Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
REVENUES:
Royalty fees	$ 247,240	$ 230,096	$ 217,984
Initial franchise and relicensing fees	13,557	9,295	12,916
Procurement services	17,619	17,207	17,598
Marketing and reservation	349,036	329,246	305,379
Hotel operations	4,356	4,031	4,140
Other	6,985	6,201	6,161
Total revenues	638,793	596,076	564,178
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Selling, general and administrative	106,404	94,540	99,237
Depreciation and amortization	8,024	8,342	8,336
Marketing and reservation	349,036	329,246	305,379
Hotel operations	3,466	3,186	3,153
Total operating expenses	466,930	435,314	416,105
Operating Income	171,863	160,762	148,073
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES:
Interest expense	12,939	6,680	4,414
Interest income	(1,306)	(548)	(264)
Other (gains) and losses	2,442	(2,355)	(5,598)
Equity in net income of affiliates	(269)	(1,226)	(1,113)
Other income and expenses, net	13,806	2,551	(2,561)
Income before income taxes	158,057	158,211	150,634
Income taxes	47,661	50,770	52,384
Net income	$ 110,396	$ 107,441	$ 98,250
Basic earnings per share	$ 1.86	$ 1.80	$ 1.64
Diluted earnings per share	$ 1.85	$ 1.80	$ 1.63