| Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2013 |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | ' |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents. We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. |
| Restricted Cash | ' |
| Restricted Cash. The majority of our restricted cash relates to cash used as collateral to reduce fees on letters of credit. Restricted cash also consists of deposits received on sales of VOIs and residential properties that are held in escrow until a certificate of occupancy is obtained, the legal rescission period has expired and the deed of trust has been recorded in governmental property ownership records. Additionally, restricted cash includes cash held by our VIEs from our securitization transactions (see Note 9). |
| Inventories | ' |
| Inventories. Inventories are comprised principally of VOIs of $182 million and $220 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, residential inventory of $7 million and $112 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and hotel inventory. VOI and residential inventory, which has an operating cycle that generally exceeds 12 months, is classified as a current asset consistent with recognized industry practice. VOIs and residential inventory is carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value and includes capitalized interest. Capitalized interest incurred in 2013 and 2012 was de minimis, whereas in 2011, capitalized interest amounted to $37 million. Hotel inventory includes operating supplies and food and beverage inventory items which are generally valued at the lower of FIFO cost (first-in, first-out) or market. |
| Loan Loss Reserves | ' |
| Loan Loss Reserves. For the vacation ownership and residential segment, we record an estimate of expected uncollectibility on our VOI notes receivable as a reduction of revenue at the time we recognize a timeshare sale. We hold large amounts of homogeneous VOI notes receivable and therefore assess uncollectibility based on pools of receivables. In estimating loan loss reserves, we use a technique referred to as static pool analysis, which tracks defaults for each year’s mortgage originations over the life of the respective notes and projects an estimated default rate. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the average estimated default rate of our pools of receivables was 9.3% and 9.7%, respectively. |
| We use the origination of the notes by brand (Sheraton, Westin, and Other) and the Fair Isaac Corporation (“FICO”) scores of the buyers as the primary credit quality indicators to calculate the loan loss reserve for the vacation ownership notes, as we believe there is a relationship between the default behavior of borrowers and the brand associated with the vacation ownership property they have acquired, supplemented by the FICO scores of the buyers. In addition to quantitatively calculating the loan loss reserve based on our static pool analysis, we supplement the process by evaluating certain qualitative data, including the aging of the respective receivables and current default trends by brand and origination year. |
| Given the significance of our pools of VOI notes receivable, a change in the projected default rate can have a significant impact to our loan loss reserve requirements, with a 0.1% change estimated to have an impact of approximately $4 million. |
| We consider a VOI note receivable delinquent when it is more than 30 days outstanding. All delinquent loans are placed on nonaccrual status, and we do not resume interest accrual until payment is made. We consider loans to be in default upon reaching 120 days outstanding, at which point we generally commence the repossession process. Uncollectible VOI notes receivable are charged off when title to the unit is returned to us. We generally do not modify vacation ownership notes that become delinquent or upon default. |
| For the hotel segments, we measure the impairment of a loan based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, or the estimated fair value of the collateral. For impaired loans, we establish a specific impairment reserve for the difference between the recorded investment in the loan and the present value of the expected future cash flows or the estimated fair value of the collateral. We apply the loan impairment policy individually to all loans in the portfolio and do not aggregate loans for the purpose of applying such policy. For loans that we have determined to be impaired, we recognize interest income on a cash basis. |
| Assets Held for Sale | ' |
| Assets Held for Sale. We consider properties to be assets held for sale when management approves and commits to a formal plan to actively market a property or group of properties for sale and a signed sales contract and significant non-refundable deposit or contract break-up fee exists. Upon designation as an asset held for sale, we record the carrying value of each property or group of properties at the lower of its carrying value which includes allocable segment goodwill or its estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, and we stop recording depreciation expense. Any gain realized in connection with the sale of a property for which we have significant continuing involvement (such as through a long-term management agreement) is deferred and recognized over the initial term of the related agreement (see Note 11). The operations of the properties held for sale prior to the sale date are recorded in discontinued operations unless we will have significant continuing involvement (such as through a management or franchise agreement) after the sale. |
| Investments | ' |
