Financial Reporting by Business Segments - Segments Internal Financial Reports (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 261,497	$ 253,148
Depreciation and amortization	28,773	28,570
Preopening costs		(592)
Impairment and other charges		(2,890)
Operating income	38,794	35,890
Interest expense	(16,039)	(13,813)
Interest income	3,143	3,008
Loss from joint ventures	(390)
Other gains and (losses), net	(47)	(20,232)
Income before income taxes	25,461	4,853
Operating Segments [Member] | Hospitality [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	244,191	236,454
Depreciation and amortization	26,469	26,443
Operating income	45,459	45,061
Operating Segments [Member] | Entertainment (Previously Opry and Attractions) [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	17,306	16,694
Depreciation and amortization	1,647	1,412
Operating income	963	2,120
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	657	715
Operating income	$ (7,628)	(7,809)
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Preopening costs		(592)
Impairment and other charges		$ (2,890)