| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2016 |
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
| Principles Of Consolidation | PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION When evaluating an entity for consolidation, the Company first determines whether an entity is within the scope of the guidance for consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIE”) and if it is deemed to be a VIE. If the entity is considered to be a VIE, the Company determines whether it would be considered the entity’s primary beneficiary. The Company consolidates those VIEs for which it has determined that it is the primary beneficiary. The Company will consolidate an entity not deemed a VIE upon a determination that it has a controlling financial interest. For entities where the Company does not have a controlling financial interest, the investments in such entities are classified as available-for-sale securities or accounted for using the equity or cost method, as appropriate. |
| Revenue Recognition | REVENUE RECOGNITION Hotel Group The principal source of revenues from franchising hotels is ongoing royalty fees, which are typically a percentage of gross room revenues of each franchised hotel and are recognized as revenue upon becoming due from the franchisee. An estimate of uncollectible ongoing royalty fees is charged to bad debt expense and included in operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Hotel Group revenues also include initial franchise fees, which are recognized as revenues when all material services or conditions have been substantially performed, which is either when a franchised hotel opens for business or when a franchise agreement is terminated after it has been determined that the franchised hotel will not open. The Company’s franchise agreements also require the payment of marketing and reservation fees, which are intended to reimburse the Company for expenses associated with operating an international, centralized, brand-specific reservations system, e-commerce channels such as the Company’s brand.com websites, as well as access to third-party distribution channels, such as online travel agents, advertising and marketing programs, global sales efforts, operations support, training and other related services. Marketing and reservation fees are recognized as revenue upon becoming due from the franchisee. An estimate of uncollectible ongoing marketing and reservation fees is charged to bad debt expense and included in marketing and reservation expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Generally, the Company is contractually obligated to expend the marketing and reservation fees it collects from franchisees in accordance with the franchise agreements; as such, revenues earned in excess of costs incurred are accrued as a liability for future marketing or reservation costs. Costs incurred in excess of revenues earned are expensed as incurred. In accordance with its franchise agreements, the Company includes an allocation of costs required to carry out marketing and reservation activities within marketing and reservation expenses. The Company also earns revenues from its Wyndham Rewards loyalty program when a member stays at a participating hotel. These revenues are derived from a fee the Company charges based upon a percentage of room revenues generated from such stay. These fees are to reimburse the Company for expenses associated with member redemptions and activities that are related to the overall administering and marketing of the program. This fee is recognized as revenue upon becoming due from the franchisee. Since the Company is obligated to expend the fees it collects from franchisees, revenues earned in excess of costs incurred are accrued as a liability for future costs to support the program. In addition, the Company earns revenue from its co-branded Wyndham Rewards credit card program which is primarily generated by cardholder spending and the enrollment of new cardholders. The advance payments received under the Company’s co-branded credit program are deferred and recognized as earned over the term of the arrangement. The Company also provides management services for hotels under management contracts, which offer all the benefits of a global brand and a full range of management, marketing and reservation services. In addition to the standard franchise services described above, the Company’s hotel management business provides hotel owners with professional oversight and comprehensive operations support services such as hiring, training and supervising the managers and employees that operate the hotels as well as annual budget preparation, financial analysis and extensive food and beverage services. The Company’s standard management agreement typically has a term of up to 25 years. The Company’s management fees are comprised of base fees, which are typically a specified percentage of gross revenues from hotel operations, and incentive fees, which are typically a specified percentage of a hotel’s gross operating profit. Management fee revenues are recognized as the services are performed and when the earnings process is complete and are recorded as a component of franchise fee revenues on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Management fee revenues were $22 million , $23 million and $11 million during 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The Company also recognizes as revenue reimbursable payroll costs for operational employees at certain of the Company’s managed hotels. Although these costs are funded by hotel owners, accounting guidance requires the Company to report these fees on a gross basis as both revenues and expenses. The revenues are recorded as a component of service and membership fees while the offsetting expenses are reflected as a component of operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. As such, there is no effect on the Company’s operating income. Revenues related to these reimbursable payroll costs were $271 million , $273 million and $148 million in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively and are reported as a component of service and membership fees on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company also earns revenues from hotel ownership. The