Financial Reporting by Business Segments - Segments Internal Financial Reports (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 257,913	$ 245,183	$ 504,364	$ 467,296
Depreciation and amortization	28,232	29,054	56,235	61,063
REIT conversion costs		(5,420)		(20,412)
Casualty loss		(17)		(49)
Impairment and other charges (non-REIT conversion costs)		(1,247)		(1,247)
Operating income (loss)	47,486	28,903	80,283	26,659
Interest expense	(15,472)	(17,424)	(31,142)	(30,747)
Interest income	3,038	3,052	6,069	6,103
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(2,148)		(2,148)
Other gains and (losses), net	(4,349)	53	(4,349)	47
Income before income taxes and discontinued operations	28,555	14,584	48,713	2,062
Operating Segments [Member] | Hospitality [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	232,930	222,831	465,133	432,412
Depreciation and amortization	26,003	25,528	51,517	52,329
Operating income (loss)	46,191	38,026	86,207	61,434
Operating Segments [Member] | Opry and Attractions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	24,983	22,352	39,231	34,884
Depreciation and amortization	1,231	1,319	2,656	2,685
Operating income (loss)	8,341	6,404	8,893	6,284
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	0		0
Depreciation and amortization	998	2,207	2,062	6,049
Operating income (loss)	(7,046)	(8,843)	(14,817)	(19,351)
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
REIT conversion costs		(5,420)		(20,412)
Casualty loss		(17)		(49)
Impairment and other charges (non-REIT conversion costs)		$ (1,247)		$ (1,247)