Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Total segment Operating Segments [Member] Other unallocated corporate Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Business Segments Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] North American Full-Service Segment North American Full Service Segment [Member] North American Full Service Segment North American Limited-Service Segment North American Limited Service Segment [Member] North American Limited Service Segment International Segment International Segment [Member] International Segment Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Depreciation, amortization, and other Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization And Other Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization And Other Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Stock Appreciation Rights Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Number of SARs (in millions) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Outstanding beginning balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Exercises in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Exercises in Period Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Outstanding ending balance Weighted Average Exercise Price Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Outstanding beginning balance (per unit) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted (per unit) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited (per unit) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding ending balance (per unit) Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Financial Data Resulting from Transactions with Related Parties, Income Statement Data Income Statement Data Resulting from Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Income Statement Data Resulting from Related Party Transactions Financial Data Resulting from Transactions with Related Parties, Balance Sheet Data Balance Sheet Data Resulting from Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Balance Sheet Data Resulting from Related Party Transactions Summarized Information for the Entities Equity Method Investments, Income Statement Equity Method Investees, Income Statement Data [Table Text Block] Equity Method Investees, Income Statement Data Summarized Information for the Entities Equity Method Investments, Balance Sheet Equity Method Investees, Balance Sheet Data [Table Text Block] Equity Method Investees, Balance Sheet Data Accounting Policies [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fiscal Year Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Real Estate Sales Real Estate, Policy [Policy Text Block] Rewards Programs Revenue Recognition, Loyalty Programs [Policy Text Block] Profit Sharing Plan Profit Sharing Plan [Policy Text Block] Disclosure related to profit sharing plan policy. Non-U.S. Operations Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts Receivable Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Assets Held for Sale Assets Held for Sale [Policy Text Block] Assets Held for Sale, Policy Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Intangibles and Long-Lived Assets Valuation of Intangibles and Long Lived Assets [Policy Text Block] Valuation of Intangibles and Long Lived Assets Investments Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative Instruments Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Loan Loss Reserves Finance, Loans and Leases Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Guarantees Minimum Guarantees, Policy [Policy Text Block] Self-Insurance Programs Self Insurance [Policy Text Block] Disclosure related to self insurance policy. Legal Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Business Combinations Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share Dilutive Securities Earnings Per Share Dilutive Securities [Policy Text Block] Policy for computing the effect of dilutive securities. Intangible Assets Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property and Equipment, Capitalization and Useful Lives Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Series N Senior Notes 3.1% Due October 15, 2021 Series N Senior Notes [Member] Series N Senior Notes [Member] Series M Senior Notes 3.4% Due October 15, 2020 Series M Senior Notes [Member] Series M, Senior Notes, 3.375 Percent, Due October 15, 2020 Series J, Senior Notes matured February 15, 2013 Series J Senior Notes [Member] Series J, Senior Notes, 5.625 Percent, Due February 15th 2013 Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized Interest Paid, Net Senior Notes, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt instrument, stated interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Proceeds from debt, net of issuance costs Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs Payment made to retire debt at maturity Maturities of Senior Debt Multicurrency revolving credit agreement, aggregate effective borrowings Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Additional Information on RSUs Schedule Of Additional Information On Restricted Stock Units [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Additional Information On Restricted Stock Units [Table Text Block] Changes in Outstanding Restricted Stock Unit Grants Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block] Changes in Outstanding Stock Option Program Awards Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Stock Options Issued Under the Stock Option Program Awards Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block] Number of Options Granted and Associated Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Values and Weighted Average Exercise Prices Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Table Text Block] Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Weighted Average Exercise Price Table Intrinsic Value of Outstanding Stock Options and Exercisable Stock Option Share Based Compensation Stock Options Granted And Exercised Disclosure [Table Text Block] Share Based Compensation Stock Options Granted And Exercised Disclosure Text Block Changes in Outstanding SARs Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Appreciation Rights Award Activity [Table Text Block] Number of Employee SARs and Director SARs Granted, Associated Weighted Average Base Values, And Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Values Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Other Than Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Grants in Period and Weighted Average Values [Table Text Block] Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Other Than Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Grants in Period and Weighted Average Values Table Assumptions for Stock Options and Employee SARs Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Award, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Award, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Share-Based Compensation Expense, Number of Deferred Stock Units Granted, Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value, and Aggregate Intrinsic Value of Non-Employee Director Deferred Stock Units Share Based Compensation Expense Deferred Stock Units Granted Average Grant Date Fair Value And Intrinsic Value Of Non Employee Deferred Stock Units [Table Text Block] Share Based Compensation Expense Deferred Stock Units Granted Average Grant Date Fair Value And Intrinsic Value Of Non Employee Deferred Stock Units [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Unrecognized tax benefit at beginning of year Unrecognized Tax Benefits Change attributable to withdrawal of tax positions previously taken or expected to be taken Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from the Withdrawal of Tax Positions Previously Taken or Expected to be Taken Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from the Withdrawal of Tax Positions Previously Taken or Expected to be Taken Change attributable to tax positions taken during the current period Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Change attributable to tax positions taken during the current period Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Decrease attributable to settlements with taxing authorities Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Decrease attributable to lapse of statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Unrecognized tax benefit at end of year Award Type [Domain] Restricted Stock Units, Excluding Service and Performance RSUs Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), Excluding Service and Performance RSUs [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), Excluding Service and Performance RSUs [Member] S&P RSUs Service and Performance RSUs [Member] Service and Performance RSUs [Member] Restricted Stock