Company’s ownership portfolio is limited to two hotels in locations where it has developed timeshare units. Revenues earned from the Company’s owned hotels consist primarily of (i) gross room night rentals, (ii) food and beverage services and (iii) on-site spa, casino, golf and shop revenues. These revenues are recognized upon the completion of services to its guests. Destination Network As a provider of vacation exchange services, the Company enters into affiliation agreements with developers of vacation ownership properties to allow owners of intervals of VOIs to trade their intervals for intervals at other properties affiliated with the Company’s RCI brand and, for some members, for other leisure-related services and products. Additionally, as a marketer of vacation rental properties, generally the Company enters into contracts for exclusive periods of time with property owners to market the rental of such properties to rental customers. The Company’s RCI brand derives a majority of its revenues from annual membership dues and exchange fees from RCI members trading their intervals. Revenues from annual membership dues represent the annual fees from RCI members who, for additional fees, have the right to exchange their intervals for intervals at other properties affiliated with the Company’s exchange network and, for certain members, for other leisure-related services and products. The Company recognizes revenues from annual membership dues on a straight-line basis over the membership period during which delivery of publications, if applicable, and other services are provided to the members. Exchange fees are generated when members exchange their intervals for intervals at other properties affiliated with the Company’s exchange network or for other leisure-related services and products. The Company also offers other exchange related products that provide RCI members the ability to (i) purchase trading power or points protection, (ii) extend the life of deposits and (iii) combine two or more deposits for the opportunity to exchange into intervals with higher trading power. Exchange fees and other exchange related product fees are recognized as revenues, net of expected cancellations, when these transactions have been confirmed to the member. The Company’s vacation rental brands primarily derive their revenues from fees, which generally average between 20% and 45% of the gross booking fees. For properties which the Company owns, manages or operates under long-term capital and operating leases (which represent less than 10% of the Company’s portfolio), the Company receives 100% of the revenues. The majority of the time, the Company acts on behalf of the owners of the rental properties to generate the Company’s fees. The Company provides reservation services to the independent property owners and receives the agreed-upon fee for the services provided. The Company remits the gross rental fee received from the renter to the independent property owner, net of the Company’s agreed-upon fee. Revenues from such fees that are recognized in the period that the rental reservation is made and are recorded net of expected cancellations. Cancellations for 2016 , 2015 and 2014 each totaled less than 4% of rental transactions booked. Upon confirmation of the rental reservation, the rental customer and property owner generally have a direct relationship for additional services to be performed. The Company also earns rental fees in connection with properties which it owns, manages or operates and such fees are recognized ratably over the rental customer’s stay, as this is the point at which the service is rendered. The Company’s revenues are earned when evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or the services have been rendered, the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Vacation Ownership The Company develops, markets and sells VOIs to individual consumers, provides property management services at resorts and provides consumer financing in connection with the sale of VOIs. The Company’s vacation ownership business derives the majority of its revenues from sales of VOIs and other revenues from consumer financing and property management. The Company’s sales of VOIs are either cash sales or developer-financed sales. In order for the Company to recognize revenues from VOI sales under the full accrual method of accounting described in the guidance for sales of real estate for fully constructed inventory, a binding sales contract must have been executed, the statutory rescission period must have expired (after which time the purchasers are not entitled to a refund except for non-delivery by the Company), receivables must have been deemed collectible and the remainder of the Company’s obligations must have been substantially completed. In addition, before the Company recognizes any revenues from VOI sales, the purchaser of the VOI must have met the initial investment criteria and, as applicable, the continuing investment criteria, by executing a legally binding financing contract. A purchaser has met the initial investment criteria when a minimum down payment of 10% is received by the Company. In accordance with the guidance for accounting for real estate time-sharing transactions, the Company must also take into consideration the fair value of certain incentives provided to the purchaser when assessing the adequacy of the purchaser’s initial investment. In those cases where financing is provided to the purchaser by the Company, the purchaser is obligated to remit monthly payments under financing contracts that represent the purchaser’s continuing investment. If all of the criteria for a VOI sale to qualify under the full accrual method of accounting have been met, as discussed above, except that construction of the VOI purchased is not complete, the Company recognizes revenues using the percentage-of-completion (“POC”) method of accounting provided that the preliminary construction phase is complete and that a minimum sales level has been met (to assure that the property will not revert to a rental property). The preliminary stage of development is deemed to be complete when the engineering and design work is complete, the construction contracts have been executed, the site has been cleared, prepared and excavated, and the building foundation is complete. The completion percentage is determined by the proportion of real estate inventory costs incurred to total estimated costs. These estimated costs are based upon historical experience and the related contractual terms. The remaining revenues and related costs of sales, including commissions and direct expenses, are deferred and recognized as the remaining costs are incurred. