Nashville Flood (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Casualty Loss
Site remediation				$ 26	$ 19,394
Impairment of property and equipment				332	44,970
Non-capitalized repairs of buildings and equipment				81	4,820
Other asset write-offs					2,909
Continuing costs during shut-down period					19,446
Other				786	782
Insurance proceeds			(50,000)		(50,000)
Net casualty loss	5,000	6,000		1,225	42,321
Hospitality [Member]
Casualty Loss
Site remediation				(179)	15,586
Impairment of property and equipment					30,470
Non-capitalized repairs of buildings and equipment					1,649
Other asset write-offs					1,811
Continuing costs during shut-down period					15,644
Other				6	169
Net casualty loss				(173)	65,329
Opry and Attractions [Member]
Casualty Loss
Site remediation				286	2,895
Impairment of property and equipment					7,366
Non-capitalized repairs of buildings and equipment				67	2,932
Other asset write-offs					1,098
Continuing costs during shut-down period					3,023
Other				146	93
Net casualty loss				499	17,407
Corporate and Other [Member]
Casualty Loss
Site remediation				(81)	913
Impairment of property and equipment				332	7,134
Non-capitalized repairs of buildings and equipment				14	239
Continuing costs during shut-down period					779
Other				634	520
Net casualty loss				899	9,585
Insurance Proceeds [Member]
Casualty Loss
Insurance proceeds					(50,000)
Net casualty loss					$ (50,000)