Red Lion Hotels 10-K 27 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 23, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Red Lion Hotels CORP
Entity Central Index Key	1052595
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	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		19,915,343
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$76.90

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$5,126	$13,058
Restricted cash	225	0
Accounts receivable, net	6,752	6,283
Notes receivable	2,944	672
Inventories	1,013	1,386
Prepaid expenses and other	3,671	3,266
Deferred income taxes	0	1,034
Assets held for sale	21,173	18,346
Total current assets	40,904	44,045
Property and equipment, net	160,410	166,356
Goodwill	8,512	8,512
Intangible assets	7,012	6,992
Notes receivable - long term	2,340	4,423
Other assets, net	4,176	4,298
Total assets	223,354	234,626
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	2,952	4,763
Accrued payroll and related benefits	4,567	2,786
Other accrued entertainment expenses	5,625	4,418
Other accrued expenses	2,547	4,271
Deferred income taxes	2,778	0
Long-term debt, due within one year	0	3,000
Total current liabilities	18,469	19,238
Long-term debt, net of discount	30,200	40,058
Deferred income	2,988	3,455
Deferred income taxes	35	3,841
Debentures due Red Lion Hotels Capital Trust	30,825	30,825
Total liabilities	82,517	97,417
Commitments and contingencies
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock- 5,000,000 shares authorized; $0.01 par value; no shares issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock- 50,000,000 shares authorized; $0.01 par value; 19,846,508 and 19,687,232 shares issued and outstanding	198	197
Additional paid-in capital, common stock	153,671	152,303
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-203	-159
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	-12,829	-15,132
Total stockholders' equity	140,837	137,209
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$223,354	$234,626

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Red Lion Hotels Corporation stockholders' equity
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	19,846,508	19,687,232
Common stock, shares outstanding	19,846,508	19,687,232

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue:
Hotels	$118,616	$120,391	$131,112
Franchise	9,618	7,136	5,177
Entertainment	17,115	9,439	9,165
Other	77	341	442
Total revenues	145,426	137,307	145,896
Operating expenses:
Hotels	94,241	97,831	107,247
Franchise	7,004	6,555	4,758
Entertainment	14,785	9,189	9,020
Other	318	535	827
Depreciation and amortization	12,762	13,960	14,968
Hotel facility and land lease	5,210	4,464	4,143
Asset impairment	0	7,785	9,440
Gain on asset dispositions, net	4,006	112	160
General and administrative expenses	8,353	7,945	6,022
Total operating expenses	138,667	148,152	156,265
Operating income (loss)	6,759	-10,845	-10,369
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	-4,575	-5,516	-7,553
Other income, net	339	474	229
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	2,523	-15,887	-17,693
Income tax (benefit) expense	31	-817	-6,529
Income (loss) from continuing operations	2,492	-15,070	-11,164
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from discontinued business units, net of income tax (benefit) expense of $0, $66 and $573, respectively	-187	-1,204	1,009
Loss on disposal of the assets of the discontinued business units, net of income tax (benefit) expense of $0, $0 and $(2,566), respectively	-2	-773	-4,526
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	-189	-1,977	-3,517
Net income (loss)	2,303	-17,047	-14,681
Less net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	-7
Net income (loss) attributable to Red Lion Hotels Corporation	2,303	-17,047	-14,674
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedge, net of tax	-44	-159	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	$2,259	($17,206)	($14,674)
Earnings (loss) per share
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	$0.13	($0.77)	($0.58)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	($0.01)	($0.10)	($0.18)
Net income (loss) attributable to Red Lion Hotels Corporation	$0.12	($0.87)	($0.76)
Weighted average shares - basic	19,785	19,575	19,327
Weighted average shares - diluted	19,891	19,575	19,327

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope1

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Discontinued operations:
Income tax (benefit) expense on discontinued business units	$0	$66	$573
Income (loss) on disposal of discontinued business units, net of income tax benefit	$0	$0	($2,566)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Equity Attributable to Non-controlling Interest [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balances at Dec. 31, 2011	$165,865	$192	$149,027	$16,589		$57
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011		19,172,670
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	-14,681			-14,674		-7
Common stock exchanged for non-controlling interest in partnership	0		50			-50
Common stock exchanged for non-controlling interest in partnership, shares		44,837
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan	102		102
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan, shares		17,304
Stock issued under option plan	349	1	348
Stock issued under option plan, shares		61,492
Stock based compensation	1,255	2	1,253
Stock based compensation, shares		155,546
Excess tax benefit (shortfall) from stock-based compensation	18		18
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	152,908	195	150,798	1,915		0
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012		19,451,849
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	-17,047			-17,047
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan	82		82
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan, shares		13,765
Stock issued under option plan	11		11
Stock issued under option plan, shares		2,000
Stock based compensation	1,516	2	1,514
Loss on valuation of swap contract, net of tax	-159				-159
Stock based compensation, shares		219,618
Excess tax benefit (shortfall) from stock-based compensation	-102		-102
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	137,209	197	152,303	-15,132	-159	0
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013		19,687,232
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	2,303			2,303
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan	69		69
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan, shares		14,427
Stock based compensation	1,300	1	1,299
Loss on valuation of swap contract, net of tax	-72				-72
Stock based compensation, shares		144,849
Amortization of accumulated loss of swap contract	28				28
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$140,837	$198	$153,671	($12,829)	($203)	$0
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014		19,846,508

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$2,303	($17,047)	($14,681)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	12,886	14,247	15,815
(Gain) loss on disposition of property, equipment and other assets, net	-4,006	660	80
Asset impairment	0	8,858	16,294
Deferred income taxes	6	-764	-8,314
Equity in investments	36	53	1
Stock based compensation expense	1,300	1,819	1,344
Provision for doubtful accounts	170	110	423
Change in current assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	-225	2,417	941
Accounts receivable	-635	-711	1,000
Notes receivable	-153	0	-109
Inventories	198	-152	-61
Prepaid expenses and other	-890	-230	-675
Accounts payable	-1,811	-1,261	1,039
Accrued other	1,399	-912	373
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	10,578	7,087	13,470
Investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	-24,891	-13,193	-8,442
Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment	17,316	16,025	20,819
Collection of notes receivable related to property sales	1,914	3,706	0
Advances to Red Lion Hotels Capital Trust	-27	-27	-27
Other, net	88	-70	-3
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-5,600	6,441	12,347
Financing activities:
Borrowings on credit facility	0	0	2,122
Borrowings on long-term debt	0	44,500	0
Repayment of credit facility	0	-11,300	-2,966
Repayment of long-term debt	-12,973	-38,878	-20,474
Proceeds (payments) of stock compensation, net	69	-312	255
Additions to deferred financing costs	-6	-957	-258
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-12,910	-6,947	-21,321
Change in cash and cash equivalents:
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-7,932	6,581	4,496
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	13,058	6,477	1,981
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	5,126	13,058	6,477
Cash paid during years for:
Income taxes	44	46	149
Interest on debt	4,514	5,629	7,000
Cash received during years for:
Income taxes	18	384	44
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Reclassification of property and other assets to assets held for sale	17,702	18,890	4,277
Reclassification of long term note receivable to short term	2,311	0	0
Exchange of note receivable for real property	1,950	1,720	6,000
Exchange of common stock for noncontrolling interest in partnership	0	0	50
Conversion of restricted cash to accounts receivable	0	0	75
Conversion of note receivable to fixed assets	0	0	210
Conversion of accounts receivable to note receivable	0	67	277
Reclassification of property to other assets	117	0	0
Bonuses to employees paid in stock	$0	$0	$125

Organization

Organization	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization	Organization
	Red Lion Hotels Corporation ("RLHC", "we", "our", "us" or the "company") is a NYSE-listed hospitality and leisure company (ticker symbols RLH and RLH-pa) primarily engaged in the ownership, management and franchising of hotels under our proprietary brands, including Hotel RL, Red Lion Hotels, Red Lion Inns & Suites and Leo Hotel Collection (the "Red Lion Brands"). The Red Lion Brands represent upscale and midscale full and select service hotels. As of December 31, 2014, the Red Lion network of hotels was comprised of 55 hotels located in ten states and one Canadian province. The Red Lion Hotels and Red Lion Inn & Suites network was comprised of 53 hotels with 8,564 rooms and 421,322 square feet of meeting space, of which we operated 19 hotels (14 are wholly owned and five are leased) and 34 are franchised. The Leo Hotel Collection was comprised of two hotels with 3,256 rooms and 241,000 square feet of meeting space.
	We are also engaged in entertainment operations, which derive revenues from promotion and presentation of entertainment productions and ticketing services under the operations of WestCoast Entertainment and TicketsWest. The ticketing service offers online ticket sales, ticketing inventory management systems, call center services, and outlet/electronic distributions for event locations.
	We were incorporated in the state of Washington in April 1978, and until 2005 operated hotels under various brand names including Cavanaughs Hotels and WestCoast Hospitality Corporation. The financial statements encompass the accounts of Red Lion Hotels Corporation and all of its consolidated subsidiaries, including Red Lion Hotels Holdings, Inc., Red Lion Hotels Franchising, Inc., and Red Lion Hotels Limited Partnership ("RLHLP").
	During a portion of the first quarter of 2012, RLHC owned 99.7% of RLHLP. The remaining 0.3% is reflected in our first quarter 2012 financial statements as non-controlling interest. In February 2012, we elected to issue 44,837 shares of our common stock in exchange for a like number of operating partnership units that then certain limited partners had put to RLHLP. RLHLP remained in existence as a limited partnership because there were 70,842.51 operating partnership units held by North River Drive Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of RLHC. In December 2012, North River Drive Company was merged into RLHC and no longer exists. However, RLHLP remains as a limited partnership for state law (but not federal tax) purposes because Red Lion Hotels Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary, Bellevue Inn LLC, are its two partners.
	The financial statements also include an equity method investment in a 19.9% owned real estate venture, as well as certain cost method investments in various entities included as other assets, over which we do not exercise significant influence. In addition, we hold a 3% common interest in Red Lion Hotels Capital Trust (the "Trust") that is considered a variable interest entity. We are not the primary beneficiary of the Trust; thus, it is treated as an equity method investment.

