deferred Tax Assets Balance Sheet Presentation (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current net deferred tax assets	$23,860	$26,684
Non-current net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	20,546	-5,149
Net deferred tax assets	$44,406	$21,535

Income_Taxes_Effective_Rate_De

Income Taxes - Effective Rate (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate	1.60%	1.60%	1.50%
Benefits and taxes related to foreign operations	-6.20%	-7.20%	-8.50%
Unrecognized tax positions	-0.40%	-0.20%	0.10%
Adjustment to current and deferred taxes, prior years	0.00%	0.00%	-0.50%
Other	0.10%	-0.60%	0.90%
Effective income tax rates	30.10%	28.60%	28.50%

Income_Taxes_Tax_Contingency_D

Income Taxes - Tax Contingency (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance, January 1	$4,047	$4,415	$4,570
Changes for tax positions of prior years	5	503	410
Increases for tax positions related to the current year	1,201	1,164	0
Settlements and lapsing of statutes of limitations	-1,858	-2,035	-565
Balance, December 31	$3,395	$4,047	$4,415

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards	$1,800,000	$1,441,000
Other deferred tax assets	1,026,000	1,162,000
Effective income tax rates	30.10%	28.60%	28.50%
Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Unrecognized tax benefits	3,395,000	4,047,000	4,415,000	4,570,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, impact on effective tax rate	2,800,000
Settlements and lapsing of statutes of limitations	3,400,000
Income tax penalties and interest accrued	700,000	1,600,000
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	205,200,000
Discontinued operations [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Effective income tax rates	37.10%	37.10%
Foreign Operations [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards	5,500,000
Other deferred tax assets	$500,000

ShareBased_Compensation_and_Ca2

Share-Based Compensation and Capital Stock - Weighted Average Assumptions Of Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model (Details) (Stock Options [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	1.56%	0.73%	0.78%
Expected volatility	25.01%	38.14%	40.15%
Expected life of stock option	4 years 6 months	4 years 6 months	4 years 4 months 24 days
Dividend yield	1.62%	2.01%	2.08%
Requisite service period	4 years	4 years	4 years
Contractual life	7 years	7 years	7 years
Weighted average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$8.82	$9.89	$9.98

ShareBased_Compensation_and_Ca3

Share-Based Compensation and Capital Stock - Range Of Exercise Prices (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding at December 31, 2014	1,903,177
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years 9 months 4 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$33.03
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable at December 31, 2014	995,173
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$25.06
Range 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price range, lower range limit (in dollars per share)	$0
Exercise price range, upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$24.37
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding at December 31, 2014	337,565
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	1 year 1 month 6 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$20.57
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable at December 31, 2014	337,565
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$20.57
Range 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price range, lower range limit (in dollars per share)	$24.38
Exercise price range, upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$29.25
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding at December 31, 2014	591,074
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	2 years 4 months 24 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$25.84
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable at December 31, 2014	494,330
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$25.61
Range 3 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price range, lower range limit (in dollars per share)	$29.26
Exercise price range, upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$34.12
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding at December 31, 2014	163,058
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years 1 month 6 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$31.31
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable at December 31, 2014	122,288
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$31.31
Range 4 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price range, lower range limit (in dollars per share)	$34.13
Exercise price range, upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$39
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding at December 31, 2014	163,975
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	5 years 1 month 6 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$36.76
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable at December 31, 2014	40,990
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$36.76
Range 5 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price range, lower range limit (in dollars per share)	$43.88
Exercise price range, upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$48.75
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding at December 31, 2014	647,505
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 2 months 26 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$45.59
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable at December 31, 2014	0
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$0

ShareBased_Compensation_and_Ca4

Share-Based Compensation and Capital Stock - Summary Of Activity Related To Restricted Stock Grants (Details) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted shares granted	154,833	225,240	266,159
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$46.81	$37.74	$35.76
Aggregate grant date fair value	$7,248	$8,500	$9,517
Restricted shares forfeited	23,804	40,552	26,824
Grant date fair value of shares vested	$10,280	$8,569	$6,696
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting service period of shares granted	12 months	12 months	12 months
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting service period of shares granted	48 months	48 months	68 months

ShareBased_Compensation_and_Ca5

Share-Based Compensation and Capital Stock - Summary Of Activity Related To PVRSU Grants (Details) (Performance Vested Restricted Stock Units [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance vested restricted stock units granted at target	24,678	80,184	117,523
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$45.59	$39.48	$35.27
Aggregate grant date fair value	$1,125	$3,165	$4,145
Stock units forfeited (in shares)	22,099	3,334	57,176
Requisite service period	36 months
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Requisite service period		22 months	24 months
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Requisite service period		38 months	60 months

ShareBased_Compensation_and_Ca6

Share-Based Compensation and Capital Stock - Summary of Change in Stock-Based Award Activity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at January 1 - Shares	1,661,952		1,934,034		1,573,726
Granted - Shares	651,757		173,413		160,408
Special Dividend Adjustment - Shares					497,497
Exercised - Shares	-390,290		-347,180		-266,754
Expired - Shares	0		-75,473
Forfeited - Shares	-20,242		-22,842		-30,843
Outstanding at December 31 - Shares	1,903,177		1,661,952		1,934,034
Options Exercisable at December 31 - Shares	995,173		1,181,374		1,302,624
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Outstanding at January 1 - Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$26.44		$25.80	[1]	$33.30	[1]
Granted - Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$45.59		$36.76		$35.60	[1]
Special Dividend Adjustment - Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)					$25.31	[1]
Exercised - Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$25.87		$25.54		$26.57	[1]
Expired - Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$0		$36.99
Forfeited - Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$34.33		$28.94		$36.67	[1]
Outstanding at December 31 - Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$33.03		$26.44		$25.80	[1]
Options Exercisable at December 31 - Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$25.06		$24.61		$25.62	[1]
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life - Outstanding at December 31	3 years 9 months 18 days		3 years		4 years
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life - Options Exercisable at December 31	2 years		2 years 2 months 12 days		3 years 1 month 6 days
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at January 1 - Shares	563,345		606,547		565,627
Granted - Shares	154,833		225,240		266,159
Vested - Shares	-214,818		-227,890		-198,415
Forfeited - Shares	-23,804		-40,552		-26,824
Outstanding at December 31 - Shares	479,556		563,345		606,547
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at January 1 - Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$36.64		$35.17		$34.43
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$46.81		$37.74		$35.76
Vested - Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$35.91		$33.94		$33.75
Forfeited - Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$38.97		$35.85		$36.06
Outstanding at December 31 - Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$40.14		$36.64		$35.17
Performance Vested Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at January 1 - Shares	216,342		170,116		109,769
Granted - Shares	24,678		80,184		117,523
Performance-Based Leveraging - Shares	10,251	[2]	9,192	[3]
Vested - Shares	-28,886		-39,816		0
Forfeited - Shares	-22,099		-3,334		-57,176
Outstanding at December 31 - Shares	200,286		216,342		170,116
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at January 1 - Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$37.34		$35.56		$35.57
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$45.59		$39.48		$35.27
Performance-Based Leveraging - Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$41.25		$32.60
Vested - Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$41.25		$32.60		$0
Forfeited - Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$34.77		$41.25		$34.98
Outstanding at December 31 - Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$38.28		$37.34		$35.56
[1]	The weighted average exercise price for options outstanding and exercisable reflect the reduction of the option price for outstanding options as described under "Special Dividend Adjustment". The weighted average exercise price for options granted, exercised or forfeited reflects the option price in effect at the time of the transaction.
[2]	PVRSU units outstanding have been increased by 10,251 units during the year ended December 31, 2014, due to the Company exceeding the targeted performance conditions contained in PVRSU's granted in prior periods
[3]	PVRSU units outstanding have been increased by 9,192 units during the year ended December 31, 2013, due to the Company exceeding the targeted performance conditions contained in PVRSU's granted in prior periods.

