Document And Entity Information (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Entity Registrant Name	SUPERTEL HOSPITALITY INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000929545
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		2,898,286
Entity Public Float			$ 19.8
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No