Segments - Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to EBITDA and EBITDA to Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Company (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Adjusted EBITDA	$ 71,950	$ 84,297
Impairment loss	0	(83,343)
Loss on sale	(138)	0
Gain related to casualty disasters	1,928	669
Equity based compensation	(3,943)	(2,490)
Amortization of software service agreements	(2,359)	(2,147)
Other losses, net	(7,105)	(2,940)
EBITDA	60,333	(5,954)
Interest expense	(20,108)	(20,364)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(2,290)	26,119
Depreciation and amortization	(36,257)	(38,525)
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(89)	(51)
Net Income (Loss) attributable to La Quinta Holdings’ stockholders	$ 1,589	$ (38,775)