Financial Reporting by Business Segments - Segments Internal Financial Reports (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 245,015	$ 221,196	$ 749,379	$ 688,492
Depreciation and amortization	28,033	27,916	84,268	88,979
REIT conversion costs		(971)		(21,383)
Casualty loss		(26)		(75)
Impairment and other charges		(110)		(1,357)
Operating income (loss)	29,083	19,803	109,366	46,462
Interest expense	(17,135)	(15,187)	(48,277)	(45,934)
Interest income	3,001	3,020	9,070	9,123
Income from unconsolidated companies		10		10
Loss on extinguishment of debt		(4,181)	(2,148)	(4,181)
Other gains and (losses), net	(295)	2,318	(4,644)	2,365
Income before income taxes and discontinued operations	14,654	5,783	63,367	7,845
Operating Segments [Member] | Hospitality [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	219,102	199,304	684,235	631,716
Depreciation and amortization	25,886	25,599	77,403	77,928
Operating income (loss)	28,826	22,445	115,033	83,879
Operating Segments [Member] | Opry and Attractions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	25,913	21,892	65,144	56,776
Depreciation and amortization	1,327	1,317	3,983	4,002
Operating income (loss)	8,029	5,164	16,922	11,448
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues
Depreciation and amortization	820	1,000	2,882	7,049
Operating income (loss)	(7,772)	(6,699)	(22,589)	(26,050)
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
REIT conversion costs		(971)		(21,383)
Casualty loss		(26)		(75)
Impairment and other charges		$ (110)		$ (1,357)