Financial Reporting by Business Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012 Segment	Jun. 30, 2011
Segments internal financial reports
Revenues	$ 253,229	$ 236,775	$ 492,144	$ 457,513
Depreciation and amortization	30,254	29,271	62,688	58,328
Operating income (loss)	31,608	31,200	53,292	45,926
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(14,451)	(21,377)	(28,813)	(42,186)
Interest income	3,021	3,316	6,175	6,489
Income from unconsolidated companies	109	152	109	325
Other gains and (losses), net		141		(50)
Income before income taxes and discontinued operations	20,287	13,432	30,763	10,504
Financial Reporting by Business Segments (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of business segments			3
Casualty Loss [Member]
Segments internal financial reports
Operating income (loss)	(372)	(469)	(546)	(468)
Hospitality [Member]
Segments internal financial reports
Revenues	233,047	218,173	459,095	427,515
Depreciation and amortization	26,346	25,291	54,882	50,566
Operating income (loss)	46,423	41,713	86,459	71,167
Opry and Attractions [Member]
Segments internal financial reports
Revenues	20,153	18,569	32,988	29,936
Depreciation and amortization	1,278	1,340	2,563	2,672
Operating income (loss)	4,800	3,866	5,593	3,223
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segments internal financial reports
Revenues	29	33	61	62
Depreciation and amortization	2,630	2,640	5,243	5,090
Operating income (loss)	(19,235)	(13,869)	(37,875)	(27,955)
Preopening Costs [Member]
Segments internal financial reports
Operating income (loss)	$ (8)	$ (41)	$ (339)	$ (41)