Financial Reporting by Business Segments - Segments Internal Financial Reports (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 296,215	$ 274,036	$ 557,712	$ 527,184
Depreciation and amortization	26,409	28,399	55,182	56,969
Preopening costs		(199)		(791)
Impairment and other charges				(2,890)
Operating income	66,945	57,015	105,739	92,905
Interest expense	(16,016)	(17,814)	(32,055)	(31,627)
Interest income	3,008	3,393	6,151	6,401
Loss from joint ventures	(1,058)		(1,448)
Other gains and (losses), net	(133)	(339)	(180)	(20,571)
Income before income taxes	52,746	42,255	78,207	47,108
Operating Segments [Member] | Hospitality [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	262,329	245,835	506,520	482,289
Depreciation and amortization	24,181	26,349	50,650	52,792
Operating income	63,018	53,995	108,477	99,056
Operating Segments [Member] | Entertainment (Previously Opry and Attractions) [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	33,886	28,201	51,192	44,895
Depreciation and amortization	1,561	1,353	3,208	2,765
Operating income	11,491	10,189	12,454	12,309
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	667	697	1,324	1,412
Operating income	$ (7,564)	(6,970)	$ (15,192)	(14,779)
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Preopening costs		$ (199)		(791)
Impairment and other charges				$ (2,890)