Units Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] PSUs Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Employee Stock Option Employee Stock Option [Member] Stock Options Issued from 1990 Through 2000 Stock Options Issued from 1990 Through 2000 [Member] Stock Options Issued from 1990 Through 2000 Nonqualified Stock Options Nonqualified Stock Options [Member] Nonqualified Stock Options Deferred Stock Units Deferred Stock Units [Member] Deferred Stock Units Stock Option Program and Stock Appreciation Right Program Stock Option Program And Stock Appreciation Right Program [Member] Stock Option Program and Stock Appreciation Right Program Title of Individual Title of Individual [Axis] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Employee Employee [Member] Employee Director Director [Member] Service and performance RSUs granted Options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Share-based compensation expense (for stock options, less than $1 million in 2011 and 2010; for suspended award programs, less than $1 million in 2011) Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Deferred compensation costs related to unvested awards Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Deferred compensation costs related to unvested awards, weighted average period Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Tax benefit (costs) from share-based compensation in financing activities Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Proceeds from exercise of stock options granted under share-based payment arrangements Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Weighted average remaining term for grants outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms Expiration period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Period until exercisable Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment, Period Until Exercisable Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment, Period Until Exercisable Intrinsic value of stock appreciation rights outstanding (less than $1 million at year-end 2011) Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Intrinsic value of stock appreciation rights exercisable Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Intrinsic value of stock appreciation rights exercised Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value Outstanding units at year-end Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Weighted average grant-date fair value per share of deferred stock units outstanding as of year end Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares reserved under the Stock Plan Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Self-Insurance Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Disclosure [Abstract] Self-Insurance Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Disclosure[Abstract] Self-Insurance Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Self-Insurance Reserve For Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense [Text Block] Self-Insurance Reserve For Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Equity [Abstract] Class A Common Stock, authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Class A Common Stock, par value (in USD per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, no par value Preferred Stock, No Par Value Class A Common Stock, outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Table] Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Table] Title of Individual with Relationship to Entity [Domain] Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items] Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items] Share-based compensation expense (in millions) Non-employee director deferred stock units granted Weighted average grant-date fair value (per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Aggregate intrinsic value of shares distributed (in millions) Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Relationship with Major Customer Disclosure [Abstract] Relationship with Major Customer Disclosure [Abstract] Relationship With Major Customer Relationship With Major Customer [Text Block] This element may be used to capture the complete disclosure about the extent of the entity's reliance on its major customers. If revenues from transactions with a single external customer amount to 10 percent or more of entity revenues, the entity must disclose that fact, the total amount of revenues from each such customer, and the identity of the reportable segment or segments reporting the revenues. The entity need not disclose the identity of a major customer or the amount of revenues that each segment reports from that customer. For these purposes, a group of companies known to the entity to be under common control is considered a single customer, and the federal government, a state government, a local government such as a county or municipality, or a foreign government is each considered a single customer. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Intangible Assets and Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Maximum Potential Amount of Future Fundings as the Primary Obligor for Guarantees and the Liability for Expected Future Fundings Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table Text Block] Leases [Abstract] Future Obligations Under Operating Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Composition of Rent Expense Associated with Operating Leases Schedule of Rent Expense [Table Text Block] Acquisitions and Dispositions [Abstract] Acquisitions and Dispositions [Abstract] Acquisitions and Dispositions Acquisitions And Dispositions Disclosure [Text Block] This element is used to capture disclosure pertaining to significant acquisitions and disposals. Current deferred taxes, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Deferred taxes, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Accrued expenses and other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current Other noncurrent liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Net deferred taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net Federal, Current Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) State, Current Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Non-U.S., Current Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Federal, Deferred Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State, Deferred Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Non-U.S., Deferred Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Provision) benefit for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Supplementary Data - Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Composition of our Property and Equipment Balances Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Revenues Revenues Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Diluted earnings per share (in USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted average exercise price (per unit) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Grants In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price The weighted average exercise price at grant for share-based awards issued during the period on other than stock option plans (for example, phantom stock plan, stock appreciation rights plan, performance target plan). Weighted average grant-date fair value (per unit) Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset by Major Class [Table] Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset by Major Class [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Contract acquisition costs and other Contract Acquisition Costs And Other [Member] Contract Acquisition Costs And Other [Member] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Contract acquisition costs and other Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Contract acquisition costs and other, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Schedule of Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Schedule of Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Brand Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Total Intangible Assets Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Reimbursed Costs Reimbursed Costs [Member] Reimbursed Costs [Member] Range Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Lower Limit Minimum [Member] Upper Limit Maximum [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] Statement, Geographical Geographical [Axis] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] International Operations International Operations [Member] International Operations Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Interest capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized Estimated useful lives Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Depreciation expense