Significant Tenant (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Operations
Total revenues	$ 313,809	$ 282,391	$ 595,793	$ 536,499
Net income (loss)	51,643	23,210	104,691	64,075
Cash Flows
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities			166,882	167,501
Net cash used in investing activities			(48,088)	(20,533)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			(120,423)	(273,613)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			4,882	130,399
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	3,253	3,754	3,253	3,754
Financial Position
Total shareholders' equity	2,841,525		2,841,525		2,860,241
Lessee of real estate investments | Travel Centers of America LLC
Operations
Total revenues	2,094,957	1,504,491	3,877,071	2,888,110
Total cost goods sold	1,818,581	1,251,431	3,371,212	2,430,071
Net income (loss)	21,667	1,173	4,928	(40,043)
Cash Flows
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities			(6,932)	30,725
Net cash used in investing activities			33,789	14,905
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			52,112	(1,392)
Net increase in cash			11,415	14,410
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			125,396	155,632
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	136,811	170,042	136,811	170,042
Financial Position
Current assets	515,147	441,888	515,147	441,888
Noncurrent assets	506,581	470,189	506,581	470,189
Current liabilities	310,299	258,648	310,299	258,648
Noncurrent liabilities	400,655	378,120	400,655	378,120
Total shareholders' equity	$ 310,774	$ 275,309	$ 310,774	$ 275,309