ShareBased_Compensation_and_Ca7

Share-Based Compensation and Capital Stock - Pretax Stock-Based Compensation Expenses And Associated Income Tax Benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Pretax stock-based compensation expense	$9.40	$11.50	$11.30
Income tax benefits	3.5	4.2	4.1
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Pretax stock-based compensation expense	2.4	1.8	2.1
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Pretax stock-based compensation expense	7.2	7.5	7.5
Performance Vested Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Pretax stock-based compensation expense	($0.20)	$2.20	$1.70

ShareBased_Compensation_and_Ca8

Share-Based Compensation and Capital Stock - Unrecognized Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized Compensation Expense on Unvested Awards	$19.40
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized Compensation Expense on Unvested Awards	5.7
Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Period	2 years 9 months 18 days
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized Compensation Expense on Unvested Awards	11.9
Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Period	2 years 4 months 24 days
Performance Vested Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized Compensation Expense on Unvested Awards	$1.80
Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Period	2 years

ShareBased_Compensation_and_Ca9

Share-Based Compensation and Capital Stock - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended					198 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended											0 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2005	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 01, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Aug. 23, 2012	Jul. 26, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Frequency of dividend payments		quarterly
Dividends declared		$43,784,000		$43,212,000		$643,374,000
Dividends paid		43,529,000		32,799,000		654,092,000
Number of shares authorized		7,600,000					7,600,000		7,600,000
Number of shares available for grant		2,700,000					2,700,000		2,700,000
Options granted, shares		651,757		173,413		160,408
Options granted, fair value		5,700,000		1,700,000		1,600,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock, options, outstanding		43,700,000					43,700,000		43,700,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of the stock options, exercisable				30,800,000
Total intrinsic value of options exercised		10,100,000		5,200,000		2,800,000
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		10,098,000		8,864,000		7,090,000
Stock options exercised		390,290		347,180		266,754
Stock option adjustment due to special dividend (shares)						497,497
Percentage adjustment to stock option exercise price due to special dividend				24.00%
Stock-based compensation expense		9,400,000		11,500,000		11,300,000
Stock repurchased during period, shares		1,400,000		0		500,000	46,700,000
Common stock purchased under stock repurchase program, value		72,600,000				19,900,000	1,200,000,000
Common stock split, conversion ratio	2
Shares paid for tax withholding for share-based compensation		110,579		103,880		75,105
Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation		5,300,000		4,000,000		2,700,000
Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options exercised		390,290		347,180		266,754
Decrease to shares outstanding, reconciliation		341,278						300,000
Prior To Stock Split [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock repurchased during period, shares							33,000,000
Performance Vested Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividends paid		400,000		500,000		0
Grants vested (shares)		-28,886		-39,816		0
Grant date fair value of shares vested		1,400,000		1,500,000
Grants vested, initial target (shares)		18,635		30,624
Grants vested, percentage		155.00%		130.00%
Performance-based leveraging (in shares)		10,251	[1]	9,192	[2]
Stock units forfeited (in shares)		22,099		3,334		57,176
Stock-based compensation expense		-200,000		2,200,000		1,700,000
Performance Vested Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Adjustment [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense		1,300,000		-300,000		500,000
Performance Vested Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting range		0.00%
Vesting percentage for stock-based award target achievement		0.00%
Performance Vested Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting range		200.00%
Vesting percentage for stock-based award target achievement		180.00%
Quarterly Dividend Rate [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Annual amount, per share, of dividends declared (in dollars per share)									$0.20	$0.19	$0.19	$0.19	$0.19	$0.19	$0.19	$0.19	$0.19	$0.19	$0.19
Dividends declared		43,800,000		43,200,000		42,700,000
Annual Dividend Rate [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Annual amount, per share, of dividends declared (in dollars per share)		$0.75		$0.74
2012 Special Cash Dividend [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Annual amount, per share, of dividends declared (in dollars per share)																					$10.41
Dividends declared																					$600,700,000
Dividends payable, date to be paid																				23-Aug-12
[1]	PVRSU units outstanding have been increased by 10,251 units during the year ended December 31, 2014, due to the Company exceeding the targeted performance conditions contained in PVRSU's granted in prior periods
[2]	PVRSU units outstanding have been increased by 9,192 units during the year ended December 31, 2013, due to the Company exceeding the targeted performance conditions contained in PVRSU's granted in prior periods.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	($2,087)	($472)	$2,391
Deferred loss on cash flow hedge	-4,884	-5,745	-6,607
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	($6,971)	($6,217)	($4,216)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Narrative (Details) (Interest Rate Swap [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2010
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		$250,000,000
Debt instrument, term		10 years
Payment to settle interest rate swap agreement	$8,700,000

