Financial Reporting by Business Segments - Segments Internal Financial Reports (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 221,196	$ 228,129	$ 688,492	$ 720,273
Depreciation and amortization	27,916	30,701	88,979	93,389
Operating income (loss)	19,803	(33,449)	46,462	19,843
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(15,187)	(15,136)	(45,934)	(43,949)
Interest income	3,020	3,081	9,123	9,256
Income from unconsolidated companies	10		10	109
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(4,181)		(4,181)
Other gains and (losses), net	2,318	2,251	2,365	2,251
Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations	5,783	(43,253)	7,845	(12,490)
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	221,196	228,129	688,492	720,273
Depreciation and amortization	27,916	30,701	88,979	93,389
Operating income (loss)	19,803	(33,449)	46,462	19,843
Operating Segments [Member] | Hospitality [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	199,304	207,941	631,716	667,036
Depreciation and amortization	25,599	26,095	77,928	80,977
Operating income (loss)	22,445	27,947	83,879	114,407
Operating Segments [Member] | Opry and Attractions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	21,892	20,188	56,776	53,237
Depreciation and amortization	1,317	1,262	4,002	3,826
Operating income (loss)	5,164	4,710	11,448	10,363
Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue
Depreciation and amortization	1,000	3,344	7,049	8,586
Operating income (loss)	(6,699)	(14,561)	(26,050)	(46,069)
Operating Segments [Member] | Real Estate Investment Trust Conversion Costs [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	(971)	(51,371)	(21,383)	(57,799)
Operating Segments [Member] | Casualty Loss [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	(26)	(173)	(75)	(719)
Operating Segments [Member] | Preopening Costs [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)		(1)		(340)
Operating Segments [Member] | Impairment and Other Charges (Non-REIT Conversion Costs) [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	$ (110)		$ (1,357)