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
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by RLHC pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP"), and include all accounts and wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries' accounts. All significant inter-company and inter-segment transactions and accounts have been eliminated upon consolidation.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	All highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. At times, cash balances at banks and other financial institutions may be in excess of federal insurance limits.
	Restricted Cash
	In accordance with our various borrowing arrangements, at December 31, 2014 cash of approximately 0.2 million was held for collateralizing a letter of credit for an equity method investment.
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The ability to collect individual accounts receivable is reviewed on a routine basis. An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded based on specifically identified amounts believed to be uncollectible. If actual collection experience changes, revisions to the allowance may be required and if all attempts to collect a receivable fail, it is recorded against the allowance. The estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts is impacted by, among other things, national and regional economic conditions.
	The following schedule summarizes the activity in the allowance account for trade accounts receivable for the past three years for continuing operations:
			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Allowance for doubtful accounts, continuing operations
		Balance, beginning of year	$	132		$	98		$	387
		Additions to allowance	244			95			137
		Write-offs, net of recoveries	(73		)	(61		)	(426		)
		Balance, end of year	$	303		$	132		$	98
	Inventories
	Inventories consist primarily of food and beverage products held for sale at the company-operated restaurants and guest supplies. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost, determined on a first-in, first-out basis, or net realizable value.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost. The cost of improvements that extend the life of property and equipment is capitalized. Repairs and maintenance charges are expensed as incurred.
	Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of each asset, which ranges as follows:
	Buildings	25 to 39 years
	Equipment	2 to 15 years
	Furniture and fixtures	5 to 15 years
	Landscaping and improvements	15 years
	Valuation of Long-Lived Assets
	We test long-lived asset groups for recoverability when changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable, for example, when there are material adverse changes in projected revenues or expenses, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected operating results, or significant negative industry or economic trends. We also perform a test for recoverability when management has committed to a plan to sell or otherwise dispose of an asset group and the plan is expected to be completed within a year. We evaluate recoverability of an asset group by comparing its carrying value to the future net undiscounted cash flows that we expect will be generated by the asset group. If the comparison indicates that the carrying value of an asset group is not recoverable, we recognize an impairment loss for the excess of carrying value over the estimated fair value. When we recognize an impairment loss for assets to be held and used, we depreciate the adjusted carrying amount of those assets over their remaining useful life.
	We base our calculations of the estimated fair value of an asset group on the income approach or the market approach. The assumptions and methodology utilized for the income approach are the same as those described in the "Valuation of Goodwill" caption. For the market approach, we use analyses based primarily on market comparables, recent appraisals and assumptions about market capitalization rates, growth rates, and inflation.
	For information on impairment losses recorded in 2014, 2013 and 2012 associated with long-lived assets, see Note 4.
	Valuation of Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets
	We assess goodwill and other intangibles for potential impairments annually as of October 1, or during the year if an event or other circumstance indicates that we may not be able to recover the carrying amount of the asset. For purposes of goodwill impairment testing, we have determined that the individual segments where goodwill is recorded constitute reporting units as defined in the literature.
	We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. The qualitative factors include economic environment, business climate, market capitalization, operating performance, competition, and other factors. If quantitative analyses are required, in the first step of evaluating goodwill for impairment we compare the estimated fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, no further analysis is needed.
	If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we proceed to the second step of the test to calculate the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill in order to determine whether any impairment is required. We calculate the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill by allocating the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. If the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, we recognize an impairment loss for that excess amount. In allocating the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, we use industry and market data, recent appraisals and knowledge of the industry and past experiences.
	We base our calculations of the estimated fair value of a reporting unit on a combined income and market approach. For the income approach, we use a discounted cash flow model that includes the following assumptions: projections of revenues and expenses and related cash flows based on assumed long-term growth rates and demand trends; expected future investments to grow new units; and estimated discount rates. We base these assumptions on historical data and experience, third-party appraisals, industry projections, micro and macro general economic condition projections, and our own expectations. For the market approach, we use analyses based primarily on market comparables and assumptions about market capitalization rates, growth rates, and inflation. See Note 7.
	The impairment test for indefinite lived intangible assets consists of either a qualitative assessment or a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. An impairment loss, if any, is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. Fair value is typically estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis.
	Assets Held for Sale
	We consider a property to be an asset held for sale when all of the following criteria are met:
	•	management commits to a plan to sell the property;
	•	it is unlikely that the disposal plan will be significantly modified or discontinued;
	•	the property is available for immediate sale in its present condition;
	•	actions required to complete the sale of the property have been initiated;
	•	sale of the property is probable, we expect the completed sale will occur within one year; and
	•	the property 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, we record the carrying value of each property at the lower of its carrying value or its estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, and cease depreciation.
	For information on the assets classified as held for sale, see Note 5.
	Notes Receivable
	We carry notes receivable at their estimated collection amount and they are classified as either current or noncurrent depending on the expected collection date. Interest income on notes receivable is recognized using the interest method.
	During 2014, we sold the Red Lion Hotel Pocatello ("Pocatello property") and the Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center Kelso/Longview ("Kelso property") and received a $1.8 million secured promissory note and a $0.2 million secured promissory note, respectively.
	During 2013, we sold a property, the Red Lion Hotel Pendleton ("Pendleton property") and received a $1.7 million secured promissory note.
	During 2012, we sold two properties, the Red Lion Hotel Sacramento at Arden Village ("Sacramento property") and the Red Lion Hotel Denver Southeast in Aurora, Colorado ("Denver Southeast property") and received a $2.7 million secured promissory note and a $4.0 million secured promissory note, respectively.
	Other Assets
	Other assets primarily include deferred loan costs, equity method and cost method investments discussed in Note 1. Equity method investments are carried at cost, adjusted for our proportionate share of earnings and any investment disbursements. Cost method investments are carried at their original purchase price. Deferred loan costs are amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the related loan agreement.
	Fair Value Measurements
	Applicable accounting standards define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). We measure our assets and liabilities using inputs from the following three levels of the fair value hierarchy:
	•	Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access at the measurement date.
	•	Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (i.e., interest rates, yield curves, etc.), and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs).
	•	Level 3 includes unobservable inputs that reflect assumptions about what factors market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. We develop these inputs based on the best information available, including our own data.
	Deferred Income
	In 2003, we sold a hotel to an unrelated party in a sale-operating leaseback transaction. The pre-tax gain on the transaction of approximately $7.0 million was deferred and is being amortized into income over the period of the lease term, which expires in November 2018 and is renewable for three, five-year terms at our option. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recognized income of approximately $0.5 million each year for the amortization of the deferred gain. The remaining balance at December 31, 2014, was $1.8 million.
	Income Taxes
	We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined on the basis of the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	We recognize deferred tax assets to the extent that we believe these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning, and results of recent operations. At December 31, 2014, a valuation allowance has been recorded to reduce our deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized. If we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.
We record uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of a two-step process whereby (1) we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. See Note 14.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is generally recognized as services are provided. When payments from customers are received before services have been performed, the amount received is recorded as deferred revenue until the service has been completed. We recognize revenue from the following sources:
•	Hotels - Room rental and food and beverage sales from owned and leased hotels and management fees from hotels under management contract. Revenues are recognized when services have been performed, generally at the time of the hotel stay or guests visit to the restaurant and at the time the management services are provided.
•	Franchise - Fees received in connection with the franchise and marketing of our brand names. Franchise revenues are recognized as earned in accordance with the contractual terms of the franchise agreements.
•	Entertainment - Online ticketing services, ticketing inventory management systems, promotion of Broadway-style shows and other special events. Where we act as an agent and receive a net fee or commission, revenue is recognized in the period the services are performed. When we are the promoter of an event and are at-risk for the production, revenues and expenses are recorded in the period of the event performance.
Advertising and Promotion
Costs associated with advertising and promotional efforts are generally expensed as incurred. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we incurred approximately $3.4 million, $3.9 million and $3.1 million, respectively, in advertising expense from continuing operations.
Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing income (loss) by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share gives effect to all dilutive potential shares that are outstanding during the period and include outstanding stock options and other outstanding employee equity grants, as well as the effect of noncontrolling interest related to the previously outstanding operating partnership units of RLHLP, by increasing the weighted-average number of shares outstanding by their effect. When we report a net loss during the period, basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are the same. See Note 13.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts disclosed in prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on reported income/losses, cash flows, total assets, or stockholders' equity as previously reported.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-08,
"Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.” The amendments in ASU 2014-08 change the criteria for reporting a discontinued operation and require new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. Only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. This accounting standard update is effective for annual filings beginning on or after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted. The impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-08 on our company's results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures will be based on our company’s future disposal activity.
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers". ASU 2014-09 is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model requiring a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount reflecting the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 may be applied using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is not permitted. We are in the process of evaluating this guidance and our method of adoption.
Management has assessed the potential impact of other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards and determined that the provisions are either not applicable to our company, or are not anticipated to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Business_Segments

Business Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segments	Business Segments
	We have three operating segments: hotels, franchise and entertainment. The "other" segment consists of miscellaneous revenues and expenses, cash and cash equivalents, certain receivables, certain property and equipment and general and administrative expenses, which are not specifically associated with an operating segment. Management reviews and evaluates the operating segments exclusive of interest expense and income taxes; therefore, it has not been allocated to the segments. All balances have been presented after the elimination of inter-segment and intra-segment revenues and expenses.
	Selected information with respect to continuing operations is provided below (in thousands):
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Revenues:
	Hotels	$	118,616		$	120,391		$	131,112
	Franchise	9,618			7,136			5,177
	Entertainment	17,115			9,439			9,165
	Other	77			341			442
		$	145,426		$	137,307		$	145,896
	Operating income (loss):
	Hotels	$	11,807		$	(2,211	)	$	(2,785	)
	Franchise	2,565			531			374
	Entertainment	1,981			(109		)	(244		)
	Other	(9,594		)	(9,056		)	(7,714		)
		$	6,759		$	(10,845	)	$	(10,369	)
	Capital expenditures:
	Hotels	$	24,255		$	11,882		$	7,690
	Franchise	20			320			6
	Entertainment	241			10			171
	Other	375			280			785
		$	24,891		$	12,492		$	8,652
	Depreciation and amortization:
	Hotels	$	11,394		$	12,643		$	13,229
	Franchise	49			49			45
	Entertainment	350			359			389
	Other	969			909			1,305
		$	12,762		$	13,960		$	14,968
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Identifiable assets:
	Hotels	$	190,332		$	192,225		$	212,418
	Franchise	9,807			9,348			8,994
	Entertainment	6,161			6,759			5,976
	Other (1)	17,054			26,294			33,554
		$	223,354		$	234,626		$	260,942
	(1) Includes the identifiable assets of assets classified as held for sale.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment used in continuing operations is summarized as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014				2013
	Buildings and equipment	$	182,273			$	188,331
	Furniture and fixtures	31,910				32,685
	Landscaping and land improvements	6,943				6,459
		221,126				227,475
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(117,968		)		(117,343		)
		103,158				110,132
	Land	39,087				48,886
	Construction in progress	18,165				7,338
	Property and equipment, net	$	160,410			$	166,356
	The table above excludes the property and equipment balances of assets held for sale. See Note 5 for further discussion.
	Impairments on property and equipment are summarized below:
		Impairment Recorded
		Year Ended December 31,			Continuing	Discontinued	Year
		2014	2013	2012	Operations	Operations	Sold
		(in millions)
	Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee	$—	$1.00	$—	x		2015
	Red Lion Hotel Canyon Springs	—	2.6	—	x		2014
	Red Lion Hotel Yakima Center	—	0.7	—	x		2014
	Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center Kelso/Longview	—	1.5	—	x		2014
	Red Lion Hotel Pocatello	—	2	—	x		2014
	Red Lion Hotel Eugene	—	1.1	—		x	2014
	Red Lion Hotel Medford	—	—	0.8		x	2013
	Kalispell Center Mall	—	—	2.2		x	2013
	Red Lion Hotel Pendleton	—	—	2.3	x		2013
	Red Lion Hotel Missoula	—	—	0.9	x		2013
	Red Lion Hotel Denver Southeast	—	—	3.9	x		2012
	Red Lion Colonial Hotel	—	—	2.3	x		2012
	Red Lion Hotel Sacramento at Arden Village	—	—	3.9		x	2012

