| Document and Entity Information | Jul. 09, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL INC /DE |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001046311 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jul. 9, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 001-13393 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 52-1209792 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1 Choice Hotels Circle |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Rockville |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 400 |
| 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 |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | CHH |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