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv4

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	($6,217)	($4,216)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	-1,615	-2,863	237
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	861	862	862
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-754	-2,001	2,585
Ending balance	-6,971	-6,217	-4,216
Loss on Cash Flow Hedge [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-5,745	-6,607
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	861	862
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	861	862
Ending balance	-4,884	-5,745
Foreign Currency Items [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-472	2,391
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	-1,615	-2,863
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-1,615	-2,863
Ending balance	($2,087)	($472)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv5

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Reclassified From AOCI (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Loss on cash flow hedge, Interest expense	$861	$862
Loss on cash flow hedge, Tax (expense) benefit	0	0
Loss on cash flow hedge, Net of tax	$861	$862	$862

Earnings_Per_Share_Computation

Earnings Per Share - Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income from continuing operations	$25,309	$39,416	$35,279	$21,469	$23,377	$38,573	$31,624	$19,776	$121,473		$113,350		$121,278
Net income from discontinued operations	-24	-51	121	1,641	66	143	183	-33	1,687		359		335
Net income	25,285	39,365	35,400	23,110	23,443	38,716	31,807	19,743	123,160		113,709		121,613
Income allocated to participating securities									-1,075		-1,127		-1,281
Income allocated to participating securities									-1,069		-1,122		-1,299
Net income available to common shareholders									122,085		112,582		120,332
Weighted average common shares outstanding -- basic									57,730		57,925		57,467
Basic earnings per share, Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.44	$0.67	$0.61	$0.37	$0.40	$0.66	$0.54	$0.34	$2.08	[1]	$1.94	[1]	$2.09
Basic earnings per share, Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	$0	$0	$0.03	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0.03	[1]	$0	[1]	$0
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)									$2.11		$1.94		$2.09
Net income available to common shareholders									$122,091		$112,587		$120,314
Diluted effect of stock options and PVRSUs									526		410		186
Weighted average commons shares outstanding -- diluted									58,256		58,335		57,653
Diluted earnings per share, Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.43	$0.67	$0.60	$0.36	$0.40	$0.65	$0.54	$0.34	$2.07	[1]	$1.92	[1]	$2.08
Diluted earnings per share, Discontinued Operations (in dollars per share)	$0	$0	$0	$0.03	$0	$0.01	$0	$0	$0.03	[1]	$0.01	[1]	$0.01
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)									$2.10		$1.93		$2.09
[1]	The sum of the earnings per share for the four quarters may differ from annual earnings per share due to the required method of computing the weighted average shares in interim periods.

Earnings_Per_Share_Narrative_D

Earnings Per Share - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Outstanding stock options	1,903,177	1,661,952	1,934,034	1,573,726
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive stock options excluded from EPS calculation	0	0	300,000
Performance Vested Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Dilutive stock excluded from EPS calculation due to performance conditions not met	161,810	197,707	139,492

Operating_Leases_Details

Operating Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Leases [Abstract]
Operating leases, rent expense	$10.40	$12.60	$9.20
Operating leases, sublease rentals	$0.40	$0.30	$0.30

Operating_Leases_Future_Minimu

Operating Leases - Future Minimum Payments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Minimum lease payments, 2015	$11,604
Minimum lease payments, 2016	11,532
Minimum lease payments, 2017	10,856
Minimum lease payments, 2018	9,897
Minimum lease payments, 2019	9,286
Minimum lease payments, Thereafter	26,403
Minimum lease payments, Total	79,578
Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Sale Leaseback Transactions, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Minimum sublease rentals, 2015	-75
Minimum sublease rentals, 2016	0
Minimum sublease rentals, 2017	0
Minimum sublease rentals, 2018	0
Minimum sublease rentals, 2019	0
Minimum sublease rentals, Thereafter	0
Minimum sublease rentals, Total	-75
Future Minimum Lease Payments Net [Abstract]
Future minimum payments, net, 2015	11,529
Future minimum payments, net, 2016	11,532
Future minimum payments, net, 2017	10,856
Future minimum payments, net, 2018	9,897
Future minimum payments, net, 2019	9,286
Future minimum payments, net, Thereafter	26,403
Future minimum payments, net, Total	$79,503

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ2

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Narrative (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014
	subsidiary
Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of wholly-owned, domestic subsidiaries	8

