Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income taxes
Net deferred tax assets prior to valuation allowance	$ 145,221	$ 145,914
Consolidated TRS
Income taxes
Net deferred tax assets prior to valuation allowance	$ 77,387	$ 78,349
Valuation allowance provided (as a percent)	100.00%	100.00%
Net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purpose, subject to expiration	$ 202,089
Travel Centers of America LLC
Income taxes
Net deferred tax assets prior to valuation allowance	$ 61,173	$ 61,444
Valuation allowance provided (as a percent)	100.00%	100.00%
Net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purpose, subject to expiration	$ 136,420
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforward not subject to expiration	4,430
General business tax credits subject to expiration	$ 6,283