Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventories Inventory, Net Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Assets held for sale Assets Held-for-sale, Current Assets held for sale Total current assets Assets, Current, Total Total current assets Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other assets, net Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets, net Total assets Assets, Total Total assets LIABILITIES Liabilities [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued payroll and related benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued interest payable Interest Payable, Current Advance deposits Customer Advances and Deposits, Current Other accrued expenses Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Revolving credit facility Line of Credit, Current Long-term debt, due within one year Secured Debt, Current Long-term debt, due within one year Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current, Total Total current liabilities Long-term debt, due after one year Secured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Deferred income Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Debentures due Red Lion Hotels Capital Trust Junior Subordinated Debenture Owed to Unconsolidated Subsidiary Trust, Noncurrent Debentures due Red Lion Hotels Capital Trust Total liabilities Liabilities, Total Total liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Red Lion Hotels Corporation stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock - 5,000,000 shares authorized; $0.01 par value; no shares issued or outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock - 50,000,000 shares authorized; $0.01 par value; 19,172,670 and 18,869,254 shares issued and outstanding Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Additional paid-in capital, common stock Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained earnings Total Red Lion Hotels Corporation stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Total Total Red Lion Hotels Corporation stockholders' equity Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interest Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Total stockholders' equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity, Total Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Revenue: Revenue, Net [Abstract] Hotels Revenue from Hotels Franchise Franchise Revenue Entertainment Entertainment Entertainment Other Other Revenue, Net Other Total revenues Revenue, Net, Total Total revenues Operating expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Hotels Direct Costs of Hotels Franchise Franchise Costs Entertainment Expenses Entertainment Entertainment Other Other Cost of Operating Revenue Depreciation and amortization Cost of Goods and Services Sold, Depreciation and Amortization Hotel Facility and Land Lease Hotel facility and land lease Hotel facility and land lease Goodwill impairment Goodwill, Impairment Loss Asset impairment Asset Impairment Charges Gain on asset dispositions, net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Gain on asset dispositions, net Undistributed corporate expenses General and Administrative Expense Undistributed corporate expenses Restructuring expenses Restructuring Charges Total expenses Costs and Expenses, Total Total expenses Operating income (loss) Operating Income (Loss) Operating income (loss) Other income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest expense Interest Expense Interest expense Other income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other income, net Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Income tax (benefit) expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax (benefit) expense Net income (loss) from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) from continuing operations Discontinued operations: Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Income (loss) from operations of discontinued business units, net of income tax (benefit) expense of $(250), $(397), and $(195) respectively Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax Income (loss) from operations of discontinued business units, net of income tax (benefit) expense of $(250), $(397), and $(195) respectively Income tax (benefit) expense on discontinued business units Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period Impairment of the assets of the discontinued business units, net of income tax (benefit) expense of $(370), $(20), and $(60) respectively Discontinued Operation, Provision for Loss (Gain) on Disposal, Net of Tax Impairment of the assets of the discontinued business units, net of income tax (benefit) expense of $(370), $(20), and $(60) respectively Impairment of the assets of the discontinued business units, net of income tax (benefit) expense Discontinued Operation, Tax (Expense) Benefit from Provision for (Gain) Loss on Disposal Income (loss) from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income (loss) from discontinued operations Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) Net income or loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income or loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Net income (loss) attributable to Red Lion Hotels Corporation Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income (loss) attributable to Red Lion Hotels Corporation Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Red Lion Hotels Corporation Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Basic and diluted Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Net income (loss) from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Income (loss) from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Net income (loss) attributable to Red Lion Hotels Corporation Earnings Per Share, Basic Net income (loss) attributable to Red Lion Hotels Corporation Weighted average shares - basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted average shares - diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Common Stock Balance, shares Balance Balance Additional Paid-In Capital Retained Earnings Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Stock based compensation, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Stock based compensation Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Balance, shares Balance Stock issued under option plan, shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Stock issued under option plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Distributions to noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Distributions to noncontrolling interest Tax benefit associated with stock based