| Document and Entity Information Document | Nov. 05, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 5, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 001-13393 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 52-1209792 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1 Choice Hotels Circle |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 400 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Rockville |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MD |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 20850 |
| City Area Code | 301 |
| Local Phone Number | 592-5000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | CHH |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Registrant Name | CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL INC / DE |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001046311 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