Assets_Held_for_Sale

Assets Held for Sale	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Assets Held for Sale	Assets Held for Sale
	The following properties were classified as assets held for sale as of December 31, 2014: the Red Lion Hotel Bellevue in Bellevue, Washington ("Bellevue property") and the Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee in Wenatchee, Washington ("Wenatchee property"). The Bellevue property and the Wenatchee property were sold in 2015. See Note 18 for more information.
	The following properties were classified as assets held for sale as of December 31, 2013: the Red Lion Hotel Canyon Springs in Twin Falls, Idaho ("Canyon Springs property"), the Red Lion Hotel Columbia Center in Kennewick, Washington ("Kennewick property"), the Red Lion Hotel Yakima Center in Yakima Washington ("Yakima property"), the Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center Kelso/Longview ("Kelso property"), the Red Lion Hotel Pocatello ("Pocatello property"), and the Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee ("Wenatchee property"). These properties were classified as assets held for sale in the fourth quarter of 2013. The Canyon Springs, Kennewick, Yakima, Kelso, and Pocatello properties were sold in 2014.
	The property and equipment of these properties that are classified as assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheets (beginning in the year classified as held for sale) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are detailed in the table below (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Buildings and equipment	$	16,339		$	25,367
	Furniture and fixtures	345			1,138
	Landscaping and land improvements	1,948			7,337
		18,632			33,842
	Less accumulated depreciation	(8,537		)	(25,207		)
		10,095			8,635
	Land	11,066			9,478
	Construction in progress	12			233
	Assets held for sale	$	21,173		$	18,346

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations
	During 2014, we ceased the operation of the Red Lion Hotel Eugene in Eugene, Oregon ("Eugene property") when we assigned our leased to a third party. Accordingly, all operations of this property have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
	During 2013, we terminated a catering contract in Yakima, Washington. Accordingly, all operations under this contract have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Certain property and equipment related to these operations were considered abandoned and a pre-tax loss on disposition of assets of $0.1 million has been recognized in discontinued operations.
	During 2013, we closed on the sales of the Kalispell Center Mall property in Kalispell, Montana ("Kalispell Mall property"), the Red Lion Hotel Medford in Medford, Oregon ("Medford property") and the Red Lion Hotel Sacramento at Arden Village ("Sacramento property"). We no longer have continuing involvement in these properties; therefore the operations of these properties have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
	The following table summarizes the results of discontinued operations for the periods indicated (in thousands):
			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Revenues		$	133		$	5,778		$	10,048
	Operating expenses		(290		)	(5,233		)	(7,497		)
	Hotel facility and land lease		(30		)	(423		)	(717		)
	Depreciation and amortization		—			(187		)	(847		)
	Interest Expense		—			—			595
	Loss on asset dispositions		—			(1,073		)	—
	Income tax (expense) benefit		—			(66		)	(573		)
	Loss from operations of discontinued business units		(187		)	(1,204		)	1,009
	Loss on disposal or impairment of the assets of discontinued business units		(2		)	(773		)	(7,092		)
	Income tax benefit		—			—			2,566
	Loss on impairment of the assets of the discontinued business units		(2		)	(773		)	(4,526		)
	Loss from discontinued operations		$	(189	)	$	(1,977	)	$	(3,517	)
	Changes to discontinued operations in 2014
	The following properties were classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2013 when they were initially listed for sale. They were subsequently reclassified into continuing operations due to a determination that there will be significant continuing involvement through a franchise agreement.
	•	In April 2014, we closed on the sale of the Yakima property for $3.7 million.
	•	In May 2014, we closed on the sale of the Kennewick property for $5.9 million.
	•	In May 2014, we closed on the sale of the Kelso property for $4.8 million. $4.6 million was paid in cash and the remainder was paid via a secured promissory note due in January 2016.
	•	In June 2014, we closed on the sale of the Canyon Springs property for $2.5 million.
	•	In October 2014, we closed on the sale of the Pocatello property for $3.0 million. $2.2 million was paid in cash and the remainder was paid via a secured promissory note that requires minimum monthly payments and is due in full in October 2018.
	•	In January 2015, we closed on the sale of the Wenatchee property for $4.1 million. See Note 18 for further discussion.

Goodwill_and_Intangibles

Goodwill and Intangibles	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangibles	Goodwill and Intangibles
	Goodwill represents the excess of the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired during business combinations over the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. Goodwill was recorded in prior years in connection with the acquisitions of franchises and entertainment businesses.
	The Red Lion brand name is an identifiable, indefinite lived-intangible asset that represents the separable legal right to a trade name and associated trademarks acquired in a business combination we entered into in 2001.
	We assess goodwill and the brand name for potential impairments annually as of October 1, or during the year if an event or other circumstance indicates that we may not be able to recover the carrying amount of the assets. We did not impair any goodwill during the year ended December 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013.
	The following table summarizes the balances of goodwill and other intangible assets (in thousands):
			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Goodwill		$	8,512		$	8,512
	Intangible assets
		Brand name	$	6,878		$	6,878
		Trademarks	134			114
	Total intangible assets		$	7,012		$	6,992
	Goodwill and other intangible assets attributable to each of our business segments at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014						2013
					Intangible					Intangible
		Goodwill			Assets			Goodwill		Assets
	Hotels	$	—		$	4,659		$	—	$	4,639
	Franchise	5,351			2,347			5,351		2,347
	Entertainment	3,161			6			3,161		6
	Total	$	8,512		$	7,012		$	8,512	$	6,992

Credit_Facility_and_LongTerm_D

Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt	Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt
	During the third quarter of 2013, we entered into an agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association ("Wells Fargo") to expand our existing credit facility. The balance of the term loan under the credit facility at the time of the expansion was $0.5 million and there was no outstanding balance on the revolving line of credit. The term loan was increased to a total of $45.0 million, with $38.2 million used to refinance nine fixed-rate notes collateralized by individual properties ("CMBS debt") that were maturing in July 2013.
	The original terms of the expanded facility are as follows:
	•	Principal payments of $750,000 are required on the term loan on the last day of each calendar quarter or the first business day thereafter. If a property securing the facility is sold we will be required to make an additional principal payment on the term loan equal to the greater of (i) 50% of the net proceeds from the sale or (ii) 50% of the appraised market value of the property sold. If any such additional principal payment exceeds $1 million, the remaining principal balance amortization will be modified to reflect the additional payment.
	•	The term loan matures on June 30, 2018.
	•	A $10 million revolving line of credit is available under the facility until June 30, 2015.
	•	Interest under the term loan and revolving line of credit will initially be payable at our option (i) at a fluctuating rate 75 basis points above a base rate in effect from time to time, or (ii) at a rate 325 basis points above LIBOR (under one, three or six month terms). Beginning in 2015, the spread on the LIBOR will decline if our senior leverage ratio is less than 3.00. We have entered into a swap to hedge 40% of our interest rate exposure under the term loan. See Note 9 for further discussion.
	•	Our obligations under the facility are (i) guaranteed by our subsidiaries Red Lion Hotels Limited Partnership, Red Lion Hotels Franchising, Inc., Red Lion Hotels Management, Inc. and Red Lion Hotels Holdings, Inc., (ii) secured by our accounts receivable and inventory, and (iii) further collateralized by 19 of our hotel properties located in Bellevue, Spokane, Olympia, Port Angeles, Richland, Pasco and Wenatchee, Washington; in Post Falls and Boise, Idaho; in Bend and Coos Bay, Oregon; in Eureka and Redding, California; and in Salt Lake City, Utah.
	The facility required us to comply with customary affirmative and negative covenants, as well as financial covenants relating to leverage, debt service, and loan coverage ratios. It also included customary events of default. We were in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 2014.
	At December 31, 2014 outstanding debt was $61.0 million. The debt balance includes the $30.5 million outstanding on the term loan with Wells Fargo and unamortized origination fees on the debt of $0.3 million. In addition to this term loan, we also had a revolving line of credit with Wells Fargo for up to $10 million, a portion of which supported outstanding letters of credit. At December 31, 2014, $7.0 million on the revolving line of credit was available as we had $3.0 million in letters of credit as of that date. Also included in the total debt amount is $30.8 million of debentures due to Red Lion Hotels Capital Trust that matures in 2044. See Note 10 for further discussion.
	As discussed in Note 6, during 2014, we completed the sales of the Yakima, Kelso, Kennewick, Canyon
	Springs and Pocatello properties, which were pledged as collateral for our credit facility. As required under the terms of the loan, we made principal payments totaling $10.4 million from the proceeds of the sales. As of December 31, 2014, principal payments of $591,689 were required on the term loan on the last day of each calendar quarter or the first business day thereafter.
	As discussed in Note 18, subsequent to year-end, we completed the sales of the Bellevue and Wenatchee properties. We also, as part of a joint venture transaction, repaid the outstanding balance of our secured debt with Wells Fargo and the joint venture obtained a new $53.8 million mortgage loan from Capital Source, a division of Pacific Western Bank. The revolving line of credit was terminated as part of these transactions.
	Contractual maturities for the term loan and revolving line of credit outstanding at December 31, 2014, for the remaining term, are summarized by year as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ending December 31,		Amount
	2015		$	2,261
	2016		2,261
	2017		2,261
	2018		23,744
			$	30,527

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Financial Instruments and Accumulated Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments
	We do not enter into derivative transactions for trading purposes, but rather to hedge our exposure to interest rate fluctuations. We manage our floating rate debt using interest rate swaps in order to reduce our exposure to the impact of changing interest rates and future cash outflows for interest.
	As required under the Wells Fargo credit facility, we entered into an interest rate swap with Wells Fargo to hedge the first 40% of our interest rate exposure. The swap had an original notional amount of $18.0 million and a fixed rate of 4.88%. Our contractual quarterly payments reduced the outstanding notional amount to $16.2 million as of December 31, 2014. The swap was settled on the same day as the required monthly interest payments on the term loan and expired on June 29, 2018.
	From inception through the second quarter of 2014, our interest rate swap was designated as a cash flow hedge. The gains and losses in the fair value of the swap were recorded in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") on the consolidated balance sheets. As a result of the additional principal payments made concurrent with the sales of our properties, we no longer qualified for hedge accounting and we de-designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge. Beginning in the third quarter of 2014, the gains and losses in the fair value of the swap were recorded as interest expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) and the AOCI balance was amortized and expensed as interest expense over the remaining life of the interest rate swap.
	We measure the value of the interest rate swap utilizing an income approach valuation technique, converting future amounts of cash flows to a single present value in order to obtain a transfer exit price within the bid and ask spread that is most representative of the fair value of our derivative instruments. This option-pricing technique utilizes a one-month LIBOR forward yield curve, obtained from an independent external service.
	At December 31, 2014, the valuation of the interest rate swap resulted in the recognition of a swap liability totaling $0.2 million, which is included in other accrued expenses on the balance sheet.