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , there were no revenues deferred under the POC method of accounting. During 2015 , gross VOI sales were increased by $13 million representing the net change in revenues that was deferred under the POC method of accounting. During 2014 , revenues that were deferred under the POC method of accounting were $12 million . The Company also offers consumer financing as an option to customers purchasing VOIs, which are typically collateralized by the underlying VOI. The contractual terms of Company-provided financing agreements require that the contractual level of annual principal payments be sufficient to amortize the loan over a customary period for the VOI being financed, which is generally 10 years and payments under the financing contracts begin within 45 days of the sale and receipt of the minimum down payment of 10% . An estimate of uncollectible amounts is recorded at the time of the sale with a charge to the provision for loan losses, which is classified as a reduction of VOI sales on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The interest income earned from the financing arrangements is earned on the principal balance outstanding over the life of the arrangement and is recorded within consumer financing on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company also provides day-to-day-management services, including oversight of housekeeping services, maintenance and certain accounting and administrative services for property owners’ associations and clubs. In some cases, the Company’s employees serve as officers and/or directors of these associations and clubs in accordance with their by-laws and associated regulations. The Company receives fees for such property management services which are generally based upon total costs to operate such resorts. Fees for property management services typically approximate 10% of budgeted operating expenses. Property management fee revenues are recognized when the services are performed and are recorded as a component of service and membership fees on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Property management revenues, which are comprised of management fee revenue and reimbursable revenue, were $660 million , $615 million and $581 million during 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Management fee revenues were $287 million , $275 million and $288 million during 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Reimbursable revenues, which are based upon certain reimbursable costs with no added margin, were $373 million , $340 million and $293 million during 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. These reimbursable costs principally relate to the payroll costs for management of the associations, club and resort properties where the Company is the employer and are reflected as a component of operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. One of the associations that the Company manages paid its Wyndham Destination Network segment $26 million , $24 million , and $19 million for exchange services during 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Other Items The Company records marketing and reservation revenues, Wyndham Rewards revenues, RCI Elite Rewards revenues and hotel/property management services revenues for its Hotel Group, Destination Network and Vacation Ownership segments, in accordance with the guidance for reporting revenues gross as a principal versus net as an agent, which requires that these revenues be recorded on a gross basis. Deferred Income Deferred income, as of December 31, consisted of: 2016 2015 Membership and exchange fees $ 248 $ 260 VOI trial and incentive fees 165 153 Vacation rental fees 112 110 Initial franchise fees 52 53 Credit card fees 49 43 Other fees 71 62 Total deferred income 697 681 Less: Current deferred income 500 483 Non-current deferred income $ 197 $ 198 Deferred membership and exchange fees consist primarily of payments made in advance for annual memberships that are recognized over the term of the membership period, which is typically one to three years. Deferred VOI trial fees are payments received in advance for a trial VOI, which allows customers to utilize a VOI typically within one year of purchase. Deferred incentive fees represent payments received in advance for additional travel related services and products at the time of a VOI sale. Revenue is recognized when a customer utilizes the additional services and products, which is typically within two years of a VOI sale. Deferred vacation rental fees represent payments received in advance of a rental customer’s stay that are recognized as revenue when the rental stay occurs, which is typically within six months of the confirmation date. Deferred initial franchise fees are recognized when all material services or conditions have been performed which is typically within two years . Deferred credit card fees represents payments received in advance from the Company’s co-branded credit card partners primarily for card member activity, which is typically recognized within one year . |