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ3

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
REVENUES:
Royalty fees									$287,538	$267,812	$261,680
Initial franchise and relicensing fees									19,481	18,686	14,203
Procurement services									23,819	20,668	17,962
Marketing and reservation									412,619	407,633	389,678
Other items, net									14,513	9,851	9,205
Total revenues	185,402	215,168	197,664	159,736	168,831	216,718	190,930	148,171	757,970	724,650	692,728
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Selling, general and administrative									121,418	111,713	101,879
Marketing and reservation									412,619	407,633	389,678
Total operating expenses									543,402	528,402	499,248
Operating income	46,257	66,986	60,153	41,172	41,142	63,228	54,739	37,139	214,568	196,248	193,480
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES, NET:
Interest expense									41,486	42,537	27,189
Other income and expenses, net									40,810	37,576	23,974
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	36,038	55,958	50,234	31,528	32,315	54,271	44,504	27,582	173,758	158,672	169,506
Income taxes									52,285	45,322	48,228
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes	25,309	39,416	35,279	21,469	23,377	38,573	31,624	19,776	121,473	113,350	121,278
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	-24	-51	121	1,641	66	143	183	-33	1,687	359	335
Net income	25,285	39,365	35,400	23,110	23,443	38,716	31,807	19,743	123,160	113,709	121,613
Parent [Member]
REVENUES:
Royalty fees									262,540	243,272	236,269
Initial franchise and relicensing fees									18,753	17,432	13,727
Procurement services									22,959	19,864	17,152
Marketing and reservation									367,726	362,459	343,566
Other items, net									13,758	8,834	8,363
Total revenues									685,736	651,861	619,077
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Selling, general and administrative									137,759	128,966	130,709
Marketing and reservation									383,584	377,884	350,573
Depreciation and amortization									3,038	3,100	2,832
Total operating expenses									524,381	509,950	484,114
Operating income									161,355	141,911	134,963
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES, NET:
Interest expense									41,454	42,418	31,041
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries									-45,426	-47,362	-56,246
Other items, net									-1,465	-2,406	-551
Other income and expenses, net									-5,437	-7,350	-25,756
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									166,792	149,261	160,719
Income taxes									43,632	35,552	39,106
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes									123,160	113,709	121,613
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes									0	0	0
Net income									123,160	113,709	121,613
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
REVENUES:
Royalty fees									121,295	112,215	97,881
Initial franchise and relicensing fees									0	0	0
Procurement services									23	0	0
Marketing and reservation									369,359	350,134	335,869
Other items, net									16	0	0
Total revenues									490,693	462,349	433,750
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Selling, general and administrative									110,545	100,900	89,122
Marketing and reservation									354,342	336,498	326,865
Depreciation and amortization									5,679	5,087	3,852
Total operating expenses									470,566	442,485	419,839
Operating income									20,127	19,864	13,911
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES, NET:
Interest expense									3	113	0
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries									881	0	0
Other items, net									567	-1,532	-1,995
Other income and expenses, net									1,451	-1,419	-1,995
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									18,676	21,283	15,906
Income taxes									7,922	8,897	6,769
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes									10,754	12,386	9,137
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes									1,687	359	335
Net income									12,441	12,745	9,472
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
REVENUES:
Royalty fees									44,357	43,967	54,420
Initial franchise and relicensing fees									728	1,254	476
Procurement services									837	804	810
Marketing and reservation									18,783	19,327	19,900
Other items, net									739	1,017	842
Total revenues									65,444	66,369	76,448
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Selling, general and administrative									13,768	13,489	8,938
Marketing and reservation									17,942	17,538	18,036
Depreciation and amortization									648	869	1,007
Total operating expenses									32,358	31,896	27,981
Operating income									33,086	34,473	48,467
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES, NET:
Interest expense									29	6	9
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries									0	0	0
Other items, net									222	-1,023	-669
Other income and expenses, net									251	-1,017	-660
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									32,835	35,490	49,127
Income taxes									731	873	2,353
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes									32,104	34,617	46,774
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes									0	0	0
Net income									32,104	34,617	46,774
Eliminations [Member]
REVENUES:
Royalty fees									-140,654	-131,642	-126,890
Initial franchise and relicensing fees									0	0	0
Procurement services									0	0	0
Marketing and reservation									-343,249	-324,287	-309,657
Other items, net									0	0	0
Total revenues									-483,903	-455,929	-436,547
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Selling, general and administrative									-140,654	-131,642	-126,890
Marketing and reservation									-343,249	-324,287	-305,796
Depreciation and amortization									0	0	0
Total operating expenses									-483,903	-455,929	-432,686
Operating income									0	0	-3,861
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES, NET:
Interest expense									0	0	-3,861
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries									44,545	47,362	56,246
Other items, net									0	0	0
Other income and expenses, net									44,545	47,362	52,385
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									-44,545	-47,362	-56,246
Income taxes									0	0	0
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes									-44,545	-47,362	-56,246
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes									0	0	0
Net income									-44,545	-47,362	-56,246
Consolidated [Member]
REVENUES:
Royalty fees									287,538	267,812	261,680
Initial franchise and relicensing fees									19,481	18,686	14,203
Procurement services									23,819	20,668	17,962
Marketing and reservation									412,619	407,633	389,678
Other items, net									14,513	9,851	9,205
Total revenues									757,970	724,650	692,728
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Selling, general and administrative									121,418	111,713	101,879
Marketing and reservation									412,619	407,633	389,678
Depreciation and amortization									9,365	9,056	7,691
Total operating expenses									543,402	528,402	499,248
Operating income									214,568	196,248	193,480
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES, NET:
Interest expense									41,486	42,537	27,189
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries									0	0	0
Other items, net									-676	-4,961	-3,215
Other income and expenses, net									40,810	37,576	23,974
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									173,758	158,672	169,506
Income taxes									52,285	45,322	48,228
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes									121,473	113,350	121,278
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes									1,687	359	335
Net income									$123,160	$113,709	$121,613

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ4

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income	$25,285	$39,365	$35,400	$23,110	$23,443	$38,716	$31,807	$19,743	$123,160	$113,709	$121,613
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Amortization of loss on cash flow hedge									861	862	862
Foreign currency translation adjustment									-1,615	-2,863	237
Amortization of pension related costs, net of tax:
Actuarial loss									0	0	80
Settlement of pension plan									0	0	1,406
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									-754	-2,001	2,585
Comprehensive income									122,406	111,708	124,198
Parent [Member]
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income									123,160	113,709	121,613
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Amortization of loss on cash flow hedge									861	862	862
Foreign currency translation adjustment									-1,615	-2,863	237
Amortization of pension related costs, net of tax:
Actuarial loss											80
Settlement of pension plan											1,406
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									-754	-2,001	2,585
Comprehensive income									122,406	111,708	124,198
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income									12,441	12,745	9,472
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Amortization of loss on cash flow hedge									0	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment									0	0	5
Amortization of pension related costs, net of tax:
Actuarial loss											80
Settlement of pension plan											1,406
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									0	0	1,491
Comprehensive income									12,441	12,745	10,963
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income									32,104	34,617	46,774
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Amortization of loss on cash flow hedge									0	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment									-1,615	-2,863	224
Amortization of pension related costs, net of tax:
Actuarial loss											0
Settlement of pension plan											0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									-1,615	-2,863	224
Comprehensive income									30,489	31,754	46,998
Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income									-44,545	-47,362	-56,246
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Amortization of loss on cash flow hedge									0	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment									1,615	2,863	-229
Amortization of pension related costs, net of tax:
Actuarial loss											-80
Settlement of pension plan											-1,406
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									1,615	2,863	-1,715
Comprehensive income									-42,930	-44,499	-57,961
Consolidated [Member]
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income									123,160	113,709	121,613
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Amortization of loss on cash flow hedge									861	862	862
Foreign currency translation adjustment									-1,615	-2,863	237
Amortization of pension related costs, net of tax:
Actuarial loss											80
Settlement of pension plan											1,406
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									-754	-2,001	2,585
Comprehensive income									$122,406	$111,708	$124,198