Debentures_of_Red_Lion_Hotels_

Debentures of Red Lion Hotels Capital Trust	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Debentures of Red Lion Hotels Capital Trust	Debentures of Red Lion Hotels Capital Trust
	Together with the Trust, we completed a public offering of $46.0 million of trust preferred securities in 2004. The securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and entitle holders to cumulative cash distributions at a 9.5% annual rate with maturity in February 2044. The cost of the offering totaled $2.3 million, which the Trust paid through an advance by us. The advance to the Trust is included with other noncurrent assets on our consolidated balance sheets.
	We borrowed all of the proceeds from the offering, including our original 3% trust common investment of $1.4 million, on the same day through 9.5% debentures that are included as a long-term liability on our consolidated balance sheets. The debentures mature in 2044 and their payment terms mirror the distribution terms of the trust securities. The debenture agreement required the mandatory redemption of 35% of the then-outstanding trust securities at 105% of issued value if we completed an offering of common shares with gross proceeds of greater than $50 million. In accordance therewith and in connection with a common stock offering in May 2006, we repaid approximately $16.6 million of the debentures due the Trust. The Trust then redeemed 35% of the outstanding trust preferred securities and trust common securities at a price of $26.25 per share, a 5% premium over the issued value of the securities. Of the $16.6 million, approximately $0.5 million was received back by us for our trust common securities and was reflected as a reduction of our investment in the Trust. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, debentures due the Trust totaled $30.8 million.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	At any given time we are subject to claims and actions incidental to the operations of our business. Based on information currently available, we do not expect that any sums we may receive or have to pay in connection with any legal proceeding would have a materially adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or net cash flow.
	Due to our equity method investment in a 19.9% owned real estate venture, we are considered a guarantor of the mortgage for the building associated with that investment. We would be obligated to pay a portion of this mortgage in the event the real estate venture were unable to meet its principal or interest payment obligations. As of December 31, 2014, the maximum amount payable under this guarantee was approximately $1.9 million, which represents 19.9% of the outstanding mortgage balance. At December 31, 2014, it was not probable that we would be required to pay any of this amount; thus we have not accrued a liability for any portion of this obligation in our December 31, 2014 financial statements.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity
		Stockholders' Equity
	We are authorized to issue 50 million shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and five million shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of December 31, 2014, there were 19,846,508 shares of common stock issued and outstanding and no shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding. The board of directors has the authority, without action by the shareholders, to designate and issue preferred stock in one or more series and to designate the rights, preferences and privileges of each series, which may be greater than the rights of the common stock.
	Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters to be voted upon by the shareholders with no cumulative voting rights. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably the dividends, if any, that are declared from time to time by the board of directors out of funds legally available for that purpose. The rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock that we may designate in the future.
	Stock Incentive Plans
	As approved by our shareholders, the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, authorize the grant or issuance of various option or other awards including restricted stock grants and other stock-based compensation. The 2006 plan allows awards covering up to two million shares (subject to adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends and similar events). The 1998 plan allows awards covering up to 1.4 million shares, although as a condition to the approval of the 2006 plan, we no longer grant or issue awards under the 1998 plan. The compensation committee of the board of directors administers the 2006 plan and establishes to whom awards are granted and the type and terms and conditions, including the exercise period, of the awards. As of December 31, 2014, there were 448,788 shares of common stock available for issuance pursuant to future stock option grants or other awards under the 2006 plan.
	Stock based compensation expense reflects the fair value of stock based awards measured at grant date, including an estimated forfeiture rate, and is recognized over the relevant service period. Stock-based compensation expense related to these awards during 2014, 2013 and 2012 for employees was approximately $0.9 million, $1.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively.
	Stock-based compensation expense includes $0.3 million of expense recorded upon the separation of our former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 2014 and $0.5 million of expense recorded upon the retirement of our former President and Chief Executive Officer in 2013.
	In addition to the awards mentioned above, during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, there were 85,442, 77,360 and 58,705 shares of common stock, respectively, issued in aggregate to non-management directors as compensation for service. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recognized compensation expense of approximately $0.5 million, $0.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively, upon issuance.
	Stock Options
	Stock options issued are valued based upon the Black-Scholes option pricing model and we recognize this value as an expense over the periods in which the options vest. Use of the Black-Scholes option-pricing model requires that we make certain assumptions, including expected volatility, forfeiture rate, risk-free interest rate, expected dividend yield and expected life of the options, based on historical experience. Volatility is based on historical information with terms consistent with the expected life of the option. The risk free interest rate is based on the quoted daily treasury yield curve rate at the time of grant, with terms consistent with the expected life of the option. No stock options were granted in 2014, 2013 or 2012.
	A summary of stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2014, is as follows:
			Number		Weighted
			of Shares		Average
					Exercise
					Price
	Balance, January 1, 2014		167,607		$	9.41
	Options granted		—		$	—
	Options exercised		—		$	—
	Options forfeited		(92,431	)	$	8.87
	Balance, December 31, 2014		75,176		$	10.27
	Exercisable, December 31, 2014		75,176		$	10.27
	Additional information regarding stock options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2014, is presented below.
	Exercise		Number		Weighted		Expiration	Exercise		Aggregate		Number	Exercise		Aggregate
	Price		Outstanding		Average		Date	Price		Intrinsic		Exercisable	Price		Intrinsic
					Remaining					Value(1)					Value(1)
					Contractual
					Life (Years)
	7.46		3,500		0.86		2015	$	7.46	$	—	3,500	$	7.46	$	—
	8.74		40,836		3.39		2018	8.74		—		40,836	8.74		—
	12.21		15,195		1.89		2016	12.21		—		15,195	12.21		—
	13		15,645		2.38		2017	13		—		15,645	13		—
			75,176		2.76		2015-2018	$	10.27	$	—	75,176	$	10.27	$	—
	____________
	-1	The aggregate intrinsic value is before applicable income taxes and represents the amount option recipients would have received if all options had been exercised on the last trading day of 2014, based upon our closing stock price of $6.34.
	Restricted Stock Units, Shares Issued as Compensation
	During 2014, 2013 and 2012, we granted 319,168, 218,356 and 169,036 unvested restricted stock units, respectively, to executive officers and other key employees, the majority of which vest 25% each year for four years on each anniversary of the grant date. While all of the shares are considered granted, they are not considered issued or outstanding until vested. As of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 there were 398,513, 303,749 and 323,561 unvested restricted stock units outstanding, respectively. Since we began issuing restricted stock units, approximately 22.1% of total restricted stock units granted have been forfeited.
	A summary of restricted stock unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2014, is as follows:
			Number		Weighted
			of Shares		Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Balance, January 1, 2014		303,749		$	7.32
	Granted		319,168		$	5.63
	Vested		(117,758	)	$	7.18
	Forfeited		(106,646	)	$	7.01
	Balance, December 31, 2014		398,513		$	6.09
	117,758 shares of common stock were issued to employees in 2014 as their restricted stock units vested. Under the terms of the 2006 plan and upon issuance, we authorized a net settlement of distributable shares to employees after consideration of individual employees' tax withholding obligations, at the election of each employee.
	During 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recognized approximately $0.9 million, $1.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively, in compensation expense related to these grants, and expect to record an additional $1.6 million in compensation expense over the remaining weighted average vesting periods of approximately 26 months.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	In 2008, we adopted a new employee stock purchase plan ("ESPP") upon expiration of our previous plan. Under the ESPP, 300,000 shares of common stock are authorized for purchase by eligible employees at a discount through payroll deductions. No employee may purchase more than $25,000 worth of shares, or more than 10,000 total shares, in any calendar year. As allowed under the ESPP, a participant may elect to withdraw from the plan, effective for the purchase period in progress at the time of the election with all accumulated payroll deductions returned to the participant at the time of withdrawal. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, there were 14,427, 13,765 and 17,304 shares, respectively, issued, and approximately $18,000, $17,000 and $16,000 was recorded in compensation expense related to the discount associated with the plan in each year, respectively.

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share

Earnings (Loss) Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings (Loss) Per Share	Earnings (Loss) Per Share
	The following table presents a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in the basic and diluted net income (loss) per share computations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Numerator - basic and diluted:
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	2,492		$	(15,070	)	$	(11,164	)
	Less net income or loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(7		)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(189		)	(1,977		)	(3,517		)
	Net income (loss)	$	2,303		$	(17,047	)	$	(14,674	)
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares - basic	19,785			19,575			19,327
	Weighted average shares - diluted	19,891			19,575			19,327
	Earnings (loss) per share:
	Basic and Diluted
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	0.13		$	(0.77	)	$	(0.58	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.10	)	$	(0.18	)
	Net income (loss)	$	0.12		$	(0.87	)	$	(0.76	)
	At December 31, 2014, 75,176 options to purchase common shares were considered antidilutive.
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012 all of the 167,607 and 172,814 options to purchase common shares and all of the 303,749 and 323,561 restricted stock units outstanding as of that date were considered antidilutive in the period.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Major components of the income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, are as follows (in thousands):
			December 31,
			2014				2013				2012
	Current:
		Federal (benefit) expense	$	—			$	(17	)		$	(153	)
		State (benefit) expense	25				32				6
	Deferred (benefit) expense		6				(766		)		(8,376		)
	Income tax (benefit) expense		31				(751		)		(8,523		)
	Less: tax benefit of discontinued operations		—				(66		)		1,994
	Income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations		$	31			$	(817	)		$	(6,529	)
	The differences between income taxes expected at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 34 percent and the reported income tax (benefit) expense are summarized as follows (in thousands, except percentages):
		December 31,
		2014						2013						2012
		Amount			%			Amount			%			Amount			%
	(Benefit) provision at federal statutory rate	$	858		34	%		$	(6,051	)	-34	%		$	(7,887	)	-34	%
	State tax (benefit) expense	23			0.9	%		(365		)	-2	%		(774		)	-3.3	%
	Effect of tax credits	(173		)	-6.9	%		(433		)	-2.4	%		(336		)	-1.4	%
	Other	286			11.3	%		205			1.1	%		474			2	%
	Valuation allowance	(963		)	-38.2	%		5,893			33.1	%		—			—	%
	Income tax (benefit) expense	31			1.2	%		(751		)	-4.2	%		(8,523		)	-58.1	%
	Effect of discontinued operations	—			—	%		(66		)	—	%		1,994			—	%
	Income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations	$	31		1.2	%		$	(817	)	-5.1	%		$	(6,529	)	-36.9	%
	Significant components of the net deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013, are as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014							2013
		Assets			Liabilities				Assets			Liabilities
	Property and equipment	$	—		$	11,889			$	—		$	11,680
	Brand name	—			2,485				—			2,502
	Other intangible assets	—			208				—			211
	Gain on sale leaseback	1,079			—				1,257			—
	Tax credit carryforwards	4,484			—				4,299			—
	Federal and state net operating losses	10,250			—				10,746			—
	Other	872			—				1,177			—
	Valuation allowance	(4,916		)	—				(5,893		)	—
	Total	$	11,769		$	14,582			$	11,586		$	14,393
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had federal gross operating loss carryforwards of approximately $27.3 million and $28.6 million, respectively; state gross operating loss carryforwards of approximately $20.5 million and $21.8 million, respectively; and federal and state tax credit carryforwards of approximately $4.5 million and $4.3 million, respectively. The federal net operating loss carryforwards will expire beginning in 2033, and the state net operating loss carryforwards will expire beginning in 2017; the tax credit carryforwards will begin to expire in 2024.
	We assess the available positive and negative evidence to estimate whether sufficient future taxable income will be generated to permit use of the existing deferred tax assets. A significant piece of objective negative evidence evaluated was the cumulative loss incurred over the three-year period ended December 31, 2014. Such objective evidence limits the ability to consider other subjective evidence such as our projections for future growth.
	On the basis of this evaluation, as of December 31, 2014, a valuation allowance of $4.9 million has been recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be adjusted if objective negative evidence in the form of cumulative losses is no longer present and additional weight may be given to subjective evidence such as our projections for growth. Should we determine we will be able to realize our deferred tax assets, the tax benefits relating to any reversal of the valuation allowance will be accounted for as a reduction of income tax expense.
	We recognize the financial statement effect of a tax position when it is more likely than not to be sustained on the basis of its technical merits. We have no material uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and do not anticipate a significant change in any unrecognized tax benefits over the next twelve months. Accordingly, we have not provided for any unrecognized tax benefits or related interest and penalties. We account for penalties and interest related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. With limited exception, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax examinations by taxing authorities for years prior to 2008.