| Investments. Investments in joint ventures are generally accounted for under the equity method of accounting when we have a 20% to 50% ownership interest or exercise significant influence over the venture. If our interest exceeds 50% or, if we have the power to direct the economic activities of the entity and the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits from the VIE that could be significant, then the results of the joint venture are consolidated herein. All other investments are generally accounted for under the cost method. |
| The fair market value of investments is based on the market prices for the last day of the period if the investment trades on quoted exchanges. For non-traded investments, fair value is estimated based on the underlying value of the investment, which is dependent on the performance of the investment as well as the volatility inherent in external markets. In assessing potential impairment for an investment, we will consider these factors as well as the forecasted financial performance of the investment. If the forecast is not met, we may have to record an impairment charge. |
| Plant, Property and Equipment | ' |
| Plant, Property and Equipment. Plant, property and equipment are recorded at cost. We recorded capitalized interest of $7 million, $7 million and $5 million incurred in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The costs of improvements that extend the life of plant, property and equipment, such as structural improvements, equipment and fixtures, are capitalized. Costs for normal repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful economic lives of 15 to 40 years for buildings and improvements; 3 to 10 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment; 3 to 20 years for information technology software and equipment; and the lesser of the lease term or the economic useful life for leasehold improvements. Gains or losses on the sale or retirement of assets are included in income when the assets are retired or sold provided there is reasonable assurance of the collectability of the sales price and any future activities to be performed by us relating to the assets sold are insignificant. |
| We evaluate the carrying value of our assets for impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 360, Property Plant, and Equipment. When a trigger event occurs for assets in use, we compare the expected undiscounted future cash flows of the assets to the net book value of the assets. If the expected undiscounted future cash flows are less than the net book value of the assets, we charge the excess of the net book value over the estimated fair value to current earnings. Fair value is based upon the discounted cash flows of the assets at rates deemed reasonable for the type of asset and prevailing market conditions, comparative sales for similar assets, appraisals and, if appropriate, current estimated net sales proceeds from pending offers. |
| Goodwill and Intangible Assets | ' |
| Goodwill and Intangible Assets. Goodwill and intangible assets arise in connection with acquisitions, including the acquisition of management and franchise contracts. We do not amortize goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their respective useful lives. In accordance with ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, we review all goodwill and intangible assets for impairment annually, or upon the occurrence of a trigger event. |
| When testing goodwill for impairment, ASC Topic 350 permits us to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis to determine whether the two-step impairment test is necessary. We also have the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to performing the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test. We may also qualitatively assess our indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment prior to performing the quantitative impairment test. Impairment charges, if any, are recognized in operating results. |
| Frequent Guest Program | ' |
| Frequent Guest Program. Starwood Preferred Guest® (“SPG”) is our frequent guest incentive marketing program. SPG members earn points based on spending at our owned, managed and franchised hotels, as incentives to first-time buyers of VOIs and residences, and through participation in affiliated partners’ programs such as co-branded credit cards and airline travel. Points may be redeemed at substantially all of our owned, leased, managed and franchised hotels as well as through other redemption opportunities with third parties, such as conversion to airline miles. |
| We charge our owned, managed and franchised hotels the cost of operating the SPG program, including the estimated cost of our future redemption obligation, based on a percentage of our SPG members’ qualified expenditures. Our management and franchise agreements require that we are reimbursed for the costs of operating the SPG program, including marketing, promotions and communications, and performing member services for the SPG members. As points are earned, we increase the SPG point liability for the amount of cash we receive from our managed and franchised hotels related to the future redemption obligation. For our owned hotels, we record an expense for the amount of our future redemption obligation with the offset to the SPG point liability. When points are redeemed by the SPG members, the hotels recognize revenue and the SPG point liability is reduced. |
| Through the services of third-party actuarial analysts, we determine the value of the future redemption obligation. This value is based on statistical formulas which project the timing of future point redemptions based on historical experience, including an estimate of the “breakage” for points that will never be redeemed, and an estimate of the points that will eventually be redeemed as well as the cost of reimbursing hotels and other third-parties for other point redemption opportunities. |