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ5

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$214,879	$167,795	$134,177	$107,057
Receivables, net	91,681	82,385
Total current assets	351,414	306,974
Property and equipment, at cost, net	77,309	67,852
Goodwill	65,813	65,813
Franchise rights and other identifiable intangibles, net	8,912	9,953
Advances, marketing and reservation activities	0	5,844
Notes receivable, net of allowances	40,441	31,872
Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value	17,539	15,950
Other assets	65,296	52,164
Total assets	647,270	556,422	531,902
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Accounts payable	57,124	41,663
Accrued expenses	63,530	56,625
Deferred revenue	66,382	61,188
Current portion of long-term debt	12,349	10,088
Deferred compensation & retirement plan obligations	628	2,492
Total current liabilities	200,098	174,338
Long-term debt	782,082	783,471
Deferred compensation & retirement plan obligations	23,987	22,527
Other liabilities	69,904	23,808
Total liabilities	1,076,071	1,009,293
Total shareholders' deficit	-428,801	-452,871	-538,638	-16,221
Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit	647,270	556,422
Parent [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	25,290	9,785	8,420	23,370
Receivables, net	82,195	72,219
Other current assets	25,152	26,395
Total current assets	132,637	108,399
Property and equipment, at cost, net	25,300	11,087
Goodwill	60,620	60,620
Franchise rights and other identifiable intangibles, net	4,380	6,553
Advances, marketing and reservation activities		5,844
Notes receivable, net of allowances	11,847	13,257
Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value	0	0
Investments in affiliates	424,600	376,712
Advances to affiliates	15,670	14,198
Deferred income taxes	9,418	0
Other assets	7,228	8,955
Total assets	691,700	605,625
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Accounts payable	15,588	6,276
Accrued expenses	28,719	28,215
Deferred revenue	8,467	7,065
Current portion of long-term debt	11,250	9,375
Deferred compensation & retirement plan obligations	0	0
Other current liabilities	0	0
Total current liabilities	64,024	50,931
Long-term debt	767,760	778,946
Deferred compensation & retirement plan obligations	0	0
Advances from affiliates	237,973	206,931
Other liabilities	50,744	21,688
Total liabilities	1,120,501	1,058,496
Total shareholders' deficit	-428,801	-452,871
Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit	691,700	605,625
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	25	569	407	432
Receivables, net	1,194	1,475
Other current assets	33,585	34,987
Total current assets	34,804	37,031
Property and equipment, at cost, net	37,675	55,963
Goodwill	5,193	5,193
Franchise rights and other identifiable intangibles, net	1,479	2,096
Advances, marketing and reservation activities		0
Notes receivable, net of allowances	27,895	17,158
Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value	17,539	15,950
Investments in affiliates	31,139	28,312
Advances to affiliates	222,500	189,833
Deferred income taxes	10,429	10,710
Other assets	23,891	13,184
Total assets	412,544	375,430
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Accounts payable	37,970	30,778
Accrued expenses	32,649	26,503
Deferred revenue	57,339	53,414
Current portion of long-term debt	718	702
Deferred compensation & retirement plan obligations	628	2,492
Other current liabilities	15,843	7,401
Total current liabilities	145,147	121,290
Long-term debt	3,966	4,507
Deferred compensation & retirement plan obligations	23,978	22,520
Advances from affiliates	341	362
Other liabilities	16,116	18,216
Total liabilities	189,548	166,895
Total shareholders' deficit	222,996	208,535
Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit	412,544	375,430
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	189,564	157,441	125,350	83,255
Receivables, net	8,292	8,691
Other current assets	1,875	752
Total current assets	199,731	166,884
Property and equipment, at cost, net	14,334	802
Goodwill	0	0
Franchise rights and other identifiable intangibles, net	3,053	1,304
Advances, marketing and reservation activities		0
Notes receivable, net of allowances	699	1,457
Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value	0	0
Investments in affiliates	0	0
Advances to affiliates	7,793	10,896
Deferred income taxes	699	871
Other assets	34,177	30,025
Total assets	260,486	212,239
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Accounts payable	3,566	4,609
Accrued expenses	2,162	1,907
Deferred revenue	576	709
Current portion of long-term debt	381	11
Deferred compensation & retirement plan obligations	0	0
Other current liabilities	0	221
Total current liabilities	6,685	7,457
Long-term debt	10,356	18
Deferred compensation & retirement plan obligations	9	7
Advances from affiliates	7,649	7,634
Other liabilities	3,044	634
Total liabilities	27,743	15,750
Total shareholders' deficit	232,743	196,489
Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit	260,486	212,239
Eliminations [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Receivables, net	0	0
Other current assets	-15,758	-5,340
Total current assets	-15,758	-5,340
Property and equipment, at cost, net	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Franchise rights and other identifiable intangibles, net	0	0
Advances, marketing and reservation activities		0
Notes receivable, net of allowances	0	0
Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value	0	0
Investments in affiliates	-455,739	-405,024
Advances to affiliates	-245,963	-214,927
Deferred income taxes	0	-11,581
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	-717,460	-636,872
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Accounts payable	0	0
Accrued expenses	0	0
Deferred revenue	0	0
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0
Deferred compensation & retirement plan obligations	0	0
Other current liabilities	-15,758	-5,340
Total current liabilities	-15,758	-5,340
Long-term debt	0	0
Deferred compensation & retirement plan obligations	0	0
Advances from affiliates	-245,963	-214,927
Other liabilities	0	-11,581
Total liabilities	-261,721	-231,848
Total shareholders' deficit	-455,739	-405,024
Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit	-717,460	-636,872
Consolidated [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	214,879	167,795	134,177	107,057
Receivables, net	91,681	82,385
Other current assets	44,854	56,794
Total current assets	351,414	306,974
Property and equipment, at cost, net	77,309	67,852
Goodwill	65,813	65,813
Franchise rights and other identifiable intangibles, net	8,912	9,953
Advances, marketing and reservation activities		5,844
Notes receivable, net of allowances	40,441	31,872
Investments, employee benefit plans, at fair value	17,539	15,950
Investments in affiliates	0	0
Advances to affiliates	0	0
Deferred income taxes	20,546	0
Other assets	65,296	52,164
Total assets	647,270	556,422
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Accounts payable	57,124	41,663
Accrued expenses	63,530	56,625
Deferred revenue	66,382	61,188
Current portion of long-term debt	12,349	10,088
Deferred compensation & retirement plan obligations	628	2,492
Other current liabilities	85	2,282
Total current liabilities	200,098	174,338
Long-term debt	782,082	783,471
Deferred compensation & retirement plan obligations	23,987	22,527
Advances from affiliates	0	0
Other liabilities	69,904	28,957
Total liabilities	1,076,071	1,009,293
Total shareholders' deficit	-428,801	-452,871
Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit	$647,270	$556,422