Operating_Lease_Commitments

Operating Lease Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Lease Commitments	Operating Lease Commitments
	Total future minimum payments due under all current term operating leases at December 31, 2014, are as indicated below (in thousands):
	Year Ended December 31,
	2015	$	7,072
	2016	2,199
	2017	1,481
	2018	1,366
	2019	750
	Thereafter	8,020
	Total	$	20,888
	Total rent expense from continuing operations, under leases for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $5.2 million, $4.5 million, and $4.1 million, respectively, shown as hotel facility and land lease expense on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
	We have leasehold interests at five hotel properties as well as our corporate headquarters located in Spokane, Washington. These leases require us to pay fixed monthly rent and have expiration dates of 2016 and beyond. The table below summarizes the terms of the leases, including extension periods at our option, for our hotel properties as of December 31, 2014:
	Property	Expiration date of lease		Extension periods
	Red Lion River Inn	Oct-18		Three renewal terms of five years each
	Red Lion Hotel Seattle Airport	Dec-24		One renewal term of five years
	Red Lion Hotel Vancouver (at the Quay) (1)	Dec-15		None
	Red Lion Anaheim	Apr-16		18 renewal terms of five years each
	Red Lion Hotel Kalispell	Apr-28		Three renewal terms of five years each
	__________
	(1) In September 2014, we amended the lease for Red Lion Hotel Vancouver (at the Quay) to revise the lease term to December 31, 2015. In addition, we have the right to terminate the lease after December 31, 2014 with a payment of $3.0 million. If we have not previously terminated the lease, the lease will expire on December 31, 2015 with a required payment of $3.0 million.

RelatedParty_Transactions

Related-Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related-Party Transactions
	We conducted various business transactions in which the counterparty was considered a related party due to the relationships between us and the counterparty's officers, directors and/or equity owners. The nature of the transactions was limited to performing certain management and administrative functions for the related entities, commissions for real estate sales and leased office space. The total aggregate value of these transactions in 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $0.0 million, $0.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Estimated fair values of financial instruments (in thousands) are shown in the table below. The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, notes receivable and current liabilities are reasonable estimates of their fair values. We estimate the fair value of our long-term debt, excluding leases, using expected future payments discounted at risk-adjusted rates, both of which are Level 3 inputs. The debentures are valued at the closing price on December 31, 2014, of the underlying trust preferred securities on the New York Stock Exchange, which was a directly observable Level 1 input. The fair values provided below are not necessarily indicative of the amounts we or the debt holders could realize in a current market exchange. In addition, potential income tax ramifications related to the realization of gains and losses that would be incurred in an actual sale or settlement have not been taken into consideration.
			December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
			Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
			Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Financial assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash(1)		$	5,351	$	5,351	$	13,058	$	13,058
	Accounts receivable(1)		$	6,752	$	6,752	$	6,283	$	6,283
	Notes receivable		$	5,284	$	5,284	$	5,095	$	5,095
	Financial liabilities:
	Current liabilities, excluding debt(1)		$	18,469	$	18,469	$	16,238	$	16,238
	Total debt		$	30,200	$	30,683	$	43,058	$	44,311
	Debentures		$	30,825	$	31,639	$	30,825	$	32,058
	__________
	-1	Includes the cash, accounts receivable, and current liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	In January 2015, we transferred 12 of our wholly owned hotels into RL Venture LLC a newly created entity that was initially wholly owned by us. Subsequently, we sold a 45 percent member interest in RL Venture LLC to Shelbourne Falcon RLHC Hotel Investors LLC ("Shelbourne"). We concurrently repaid the outstanding balance of our secured debt with Wells Fargo Bank. The joint venture also obtained a new mortgage loan from Capital Source, a division of Pacific Western Bank, secured by the 12 properties. Shelbourne is an entity led by Shelbourne Capital LLC and includes several other institutional real estate investors, including Columbia Pacific Real Estate Fund II, LP, an affiliate of the company's largest shareholder Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, LP. All 12 hotels will continue to be managed by RLHC's wholly owned subsidiary, Red Lion Hotels Management, Inc., under an initial five-year management contract, with three five-year extensions. These hotels will continue to be consolidated as the joint venture is considered a variable interest entity and we are the primary beneficiary. In connection with Shelbourne's investment in the joint venture, RLHC issued to Shelbourne warrants to acquire 442,533 shares of common stock at $6.78 per share.
	The new mortgage loan has a base principal amount of $53.8 million and an additional $26.0 million over a two-year period to cover expenses related to improvements to the properties owned by the joint venture. The loan has a four-year term with a one-year extension option, and interest under the advanced portions of the loan will be calculated at LIBOR plus 4.75%. Interest only payments are due monthly commencing February 2015. Monthly principal payments are required beginning in January 2017 and are based on a 25 year amortization period based on the then current outstanding principal amount. The joint venture is required to buy an interest rate cap at standard market terms and in the event of any prepayment, are required to pay the lender a penalty tied to their cumulative receipt of $6 million in minimum interest. The loan is non-recourse except that several investors in the joint venture, including the company, are required to sign guarantees regarding, amongst other things, the completion of certain improvements to the joint venture properties, environmental covenants, losses incurred by the lender and any event of bankruptcy involving the joint venture or its owners. The loan agreement contains customary reporting and operating covenants applicable to the joint venture, including requirements for lender approval of annual operating and capital budgets, under certain conditions.
	On January 22, 2015, we sold the Wenatchee property for $4.1 million and concurrently entered into a franchise agreement with the new owner. See Note 5 for more information.
	On February 18, 2015, we sold the Bellevue property for $35.4 million and concurrently entered into a management agreement with the new owner. See Note 5 for more information.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	All highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. At times, cash balances at banks and other financial institutions may be in excess of federal insurance limits.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash
	In accordance with our various borrowing arrangements, at December 31, 2014 cash of approximately 0.2 million was held for collateralizing a letter of credit for an equity method investment.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The ability to collect individual accounts receivable is reviewed on a routine basis. An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded based on specifically identified amounts believed to be uncollectible. If actual collection experience changes, revisions to the allowance may be required and if all attempts to collect a receivable fail, it is recorded against the allowance. The estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts is impacted by, among other things, national and regional economic conditions.
Inventories	Inventories
	Inventories consist primarily of food and beverage products held for sale at the company-operated restaurants and guest supplies. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost, determined on a first-in, first-out basis, or net realizable value.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost. The cost of improvements that extend the life of property and equipment is capitalized. Repairs and maintenance charges are expensed as incurred.
Valuation of Definite Lived Intangibles and Long-Lived Assets	Valuation of Long-Lived Assets
	We test long-lived asset groups for recoverability when changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable, for example, when there are material adverse changes in projected revenues or expenses, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected operating results, or significant negative industry or economic trends. We also perform a test for recoverability when management has committed to a plan to sell or otherwise dispose of an asset group and the plan is expected to be completed within a year. We evaluate recoverability of an asset group by comparing its carrying value to the future net undiscounted cash flows that we expect will be generated by the asset group. If the comparison indicates that the carrying value of an asset group is not recoverable, we recognize an impairment loss for the excess of carrying value over the estimated fair value. When we recognize an impairment loss for assets to be held and used, we depreciate the adjusted carrying amount of those assets over their remaining useful life.
	We base our calculations of the estimated fair value of an asset group on the income approach or the market approach. The assumptions and methodology utilized for the income approach are the same as those described in the "Valuation of Goodwill" caption. For the market approach, we use analyses based primarily on market comparables, recent appraisals and assumptions about market capitalization rates, growth rates, and inflation.
	For information on impairment losses recorded in 2014, 2013 and 2012 associated with long-lived assets, see Note 4.
Valuation of Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets	Valuation of Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets
	We assess goodwill and other intangibles for potential impairments annually as of October 1, or during the year if an event or other circumstance indicates that we may not be able to recover the carrying amount of the asset. For purposes of goodwill impairment testing, we have determined that the individual segments where goodwill is recorded constitute reporting units as defined in the literature.
	We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. The qualitative factors include economic environment, business climate, market capitalization, operating performance, competition, and other factors. If quantitative analyses are required, in the first step of evaluating goodwill for impairment we compare the estimated fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, no further analysis is needed.
	If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we proceed to the second step of the test to calculate the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill in order to determine whether any impairment is required. We calculate the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill by allocating the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. If the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, we recognize an impairment loss for that excess amount. In allocating the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, we use industry and market data, recent appraisals and knowledge of the industry and past experiences.
	We base our calculations of the estimated fair value of a reporting unit on a combined income and market approach. For the income approach, we use a discounted cash flow model that includes the following assumptions: projections of revenues and expenses and related cash flows based on assumed long-term growth rates and demand trends; expected future investments to grow new units; and estimated discount rates. We base these assumptions on historical data and experience, third-party appraisals, industry projections, micro and macro general economic condition projections, and our own expectations. For the market approach, we use analyses based primarily on market comparables and assumptions about market capitalization rates, growth rates, and inflation. See Note 7.
	The impairment test for indefinite lived intangible assets consists of either a qualitative assessment or a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. An impairment loss, if any, is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. Fair value is typically estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis.
Assets Held for Sale	Assets Held for Sale
	We consider a property to be an asset held for sale when all of the following criteria are met:
	•	management commits to a plan to sell the property;
	•	it is unlikely that the disposal plan will be significantly modified or discontinued;
	•	the property is available for immediate sale in its present condition;
	•	actions required to complete the sale of the property have been initiated;
	•	sale of the property is probable, we expect the completed sale will occur within one year; and
	•	the property 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, we record the carrying value of each property at the lower of its carrying value or its estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, and cease depreciation.
	For information on the assets classified as held for sale, see Note 5.
Notes Receivable	Notes Receivable
	We carry notes receivable at their estimated collection amount and they are classified as either current or noncurrent depending on the expected collection date. Interest income on notes receivable is recognized using the interest method.
Other Assets	Other Assets
	Other assets primarily include deferred loan costs, equity method and cost method investments discussed in Note 1. Equity method investments are carried at cost, adjusted for our proportionate share of earnings and any investment disbursements. Cost method investments are carried at their original purchase price. Deferred loan costs are amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the related loan agreement.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	Applicable accounting standards define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). We measure our assets and liabilities using inputs from the following three levels of the fair value hierarchy:
	•	Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access at the measurement date.
	•	Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (i.e., interest rates, yield curves, etc.), and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs).
	•	Level 3 includes unobservable inputs that reflect assumptions about what factors market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. We develop these inputs based on the best information available, including our own data.
Deferred Income	Deferred Income
	In 2003, we sold a hotel to an unrelated party in a sale-operating leaseback transaction. The pre-tax gain on the transaction of approximately $7.0 million was deferred and is being amortized into income over the period of the lease term, which expires in November 2018 and is renewable for three, five-year terms at our option. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recognized income of approximately $0.5 million each year for the amortization of the deferred gain. The remaining balance at December 31, 2014, was $1.8 million.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined on the basis of the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	We recognize deferred tax assets to the extent that we believe these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning, and results of recent operations. At December 31, 2014, a valuation allowance has been recorded to reduce our deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized. If we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.
	We record uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of a two-step process whereby (1) we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. See Note 14.
Revenue Recognition and Receivables	Revenue Recognition
	Revenue is generally recognized as services are provided. When payments from customers are received before services have been performed, the amount received is recorded as deferred revenue until the service has been completed. We recognize revenue from the following sources:
	•	Hotels - Room rental and food and beverage sales from owned and leased hotels and management fees from hotels under management contract. Revenues are recognized when services have been performed, generally at the time of the hotel stay or guests visit to the restaurant and at the time the management services are provided.
	•	Franchise - Fees received in connection with the franchise and marketing of our brand names. Franchise revenues are recognized as earned in accordance with the contractual terms of the franchise agreements.
	•	Entertainment - Online ticketing services, ticketing inventory management systems, promotion of Broadway-style shows and other special events. Where we act as an agent and receive a net fee or commission, revenue is recognized in the period the services are performed. When we are the promoter of an event and are at-risk for the production, revenues and expenses are recorded in the period of the event performance.
Advertising and Promotion	Advertising and Promotion
	Costs associated with advertising and promotional efforts are generally expensed as incurred. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we incurred approximately $3.4 million, $3.9 million and $3.1 million, respectively, in advertising expense from continuing operations.
Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share	Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share
	Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing income (loss) by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share gives effect to all dilutive potential shares that are outstanding during the period and include outstanding stock options and other outstanding employee equity grants, as well as the effect of noncontrolling interest related to the previously outstanding operating partnership units of RLHLP, by increasing the weighted-average number of shares outstanding by their effect. When we report a net loss during the period, basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are the same. See Note 13.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications
	Certain amounts disclosed in prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on reported income/losses, cash flows, total assets, or stockholders' equity as previously reported.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-08,
	"Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.” The amendments in ASU 2014-08 change the criteria for reporting a discontinued operation and require new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. Only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. This accounting standard update is effective for annual filings beginning on or after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted. The impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-08 on our company's results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures will be based on our company’s future disposal activity.
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers". ASU 2014-09 is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model requiring a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount reflecting the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 may be applied using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is not permitted. We are in the process of evaluating this guidance and our method of adoption.
	Management has assessed the potential impact of other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards and determined that the provisions are either not applicable to our company, or are not anticipated to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Alowance for Doubtful Accounts	The following schedule summarizes the activity in the allowance account for trade accounts receivable for the past three years for continuing operations:
			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Allowance for doubtful accounts, continuing operations
		Balance, beginning of year	$	132		$	98		$	387
		Additions to allowance	244			95			137
		Write-offs, net of recoveries	(73		)	(61		)	(426		)
		Balance, end of year	$	303		$	132		$	98
Schedule of Property, Plant, and Equipment, Estimated Useful Life	Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of each asset, which ranges as follows:
	Buildings	25 to 39 years
	Equipment	2 to 15 years
	Furniture and fixtures	5 to 15 years
	Landscaping and improvements	15 years