| We consolidate the assets and liabilities of the SPG program including the liability associated with the future redemption obligation which is included in other long-term liabilities and accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The total actuarially determined liability, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, was $1,036 million and $922 million, respectively, of which $313 million and $275 million, respectively, was included in accrued expenses. |
| Legal Contingencies | ' |
| Legal Contingencies. We are subject to various legal proceedings and claims, the outcomes of which are subject to significant uncertainty. ASC Topic 450, Contingencies requires that an estimated loss from a loss contingency be accrued with a corresponding charge to income if it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Disclosure of a contingency is required if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss has been incurred. We evaluate, among other factors, the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome and the ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of the loss. Changes in these factors could materially impact our financial position or our results of operations (see Note 25). |
| Fair Value of Financial Instruments | ' |
| Fair Value of Financial Instruments. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation methodologies used to measure fair value as follows; |
| • | | Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
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| • | | Level 2 — Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. |
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| • | | Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. |
| Derivative Financial Instruments | ' |
| Derivative Financial Instruments. We periodically enter into interest rate swap agreements, based on market conditions, to manage interest rate exposure. The net settlements paid or received under these agreements are accrued consistent with the terms of the agreements and are recognized in interest expense over the term of the related debt. |
| We enter into forward contracts to manage exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. All foreign currency hedging instruments have an inverse correlation to the hedged assets or liabilities. Changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments are classified in the same manner as the classification of the changes in the underlying assets or liabilities due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. These forward contracts do not qualify as hedges. |
| We periodically enter into forward contracts to manage foreign exchange risk based on market conditions. We enter into forward contracts to hedge fluctuations in forecasted transactions based on foreign currencies that are billed in United States dollars. These forward contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges, and their change in fair value is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. As a forecasted transaction occurs, the gain or loss is reclassified from other comprehensive income to management fees, franchise fees and other income. |
| We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes, and we monitor the financial stability and credit standing of our counterparties in these transactions. |
| ASU 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830) | ' |
| Foreign Currency Translation. Balance sheet accounts are translated at the exchange rates in effect at each period end and income and expense accounts are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. The national currencies of foreign operations are generally the functional currencies. Gains and losses from foreign exchange and the effect of exchange rate changes on intercompany transactions long-term in nature are generally included in other comprehensive income. Gains and losses from foreign exchange rate changes related to intercompany receivables and payables that are not of a long-term investment nature are reported currently in costs and expenses and amounted to a net loss of $14 million in 2013, a net gain of $5 million in 2012 and a net loss of $12 million in 2011. |
| ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740) | ' |
| Income Taxes. We provide for income taxes in accordance with principles contained in ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes. Under these principles, we recognize the amount of income tax payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. |
| Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period when the new rate is enacted. Deferred tax assets are evaluated for future realization and reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that a portion will not be realized. In assessing whether it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will be realized, we consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, including our recent cumulative earnings experience and expectations of future available taxable income of the appropriate character by taxing jurisdiction, tax attribute carryback and carryforward periods available to us for tax reporting purposes, and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. |
| We measure and recognize the amount of tax benefit that should be recorded for financial statement purposes for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. With respect to uncertain tax positions, we evaluate the recognized tax benefits for derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, interim period accounting and disclosure requirements. Judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. |
| Stock-Based Compensation | ' |