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ6

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	$183,891,000	$153,913,000	$150,122,000
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investment in property and equipment	-20,946,000	-33,397,000	-15,443,000
Proceeds from sale of assets	15,612,000	243,000	0
Equity method investments	-17,789,000	-5,685,000	-20,285,000
Issuance of mezzanine and other notes receivable	-3,340,000	-1,095,000	-23,736,000
Collections of mezzanine and other notes receivable	11,289,000	9,748,000	3,270,000
Purchases of investments, employee benefit plans	-2,794,000	-2,676,000	-1,697,000
Proceeds from sales of investments, employee benefit plans	964,000	4,168,000	11,223,000
Other items, net	-642,000	-728,000	-433,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-17,646,000	-29,422,000	-47,101,000
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net borrowings (repayments) pursuant to revolving credit facilities	0	-57,000,000	57,000,000
Principal payments on long-term debt	-10,108,000	-8,204,000	-4,422,000
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	250,000	3,360,000	543,500,000
Purchase of treasury stock	-77,972,000	-3,965,000	-22,586,000
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	3,721,000	1,460,000	1,559,000
Debt issuance costs	0	0	-4,759,000
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	10,098,000	8,864,000	7,090,000
Dividends paid	-43,529,000	-32,799,000	-654,092,000
Net cash used in financing activities	-117,540,000	-88,284,000	-76,710,000
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	48,705,000	36,207,000	26,311,000
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-1,621,000	-2,589,000	809,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	167,795,000	134,177,000	107,057,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	214,879,000	167,795,000	134,177,000
Parent [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	140,738,000	91,745,000	90,688,000
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investment in property and equipment	-11,234,000	-5,167,000	-7,404,000
Proceeds from sale of assets	27,000
Equity method investments	0	0	0
Issuance of mezzanine and other notes receivable	-3,340,000	-1,095,000	-23,736,000
Collections of mezzanine and other notes receivable	11,289,000	9,748,000	3,270,000
Purchases of investments, employee benefit plans	0	0	0
Proceeds from sales of investments, employee benefit plans	0	0	0
Advances to and investments in affiliates	-1,000,000	-1,000,000	0
Other items, net	-496,000	-485,000	-433,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-4,754,000	2,001,000	-28,303,000
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net borrowings (repayments) pursuant to revolving credit facilities		-57,000,000	57,000,000
Principal payments on long-term debt	-9,375,000	-7,500,000	-3,750,000
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	0	0	543,500,000
Purchase of treasury stock	-77,972,000	-3,965,000	-22,586,000
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	299,000	19,000	262,000
Debt issuance costs			-4,759,000
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	10,098,000	8,864,000	7,090,000
Proceeds from contributions from affiliates	0	0	0
Dividends paid	-43,529,000	-32,799,000	-654,092,000
Net cash used in financing activities	-120,479,000	-92,381,000	-77,335,000
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	15,505,000	1,365,000	-14,950,000
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	9,785,000	8,420,000	23,370,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	25,290,000	9,785,000	8,420,000
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	9,106,000	27,209,000	18,191,000
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investment in property and equipment	-9,188,000	-27,984,000	-7,800,000
Proceeds from sale of assets	15,585,000
Equity method investments	-11,390,000	-2,401,000	0
Issuance of mezzanine and other notes receivable	0	0	0
Collections of mezzanine and other notes receivable	0	0	0
Purchases of investments, employee benefit plans	-2,794,000	-2,676,000	-1,697,000
Proceeds from sales of investments, employee benefit plans	964,000	4,168,000	11,223,000
Advances to and investments in affiliates	-5,578,000	-2,284,000	-20,586,000
Other items, net	-146,000	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-12,547,000	-31,177,000	-18,860,000
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net borrowings (repayments) pursuant to revolving credit facilities		0	0
Principal payments on long-term debt	-701,000	-671,000	-653,000
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	176,000	3,360,000	0
Purchase of treasury stock	0	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	3,422,000	1,441,000	1,297,000
Debt issuance costs			0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	0	0
Proceeds from contributions from affiliates	0	0	0
Dividends paid	0	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	2,897,000	4,130,000	644,000
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-544,000	162,000	-25,000
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	569,000	407,000	432,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	25,000	569,000	407,000
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	34,704,000	36,529,000	41,243,000
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investment in property and equipment	-524,000	-246,000	-239,000
Proceeds from sale of assets	0
Equity method investments	-6,399,000	-3,284,000	-20,285,000
Issuance of mezzanine and other notes receivable	0	0	0
Collections of mezzanine and other notes receivable	0	0	0
Purchases of investments, employee benefit plans	0	0	0
Proceeds from sales of investments, employee benefit plans	0	0	0
Advances to and investments in affiliates	0	0	0
Other items, net	0	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-6,923,000	-3,530,000	-20,524,000
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net borrowings (repayments) pursuant to revolving credit facilities		0	0
Principal payments on long-term debt	-32,000	-33,000	-19,000
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	74,000	0	0
Purchase of treasury stock	0	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	0	0	0
Debt issuance costs			0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	0	0
Proceeds from contributions from affiliates	6,578,000	3,284,000	20,586,000
Dividends paid	-657,000	-1,570,000	0
Net cash used in financing activities	5,963,000	1,681,000	20,567,000
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	33,744,000	34,680,000	41,286,000
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-1,621,000	-2,589,000	809,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	157,441,000	125,350,000	83,255,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	189,564,000	157,441,000	125,350,000
Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	-657,000	-1,570,000	0
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investment in property and equipment	0	0	0
Proceeds from sale of assets	0
Equity method investments	0	0	0
Issuance of mezzanine and other notes receivable	0	0	0
Collections of mezzanine and other notes receivable	0	0	0
Purchases of investments, employee benefit plans	0	0	0
Proceeds from sales of investments, employee benefit plans	0	0	0
Advances to and investments in affiliates	6,578,000	3,284,000	20,586,000
Other items, net	0	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	6,578,000	3,284,000	20,586,000
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net borrowings (repayments) pursuant to revolving credit facilities		0	0
Principal payments on long-term debt	0	0	0
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	0	0	0
Purchase of treasury stock	0	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	0	0	0
Debt issuance costs			0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	0	0
Proceeds from contributions from affiliates	-6,578,000	-3,284,000	-20,586,000
Dividends paid	657,000	1,570,000	0
Net cash used in financing activities	-5,921,000	-1,714,000	-20,586,000
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	0	0	0
Consolidated [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	183,891,000	153,913,000	150,122,000
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investment in property and equipment	-20,946,000	-33,397,000	-15,443,000
Proceeds from sale of assets	15,612,000
Equity method investments	-17,789,000	-5,685,000	-20,285,000
Issuance of mezzanine and other notes receivable	-3,340,000	-1,095,000	-23,736,000
Collections of mezzanine and other notes receivable	11,289,000	9,748,000	3,270,000
Purchases of investments, employee benefit plans	-2,794,000	-2,676,000	-1,697,000
Proceeds from sales of investments, employee benefit plans	964,000	4,168,000	11,223,000
Advances to and investments in affiliates	0	0	0
Other items, net	-642,000	-485,000	-433,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-17,646,000	-29,422,000	-47,101,000
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net borrowings (repayments) pursuant to revolving credit facilities		-57,000,000	57,000,000
Principal payments on long-term debt	-10,108,000	-8,204,000	-4,422,000
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	250,000	3,360,000	543,500,000
Purchase of treasury stock	-77,972,000	-3,965,000	-22,586,000
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	3,721,000	1,460,000	1,559,000
Debt issuance costs			-4,759,000
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	10,098,000	8,864,000	7,090,000
Proceeds from contributions from affiliates	0	0	0
Dividends paid	-43,529,000	-32,799,000	-654,092,000
Net cash used in financing activities	-117,540,000	-88,284,000	-76,710,000
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	48,705,000	36,207,000	26,311,000
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-1,621,000	-2,589,000	809,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	167,795,000	134,177,000	107,057,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$214,879,000	$167,795,000	$134,177,000

