Investment in Unconsolidated Entities - Components of Net Loss, Including Share, Related to Joint Venture (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total hotel operating expenses	$ 58,634	$ 58,115	$ 54,191	$ 50,487	$ 48,095	$ 45,979	$ 42,076	$ 34,370	$ 221,427	$ 170,520	$ 108,867
Operating income	$ 8,914	$ 20,114	$ 18,066	$ 8,429	$ 4,516	$ 14,683	$ 5,001	$ 2,496	55,523	26,696	17,361
Net income attributable to common shareholders									32,966	66,873	2,982
Total income (loss) from unconsolidated real estate entities attributable to Chatham									3,576	65,750	0
Total Minority Interest Joint Ventures
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Revenue									497,698	290,419	271,224
Total hotel operating expenses									290,123	166,849	151,823
Operating income									207,575	123,570	119,401
Net income (loss) from continuing operations									19,241	(40,018)	(14,376)
Loss on sale of hotels									0	(5)	(2,730)
Net income attributable to common shareholders									19,241	(40,023)	(17,106)
Income (loss) allocable to the Company									1,811	(4,165)	(1,874)
Basis difference adjustment									600	335	0
Total income (loss) from unconsolidated real estate entities attributable to Chatham									$ 2,411	$ (3,830)	$ (1,874)