Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010 Y	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidation
Ownership interest in subsidiaries (as a percent)		100.00%
Real Estate Properties
Losses on asset impairment charges	$ 163,681	$ 16,384	$ 163,681
Per share loss on asset impairment (in dollars per share)	1.33
Hotels
Real Estate Properties
Losses on asset impairment charges		11,418
Number of properties classified as held for sale		21
Per share loss on asset impairment (in dollars per share)		0.09
Hotels | Marriott Contracts Nos. 2, 3 and 4
Real Estate Properties
Losses on asset impairment charges		11,418
Per share loss on asset impairment (in dollars per share)		0.09
Hotels | InterContinental contracts
Real Estate Properties
Losses on asset impairment charges		$ 4,966
Per share loss on asset impairment (in dollars per share)		0.04
Buildings and improvements
Real Estate Properties
Estimated useful life (in years)		40
Personal property
Real Estate Properties
Estimated useful life (in years)		12