| Stock-Based Compensation. We calculate the fair value of share-based awards on the date of grant. Restricted stock awards are valued based on the share price, performance awards are valued based on a Monte Carlo simulation and, when granted in previous years, options were valued using a lattice valuation model. The Monte Carlo simulation estimates the fair value of our performance awards primarily based on the terms associated with the grant and public information that is readily available. The underlying principles in the Monte Carlo simulation are that publicly traded stocks are fairly priced and the future returns of a stock may be estimated primarily by the stock’s assumed volatility. The lattice valuation option pricing model required that we estimate key assumptions such as expected life, volatility, risk-free interest rates and dividend yield to determine the fair value of share-based awards, based on both historical information and management decision regarding market factors and trends. We amortize the share-based compensation expense over the period that the awards are expected to vest, net of estimated forfeitures. If the actual forfeitures differ from management estimates, additional adjustments to compensation expense are recorded (see Note 21). |
| Revenue Recognition | ' |
| Revenue Recognition. Our revenues are primarily derived from the following sources: (1) hotel and resort revenues at our owned, leased and consolidated joint venture properties; (2) management fees and franchise fees; (3) vacation ownership and residential sales; (4) other revenues from managed and franchised properties. Generally, revenues are recognized when services are rendered. Taxes collected from customers and submitted to taxing authorities are not recorded in revenue. The following is a description of the composition of our revenues: |
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| • | | Owned, Leased and Consolidated Joint Ventures — Represents revenue primarily derived from hotel operations, including the rental of rooms and food and beverage sales, from our owned, leased and consolidated joint venture hotels and resorts. Revenue is recognized when rooms are occupied and services have been rendered. These revenues are impacted by global economic conditions affecting the travel and hospitality industry as well as relative market share of the local competitive set of hotels. Revenue per available room (“REVPAR”), is a leading indicator of revenue trends at owned, leased and consolidated joint venture hotels as it measures the period-over-period growth in rooms revenue for comparable properties. |
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| • | | Management Fees and Franchise Fees — Represents fees earned on hotels and resorts managed worldwide, usually under long-term contracts, franchise fees received in connection with the franchise of our Luxury Collection, Westin, Le Méridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft and Element brand names, termination fees and the amortization of deferred gains related to sold properties for which we have significant continuing involvement. Management fees are comprised of a base fee, which is generally based on a percentage of gross revenues, and an incentive fee, which is generally based on the property’s profitability. For any time during the year, when the provisions of our management contracts allow receipt of incentive fees upon termination, incentive fees are recognized for the fees due and earned as if the contract was terminated at that date, exclusive of any termination fees due or payable. Therefore, during periods prior to year-end, the incentive fees recorded may not be indicative of the eventual incentive fees that will be recognized at year-end as conditions and incentive hurdle calculations may not be final. Franchise fees are generally based on a percentage of hotel room revenues. As with our owned, leased and consolidated joint venture hotel revenues discussed above, these revenue sources are affected by conditions impacting the travel and hospitality industry as well as competition from other hotel management and franchise companies. |
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| • | | Vacation Ownership and Residential Sales — We recognize revenue from VOI sales and financings and the sales of residential units which are typically a component of mixed use projects that include a hotel. Such revenues are impacted by the state of the global economy and, in particular, the U.S. economy, as well as interest rates and other economic conditions affecting the lending market. Revenue is generally recognized upon the buyer demonstrating a sufficient level of initial and continuing investment when the period of cancellation with refund has expired and receivables are deemed collectible. We determine the portion of revenues to recognize for sales accounted for under the percentage of completion method based on judgments and estimates including total project costs to complete. Additionally, we record reserves against these revenues based on expected default levels. Changes in costs could lead to adjustments to the percentage of completion status of a project, which may result in differences in the timing and amount of revenues recognized from the projects. We have also entered into licensing agreements with third-party developers to offer consumers branded condominiums or residences. Our fees from these agreements are generally based on the gross sales revenue of units sold. Residential fee revenue is recorded in the period that a purchase and sales agreement exists, delivery of services and obligations has occurred, the fee to the owner is deemed fixed and determinable and collectability of the fees is reasonably assured. Residential revenue on whole ownership units is generally recorded using the completed contract method, whereby revenue is recognized only when a sales contract is completed or substantially completed. During the performance period, costs and deposits are recorded on the balance sheet. |
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| • | | Other Revenues from Managed and Franchised Properties — These revenues represent reimbursements of costs incurred by managed hotel properties and franchisees. These costs relate primarily to payroll costs at managed properties where we are the employer. Since the reimbursements are made based upon the costs incurred with no added margin, these revenues and corresponding expenses have no effect on our operating income or net income. |
