Other Assets Components Of Other Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Assets [Abstract]
Notes receivable	$ 31,872,000				$ 35,103,000				$ 31,872,000	$ 35,103,000
Equity method investments	32,257,000				27,453,000				32,257,000	27,453,000
Deferred financing fees	8,954,000				11,174,000				8,954,000	11,174,000
Land	10,097,000				1,300,000				10,097,000	1,300,000
Other assets	856,000				983,000				856,000	983,000
Total	84,036,000				76,013,000				84,036,000	76,013,000
Investment in joint venture, variable interest entity, carrying amount	28,900,000				24,300,000				28,900,000	24,300,000
Net income attributable to variable interest entities									8,000	100,000
Income from equity method investments									634,000	212,000	269,000
Equity method investment, dividends received									1,445,000	1,310,000	1,139,000
Total revenues	168,831,000	216,718,000	190,930,000	148,171,000	165,019,000	205,271,000	180,888,000	141,550,000	724,650,000	692,728,000	640,602,000
Choice Hotels Canada Inc CHC [Member]
Other Assets [Abstract]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%								50.00%
Income from equity method investments									1,600,000	1,500,000	1,500,000
Equity method investment, dividends received									1,400,000	1,300,000	1,100,000
Total revenues									$ 14,700,000	$ 14,400,000	$ 13,700,000