| Income Taxes | INCOME TAXES The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated based upon the temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using currently enacted tax rates. These differences are based upon estimated differences between the book and tax basis of the assets and liabilities for the Company as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 . The Company’s deferred tax assets are recorded net of a valuation allowance when, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods. Decreases to the valuation allowance are recorded as reductions to the Company’s provision for income taxes and increases to the valuation allowance result in additional provision for income taxes. The realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets, net of the valuation allowance, is primarily dependent on estimated future taxable income. A change in the Company’s estimate of future taxable income may require an addition to or reduction from the valuation allowance. For tax positions the Company has taken or expects to take in a tax return, the Company applies a more likely than not threshold, under which the Company must conclude a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained, assuming that the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information, in order to recognize or continue to recognize the benefit. In determining the Company’s provision for income taxes, the Company uses judgment, reflecting its estimates and assumptions, in applying the more likely than not threshold. |
| Cash And Cash Equivalents | CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS The Company considers highly-liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. |
| Restricted Cash | RESTRICTED CASH The largest portion of the Company’s restricted cash relates to securitizations. The remaining portion is comprised of cash held in escrow accounts primarily related to the Company’s destination network and vacation ownership businesses. Securitizations: In accordance with the contractual requirements of the Company’s various vacation ownership contract receivable securitizations, a dedicated lockbox account, subject to a blocked control agreement, is established for each securitization. At each month end, the total cash in the collection account from the previous month is analyzed and a monthly servicer report is prepared by the Company, which details how much cash should be remitted to the note holders for principal and interest payments, and any cash remaining is transferred by the trustee back to the Company. Additionally, as required by various securitizations, the Company holds an agreed-upon percentage of the aggregate outstanding principal balances of the VOI contract receivables collateralizing the asset-backed notes in a segregated trust (or reserve) account as credit enhancement. Each time a securitization closes and the Company receives cash from the note holders, a portion of the cash is deposited in the reserve account. Such amounts were $90 million and $92 million , of which $75 million and $73 million is recorded within other current assets and $15 million and $19 million is recorded within other non-current assets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Escrow Deposits: Laws in most U.S. states require the escrow of down payments on VOI sales, with the typical requirement mandating that the funds be held in escrow until the rescission period expires. As sales transactions are consummated, down payments are collected and are subsequently placed in escrow until the rescission period has expired. Depending on the state, the rescission period can be as short as 3 calendar days or as long as 15 calendar days. In certain states, the escrow laws require that 100% of VOI purchaser funds (excluding interest payments, if any), be held in escrow until the deeding process is complete. Where possible, the Company utilizes surety bonds in lieu of escrow deposits. Similarly, laws in certain U.S. states require the escrow of advance deposits received from guests for vacation rental transactions. Such amounts are mandated to be held in escrow until the legal restriction expires, which varies from state to state. Escrow deposits were $59 million as of both December 31, 2016 and 2015 which are recorded within other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. |
| Receivable Valuation | RECEIVABLE VALUATION Trade receivables The Company provides for estimated bad debts based on its assessment of the ultimate realizability of receivables, considering historical collection experience, the economic environment and specific customer information. When the Company determines that an account is not collectible, the account is written-off to the allowance for doubtful accounts. The following table illustrates the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts activity for the year ended December 31: 2016 2015 2014 Beginning balance $ 150 $ 169 $ 209 Bad debt expense 48 51 48 Write-offs (70 ) (71 ) (86 ) Translation and other adjustments 15 1 (2 ) Ending balance $ 143 $ 150 $ 169 Vacation ownership contract receivables In the Company’s Vacation Ownership segment, the Company provides for estimated vacation ownership contract receivable defaults at the time of VOI sales by recording a provision for loan losses as a reduction of VOI sales on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company assesses the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses based on the historical performance of similar vacation ownership contract receivables. The Company uses a technique referred to as static pool analysis, which tracks defaults for each year’s sales over the entire life of those contract receivables. The Company considers current defaults, past due aging, historical write-offs of contracts and consumer credit scores (FICO scores) in the assessment of borrower’s credit strength and expected loan performance. The Company also considers whether the historical economic conditions are comparable to current economic conditions. If current or expected future conditions differ from the conditions in effect when the historical experience was generated, the Company adjusts the allowance for loan losses to reflect the expected effects of the current environment on the collectability of the Company’s vacation ownership contract receivables. |