Depreciation Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Impairment charge Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Number of hotels Assets Held-for-sale, Number of Hotels Assets Held-for-sale, Number of Hotels Receivables [Abstract] 2015 Notes Receivable, Future Principal Payments Receivable, Current Notes Receivable, Future Principal Payments Receivable, Current 2016 Notes Receivable, Future Principal Payments Receivable, in Two Years Notes Receivable, Future Principal Payments Receivable, in Two Years 2017 Notes Receivable, Future Principal Payments Receivable, in Three Years Notes Receivable, Future Principal Payments Receivable, in Three Years 2018 Notes Receivable, Future Principal Payments Receivable, in Four Years Notes Receivable, Future Principal Payments Receivable, in Four Years 2019 Notes Receivable, Future Principal Payments Receivable, in Five Years Notes Receivable, Future Principal Payments Receivable, in Five Years Thereafter Notes Receivable, Future Principal Payments Receivable, After Year Five Notes Receivable, Future Principal Payments Receivable, After Year Five Senior, mezzanine, and other loans Financing Receivable, Net Weighted average interest rate at year-end 2014 Notes Receivable Weighted Average Interest Rate Weighted average interest rate for total notes receivable as of the balance sheet date indicated. Range of stated interest rates at year-end 2014, minimum Notes Receivable Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum Lower limit of range of stated interest rates for total notes receivable as of the balance sheet date indicated. Range of stated interest rates at year-end 2014, maximum Notes Receivable Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum Upper limit of range of stated interest rates for total notes receivable as of the balance sheet date indicated. Weighted average grant-date fair value (per unit) Weighted average exercise price (per unit) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price U.S. statutory tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent U.S. state income taxes, net of U.S. federal tax benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Nondeductible expenses Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Percent Non-U.S. income Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Percent Change in valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Percent Tax credits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Percent Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Effective rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Series G, Senior Notes 5.8% Due November 10, 2015 Series G Senior Notes [Member] Series G, Senior Notes, 5.810 Percent, Due November 10th 2015 Series H, Senior Notes 6.2% Due June 15, 2016 Series H Senior Notes [Member] Series H, Senior Notes, 6.200 Percent, Due June 15th 2016 Series I, Senior Notes 6.4% Due June 15, 2017 Series I Senior Notes [Member] Series I, Senior Notes, 6.375 Percent, Due June 15th 2017 Series K, Senior Notes 3.0% Due March 1, 2019 Series K Senior Notes [Member] Series K, Senior Notes, 3.000 Percent, Due March 1, 2019 Series L, Senior Notes 3.3% Due September 15, 2022 Series L Senior Notes [Member] Series L, Senior Notes, 3.250 Percent, Due September 15, 2022 Long-term Debt, Type Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Commercial Paper Commercial Paper [Member] Senior Notes Senior Notes Commercial paper, average interest rate of 0.4% at December 31, 2014 Long-term Commercial Paper, Noncurrent $2,000 Credit Facility Long-term Line of Credit Other Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Other Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Other Long-term debt Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Accrued expenses and other (liabilities held for sale) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Current Less current portion Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Long-term debt, noncurrent Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Senior notes, effective interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Senior notes, weighted average interest rate Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Goodwill Goodwill, Gross Accumulated impairment losses Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Goodwill Goodwill 2015 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2016 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items] Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items] Revenues Self-Insurance Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Schedule of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Table Text Block] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Nature of Uncertainty [Axis] Nature of Uncertainty [Axis] Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Nature of Uncertainty [Domain] Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Nature of Uncertainty [Domain] International Issue Relating to Financing Activity and US Federal Tax Issue International Issue Relating to Financing Activity and US Federal Tax Issue [Member] International Issue Relating to Financing Activity and US Federal Tax Issue [Member] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Tax benefits (costs) from share-based compensation Employee Service Share Based Compensation Tax Benefit From Compensation Expense Or Realized From Exercise Of Stock Options The total recognized tax benefit related to compensation cost for equity-based payment arrangements or realized from the exercise of stock options and the conversion of similar instruments during the annual period recognized in income during the period. Tax credits included in provision for income taxes Income Tax Credits and Adjustments Tax provision (benefit) applicable to other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Cumulative unremitted earnings of subsidiaries Undistributed Earnings Of Foreign Subsidiaries Reinvested Indefinitely Undistributed Earnings Of Foreign Subsidiaries Reinvested Indefinitely Change in unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease) Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate State apportionment issues resolved during the next 12 months Number of State Apportionment Issues, Expected To Resolve Within The Next Twelve Months Number of State Apportionment Issues, Expected To Resolve Within The Next Twelve Months Change in unrecognized tax benefits, amount of unrecorded benefit Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit Tax credits subject to expiration Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Subject To Expiration Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Subject To Expiration Tax credits not subject to expiration Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Not Subject To Expiration Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Not Subject To Expiration Net operating loss benefits Operating Loss Carryforwards Taxable Income Reduction The sum of domestic, foreign and state and local operating loss carryforwards used to reduce taxable income under enacted tax laws. Net operating losses Operating Loss Carryforwards Net operating losses subject to expiration Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration Net cash payments (receipts) for income tax (refunds) Income Taxes Paid, Net Schedule of Fiscal Years Schedule of Fiscal Years [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fiscal Years [Table Text Block] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document - Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Number of RSUs Distributed Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Outstanding beginning balance (per unit) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (per unit) Distributed (per unit) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited (per unit) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding ending balance (per unit) Comprehensive Income and Shareholders' (Deficit) Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Number of Stock Options (in millions) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding beginning balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Outstanding ending balance Weighted Average Exercise Price (per Option) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Exercised (per unit) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Schedule of Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Table] Schedule of Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Table] Business Acquisition Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Delta Hotels and Resorts Delta Hotels and Resorts [Member] Delta Hotels and Resorts [Member] Protea Hospitality Holdings Protea Hospitality Holdings [Member] Protea Hospitality Holdings [Member] Brazil, Property Under Construction Brazil, Property