Business_Segments_Tables

Business Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information	Selected information with respect to continuing operations is provided below (in thousands):
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Revenues:
	Hotels	$	118,616		$	120,391		$	131,112
	Franchise	9,618			7,136			5,177
	Entertainment	17,115			9,439			9,165
	Other	77			341			442
		$	145,426		$	137,307		$	145,896
	Operating income (loss):
	Hotels	$	11,807		$	(2,211	)	$	(2,785	)
	Franchise	2,565			531			374
	Entertainment	1,981			(109		)	(244		)
	Other	(9,594		)	(9,056		)	(7,714		)
		$	6,759		$	(10,845	)	$	(10,369	)
	Capital expenditures:
	Hotels	$	24,255		$	11,882		$	7,690
	Franchise	20			320			6
	Entertainment	241			10			171
	Other	375			280			785
		$	24,891		$	12,492		$	8,652
	Depreciation and amortization:
	Hotels	$	11,394		$	12,643		$	13,229
	Franchise	49			49			45
	Entertainment	350			359			389
	Other	969			909			1,305
		$	12,762		$	13,960		$	14,968
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Identifiable assets:
	Hotels	$	190,332		$	192,225		$	212,418
	Franchise	9,807			9,348			8,994
	Entertainment	6,161			6,759			5,976
	Other (1)	17,054			26,294			33,554
		$	223,354		$	234,626		$	260,942
	(1) Includes the identifiable assets of assets classified as held for sale.

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	Property and equipment used in continuing operations is summarized as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014				2013
	Buildings and equipment	$	182,273			$	188,331
	Furniture and fixtures	31,910				32,685
	Landscaping and land improvements	6,943				6,459
		221,126				227,475
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(117,968		)		(117,343		)
		103,158				110,132
	Land	39,087				48,886
	Construction in progress	18,165				7,338
	Property and equipment, net	$	160,410			$	166,356
Impairments on Property and Equipment	Impairments on property and equipment are summarized below:
		Impairment Recorded
		Year Ended December 31,			Continuing	Discontinued	Year
		2014	2013	2012	Operations	Operations	Sold
		(in millions)
	Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee	$—	$1.00	$—	x		2015
	Red Lion Hotel Canyon Springs	—	2.6	—	x		2014
	Red Lion Hotel Yakima Center	—	0.7	—	x		2014
	Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center Kelso/Longview	—	1.5	—	x		2014
	Red Lion Hotel Pocatello	—	2	—	x		2014
	Red Lion Hotel Eugene	—	1.1	—		x	2014
	Red Lion Hotel Medford	—	—	0.8		x	2013
	Kalispell Center Mall	—	—	2.2		x	2013
	Red Lion Hotel Pendleton	—	—	2.3	x		2013
	Red Lion Hotel Missoula	—	—	0.9	x		2013
	Red Lion Hotel Denver Southeast	—	—	3.9	x		2012
	Red Lion Colonial Hotel	—	—	2.3	x		2012
	Red Lion Hotel Sacramento at Arden Village	—	—	3.9		x	2012

Assets_Held_for_Sale_Tables

Assets Held for Sale (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property and Equipment, Assets Held for Sale	The property and equipment of these properties that are classified as assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheets (beginning in the year classified as held for sale) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are detailed in the table below (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Buildings and equipment	$	16,339		$	25,367
	Furniture and fixtures	345			1,138
	Landscaping and land improvements	1,948			7,337
		18,632			33,842
	Less accumulated depreciation	(8,537		)	(25,207		)
		10,095			8,635
	Land	11,066			9,478
	Construction in progress	12			233
	Assets held for sale	$	21,173		$	18,346

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Balance Sheet and Income Statement	The following table summarizes the results of discontinued operations for the periods indicated (in thousands):
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Revenues	$	133		$	5,778		$	10,048
	Operating expenses	(290		)	(5,233		)	(7,497		)
	Hotel facility and land lease	(30		)	(423		)	(717		)
	Depreciation and amortization	—			(187		)	(847		)
	Interest Expense	—			—			595
	Loss on asset dispositions	—			(1,073		)	—
	Income tax (expense) benefit	—			(66		)	(573		)
	Loss from operations of discontinued business units	(187		)	(1,204		)	1,009
	Loss on disposal or impairment of the assets of discontinued business units	(2		)	(773		)	(7,092		)
	Income tax benefit	—			—			2,566
	Loss on impairment of the assets of the discontinued business units	(2		)	(773		)	(4,526		)
	Loss from discontinued operations	$	(189	)	$	(1,977	)	$	(3,517	)

Goodwill_and_Intangibles_Table

Goodwill and Intangibles (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill	Goodwill and other intangible assets attributable to each of our business segments at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014						2013
					Intangible					Intangible
		Goodwill			Assets			Goodwill		Assets
	Hotels	$	—		$	4,659		$	—	$	4,639
	Franchise	5,351			2,347			5,351		2,347
	Entertainment	3,161			6			3,161		6
	Total	$	8,512		$	7,012		$	8,512	$	6,992
	The following table summarizes the balances of goodwill and other intangible assets (in thousands):
			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Goodwill		$	8,512		$	8,512
	Intangible assets
		Brand name	$	6,878		$	6,878
		Trademarks	134			114
	Total intangible assets		$	7,012		$	6,992

Credit_Facility_and_Long_TermD

Credit Facility and Long Term-Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	Contractual maturities for the term loan and revolving line of credit outstanding at December 31, 2014, for the remaining term, are summarized by year as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ending December 31,	Amount
	2015	$	2,261
	2016	2,261
	2017	2,261
	2018	23,744
		$	30,527

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock Options Activity	A summary of stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2014, is as follows:
			Number		Weighted
			of Shares		Average
					Exercise
					Price
	Balance, January 1, 2014		167,607		$	9.41
	Options granted		—		$	—
	Options exercised		—		$	—
	Options forfeited		(92,431	)	$	8.87
	Balance, December 31, 2014		75,176		$	10.27
	Exercisable, December 31, 2014		75,176		$	10.27
Schedule of Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range	Additional information regarding stock options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2014, is presented below.
	Exercise		Number		Weighted		Expiration	Exercise		Aggregate		Number	Exercise		Aggregate
	Price		Outstanding		Average		Date	Price		Intrinsic		Exercisable	Price		Intrinsic
					Remaining					Value(1)					Value(1)
					Contractual
					Life (Years)
	7.46		3,500		0.86		2015	$	7.46	$	—	3,500	$	7.46	$	—
	8.74		40,836		3.39		2018	8.74		—		40,836	8.74		—
	12.21		15,195		1.89		2016	12.21		—		15,195	12.21		—
	13		15,645		2.38		2017	13		—		15,645	13		—
			75,176		2.76		2015-2018	$	10.27	$	—	75,176	$	10.27	$	—
	____________
	-1	The aggregate intrinsic value is before applicable income taxes and represents the amount option recipients would have received if all options had been exercised on the last trading day of 2014, based upon our closing stock price of $6.34.
Schedule of Restricted Stock	A summary of restricted stock unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2014, is as follows:
			Number		Weighted
			of Shares		Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Balance, January 1, 2014		303,749		$	7.32
	Granted		319,168		$	5.63
	Vested		(117,758	)	$	7.18
	Forfeited		(106,646	)	$	7.01
	Balance, December 31, 2014		398,513		$	6.09

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following table presents a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in the basic and diluted net income (loss) per share computations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Numerator - basic and diluted:
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	2,492		$	(15,070	)	$	(11,164	)
	Less net income or loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(7		)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(189		)	(1,977		)	(3,517		)
	Net income (loss)	$	2,303		$	(17,047	)	$	(14,674	)
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares - basic	19,785			19,575			19,327
	Weighted average shares - diluted	19,891			19,575			19,327
	Earnings (loss) per share:
	Basic and Diluted
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	0.13		$	(0.77	)	$	(0.58	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.10	)	$	(0.18	)
	Net income (loss)	$	0.12		$	(0.87	)	$	(0.76	)

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Major Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	Major components of the income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, are as follows (in thousands):
			December 31,
			2014				2013				2012
	Current:
		Federal (benefit) expense	$	—			$	(17	)		$	(153	)
		State (benefit) expense	25				32				6
	Deferred (benefit) expense		6				(766		)		(8,376		)
	Income tax (benefit) expense		31				(751		)		(8,523		)
	Less: tax benefit of discontinued operations		—				(66		)		1,994
	Income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations		$	31			$	(817	)		$	(6,529	)
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation
		December 31,
		2014						2013						2012
		Amount			%			Amount			%			Amount			%
	(Benefit) provision at federal statutory rate	$	858		34	%		$	(6,051	)	-34	%		$	(7,887	)	-34	%
	State tax (benefit) expense	23			0.9	%		(365		)	-2	%		(774		)	-3.3	%
	Effect of tax credits	(173		)	-6.9	%		(433		)	-2.4	%		(336		)	-1.4	%
	Other	286			11.3	%		205			1.1	%		474			2	%
	Valuation allowance	(963		)	-38.2	%		5,893			33.1	%		—			—	%
	Income tax (benefit) expense	31			1.2	%		(751		)	-4.2	%		(8,523		)	-58.1	%
	Effect of discontinued operations	—			—	%		(66		)	—	%		1,994			—	%
	Income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations	$	31		1.2	%		$	(817	)	-5.1	%		$	(6,529	)	-36.9	%
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Significant components of the net deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013, are as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014							2013
		Assets			Liabilities				Assets			Liabilities
	Property and equipment	$	—		$	11,889			$	—		$	11,680
	Brand name	—			2,485				—			2,502
	Other intangible assets	—			208				—			211
	Gain on sale leaseback	1,079			—				1,257			—
	Tax credit carryforwards	4,484			—				4,299			—
	Federal and state net operating losses	10,250			—				10,746			—
	Other	872			—				1,177			—
	Valuation allowance	(4,916		)	—				(5,893		)	—
	Total	$	11,769		$	14,582			$	11,586		$	14,393

