| Cover Page | Oct. 06, 2020 | Aug. 07, 2020 | Aug. 06, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |||
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000945394 | ||
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Shares of Beneficial Interest | ||
| Entity File Number | 1-11527 | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | ||
| Entity Registrant Name | SERVICE PROPERTIES TRUST | ||
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MD | ||
| Entity Address, Address Line One | Two Newton Place | ||
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 255 Washington Street | ||
| Entity Address, Address Line Three | Suite 300 | ||
| Entity Address, City or Town | Newton | ||
| Entity Address, State or Province | MA | ||
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 02458-1634 | ||
| City Area Code | 617 | ||
| Local Phone Number | 964-8389 | ||
| Written Communications | false | ||
| Soliciting Material | false | ||
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false | ||
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false | ||
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | ||
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 04-3262075 | ||
| Trading Symbol | SVC | ||
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ | ||
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2020 | ||
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q2 | ||
| Amendment Flag | false | ||
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 6, 2020 |
