Segments Internal Financial Reports (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012 Segment	Sep. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of business segments			3
Revenues	$ 228,129	$ 225,232	$ 720,273	$ 682,745
Depreciation and amortization	30,701	32,367	93,389	90,695
Operating income (loss)	(33,449)	13,837	19,843	59,763
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(15,136)	(18,075)	(43,949)	(60,261)
Interest income	3,081	3,199	9,256	9,688
Income from unconsolidated companies		761	109	1,086
Other gains and (losses), net	2,251	(444)	2,251	(494)
Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations	(43,253)	(722)	(12,490)	9,782
Hospitality [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	207,941	207,092	667,036	634,607
Depreciation and amortization	26,095	28,388	80,977	78,954
Operating income (loss)	27,948	25,437	114,407	96,604
Opry and Attractions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	20,166	18,108	53,154	48,044
Depreciation and amortization	1,262	1,296	3,825	3,968
Operating income (loss)	4,687	3,498	10,280	6,721
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	22	32	83	94
Depreciation and amortization	3,344	2,683	8,587	7,773
Operating income (loss)	(14,539)	(14,591)	(45,986)	(42,546)
Real Estate Investment Trust Conversion Costs [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	(51,371)		(57,799)
Casualty loss [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	(173)	(162)	(719)	(630)
Preopening costs [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	$ (1)	$ (345)	$ (340)	$ (386)