| Loyalty Programs | LOYALTY PROGRAMS The Company operates a number of loyalty programs including Wyndham Rewards, RCI Elite Rewards and other programs. Wyndham Rewards members primarily accumulate points by staying in hotels franchised under one of the Company’s hotel group brands. Wyndham Rewards and RCI Elite Rewards members accumulate points by purchasing everyday services and products utilizing their co-branded credit cards. Members may redeem their points for hotel stays, airline tickets, rental cars, resort vacations, electronics, sporting goods, movie and theme park tickets, gift certificates, vacation ownership maintenance fees and annual membership dues and exchange fees for transactions. The points cannot be redeemed for cash. The Company earns revenue from these programs (i) when a member stays at a participating hotel, from a fee charged by the Company to the franchisee, which is based upon a percentage of room revenues generated from such stay or (ii) based upon a percentage of the members’ spending on the co-branded credit cards and such revenues are paid to the Company by a third-party issuing bank. The Company also incurs costs to support these programs, which primarily relate to marketing expenses to promote the programs, costs to administer the programs and costs of members’ redemptions. As members earn points through the Company’s loyalty programs, the Company records a liability for the estimated future redemption costs, which is calculated based on (i) an estimated cost per point and (ii) an estimated redemption rate of the overall points earned, which is determined through historical experience, current trends and the use of an actuarial analysis. Revenues relating to the Company’s loyalty programs, which are recorded in other revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Income and amounted to $159 million , $152 million and $142 million , while total expenses amounted to $134 million , $119 million and $112 million during 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The liability for estimated future redemption costs as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 amounted to $77 million and $67 million , respectively, and is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and other non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. |
| Inventory | INVENTORY Inventory primarily consists of real estate and development costs of completed VOIs, VOIs under construction, land held for future VOI development, vacation ownership properties, vacation credits and inventory sold subject to conditional repurchase. The Company applies the relative sales value method for relieving VOI inventory and recording the related cost of sales. Under the relative sales value method, cost of sales is calculated as a percentage of net sales using a cost-of-sales percentage ratio of total estimated development cost to total estimated VOI revenue, including estimated future revenue and incorporating factors such as changes in prices and the recovery of VOIs generally as a result of contract receivable defaults. The effect of such changes in estimates under the relative sales value method is accounted for on a retrospective basis through corresponding current-period adjustments to inventory and cost of sales. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost, including capitalized interest, property taxes and certain other carrying costs incurred during the construction process, or estimated fair value less costs to sell. Capitalized interest was $1 million , $3 million and $2 million in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. |
| Advertising Expense | ADVERTISING EXPENSE Advertising costs are generally expensed in the period incurred. Advertising expenses, which are primarily recorded within marketing and reservation expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income, were $167 million , $172 million and $170 million in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. |
| Use Of Estimates and Assumptions | USE OF ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Although these estimates and assumptions are based on the Company’s knowledge of current events and actions the Company may undertake in the future, actual results may ultimately differ from estimates and assumptions. |
| Derivatives Instruments | DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS The Company uses derivative instruments as part of its overall strategy to manage its exposure to market risks primarily associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. As a matter of policy, the Company does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. All derivatives are recorded at fair value either as assets or liabilities. Changes in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments and of derivatives designated as fair value hedging instruments are recognized currently in operating income and net interest expense, based upon the nature of the hedged item, in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The effective portion of changes in fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. The ineffective portion is reported immediately in earnings as a component of operating expense, based upon the nature of the hedged item. Amounts included in other comprehensive income are reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged item affects earnings. |
| Property And Equipment | PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment (including leasehold improvements) are recorded at cost, and presented net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation, recorded as a component of depreciation and amortization on the Consolidated Statements of Income, is computed utilizing the straight-line method over the lesser of the lease terms or estimated useful lives of the related assets. Amortization of leasehold improvements, also recorded as a component of depreciation and amortization, is computed utilizing the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated benefit period of the related assets or the lease terms. Useful lives are generally 30 years for buildings, up to 20 years for leasehold improvements, from 15 to 30 years for vacation rental properties and from 3 to 7 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment. The Company capitalizes the costs of software developed for internal use in accordance with the guidance for accounting for costs of computer software developed or obtained fo r internal use. Capitalization of software developed for internal use commences during the development phase of the pro ject. The Company amortizes software developed or obtained for internal use on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life which is generally 3 to 5 years, with the exception of certain enterprise resource planning and reservation and inventory management software which is generally 7 years . Such amortization commences when the software is substantially ready for use. The net carrying value of software developed or obtained for internal use was $230 million and $223 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Capitalized interest was $4 million during 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . |
| Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets | IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS The Company has goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets recorded in connection with business combinations. The Company annually (during the fourth quarter of each year subsequent to completing the Company’s annual forecasting process), or more frequently if circumstances indicate that the value of goodwill may be impaired, reviews the reporting units’ carrying values as required by the guidance for goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets. In accordance with the guidance, the Company has determined that its reporting units are the same as its reportable segments. Under current accounting guidance, goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not subject to amortization. However, goodwill and other intangibles with indefinite lives are subject to fair value-based rules for measuring impairment, and resulting write-downs, if any, are reflected in operating expense. The Company has goodwill recorded at its hotel group, destination network and vacation ownership reporting units. The Company completed its annual goodwill impairment test by performing a qualitative analysis for each of its reporting units as of October 1, 2016 and determined that no impairment exists. The Company also evaluates the recoverability of its other long-lived assets, including property and equipment and amortizable intangible assets, if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred, pursuant to guidance for impairment or disposal of long-lived assets. This analysis is performed by comparing the respective carrying values of the assets to the current and expected future cash flows, on an undiscounted basis, to be generated from such assets. Property and equipment is evaluated separately within each segment. If such analysis indicates that the carrying value of these assets is not recoverable, the carrying value of such assets is reduced to fair value. |
| Accounting For Restructuring Activities | ACCOUNTING FOR RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES The Company’s restructuring activities require it to make significant estimates in several areas including (i) expenses for severance and related benefit costs, (ii) the ability to generate sublease income, as well as its ability to terminate lease obligations and (iii) contract terminations. The amount that the Company has accrued as of December 31, 2016 represents its best estimate of the obligations incurred in connection with these actions, but could be subject to change due to various factors including market conditions and the outcome of negotiations with third parties. |
| Guarantees | GUARANTEES The Company may enter into performance guarantees related to certain hotels that it manages. The Company records a liability for the fair value of these performance guarantees at their inception date. The corresponding offset is recorded to other assets. For performance guarantees not subject to a recapture provision, the Company amortizes the liability for the fair value of the guarantee over the term of the guarantee using a systematic and rational approach. On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates the likelihood of funding under a guarantee. To the extent the Company determines an obligation to fund under a guarantee is both probable and estimable, the Company will record a separate contingent liability. The expense related to this separate contingent liability is recognized in the period that the Company determines funding is probable for that period. For performance guarantees subject to a recapture provision, the Company records a liability for the fair value of these performance guarantees at their inception date. To the extent the Company is required to fund an obligation under a guarantee subject to a recapture provision, the Company records a receivable for amounts expected to be recovered in the future. On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates the likelihood of recovering such receivables. |
| Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) consists of accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments, accumulated unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges and pension related costs. Foreign currency translation adjustments exclude income taxes related to indefinite investments in foreign subsidiaries. Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries having non-U.S.-dollar functional currencies are translated at exchange rates at the Consolidated Balance Sheet dates. Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the periods presented. The gains or losses resulting from translating foreign currency financial statements into U.S. dollars, net of hedging gains or losses and taxes, are included in AOCI on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income. |
| Stock-Based Compensation | STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION In accordance with the guidance for stock-based compensation, the Company measures all employee stock-based compensation awards using a fair value method and records the related expense in its Consolidated Statements of Income. |
| Equity Earnings And Other Income | EQUITY EARNINGS AND OTHER INCOME The Company applies the equity method of accounting when it has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of an investee. The Company recorded $2 million of net earnings from such investments during 2016 , 2015 and 2014 in other income, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income. During 2016 , the Company recorded $20 million of income primarily related to (i) settlements of business disruption claims related to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill in 2010, (ii) settlements of various other business interruption claims received, (iii) the sale of non-strategic assets, (iv) a gain from a bargain purchase on an acquisition of a vacation rentals business and (v) other miscellaneous royalties at its vacation ownership business. During 2015 , the Company recorded $15 million of income primarily related to the settlement of a business disruption claim related to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill in 2010, the sale of non-strategic assets and other miscellaneous royalties at its vacation ownership business. During 2014 , the Company recorded $5 million of income primarily related to the sale of non-strategic assets and other miscellaneous royalties at its vacation ownership business. |
| Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements | RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Revenue from Contracts with Customers. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance on revenue from contracts with customers. The guidance outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The guidance also requires disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Entities have the option to apply the new guidance under a retrospective approach to each prior reporting period presented or a modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially applying the new guidance recognized at the date of initial application within the Statement of Consolidated Financial Position. The Company currently expects to adopt the new guidance utilizing the full retrospective transition method on its effective date of January 1, 2018. The initial analysis identifying areas that will be impacted by the new guidance is substantially complete, and the Company is currently analyzing the potential impacts to the Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures. The Company believes the most significant impacts relating to its Hotel Group segment are the accounting for initial fees, upfront costs and marketing and reservations expenses. The Company expects royalty and marketing and reservation fees to remain substantially unchanged. Specifically, under the new guidance, the Company expects (i) initial fees to be recognized ratably over the life of the noncancelable period of the franchise agreement, (ii) incremental upfront contract costs to be deferred and expensed over the life of the noncancelable period of the franchise agreement and (iii) marketing and reservations revenues earned in excess of costs incurred will no longer be accrued as a liability for future marketing or reservation costs; marketing or reservation costs incurred in excess of revenues earned will continue to be expensed as incurred. The Company believes the most significant impacts relating to its Destination Network segment are the accounting for vacation rental revenues and other vacation exchange related product fees. Specifically, under the new guidance, the Company expects (i) approximately thirty percent of its vacation rental revenue will no longer be recognized in the period that the rental reservation is booked and, instead, will be recognized over the term of the guest stay and (ii) other vacation exchange related products fees to be deferred and recognized upon the occurrence of a future vacation exchange or other transaction. The Company expects vacation exchange transaction fees to remain substantially unchanged. The Company is continuing to evaluate the potential impacts of this new guidance on its vacation exchange membership fees. The Company expects the recognition of its Vacation Ownership segment revenues to remain substantially unchanged. However, the Company is continuing its assessment specifically on the accounting for collectability of VOI sales revenue based on pending industry clarification which may identify other impacts. The Company does expect revenue from certain travel packages utilized to market its VOI products to be presented on a gross basis within other revenues. The Company is continuing to evaluate the potential impacts of this new guidance on its Wyndham Rewards loyalty program and as well as its co-branded credit card programs at the Company’s Hotel Group and Destination Network segments. Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. In July 2015, the FASB issued guidance related to simplifying the measurement of inventory. This guidance requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value, which consists of the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable cost of completion, disposal, and transportation. This guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company believes the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. Leases. In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance which requires companies generally to recognize on the balance sheet operating and financing lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on the Consolidated Financial Statements . Compensation - Stock Compensation. In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance which is intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this new guidance is expected to impact the Company's provision for income taxes on its Consolidated Statements of Income and its operating and financing cash flows on its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company will adopt the new guidance on January 1, 2017, using a modified retrospective transition approach. The impact of this new guidance will result in excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation being recorded within operating activities on its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The magnitude of such impacts are dependent upon the Company's future grants of stock-based compensation, the Company's stock price in relation to the fair value of awards on grant date, and the exercise behavior of the Company's equity compensation holders. Financial Instruments - Credit Losses . In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance which amends the guidance on measuring credit losses on financial assets held at amortized cost. The guidance requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on the Consolidated Financial Statements. Statement of Cash Flows . In August 2016, the FASB issued guidance intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. This guidance requires the retrospective transition method and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company