Under Construction [Member] Brazil, Property Under Construction [Member] Gaylord Entertainment Corporation Gaylord Entertainment Corporation [Member] Gaylord Entertainment Corporation [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Significant Acquisitions and Disposals by Transaction Significant Acquisitions and Disposals by Transaction [Axis] Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Transaction [Domain] Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Transaction [Domain] Land For Hotel Land For Hotel [Member] Land For Hotel [Member] Land and Building for Hotel Land and Building for Hotel [Member] Land and Building for Hotel [Member] Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items] Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items] Acquisition amount Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Cash consideration paid Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Number of open hotels and resorts acquired Number Of Open Hotels And Resorts Acquired Number Of Open Hotels And Resorts Acquired Number of rooms acquired Number Of Rooms Acquired Number Of Rooms Acquired Number of managed hotels and resorts acquired Number Of Managed Hotels And Resorts Acquired Number Of Managed Hotels And Resorts Acquired Number of managed hotels and resorts acquired, 30 year management agreement Number Of Managed Hotels And Resorts Acquired, Thirty Year Management Agreement Number Of Managed Hotels And Resorts Acquired, Thirty Year Management Agreement Number of franchised hotels and resorts acquired Number Of Franchised Hotels And Resorts Acquired Number Of Franchised Hotels And Resorts Acquired Number of hotels and resorts under development acquired Number Of Hotels And Resorts Under Development Acquired Number Of Hotels And Resorts Under Development Acquired Number of hotels and resorts under development acquired, 30 year management agreement Number Of Hotels And Resorts Under Development Acquired, Thirty Year Management Agreement Number Of Hotels And Resorts Under Development Acquired, Thirty Year Management Agreement Recognized identifiable assets and liabilities acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets Including Goodwill Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets Including Goodwill Acquired intangible assets recognized Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Indefinite-lived intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Recognized identifiable tangible assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Tangible Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Tangible Assets Number of hotels acquired Number of Hotels Added Number of Hotels Added Number of hotel rooms acquired Number of Hotel Rooms Added Number of Hotel Rooms Added Number of hotel brands Number of Hotel Brands Number of Hotel Brands Number of countries in which entity operates Number of Countries in which Entity Operates Percent of hotel rooms managed Business Combination, Percent of Hotel Rooms Managed Business Combination, Percent of Hotel Rooms Managed Percent of hotel rooms franchised Business Combination, Percent of Hotel Rooms Franchised Business Combination, Percent of Hotel Rooms Franchised Percent of hotel rooms leased Business Combination, Percent of Hotel Rooms Leased Business Combination, Percent of Hotel Rooms Leased Payments to acquire property, plant, and equipment Security deposit Security Deposit Self-Insurance Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses [Roll Forward] Self-Insurance Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses [Roll Forward] Self-Insurance Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of year Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense Less: reinsurance recoverable Reinsurance Recoverables Net balance at beginning of year Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Net Incurred related to: Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract] Current year Current Year Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense Prior year Prior Year Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense Total incurred Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims Paid related to: Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract] Current year Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid, Current Year Prior year Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid, Prior Years Total paid Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid Net balance at end of year Add: reinsurance recoverable Balance at end of year Composition of Intangible Assets, Finite-LIved Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Composition of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-LIved Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Carrying Amount of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items] Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items] Segment financial results Income (Loss) before Interest Income, Interest Expense and Income Taxes Income (Loss) before Interest Income, Interest Expense and Income Taxes Interest expense and interest income Interest Revenue (Expense), Net Income taxes Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Activity Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Assets (primarily comprised of hotel real estate managed by us) Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets Liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Business Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Pricing Investigation by Korea Fair Trade Commission Pricing Investigation by Korea Fair Trade Commission [Member] Pricing Investigation by Korea Fair Trade Commission [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Number of hotels included in pricing investigation, managed by Company Loss Contingency, Number of Company-managed Hotels Included in Pricing Investigation Loss Contingency, Number of Company-managed Hotels Included in Pricing Investigation Notes receivable, unamortized discounts, balance Receivable with Imputed Interest, Discount Long-Term Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Employee benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Benefits Net operating loss carry-forwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Tax credits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards Reserves Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Reserves Frequent guest program Deferred Tax Assets, Customer Loyalty Program Liability Deferred Tax Assets, Customer Loyalty Program Liability Self-insurance Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Self Insurance Deferred income Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Income Other, net Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Other Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Other Deferred taxes Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Gross Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Gross Less: valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance The (Provision for) Benefit from Income Taxes Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Unrecognized Tax Benefits Reconciliation Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of the U.S. Statutory Tax Rate to Our Effective Income Tax Rate for Continuing Operations Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Abstract] Sales Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue Net income (loss) Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Deferred Bonus and Profit Sharing Arrangements, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Axis] Deferred Bonus and Profit Sharing Arrangement, Individual Contract, Type of Deferred Compensation [Domain] Deferred Profit Sharing Deferred Profit Sharing [Member] Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Licensing fees from MVW after spin-off Licenses Revenue Liability for guest loyalty program Customer Loyalty Program Liability The company's future redemption obligation for its frequent guest loyalty program. Reduction in estimate of breakage Customer Loyalty Program Liability, Reduction in Estimate of Breakage, Percentage Customer Loyalty Program Liability, Reduction in Estimate of Breakage, Percentage Increase in liability for guest loyalty program, contingent upon reduction in the estimate of breakage Customer Loyalty Program Liability, Effect of Change In Estimate Of Breakage, Amount Customer Loyalty Program Liability, Effect of Change In Estimate Of Breakage, Amount Compensation costs from profit sharing Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense Gains (losses) from foreign currency transactions Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Gains and other income Translation Adjustment Functional to Reporting Currency, Loss (Gain), Reclassified to Earnings, Net of Tax Accounts