Financial Reporting by Business Segments - Segments Internal Financial Reports (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 246,451	$ 222,113
Depreciation and amortization	28,003	32,009
REIT conversion costs		(14,992)
Casualty loss		(32)
Operating income (loss)	32,797	(2,244)
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(15,670)	(13,323)
Interest income	3,031	3,051
Other gains and (losses), net		(6)
Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations	20,158	(12,522)
Operating Segments [Member] | Hospitality [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	232,203	209,581
Depreciation and amortization	25,514	26,801
Operating income (loss)	40,016	23,408
Operating Segments [Member] | Opry and Attractions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	14,248	12,532
Depreciation and amortization	1,425	1,366
Operating income (loss)	552	(120)
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues
Depreciation and amortization	1,064	3,842
Operating income (loss)	(7,771)	(10,508)
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
REIT conversion costs		(14,992)
Casualty loss		$ (32)