| Insurance Retention | ' |
| Insurance Retention. Through our captive insurance company, we provide insurance coverage for workers’ compensation, employment practices liability, auto liability and physical damage, property and general liability claims arising at hotel properties owned or managed by us through policies written directly and through reinsurance arrangements. Estimated insurance claims payable represent expected settlement of outstanding claims and a provision for claims that have been incurred but not reported. These estimates are based on our assessment of potential liability using an analysis of available information including pending claims, historical experience and current cost trends. The amount of the ultimate liability may vary from these estimates. Estimated costs of these self-insurance programs are accrued, based on the analysis of third-party actuaries. |
| Costs Incurred to Sell VOIs | ' |
| Costs Incurred to Sell VOIs. We capitalize direct costs attributable to the sale of VOIs until the sales are recognized. Selling costs capitalized under this methodology were approximately $5 million and $4 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and all such capitalized costs are included in prepaid expenses and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Costs eligible for capitalization follow the guidelines of ASC Topic 978, Real Estate – Time Sharing Activities. If a contract is cancelled, we charge the unrecoverable direct selling costs to expense and record forfeited deposits as income. |
| VOI and Residential Inventory Costs | ' |
| VOI and Residential Inventory Costs. Real estate and development costs are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Development costs include both hard and soft construction costs and together with real estate costs are allocated to VOIs and residential units on the relative sales value method. Interest, property taxes and certain other carrying costs incurred during the construction process are capitalized as incurred. Such costs associated with completed VOI and residential units are expensed as incurred. |
| Advertising Costs | ' |
| Advertising Costs. We enter into multi-media advertising campaigns, including television, radio, internet, print advertisements and other promotional activities. Costs associated with these campaigns, including communication and production costs, are aggregated and expensed the first time that the advertising takes place. If it becomes apparent that the media campaign will not take place, then all costs are expensed at that time. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we incurred approximately $154 million, $154 million and $149 million of advertising expense and other promotional activities, respectively, a significant portion of which was reimbursed by managed and franchised hotels. |
| Use of Estimates | ' |
| Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. |
| Reclassifications | ' |
| Reclassifications. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. |
| ASU 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) | ' |
| In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” This topic requires us to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component and the line items of net income to which significant amounts are reclassified. This topic is for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2012, with early adoption allowed. We adopted this ASU on January 1, 2013, and the additional disclosures are included in Note 23. |
| ASU No. 2013-11 | ' |
| ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740) | ' |
| In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” This topic provides guidance on whether an unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a reduction to a deferred tax asset or as a separate liability. This topic is for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption allowed. We adopted this ASU on January 1, 2014, and we do not believe the adoption of this update will have a material impact on our financial statements. |
| ASU No. 2013-05 | ' |
| ASU 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830) | ' |
| In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, “Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830) Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity.” This topic clarifies that when a reporting entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity, the parent is required to apply the guidance in Subtopic 830-30 to release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income. Accordingly, the cumulative translation adjustment should be released into net income only if the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary or group of assets had resided. The amendments in this ASU are effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, and we adopted this ASU on January 1, 2014. We do not believe the adoption of this update will have a material impact on our financial statements. |
| ASU No. 2014-04 | ' |
| ASU 2014-04, Receivables Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors | ' |
| In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-04, “Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40) Reclassification or Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure.” This topic clarifies when an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs and requires certain additional interim and annual disclosures related to such activity. The amendments in this ASU are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and we expect to adopt this ASU on a prospective basis on January 1, 2015. We do not believe the adoption of this update will have a material impact on our financial statements. |
