Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carry forwards	$ 21,621	$ 28,054
Accrued expenses	32,665	33,276
Accrued compensation	10,033	10,551
Book over tax cost unfavorable lease contracts	37,758	36,339
Other	129	169
Gross deferred tax assets	102,206	108,389
Less: valuation allowance	(21,340)	(25,299)
Total deferred tax asset	80,866	83,090
Deferred tax liabilities:
Prepaid expenses	(450)	(516)
Undistributed foreign earnings	(1,065)	(1,144)
Tax over book depreciation and amortization	(20,586)	(3,047)
Tax over book goodwill amortization	(28,713)	(27,496)
Tax over book cost favorable contracts	(31,824)	(43,417)
Other	(5,259)	(11,284)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(87,897)	(86,904)
Net deferred tax liability	(7,031)	(3,814)
Amounts recognized on the balance sheet
Deferred tax asset, current	10,317	15,265
Deferred tax (liability), long term	(17,348)	(19,079)
Net deferred tax liability	(7,031)	(3,814)
Valuation allowances attributable to state net operating loss carryforwards and other state deferred tax assets of Central Parking	21,340	25,299
Federal
Operating loss carryforwards
Operating loss carryforwards, amount	2,486
State
Operating loss carryforwards
Operating loss carryforwards, amount	19,999
Foreign
Operating loss carryforwards
Operating loss carryforwards, amount	$ 113