Financial Reporting by Business Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011 segment	Sep. 30, 2010
Segments internal financial reports
Revenues	$ 225,232	$ 158,272	$ 682,745	$ 556,632
Depreciation and amortization	32,367	25,254	90,695	78,276
Operating income (loss)	13,837	(32,616)	59,763	(38,356)
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(18,075)	(20,334)	(60,261)	(60,929)
Interest income	3,199	3,344	9,688	9,852
Income from unconsolidated companies	761		1,086	117
Net gain on extinguishment of debt	0		0	1,299
Other gains and (losses), net	(444)	377	(494)	217
Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations	(722)	(49,229)	9,782	(87,800)
Financial Reporting by Business Segments (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of principal business segments			3
Casualty Loss [Member]
Segments internal financial reports
Operating income (loss)	(162)	(6,014)	(630)	(37,361)
Hospitality [Member]
Segments internal financial reports
Revenues	207,092	147,234	634,607	523,849
Depreciation and amortization	28,388	21,866	78,954	67,528
Operating income (loss)	25,437	16,092	96,604	76,347
Opry and Attractions [Member]
Segments internal financial reports
Revenues	18,108	11,011	48,044	32,702
Depreciation and amortization	1,296	1,019	3,968	3,439
Operating income (loss)	3,498	92	6,721	346
Corporate And Other [Member]
Segments internal financial reports
Revenues	32	27	94	81
Depreciation and amortization	2,683	2,369	7,773	7,309
Operating income (loss)	(14,591)	(17,312)	(42,546)	(45,974)
Pre-Opening Costs [Member]
Segments internal financial reports
Operating income (loss)	$ (345)	$ (25,474)	$ (386)	$ (31,714)