Financial Reporting by Business Segments - Segments Internal Financial Reports (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 222,113	$ 238,915
Depreciation and amortization	32,009	32,434
Operating income (loss)	(2,244)	21,684
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(13,323)	(14,362)
Interest income	3,051	3,154
Other gains and (losses), net	(6)
Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations	(12,522)	10,476
Hospitality [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	209,581	226,048
Depreciation and amortization	26,801	28,536
Operating income (loss)	23,408	40,036
Opry and Attractions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	12,532	12,867
Depreciation and amortization	1,366	1,285
Operating income (loss)	(120)	825
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	3,842	2,613
Operating income (loss)	(10,508)	(15,619)
Real Estate Investment Trust Conversion Costs [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	(14,992)	(3,053)
Casualty Loss [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	(32)	(174)
Preopening Costs [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)		$ (331)