Financial Reporting by Business Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 Segment	Mar. 31, 2011
Segments internal financial reports
Revenues	$ 238,915	$ 220,738
Depreciation and amortization	32,434	29,057
Operating income (loss)	21,684	14,726
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(14,362)	(20,809)
Interest income	3,154	3,173
Income from unconsolidated companies		173
Other gains and (losses), net		(191)
Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued	10,476	(2,928)
Financial Reporting by Business Segments (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of business segments	3
Casualty Loss [Member]
Segments internal financial reports
Operating income (loss)	(174)	1
Hospitality [Member]
Segments internal financial reports
Revenues	226,048	209,342
Depreciation and amortization	28,536	25,275
Operating income (loss)	40,036	29,454
Opry and Attractions [Member]
Segments internal financial reports
Revenues	12,835	11,367
Depreciation and amortization	1,285	1,332
Operating income (loss)	793	(643)
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segments internal financial reports
Revenues	32	29
Depreciation and amortization	2,613	2,450
Operating income (loss)	(18,640)	(14,086)
Preopening Costs [Member]
Segments internal financial reports
Operating income (loss)	$ (331)