v3.19.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2019
May 01, 2019
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name CHATHAM LODGING TRUST  
Trading Symbol CLDT  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2019  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Smaller Reporting Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)   46,572,579
Entity Central Index Key 0001476045  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31