receivable reserve Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Goodwill impairment charge Goodwill, Impairment Loss Fair value of goodwill as a percent of carrying value, trigger for impairment loss Fair Value of Goodwill as Percent of Carrying Value, Trigger for Impairment Loss Fair Value of Goodwill as Percent of Carrying Value, Trigger for Impairment Loss Discount rate Self Insurance Projected Settlement Discount Rate Self Insurance Projected Settlement Discount Rate Self-insurance reserves Liability for Unpaid Insurance Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Gross Liability for Unpaid Insurance Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Gross Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Reconciliation of the Earnings (Losses) and Number of Shares Used in Calculations of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Stock option and appreciation right plans Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Securities not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Carrying Values and Fair Values of Non-Current Financial Assets and Liabilities Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Outstanding stock options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Exercisable stock options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Table] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Table] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Table] Other Ownership Interests Name [Axis] Other Ownership Interests Name [Axis] Other Ownership Interests, Name [Domain] Other Ownership Interests, Name [Domain] Group 4 Group 4 [Member] Group 4 Right or Obligation to Invest [Axis] Right or Obligation to Invest [Axis] Right or Obligation to Invest [Axis] Right or Obligation to Invest [Domain] Right or Obligation to Invest [Domain] Right or Obligation to Invest [Domain] New York City EDITION Hotel New York City EDITION Hotel [Member] New York City EDITION Hotel [Member] Investment in Other Joint Venture Commitment Investment In Other Joint Venture Commitment [Member] Investment in Other Joint Venture Commitment Guarantor Obligations by Property Guarantor Obligations by Property [Axis] Guarantor Obligations by Property [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Property [Domain] Guarantor Obligations, Property [Domain] Guarantor Obligations, Property [Domain] ExecuStay ExecuStay [Member] ExecuStay [Member] Liabilities for Commitments Liabilities for Commitments [Axis] Liabilities for Commitments Liabilites for Commitments [Domain] Liabilites for Commitments [Domain] Liabilites for Commitments Expiration in 2019 Expiration in 2019 [Member] Expiration in 2019 [Member] Expiration in 2022 Expiration in 2022 [Member] Expiration in 2022 [Member] Credit Facility Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Lender Name Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Key Bank Key Bank [Member] Key Bank [Member] Guarantor Obligation By Other Guarantor Guarantor Obligation By Other Guarantor [Axis] Guarantor Obligation By Other Guarantor [Axis] Guarantor Obligation, Other Guarantor [Domain] Guarantor Obligation, Other Guarantor [Domain] Guarantor Obligation, Other Guarantor [Domain] Sunrise Senior Living Inc Sunrise Senior Living Inc [Member] Sunrise Senior Living, Inc CNL Retirement Properties Inc CNL Retirement Properties Inc [Member] CNL Retirement Properties, Inc Renaissance Hotel Group N.V. Renaissance Hotel Group N.V. [Member] Renaissance Hotel Group N. V. MVW Spin-off MVW Spin-off [Member] MVW Spin-off [Member] Liability Priority Liability Priority [Axis] Liability Priority [Axis] Liability Priority [Domain] Liability Priority [Domain] Liability Priority [Domain] Primary Obligor Primary Obligor [Member] Primary Obligor Secondarily Liable Secondarily Liable [Member] Secondarily Liable Loss Contingencies By Secondary Nature Of Contingency Loss Contingencies By Secondary Nature Of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingencies by Secondary Nature of Contingency Loss Contingencies by Secondary Nature of Contingency [Domain] Loss Contingencies by Secondary Nature of Contingency [Domain] Loss Contingencies by Secondary Nature of Contingency [Domain] Not Yet In Effect Condition Not Yet In Effect Condition [Member] Not Yet in Effect Condition Lease is Terminated After End of 2013 Lease is Terminated After End of 2013 [Member] Lease is Terminated After End of 2013 [Member] Guarantor Obligations by Nature Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Guarantee, Indebtedness of Others Guarantee of Indebtedness of Others [Member] Guarantee, Operating Profit Guarantee Operating Profit [Member] Guarantee, Operating Profit Other Guarantees Other Guarantees [Member] Other Guarantees [Member] Property Lease Guarantee Property Lease Guarantee [Member] Debt Securities Payable Debt Securities Payable [Member] Lease Obligations and Debt Securities Payable Lease Obligations and Debt Securities Payable [Member] Lease Obligations and Debt Securities Payable [Member] Guarantee Type, Other Guarantee Type, Other [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Current Liabilities Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Long Term Liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items] Guarantee obligations, term Guarantee Obligation, Term Guarantee Obligation, Term Liability for guarantees Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Maximum potential amount of future fundings Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Guarantor obligations, number of guarantees Guarantor Obligations, Number Of Guarantees Guarantor Obligations, Number Of Guarantees Loan commitment, put option agreement, obligation to acquire property, term Loan Commitment, Put Option Agreement, Obligation to Acquire Property, Term Loan Commitment, Put Option Agreement, Obligation to Acquire Property, Term Loan commitment, put option agreement, obligation to acquire property, amount Loan Commitment, Put Option Agreement, Obligation to Acquire Property, Amount Loan Commitment, Put Option Agreement, Obligation to Acquire Property, Amount Loan commitment, put option agreement, obligation to acquire property, extended term Loan Commitment, Put Option Agreement, Obligation to Acquire Property, Extended Term Loan Commitment, Put Option Agreement, Obligation to Acquire Property, Extended Term Cash collateral in the event funding is required Guarantor Obligations, Collateral Held Directly or by Third Parties, Within Five Years Guarantor Obligations, Collateral Held Directly or by Third Parties, Within Five Years Letter of credit provided by Sunrise, amount available Line of Credit Facility Provided by Third Party, Current Borrowing Capacity for Period After One Year and Within Six Years Line of Credit Facility Provided by Third Party, Current Borrowing Capacity for Period After One Year and Within Six Years Line of credit facility provided by third party, current borrowing capacity for period Line of Credit Facility Provided by Third Party, Current Borrowing Capacity for Period Line of Credit Facility Provided by Third Party, Current Borrowing Capacity for Period Collateral for continuing lease obligation contingency, future minimum annual payments due Guarantor Obligations, Collateral Held Directly or by Third Parties, Annual Collateral to be Received for Next Five Years Guarantor Obligations, Collateral Held Directly or by Third Parties, Annual Collateral to be Received for Next Five Years Annual rent payments, approximately Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Remaining rent payments, approximately Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Guarantee obligations, cash collateralized Guarantor Obligations, Collateral Held Directly or by Third Parties, Amount Guarantor Obligations, Collateral Held Directly or by Third Parties, Amount Contingent acquisition period Ownership Interest Purchase Contingency Term Ownership Interest Purchase Contingency Term Amount of deposit used for contingent joint venture interest acquisition Amount of Deposit Used for Contingent Joint Venture Interest Acquisition Amount of Deposit Used for Contingent Joint Venture Interest Acquisition Deposits in conjunction with contingent obligation to acquire the interest in joint ventures Deposit For Contingent Joint Venture Interest Acquisition Deposits made in conjunction with a contingent obligation to acquire our joint venture partner's remaining interest. These deposits are refundable to the extent we do not acquire our joint venture partner's remaining interests. Share-Based Compensation Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block] Current notes receivable Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current Notes receivable, noncurrent Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Amount Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Senior, mezzanine, and other loans Marketable securities and other debt securities Marketable Securities, Noncurrent Total noncurrent financial assets Financial Instruments, Assets, Noncurrent Total of all noncurrent financial instruments that are assets. Senior Notes Senior Notes, Noncurrent Commercial paper Other long-term debt Other Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Other noncurrent liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total noncurrent financial liabilities Financial Instruments, Liabilities, Noncurrent Total of all noncurrent financial instruments that are liabilities. Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment by Type Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land Land [Member] Buildings and leasehold improvements Building and Leasehold Improvements [Member] Building and Leasehold Improvements [Member] Furniture and equipment Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Construction in progress Construction in Progress [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment, net Leases Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] U.S. Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Non-U.S. Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Earnings before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Table] Deferred stock incentive plans Deferred Stock Incentive [Member] Deferred Stock Incentive [Member] Restricted stock units Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items] Computation of Basic Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Net income (in USD) Weighted average shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic earnings per share (in USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Computation of Diluted Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted average shares outstanding Effect of dilutive securities Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract] Effect of dilutive securities Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Shares for diluted earnings per share Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Fiscal period, change in length of period from corresponding year earlier period Fiscal Period, Change in Length of Period from Corresponding Year Earlier Period Fiscal Period, Change in Length of Period from Corresponding Year Earlier Period Fiscal period duration Fiscal Period Duration Equity Investment For Noncontrolling Interest In Partnership Commitment Equity Investment For Noncontrolling Interest In Partnership Commitment [Member] Equity Investment For Noncontrolling Interest In Partnership Commitment [Member] Real Estate Investment Real Estate Investment [Member] Renovation of Leased Hotel Renovation of Leased Hotel [Member] Renovation of Leased Hotel [Member] Development of Dual Branded Property Development of Dual Branded Property [Member] Development of Dual Branded Property [Member] Information Technology Hardware, Software, Accounting, Finance, and Maintenance Services Information Technology Hardware, Software, Accounting, Finance, and Maintenance Services [Member] Information Technology Hardware, Software, Accounting, Finance, and Maintenance Services [Member] Commitments Commitments [Member] Lodging Property Lodging Property [Member] Lodging Property [Member] Products and Services Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Full Service and Limited Service Full Service and Limited Service [Member] Full Service and Limited Service [Member] Limited Service Limited Service [Member] Limited Service Debt Security Debt Security [Axis] Major Types of Debt Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt Securities [Domain] Debt Securities Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Class of Stock Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Equity Ownership Interest Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Equity Ownership Interest [Member] Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Equity Ownership Interest [Member] Investment commitments Investment Commitments Commitments to invest Investment commitments expected to be funded in 2015 Investment Commitments Expected to be Funded, Next Twelve Months Investment Commitments Expected to be Funded, Next Twelve Months Investment commitments expected to be funded in 2016 Investment Commitments Expected to be Funded After Two Years Investment Commitments Expected to be Funded After Two Years Investment commitments, funding not expected Investment Commitments, Funding Not Expected Investment Commitments, Funding Not Expected Acquisition interests in joint ventures Remaining Joint Venture Interest To Be Acquired The remaining joint venture interest that we have a right and under certain circumstances an obligation to acquire. Purchase obligation Purchase Obligation Purchase obligation, expect to fund commitments in 2015 Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months Purchase obligation, expect to fund commitments in 2016 Purchase Obligation, Due in Second Year Purchase obligation, expect to fund commitments in 2017 Purchase Obligation, Due in Third Year Purchase obligation, thereafter Purchase Obligation, Due after Fifth Year Number of hotels Held-to-maturity Securities, Number of Hotels Accounted for within Transaction Held-to-maturity Securities, Number of Hotels Accounted for within Transaction Loan commitment, amount Loan Commitment, Amount Loan Commitment, Amount Letters of credit outstanding Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Surety bonds issued Surety Bonds Amount of surety bonds issued as of the balance sheet date. Goodwill, net Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Equity Components Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Other Derivative Instrument Adjustments Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Franchise fees Franchise Fees Franchise Fees Interest expense Interest Expense Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Lease Obligations By Obligation Group Lease Obligations By Obligation Group [Axis] Lease Obligations By Obligation Group [Axis] Lease Obligations, Obligation Group [Domain] Lease Obligations, Obligation Group [Domain] Primary Obligations Operating Leases Primary Obligations Operating Leases [Member] Primary Obligations Operating Leases Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Minimum operating lease payments - 2015 Minimum operating lease payments - 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Minimum operating lease payments - 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Minimum operating lease payments - 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Minimum operating lease payments - 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Minimum operating lease payments - thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total minimum operating lease payments where we are the primary obligor Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions [Member] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Accounts and notes receivable, net Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current Other Other Assets, Current Contract acquisition costs and other Equity and cost method investments Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Deferred taxes, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Other noncurrent assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued expenses and other Other Liabilities, Current Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range Exercise Price Range [Axis] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Range 2 Exercise Price Range Two [Member] Exercise Price Range Two Range 3 Exercise Price Range Three [Member] Exercise Price Range Three Range 4 Exercise Price Range Four [Member] Exercise Price Range Four Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Range of Exercise Prices, Lower Limit Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit Range of Exercise Prices, Upper Limit Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit Outstanding - Number of Stock Options (in millions) Outstanding - Weighted Average Exercise Price (per unit) Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercisable - Number of Stock Options (in millions) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price (per unit) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable - Weighted Average Remaining Life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Minimum rentals Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Minimum Rentals Additional rentals Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Contingent Rentals Operating leases, rent expense, total Operating Leases, Rent Expense Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used [Table] Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used [Table] Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used [Table] Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used [Line Items] Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used [Line Items] Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used [Line Items] Expected volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Risk-free rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected term (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Legal Entity Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Consolidated Subsidiaries Non Recourse to Parent Consolidated Subsidiaries Non Recourse to Parent [Member] Consolidated Subsidiaries Non-recourse to Parent [Member] Leases, initial terms Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract Number of lease renewal options Number of Renewal Options Number Of Renewal Options Renewal option period Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Renewal Term Obligations of consolidated subsidiaries Other current liabilities (liabilities held-for-sale) Present value of net minimum lease payments associated with capital leases Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Base management fees Management Fees, Base Revenue Incentive management fees Management Fees, Incentive Revenue Owned, leased, and other revenue Revenue From Leased And Owned Hotels Corporate Housing Other Revenue generated from owned and leased hotels as well as corporate housing and other revenue sources. Cost reimbursements Reimbursement Revenue Revenues Reimbursed costs Cost of Reimbursable Expense Depreciation, amortization and other General, administrative, and other General and Administrative Expense Gains and other income Other Operating Income Interest expense Interest income Interest Income (Expense), Net Equity in earnings (losses) Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Host Partnerships Host Partnerships [Member] Host Partnerships [Member] Major Customers Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Host Hotels & Resorts Inc Host Hotels & Resorts Inc [Member] Host Hotels & Resorts Inc Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Number of lodging properties operated under long-term agreements of affiliated unconsolidated partnerships Number of Customer Owned or Leased Lodging Properties Managed Number of Customer Owned or Leased Lodging Properties Managed Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-For-Sale Securities Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Balance at year-end, beginning balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Net other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Balance at year-end, ending balance Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications, other derivative instrument adjustments, deferred tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications, unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, deferred tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax Revenues Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Net Income Reconciliation Of Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes From Segments to Consolidated Net Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] This element may be used to capture the complete disclosure for the identification, description, and amounts of all significant reconciling items in the reconciliation of total income before income taxes, which includes equity method income or loss and gains and other income, from reportable segments, to the entity's net income attributable to the parent before extraordinary items, discontinued operations, and the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles. Depreciation and Amortization Reconciliation Of Depreciation and Amortization from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Depreciation and Amortization from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Goodwill Reconciliation Of Goodwill from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Goodwill from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Capital Expenditures Reconciliation Of Capitalized Expenditures from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Capitalized Expenditures from Segment to Consolidated Reconciliation of Restricted Stock Activity [Table] Reconciliation of Restricted Stock Activity [Line Items] Aggregate intrinsic value of converted and distributed RSUs (in millions) Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Converted and Distributed, Intrinsic Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Converted and Distributed, Intrinsic Value Long-Term Debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Debt Principal Payments (Net of Unamortized Discounts) Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile to cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Share-based compensation Share-based Compensation Income taxes Noncash Income Tax Expense The non-cash component of income tax expense, less the tax benefit from exercise of stock options. Liability for guest loyalty program Increase (Decrease) in Customer Loyalty Program Liability Working capital changes Increase (Decrease) In Working Capital Increase (Decrease) In Working Capital Other Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital expenditures Dispositions Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Loan advances Payments for Loan Advances The cash outflow from advancing money to others in the form of loans. Loan collections Proceeds from Sale and Collection of Notes Receivable Equity and cost method investments Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Contract acquisition costs Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Acquisition of a business, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Investment in debt security Payments to Acquire Investments Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Commercial paper/Credit Facility, net Proceeds From Repayments Of Commercial Paper And Long Term Lines Of Credit The net cash inflow (outflow) from issuing (borrowing) and repaying commercial paper or line of credit having initial term of repayment greater than one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayment of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Issuance of Class A Common Stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Purchase of treasury stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Other Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) CASH AND EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value CASH AND EQUIVALENTS, end of period Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in- Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Treasury Stock, at Cost Treasury Stock [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Common Class A Common Class A [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Beginning balance, shares Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Dividends Dividends, Cash Employee stock plan issuance Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock And Cash Incentive Plan Aggregate value of stock issued during the period as a result of employee stock and cash incentive plan. Employee stock plan issuance, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock And Cash Incentive Plan Number of shares issued during the period as a result employee stock and cash incentive plans. Purchase of treasury stock Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Purchase of treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Spin-off of MVW Stockholders' Equity Note, Spinoff Transaction Ending balance Ending balance, shares Disposal Group Name Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] London EDITION Hotel London EDITION Hotel [Member] London EDITION Hotel [Member] Miami Beach EDITION Hotels Miami Beach EDITION Hotel [Member] Miami Beach EDITION Hotel [Member] Land Parcel Sale to Third Party [Member] Land Parcel Sale to Third Party [Member] Land Parcel Sale to Third Party [Member] Right to Acquire Landlord's Interest in Real Estate Property and Attached Assets Right to Acquire Landlord's Interest in Real Estate Property and Attached Assets [Member] Right to Acquire Landlord's Interest in Real Estate Property and Attached Assets [Member] Sale of Land to Joint Venture in 2005 Sale of Land to Joint Venture in 2005 [Member] Sale of Land to Joint Venture in 2005 [Member] Deferred Revenue Arrangement Type Deferred Revenue Arrangement Type [Axis] Deferred Revenue Arrangement Type [Domain] Deferred Revenue [Domain] Performance Arrangement Performance Arrangement [Member] Performance Arrangement [Member] Entity [Domain] North American Limited Service Joint Venture North American Limited Service Joint Venture [Member] North American Limited Service Joint Venture [Member] Proceeds