Operating_Lease_Commitments_Ta

Operating Lease Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Payments for Operating Leases	Total future minimum payments due under all current term operating leases at December 31, 2014, are as indicated below (in thousands):
	Year Ended December 31,
	2015	$	7,072
	2016	2,199
	2017	1,481
	2018	1,366
	2019	750
	Thereafter	8,020
	Total	$	20,888
Operating Leases of Lessee	The table below summarizes the terms of the leases, including extension periods at our option, for our hotel properties as of December 31, 2014:
	Property	Expiration date of lease		Extension periods
	Red Lion River Inn	Oct-18		Three renewal terms of five years each
	Red Lion Hotel Seattle Airport	Dec-24		One renewal term of five years
	Red Lion Hotel Vancouver (at the Quay) (1)	Dec-15		None
	Red Lion Anaheim	Apr-16		18 renewal terms of five years each
	Red Lion Hotel Kalispell	Apr-28		Three renewal terms of five years each
	__________
	(1) In September 2014, we amended the lease for Red Lion Hotel Vancouver (at the Quay) to revise the lease term to December 31, 2015. In addition, we have the right to terminate the lease after December 31, 2014 with a payment of $3.0 million. If we have not previously terminated the lease, the lease will expire on December 31, 2015 with a required payment of $3.0 million.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value and Carrying Amount
			December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
			Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
			Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Financial assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash(1)		$	5,351	$	5,351	$	13,058	$	13,058
	Accounts receivable(1)		$	6,752	$	6,752	$	6,283	$	6,283
	Notes receivable		$	5,284	$	5,284	$	5,095	$	5,095
	Financial liabilities:
	Current liabilities, excluding debt(1)		$	18,469	$	18,469	$	16,238	$	16,238
	Total debt		$	30,200	$	30,683	$	43,058	$	44,311
	Debentures		$	30,825	$	31,639	$	30,825	$	32,058
	__________
	-1	Includes the cash, accounts receivable, and current liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale.

Organization_Details

Organization (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Feb. 29, 2012
	provinces
	states
	hotels
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of total hotels	55
Number of states hotels are located	10
Number of Canadian provinces hotels are located	1
Number of hotels, operated	19
Number of hotels, wholly owned	14
Number of hotels, leased	5
Ownership percentage	19.90%
Noncontrolling interest		0.30%	0.30%
Common stock, shares issued	19,846,508	19,687,232
Red Lion Hotels Holdings, Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership percentage		99.70%	99.70%
North River Drive Company [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of operating units held	70,842.51
Red Lion Hotels Capital Trust [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Interest in variable interest entity	3.00%
Operating Partnership Units [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued				44,837
Red Lion Hotels and Red Lion Inns & Suites [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of total hotels	53
Number of hotel rooms	8,564
Meeting space (in square feet)	421,322
Number of hotels, franchised	34
Leo Hotel Collection [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of hotel rooms	3,256
Meeting space (in square feet)	241,000
Number of hotels, franchised	2

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2003
	term		properties
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash	$225,000	$0
Notes Receivable
Number of properties sold			2
Deferred Income
Deferred gain				7,000,000
Number of renewable terms	3
Renewable lease period	5 years
Recognized income	500,000	500,000	500,000
Deferred revenue	1,800,000
Advertising and Promotion
Advertising expense	3,400,000	3,900,000	3,100,000
Sale of Red Lion Hotel Pocatello [Member]
Notes Receivable
Notes receivable	1,800,000
Sale of Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center Kelso/Longview [Member]
Notes Receivable
Notes receivable	200,000
Sale of Red Lion Hotel Pendleton [Member]
Notes Receivable
Notes receivable		1,700,000
Sale of Red Lion Hotel Sacramento [Member]
Notes Receivable
Notes receivable			2,700,000
Sale of Red Lion Hotel Denver Southeast [Member]
Notes Receivable
Notes receivable			$4,000,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Allowance for Doubtful Accounts) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$132	$98	$387
Additions to allowance	244	95	137
Write-offs, net of recoveries	-73	-61	-426
Balance, end of year	$303	$132	$98

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Property and Equipment) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Building [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	25 years
Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	39 years
Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	2 years
Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	15 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	5 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	15 years
Land Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	15 years

Business_Segments_Details

Business Segments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
	segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments	3
Revenues	$145,426		$137,307		$145,896
Operating income (loss)	6,759		-10,845		-10,369
Capital expenditures	24,891		12,492		8,652
Identifiable assets	223,354		234,626		260,942
Purchases of property and equipment	24,891		13,193		8,442
Continuing Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	12,762		13,960		14,968
Hotels [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	118,616		120,391		131,112
Operating income (loss)	11,807		-2,211		-2,785
Capital expenditures	24,255	[1]	11,882	[1]	7,690	[1]
Identifiable assets	190,332		192,225		212,418
Hotels [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	11,394		12,643		13,229
Franchise [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	9,618		7,136		5,177
Operating income (loss)	2,565		531		374
Capital expenditures	20		320		6
Identifiable assets	9,807		9,348		8,994
Franchise [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	49		49		45
Entertainment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	17,115		9,439		9,165
Operating income (loss)	1,981		-109		-244
Capital expenditures	241		10		171
Identifiable assets	6,161		6,759		5,976
Entertainment [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	350		359		389
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	77		341		442
Operating income (loss)	-9,594		-9,056		-7,714
Capital expenditures	375		280		785
Identifiable assets	17,054	[1]	26,294	[1]	33,554	[1]
Other [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$969		$909		$1,305
[1]	(1) Includes the identifiable assets of assets classified as held for sale.

Schedule_of_Property_and_Equip

- Schedule of Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$221,126	$227,475
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-117,968	-117,343
Construction in progress	103,158	110,132
Property and equipment, net	160,410	166,356
Buildings and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	182,273	188,331
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	31,910	32,685
Landscaping and Land Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	6,943	6,459
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	39,087	48,886
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$18,165	$7,338

Property_and_Equipment_Impairm

Property and Equipment - Impairment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment recorded	$0	$1	$0
Red Lion Hotel Canyon Springs [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment recorded	0	2.6	0
Red Lion Hotel Yakima Center [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment recorded	0	0.7	0
Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center Kelso/Longview [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment recorded	0	1.5	0
Red Lion Hotel Pocatello [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment recorded	0	2	0
Red Lion Hotel Eugene [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment recorded	0	1.1	0
Sale of Red Lion Hotel Medford [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment recorded	0	0	0.8
Kalispell Mall Property [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment recorded	0	0	2.2
Red Lion Hotel Pendleton [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment recorded	0	0	2.3
Red Lion Hotel Missoula [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment recorded	0	0	0.9
Denver Southeast Property [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment recorded	0	0	3.9
Red Lion Colonial Hotel [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment recorded	0	0	2.3
Red Lion Hotel Sacramento at Arden Village [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment recorded	$0	$0	$3.90

Assets_Held_for_Sale_Narrative

Assets Held for Sale (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment	$17,316	$16,025	$20,819
Asset impairment	$0	$7,785	$9,440

Assets_Held_for_Sale_Property_

Assets Held for Sale (Property and Equipment) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Assets held for sale, gross	$18,632	$33,842
Less accumulated depreciation	-8,537	-25,207
Assets held for sale, net, excluding land and contruction in progress	10,095	8,635
Assets held for sale	21,173	18,346
Buildings and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Assets held for sale, gross	16,339	25,367
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Assets held for sale, gross	345	1,138
Landscaping and Land Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Assets held for sale, gross	1,948	7,337
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Assets held for sale, gross	11,066	9,478
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Assets held for sale, gross	$12	$233

Discontinued_Operations_Narrat

Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	1 Months Ended				0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	31-May-14	Jun. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Jan. 22, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment	$17,316,000	$16,025,000	$20,819,000
Loss on asset dispositions	0	1,073,000	0
Catering Contract [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Loss on asset dispositions				100,000
Yakima Property [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment					3,700,000
Kennewick Property [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment						5,900,000
Kelso Property [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment						4,800,000
Cash paid for property						4,600,000
Canyon Springs Property [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment							2,500,000
Pocatello Property [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment								3,000,000
Cash paid for property								2,200,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment									$4,100,000	$4,100,000

Discontinued_Operations_Income

Discontinued Operations (Income Statement) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Revenues	$133	$5,778	$10,048
Operating expenses	-290	-5,233	-7,497
Hotel facility and land lease	-30	-423	-717
Depreciation and amortization	0	-187	-847
Interest expense	0	0	595
Loss on asset dispositions	0	-1,073	0
Income tax benefit (expense)	0	-66	-573
Income (loss) from operations of discontinued business units	-187	-1,204	1,009
Discontinued Operation, Impairment of Assets, Net of Tax	-2	-773	-7,092
Income tax benefit	0	0	2,566
Loss on disposal and impairment of the assets of discontinued business units	-2	-773	-4,526
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	($189)	($1,977)	($3,517)

Goodwill_and_Intangibles_Detai

Goodwill and Intangibles (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$8,512	$8,512
Intangible assets	7,012	6,992
Hotels [Member]
Schedule of Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	0	0
Intangible assets	4,659	4,639
Franchise [Member]
Schedule of Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	5,351	5,351
Intangible assets	2,347	2,347
Entertainment [Member]
Schedule of Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	3,161	3,161
Intangible assets	6	6
Brand Names [Member]
Schedule of Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	6,878	6,878
Trademarks [Member]
Schedule of Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$134	$114

Credit_Facility_and_Long_TermD1

Credit Facility and Long Term-Debt - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 26, 2015	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, balance	$61,000,000
Ratio in which LIBOR will decline	300.00%
Percentage of debt hedged by interest rate derivatives	40.00%
Number of hotels included as collateral	19
Amount outstanding	30,527,000
Unamortized discount	-300,000
Sales of Yakima, Kelso, Kennewick, Canyon Springs and Pocatello [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of long-term debt	10,400,000
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount outstanding	30,500,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	10,000,000
Letters of credit outstanding, amount	3,000,000
Remaining borrowing capacity	7,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.75%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	3.25%
Mortgage Loan [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		53,800,000
Mortgage Loan [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate		4.75%
Other Term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Estimated remaining balance at repayment date	38,200,000
Debentures [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, balance	30,800,000
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Balance at repayment date	500,000
Long-term debt, balance	45,000,000
Principal payment	591,689		750,000
Percent of net proceeds from sale	50.00%
Percent of appraised market value of property	50.00%
Additional principal payment	$1,000,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Term Loan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of debt hedged by interest rate derivatives	40.00%

Credit_Facility_and_Long_TermD2

Credit Facility and Long Term-Debt (Debt Maturity) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$2,261
2016	2,261
2017	2,261
2018	23,744
Amount outstanding	$30,527