believes the impact of this new guidance will result in development advance notes and escrow deposits being recorded within operating activities and securitization restricted cash being recorded within financing activities on its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The following table summarizes the effect of the new guidance: Year Ended December 31, Increase/(decrease): 2016 2015 2014 Operating Activities $ (9 ) $ (8 ) $ (2 ) Investing Activities 6 4 6 Financing Activities 3 4 (4 ) Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory . In October 2016, the FASB issued guidance which requires companies to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. This guidance requires the modified retrospective approach and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on the Consolidated Financial Statements. Restricted Cash . In November 2016, the FASB issued guidance which requires amounts generally described as restricted cash and cash equivalents be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the total beginning and ending amounts for the periods shown on the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt this new guidance on January 1, 2018, using a retrospective transition method. As such, restricted cash of $149 million and $151 million , as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, will be included within total beginning and ending cash and cash equivalents amounts on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Clarifying the Definition of a Business . In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance clarifying the definition of a business, which assists entities when evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions of businesses or assets. This guidance is effective on a prospective basis for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on the Consolidated Financial Statements. RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity . In April 2014, the FASB issued guidance on reporting discontinued operations and disclosures of disposals of components of an entity. This guidance changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and enhances the related disclosure requirements. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2015, as required. There was no material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements resulting from the adoption. Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern . In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance on disclosure of uncertainties about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. This guidance addresses management’s responsibility in evaluating whether there is substantial doubt about a company’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. Management’s evaluation should be based on relevant conditions and events that are known and reasonably knowable at the date that the financial statements are issued. This guidance is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2016 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company early adopted the guidance on January 1, 2015. There was no impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements resulting from the adoption. Consolidation. In February 2015, the FASB issued guidance related to management’s evaluation of consolidation for certain legal entities. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2016, as required. There was no material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements resulting from the adoption. Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement . In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance on determining whether a cloud computing arrangement contains a software license that should be accounted for as internal-use software. If a cloud computing arrangement does not contain a software license, it should be accounted for as a service contract. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2016, as required. There was no material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements resulting from the adoption. Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance on the presentation of debt issuance costs. The guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. In August 2015, the FASB further clarified its issued guidance by stating that the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangements. This guidance required retrospective application and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2016, as required. Refer to the table below for the retrospective effect on the December 31, 2015 Consolidated Balance Sheet. Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. In September 2015, the FASB issued guidance simplifying the accounting for measurement-period adjustments related to a business combination. The guidance requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2016, as required. There was no material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements resulting from the adoption. Income Taxes. In November 2015, the FASB issued guidance on the balance sheet classification of deferred taxes. The guidance requires deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as non-current in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. This guidance may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company early adopted the guidance on a retrospective basis on June 30, 2016. Refer to the table below for the retrospective effect on the December 31, 2015 Consolidated Balance Sheet. The table below summarizes the changes to the Company’s December 31, 2015 Consolidated Balance Sheet as a result of the adoption of the following Accounting Standards Updates: December 31, 2015 Previously Reported Balance Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes Adjusted Balance Assets Current assets: Deferred income taxes $ 126 $ — $ (126 ) $ — Total current assets 1,869 — (126 ) 1,743 Other non-current assets 360 (27 ) 28 361 Total assets 9,716 (27 ) (98 ) 9,591 Liabilities and Equity Long-term securitized vacation ownership debt $ 1,921 $ (24 ) $ — $ 1,897 Long-term debt 3,034 (3 ) — 3,031 Deferred income taxes 1,252 — (98 ) 1,154 Total liabilities 8,763 (27 ) (98 ) 8,638 Total liabilities and equity 9,716 (27 ) (98 ) 9,591 |