from dispositions Assets held-for-sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Assets, reclassified Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Assets, property, plant and equipment, reclassified Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment Assets held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Liabilities, reclassified Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities Cash proceeds from sale of rights to acquire property and attached assets Cash Proceeds from Sale of Rights to Acquire Property and Attached Assets Cash Proceeds from Sale of Rights to Acquire Property and Attached Assets Noncash proceeds from sale of rights to acquire property and attached assets Noncash Proceeds from Sale of Rights to Acquire Property and Attached Assets Noncash Proceeds from Sale of Rights to Acquire Property and Attached Assets Number of joint ventures merged before sale Number of Joint Ventures Merged Before Sale Number of Joint Ventures Merged Before Sale Proceeds from sale of interest in joint venture Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments Total gain recognized on disposal Equity Method Investment, Total Gain (Loss) Recognized on Disposal Equity Method Investment, Total Gain (Loss) Recognized on Disposal Deferred gain on sale, amount recognized in current period Equity Method Investment, Deferred Gain on Sale, Amount Recognized in Current Period Equity Method Investment, Deferred Gain on Sale, Amount Recognized in Current Period Gain on sale of interest in joint venture Deferred revenue recognized Deferred Revenue, Revenue Recognized Increase (decrease) in provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses, current year Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Period Increase (Decrease), Current Year Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Period Increase (Decrease), Current Year Increase (decrease) in provision for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses, prior years Self-insurance reserve Self-insurance reserve, current portion Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Gross, Current Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Gross, Current Self-insurance reserve, long-term portion Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Gross, Noncurrent Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Gross, Noncurrent Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Notes Receivable Notes Receivable [Member] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Composition of our Notes Receivable Balances (Net of Reserves and Unamortized Discounts) Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Notes Receivable Principal Payments (Net of Reserves and Unamortized Discounts) and Interest Rates Schedule of Financing Receivables, Minimum Payments [Table Text Block] Notes Receivable Reserves Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive (loss) income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Other derivative instrument adjustments, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Reclassification of losses (gains), net of tax Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Asia Asia [Member] Europe Europe [Member] Middle East And Africa Middle East And Africa [Member] Middle East And Africa Caribbean and Latin America Caribbean and Latin America [Member] Caribbean and Latin America [Member] Canada CANADA Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments Number of business segments Number of Reportable Segments Segment financial results Undistributed earnings Retained Earnings, Undistributed Earnings from Equity Method Investees Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Range of amortization life of intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Aggregate amortization expense of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Estimated aggregate future amortization expense of intangible assets for 2015 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Estimated aggregate future amortization expense of intangible assets for 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Estimated aggregate future amortization expense of intangible assets for 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Estimated aggregate future amortization expense of intangible assets for 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Estimated aggregate future amortization expense of intangible assets for 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Loans Receivable Loans Receivable [Member] Mezzanine loan Receivable with Imputed Interest, Net Amount Investment in impaired loans Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment Notes receivable reserve representing an allowance for credit losses Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses Investment in impaired loans with no related allowance for credit losses Impaired Financing Receivable, with No Related Allowance, Recorded Investment Average investment in impaired loans Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Cash and equivalents Accounts and notes receivable, net Current deferred taxes, net Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Other Assets, Current, Total Assets, Current Intangible assets Contract acquisition costs and other Goodwill And Intangible Assets, Net, Total Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill) Equity and cost method investments Notes receivable, net Deferred taxes, net Total Assets Assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities Current portion of long-term debt Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Trade, Current Accrued payroll and benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Liability for guest loyalty programs Customer Loyalty Program Liability, Current Accrued expenses and other Liabilities, Current, Total Liabilities, Current Long-term debt Liability for guest loyalty programs Customer Loyalty Program Liability, Noncurrent Other noncurrent liabilities Shareholders’ deficit Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Class A Common Stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in-capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Treasury stock, at cost Treasury Stock, Value Accumulated other comprehensive loss Stockholders' Deficit Liabilities and Deficit, Total Liabilities and Equity Short-term Debt, Type Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Fair Value, Hierarchy Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Carrying value of our marketable securities Marketable Securities Proceeds from sale of investment Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains (Losses), Sale Proceeds Amortized cost basis Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Realized gain from sale of investment Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Held-to-maturity securities Held-to-maturity Securities Held-to-maturity securities, amortized cost Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Basis Held-to-maturity securities, fair value Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value Commercial paper, maturity term (generally 30 days or less) Debt Instrument, Term Income Statement [Abstract] REVENUES Revenues [Abstract] Base management fees Franchise fees Franchise Revenue Incentive management fees Owned, leased, and other revenue Revenue From Leased and Owned Hotels, Including Operating Lease Income Amount, net of promotional allowances, of revenue from managing and operating hotels, including, but not limited to, revenue from occupancy, casino, food and beverage, and retail. Includes operating lease income. Cost reimbursements OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Owned, leased, and other-direct Direct Costs of Hotels Reimbursed costs General, administrative, and other Costs and Expenses, Total Costs and Expenses OPERATING INCOME Gains and other income Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Interest expense Interest income Investment Income, Interest Equity in earnings (losses) Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES NET INCOME EARNINGS PER SHARE-Basic Earnings per share (in USD per share) EARNINGS PER SHARE-Diluted Earnings per share (in USD per share) Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Additions Provision for Loan, Lease, and Other Losses Reversals Financing Receivable Allowance For Credit Losses Reversals Reduction to the allowance for credit losses related to improved cash flows of underlying property. Write-offs Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs Transfers and other Financing Receivable Allowance For Credit Losses Other Adjustments Financing receivable allowance for credit losses, other adjustments Ending balance Notes Receivable Financing Receivables [Text Block] Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net