Reportable_Segment_Information2

Reportable Segment Information - Schedule Of Financial Information For Company's Franchising Segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	brand								segment
									brand
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of brands	11								11
Number of reportable segments									2
Revenues	$185,402,000	$215,168,000	$197,664,000	$159,736,000	$168,831,000	$216,718,000	$190,930,000	$148,171,000	$757,970,000	$724,650,000	$692,728,000
Operating income (loss)	46,257,000	66,986,000	60,153,000	41,172,000	41,142,000	63,228,000	54,739,000	37,139,000	214,568,000	196,248,000	193,480,000
Depreciation and amortization									9,365,000	9,056,000	7,691,000
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	36,038,000	55,958,000	50,234,000	31,528,000	32,315,000	54,271,000	44,504,000	27,582,000	173,758,000	158,672,000	169,506,000
Capital expenditures									36,574,000	33,397,000	15,443,000
Total assets	647,270,000				556,422,000				647,270,000	556,422,000	531,902,000
Equity method investments	50,605,000				32,257,000				50,605,000	32,257,000
Foreign Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									57,600,000	57,300,000	55,600,000
Long-lived assets	4,500,000				8,600,000				4,500,000	8,600,000	8,200,000
Franchising [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									757,370,000	724,617,000	692,728,000
Operating income (loss)									273,177,000	248,253,000	236,013,000
Depreciation and amortization									23,251,000	22,295,000	20,111,000
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									272,520,000	248,887,000	236,225,000
Capital expenditures									19,958,000	12,079,000	13,998,000
Total assets	318,306,000				300,292,000				318,306,000	300,292,000	322,434,000
Franchising [Member] | Assets, Total [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Equity method investments	50,600,000				32,300,000				50,600,000	32,300,000	27,500,000
SkyTouch Technology [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									600,000	33,000	0
Operating income (loss)									-17,065,000	-9,994,000	-3,370,000
Depreciation and amortization									1,007,000	398,000	10,000
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									-17,065,000	-9,994,000	-3,370,000
Capital expenditures									1,816,000	2,295,000	107,000
Total assets	4,197,000				2,303,000				4,197,000	2,303,000	101,000
Corporate & Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									0	0	0
Operating income (loss)									-41,544,000	-42,011,000	-39,163,000
Depreciation and amortization									2,233,000	2,378,000	2,102,000
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									-81,697,000	-80,221,000	-63,349,000
Capital expenditures									14,800,000	19,023,000	1,338,000
Total assets	324,767,000				253,827,000				324,767,000	253,827,000	209,367,000
Elimination Adjustments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									0	0	0
Operating income (loss)									0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization									-17,126,000	-16,015,000	-14,532,000
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									0	0	0
Capital expenditures									0	0	0
Total assets	$0				$0				$0	$0	$0

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2008	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 15, 1997
							sqft	sqft	company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of companies following spin-off									2
Proceeds from sale of land held-for-investment	$6,500,000
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Other Assets	0
Sunburst [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of hotels operated by related party		10
Due from related party		200,000	200,000					200,000
Sunburst [Member] | Franchise Fees [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Franchise fees, related party		2,400,000	2,600,000	2,600,000
LPC [Member] | Operating Lease [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Aircraft lease charges, related party			300,000	300,000
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Contribution to non-profit entity [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Aircraft lease charges, related party		100,000
Family Member(s) of Largest Shareholder [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party service agreement, utilization threshold of designated employee's services					50.00%
Related party service agreement, reimbursement percentage for designated employee's services rendered					50.00%
Family Member(s) of Largest Shareholder [Member] | Lease Agreements [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Operating lease term, related party		5 years
Family Member(s) of Largest Shareholder [Member] | Sublease rental income [Member] | Lease Agreements [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Franchise fees, related party		90,000	15,000
Family Member(s) of Largest Shareholder [Member] | Aircraft sublease rental income [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Franchise fees, related party		94,832	0
Family Member(s) of Largest Shareholder [Member] | Leased space provided free of charge [Member] | Lease Agreements [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Area under lease, related party (in square feet)		1,950
Operating lease, expiration date, related party		2013
Annual lease payments, related party		72,000
Family Member(s) of Largest Shareholder [Member] | Leased space provided free of charge [Member] | Lease Agreement Amendment [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Area under lease, related party (in square feet)							2,154
Operating lease, expiration date, related party							2016
Annual lease payments, amendment, related party		84,000
Operating lease, termination payment						102,840
Family Member(s) of Largest Shareholder [Member] | Designated Employee's Services [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Franchise fees, related party			37,000	200,000
Family Member(s) of Largest Shareholder [Member] | Leased office space [Member] | Lease Agreements [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction Sublease Notice Period								90 days
Area under lease, related party (in square feet)								2,200
Annual lease payments, related party								90,000
Concord 46th NYC LLC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from related party				19,500,000
Debt instrument, number of tranches			2
Proceeds from related party promissory note			9,500,000
Percentage of membership interest pledged as collateral on promissory note		100.00%
Joint venture, purchase price following default		1
Concord 46th NYC LLC [Member] | Pre hotel construction completion [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Debt instrument stated interest rate			6.00%					6.00%
Promissory note, frequency of interest payments			quarterly
Concord 46th NYC LLC [Member] | Post hotel construction completion [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Debt instrument stated interest rate			8.00%					8.00%
Promissory note, frequency of interest payments			monthly
Concord 46th NYC LLC [Member] | Note due in 2013 [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from related party			9,500,000					9,500,000
Concord 46th NYC LLC [Member] | Note due on fifth anniversary of promissory note [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from related party			10,000,000					10,000,000
Note receivable term, related party			5 years
Minimum [Member] | Family Member(s) of Largest Shareholder [Member] | Reimbursement of Taxes [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Aircraft lease charges, related party		30,000	30,000	30,000
Maximum [Member] | Family Member(s) of Largest Shareholder [Member] | Reimbursement of Taxes [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Aircraft lease charges, related party		$50,000	$50,000	$50,000