plans Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net Operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income (loss) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Gain on disposition of property, equipment and other assets, net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Gain on disposition of property, equipment and other assets, net Asset Impairment Including Discontinued Operations Asset impairment Asset impairment Termination of sublease agreement, net Gain (Loss) on Contract Termination Termination of sublease agreement, net Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Equity in investments Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Equity in investments Stock based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Provision for doubtful accounts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Change in current assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash for Operating Activities Restricted cash Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Inventories Prepaid expenses and other Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accrued payroll and related benefits Increase (Decrease) in Employee Related Liabilities Accrued interest payable Increase (Decrease) in Interest Payable, Net Deferred income Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Other accrued expenses and advance deposits Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Other accrued expenses and advance deposits Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities Investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Purchases of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of property and equipment Liquor license purchase Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Liquor license purchase Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Advances to Red Lion Hotels Capital Trust Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Advances to Red Lion Hotels Capital Trust Other, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other, net Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities Financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Borrowings on revolving credit facility Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit Borrowings on long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayment of revolving credit facility Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit Repayment of revolving credit facility Repayment for Retirement of Revolving Credit Facility Retirement of revolving credit facility Retirement of revolving credit facility Retirement of revolving credit facility Repayment of long-term debt Repayments of Secured Debt Repayment of long-term debt Common stock redeemed Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Common stock redeemed Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Excluding Stock Options Proceeds from stock option exercises Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Distributions to noncontrolling interest Payments of Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Distributions to noncontrolling interest Additions to deferred financing costs Payments of Financing Costs Additions to deferred financing costs Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents: Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract] Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash Paid During Periods for Abstract Cash paid during periods for: Cash paid during periods for: Interest on long-term debt Interest Paid Income taxes Income Taxes Paid Cash Received During Periods for Abstract Cash received during periods for: Cash received during periods for: Income taxes Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds Noncash operating investing and financing activities: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Reclassification of Property and Other Assets to Assets Held for Sale Reclassification of property and other assets to assets held for sale Reclassification of property and other assets to assets held for sale Reclassification of Intangible to Property and Equipment Reclassification of intangible assets to property and equipment Reclassification of intangible assets to property and equipment Conversion of Accounts Receivable to Note Receivable Conversion of accounts receivable to note receivable Conversion of accounts receivable to note receivable Tax Benefit Associated with Stock Based Plans Tax benefit associated with stock based plans Tax benefit associated with stock based plans Non Cash or Part Non Cash Bonuses to Employees Paid in Stock Bonuses to employees paid in stock Bonuses to employees paid in stock Organization Nature of Operations [Text Block] Organization [Abstract] Organization [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Liquidity Financial Condition and Risks of Refinancing Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Liquidity, Financial Condition and Risks of Refinancing Debt Liquidity, Financial Condition and Risks of Refinancing Debt Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Business Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Business Segments [Abstract] Business Segments [Abstract] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property and Equipment/Assets Held for Sale [Abstract] Property and Equipment/Assets Held for Sale [Abstract] Disclosure of Assets Held for Sale [Text Block] Assets Held for Sale Assets Held for Sale Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract] Other Investments Equity Method Investments Disclosure [Text Block] Other Investments [Abstract] Other Investments [Abstract] Credit Facility Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Long-Term Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Debentures Capital Trust Disclosure [Text Block] Debentures of Red Lion Hotels Capital Trust Debentures of Red Lion Hotels Capital Trust Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies/Operating Lease Commitments [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies/Operating Lease Commitments [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Earnings (Loss) Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings (Loss) Per Share [Abstract] Earnings (Loss) Per Share [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Taxes [Abstract] Operating Lease Income Operating Leases of Lessor Disclosure [Text Block] Operating Lease Income [Abstract] Operating Lease Income [Abstract] Operating Lease Commitments Commitments Disclosure [Text Block] Related-Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related-Party Transactions [Abstract] Related-Party Transactions [Abstract] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]