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Percentage of debt hedged by interest rate derivatives	40.00%
Notional amount	$16,200,000		$18,000,000
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	4.88%
Derivative liability	-200,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance, beginning of year	-203,000	-159,000
Balance, end of year	($203,000)	($159,000)

Debentures_of_Red_Lion_Hotels_1

Debentures of Red Lion Hotels Capital Trust (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	31-May-06	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2004	Dec. 31, 2013
Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption by Settlement Terms [Line Items]
Debentures due Red Lion Hotels Capital Trust		$30,825,000		$30,825,000
Red Lion Hotels Capital Trust [Member]
Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption by Settlement Terms [Line Items]
Interest in variable interest entity		3.00%
Trust Preferred Securities Subject to Mandatory Redemption [Member] | Red Lion Hotels Corp [Member]
Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption by Settlement Terms [Line Items]
Public offering	500,000
Interest in variable interest entity			3.00%
Investment in Debenture			1,400,000
Mandatory redemption percentage		35.00%
Percentage of issued value		105.00%
Maximum amount of gross proceeds		50,000,000
Payments for Debentures	16,600,000
Redemption percentage		35.00%
Redemption price per share (in dollars per share)	$26.25
Redemption premium percentage	5.00%
Trust Preferred Securities Subject to Mandatory Redemption [Member] | Long-term Liability [Member] | Red Lion Hotels Corp [Member]
Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption by Settlement Terms [Line Items]
Debenture percentage			9.50%
Trust Preferred Securities Subject to Mandatory Redemption [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Red Lion Hotels Capital Trust [Member]
Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption by Settlement Terms [Line Items]
Public offering			46,000,000
Cash distributions percentage			9.50%
Offering costs			2,300,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Ownership percentage	19.90%
Maximum amount payable under this guarantee	$1.90
Outstanding mortgage balance.	19.90%

Stockholders_Equity_Narrative_

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares outstanding	19,846,508	19,687,232

Stockholders_Equity_Stock_Ince

Stockholders' Equity (Stock Incentive Plans Narrative) (Details) (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]
Compensation expense	$500	$600	$500
Vice President and Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense	300
President and Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense		500
Common Stock [Member] | Non-management Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issued for services	85,442	77,360	58,705
2006 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized	2,000,000
Number of shares of common stock available for issuance	448,788
1988 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized	1,400,000
Stock Incentive Plans [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense	$900	$1,300	$800

Stockholders_Equity_Stock_Opti

Stockholders' Equity (Stock Option Activity) (Details) (Stock Options [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Options [Member]
Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options outstanding at beginning of period, Options	167,607
Options granted	0	0	0
Options exercised	0
Options forfeited	-92,431
Options outstanding at end of period, Options	75,176	167,607
Exercisable at end of period, Options	75,176
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Options outstanding at beginning of period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$9.41
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$0
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$0
Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$8.87
Options outstanding at end of period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$10.27	$9.41
Exercisable at end of period, Options Weighted Average Exercise Price	$10.27

Stockholders_Equity_Exercise_P

Stockholders' Equity (Exercise Price Range) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share Price	$6.34
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number of Options Outstanding	75,176
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	2 years 7 months 28 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$10.27
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$0
Number of Exercisable Options	75,176
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$10.27
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	0	[1]
$5.10 [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Price, Upper Limit	$5.10
Number of Options Outstanding	3,500
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	10 months 17 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$7.46
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	0
Number of Exercisable Options	3,500
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$7.46
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	0	[1]
$7.10 - $7.46 [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Price, Lower Limit	$7.10
Exercise Price, Upper Limit	$7.46
Number of Options Outstanding	40,836
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years 0 months 21 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$8.74
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	0
Number of Exercisable Options	40,836
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$8.74
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	0	[1]
$8.74 - $8.80 [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Price, Lower Limit	$8.74
Exercise Price, Upper Limit	$8.80
Number of Options Outstanding	15,195
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	2 years 6 months 18 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$12.21
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	0
Number of Exercisable Options	15,195
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$12.21
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	0	[1]
$12.21 - $13.00 [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Price, Lower Limit	$12.21
Exercise Price, Upper Limit	$13
Number of Options Outstanding	15,645
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years 1 month 20 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$13
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	0
Number of Exercisable Options	15,645
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$13
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	$0	[1]
[1]	The aggregate intrinsic value is before applicable income taxes and represents the amount option recipients would have received if all options had been exercised on the last trading day of 2014, based upon our closing stock price of $6.34.

Stockholders_Equity_Restricted

Stockholders' Equity (Restricted Stock Units, Shares Issued as Compensation Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense	$500,000	$600,000	$500,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted	319,168	218,356	169,036
Vesting percentage	25.00%
Vesting period	4 years
Shares outstanding	398,513	303,749	323,561
Percentage of total units granted that are forfeited	22.10%
Shares vested	-117,758
Compensation expense	900,000	1,200,000	800,000
Additional compensation expense	$1,600,000
Period for recognition	26 months

Stockholders_Equity_Restricted1

Stockholders' Equity (Restricted Stock Units) (Details) (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Beginning of period, Shares	303,749	323,561
Granted, Shares	319,168	218,356	169,036
Vested, Shares	-117,758
Forfeited, Shares	-106,646
End of period, Shares	398,513	303,749	323,561
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Beginning of the period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$7.32
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$5.63
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$7.18
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$7.01
End of period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$6.09	$7.32

Stockholders_Equity_Employee_S

Stockholders' Equity (Employee Stock Purchase Plan Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense		$500,000	$600,000	$500,000
2008 ESPP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized	300,000
Maximum amount employees can purchase	25,000
Maximum number of shares employees can purchase	10,000
Number of shares issued to participants		14,427	13,765	17,304
Compensation expense		$18,000	$17,000	$16,000

Stockholders_Equity_Noncontrol

Stockholders' Equity (Non-controlling Interest and Operating Partnership Units Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued	19,846,508	19,687,232
Operating Partnership Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued			44,837

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Schedu

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Schedule of Securities Included in Dilutive Securities Calculations) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	$2,492	($15,070)	($11,164)
Less net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	-7
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	-189	-1,977	-3,517
Net income (loss) attributable to Red Lion Hotels Corporation	$2,303	($17,047)	($14,674)
Weighted average shares - basic	19,785	19,575	19,327
Weighted average shares - diluted	19,891	19,575	19,327
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	$0.13	($0.77)	($0.58)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	($0.01)	($0.10)	($0.18)
Net income (loss) attributable to Red Lion Hotels Corporation (dollars per share)	$0.12	($0.87)	($0.76)

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Narrat

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Options [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Options to purchase	75,176	167,607
Stock Options [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities	75,176	167,607	172,814
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities		303,749	323,561

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Inc

Income Taxes (Components of Income Tax (Benefit) Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current
Federal (benefit) expense	$0	($17)	($153)
State (benefit) expense	25	32	6
Deferred
Deferred (benefit) expense	6	-766	-8,376
Income tax (benefit) expense	31	-751	-8,523
Less: tax benefit of discontinued operations	0	-66	1,994
Income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations	$31	($817)	($6,529)

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Rate_R

Income Taxes (Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Amount
(Benefit) provision at federal statutory rate	$858	($6,051)	($7,887)
State tax (benefit) expense	23	-365	-774
Effect of tax credits	-173	-433	-336
Other	286	205	474
Valuation allowance	-963	5,893	0
Income tax (benefit) expense	31	-751	-8,523
Less: tax benefit of discontinued operations	0	-66	1,994
Income tax (benefit) expense	$31	($817)	($6,529)
Percent
(Benefit) provision at federal statutory rate	34.01%	-34.00%	-34.00%
State tax (benefit) expense	0.90%	-2.00%	-3.30%
Effect of tax credits	-6.90%	-2.40%	-1.40%
Other	11.30%	1.10%	2.00%
Valuation allowance	-38.20%	33.10%	0.00%
Income tax (benefit) expense	1.20%	-4.20%	-58.10%
Effect of discontinued operations	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations	1.20%	-5.10%	-36.90%

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Tax_Asse

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Property and equipment	$11,889	$11,680
Brand name	2,485	2,502
Other intangible assets	208	211
Liabilities, total	14,582	14,393
Deferred Tax Assets
Other intangible assets		0
Gain on sale leaseback	1,079	1,257
Tax credit carryforwards	4,484	4,299
Federal and state net operating losses	10,250	10,746
Other	872	1,177
Valuation allowance	-4,916	-5,893
Assets, total	$11,769	$11,586

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	$4,484,000	$4,299,000
Valuation allowance	4,916,000	5,893,000
Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Federal net operating losses	27,300,000	28,600,000
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Federal net operating losses	$20,500,000	$21,800,000

Operating_Lease_Commitments_Fu

Operating Lease Commitments (Future Minimum Payments Due) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases [Abstract]
2015	$7,072
2016	2,199
2017	1,481
2018	1,366
2019	750
Thereafter	8,020
Total	$20,888

Operating_Lease_Commitments_Na

Operating Lease Commitments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Hotel facility and land lease	$5,210	$4,464	$4,143

Operating_Lease_Commitments_Le

Operating Lease Commitments (Lease Terms) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Extension period	5 years
Lease Termination Fee	$3,000,000
Required payment in 2015	7,072,000
Red Lion River Inn [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Number of extension terms	3
Red Lion Hotel Seattle Airport [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Number of extension terms	1
Extension period	5 years
Red Lion Anaheim [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Number of extension terms	18
Extension period	5 years
Red Lion Hotel Kalispell [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Number of extension terms	3
Extension period	5 years
Red Lion Hotel Vancouver (at the Quay) [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Required payment in 2015	$3,000,000

RelatedParty_Transactions_Deta

Related-Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party expenses	$0	$0.10	$0.50

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	$5,351	[1]	$13,058	[1]
Accounts receivable	6,752	[1]	6,283	[1]
Current notes receivable	5,284		5,095
Current liabilities, excluding debt	18,469	[1]	16,238	[1]
Total debt	30,200		43,058
Debentures	30,825		30,825
Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	5,351	[1]	13,058	[1]
Accounts receivable	6,752	[1]	6,283	[1]
Current notes receivable	5,284		5,095
Current liabilities, excluding debt	18,469	[1]	16,238	[1]
Total debt	30,683		44,311
Debentures	$31,639		$32,058
[1]	Includes the cash, accounts receivable, and current liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale.

Subsequent_Events_Narrative_De

Subsequent Events Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		2 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 22, 2015	Feb. 18, 2015	Feb. 26, 2015
				term
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment	$17,316,000	$16,025,000	$20,819,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Management contract period				5 years
Number of contract extensions				3
Contract extension period				5 years
Subsequent Event [Member] | Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment				4,100,000	4,100,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Bellevue Property [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment						35,400,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Mortgage Loan [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Mortgage loan face amount							53,800,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Mortgage Loan [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate							4.75%
Subsequent Event [Member] | Mortgage Loan Base Principal [Member] | Mortgage Loan [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Mortgage loan face amount							53,800,000
Term of mortgage loan							4 years
Loan extension period							1 year
Amortization period							25 years
Prepayment penalty							6,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Mortgage Loan Additional Principal Amount [Member] | Mortgage Loan [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Mortgage loan face amount							26,000,000
Term of mortgage loan							2 years
Subsequent Event [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Warrants issued to acquire common stock (in shares)				442,533
Exercise price of warrants (usd per share)				6.78
Subsequent Event [Member] | RL Venture LLC [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of hotels transferred				12
Ownership percentage of RL Venture LLC sold				45.00%