Termination_Charges_Details

Termination Charges (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Salary and Benefits Continuation AND Special Termination Benefits [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Termination benefits included in liabilities	$1,000,000
2014 Plan Year [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Termination charges	1,800,000
Termination benefits remitted by company	800,000
2014 Plan Year [Member] | One-time Termination Benefits [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve	1,000,000
2013 Plan Year [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Termination charges		1,700,000
Termination benefits remitted by company		1,100,000
Termination benefits paid for charges recorded in prior periods	600,000
2013 Plan Year [Member] | Salary and Benefits Continuation [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Termination benefits remaining to be paid	0
2012 Plan Year [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Termination charges			2,900,000
Termination benefits remitted by company			700,000
Termination benefits paid for charges recorded in prior periods		2,200,000
2012 Plan Year [Member] | Salary and Benefits Continuation [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Termination benefits remaining to be paid	$0	$0

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 15, 2013	Oct. 09, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Bank loan issued to VIE, partially guaranteed by parent	$46.20	$18
Bank loan issued to VIE, percentage guaranteed by parent (percent)	25.00%	25.00%
Parent's guarantor obligation, maximum exposure	11.6	4.5
Reimbursement and guaranty agreement, reimbursed to parent (percent)	75.00%
Forgivable Notes Receivable [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Other commitment			42.5
Commitment due in next twelve months			22.5
Additional capital contributions [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Commitment due in next twelve months			$2.10

Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
				hotel
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Company-owned hotels, approved to be sold				3
Discontinued Operation, Consolidated Statements of Income Disclosures [Abstract]
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	($24)	($51)	$121	$1,641	$66	$143	$183	($33)	$1,687	$359	$335
Discontinued operations [Member]
Discontinued Operation, Consolidated Statements of Income Disclosures [Abstract]
Hotel operations									801	4,774	4,573
Total revenues									801	4,774	4,573
Hotel operations									927	3,678	3,505
Depreciation and amortization									0	526	535
Total operating expenses									927	4,204	4,040
Operating income (loss)									-126	570	533
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations									2,807	0	0
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes									2,681	570	533
Income taxes									994	211	198
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes									1,687	359	335
Discontinued Operation, Balance Sheets Disclosures [Abstract]
Cash	0				550				0	550
Receivables, net	0				106				0	106
Other current assets	0				223				0	223
Income taxes receivable	0				20				0	20
Total current assets	0				899				0	899
Property and equipment, at cost, net	0				8,816				0	8,816
Total assets	0				9,715				0	9,715
Accounts payable	45				425				45	425
Accrued expenses	0				10				0	10
Income taxes payable	994				0				994	0
Total liabilities	1,039				435				1,039	435
Net assets of discontinued operations	($1,039)				$9,280				($1,039)	$9,280
MainStay Suites [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Company-owned hotels, approved to be sold				3
Company-owned hotels									3

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D2

Selected Quarterly Financial Data - (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Total revenues	$185,402	$215,168	$197,664	$159,736	$168,831	$216,718	$190,930	$148,171	$757,970		$724,650		$692,728
Operating income	46,257	66,986	60,153	41,172	41,142	63,228	54,739	37,139	214,568		196,248		193,480
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	36,038	55,958	50,234	31,528	32,315	54,271	44,504	27,582	173,758		158,672		169,506
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes	25,309	39,416	35,279	21,469	23,377	38,573	31,624	19,776	121,473		113,350		121,278
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	-24	-51	121	1,641	66	143	183	-33	1,687		359		335
Net income	$25,285	$39,365	$35,400	$23,110	$23,443	$38,716	$31,807	$19,743	$123,160		$113,709		$121,613
Per basic share:
Basic earnings per share, Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.44	$0.67	$0.61	$0.37	$0.40	$0.66	$0.54	$0.34	$2.08	[1]	$1.94	[1]	$2.09
Basic earnings per share, Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	$0	$0	$0.03	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0.03	[1]	$0	[1]	$0
Per diluted share:
Diluted earnings per share, Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.43	$0.67	$0.60	$0.36	$0.40	$0.65	$0.54	$0.34	$2.07	[1]	$1.92	[1]	$2.08
Diluted earnings per share, Discontinued Operations (in dollars per share)	$0	$0	$0	$0.03	$0	$0.01	$0	$0	$0.03	[1]	$0.01	[1]	$0.01
[1]	The sum of the earnings per share for the four quarters may differ from annual earnings per share due to the required method of computing the weighted average shares in interim periods.

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (Subsequent event [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Subsequent event [Member]
Subsequent Events [Line Items]
Common stock, dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$0.20

Schedule_IIValuation_And_Quali1

Schedule II-Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for Trade Receivables [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$12,187	$11,658	$10,771
Additions/Charges to Profit & Loss	4,090	4,708	4,787
Recoveries/Write offs	-6,193	-4,179	-3,900
Balance at End of Period	10,084	12,187	11,658
Allowance for Notes Receivable [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	11,546	10,550	9,228
Additions/Charges to Profit & Loss	2,630	1,668	1,735
Recoveries/Write offs	-8,189	-672	-413
Balance at End of Period	$5,987	$11,546	$10,550