Foreign Operations (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Foreign Operations [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 691,509	$ 638,793	$ 596,076
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	212	269	1,226
Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions	1,310	1,139	1,155
Choice Hotels Canada Inc CHC
Foreign Operations [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	1,500	1,500	1,300
Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions	1,300	1,100	1,200
Foreign Operations [Member]
Foreign Operations [Line Items]
Revenues	55,400	54,600	46,600
Choice Hotels Franchise GmbH CHG
Foreign Operations [Line Items]
Revenues	2,500	2,600	2,300
Choice Hotels France SAS CHF
Foreign Operations [Line Items]
Revenues	5,800	6,600	5,600
Choice Hotels Licensing Co BV CHL
Foreign Operations [Line Items]
Revenues	3,500	3,400	3,000
Choice Hotels Australasia Pty Ltd CHA
Foreign Operations [Line Items]
Revenues	13,500	13,900	11,300
Choice Hotels Canada Inc CHC
Foreign Operations [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 15,700	$ 14,000	$ 12,300