The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the amount due that is the result of the cumulative difference between actual rent due and rental income recognized on a straight-line basis.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 28

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRentReceivables
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Revenue Recognition (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Revenue recognition
Deferred percentage rent	$ 481	$ 375	$ 1,417	$ 1,163
Lessee of real estate investments \| Travel Centers of America LLC \| Travel centers
Revenue recognition
Number of real estate properties leased	185		185
Lessee of real estate investments \| Travel Centers of America LLC \| Travel centers \| TA No. 1
Revenue recognition
Number of real estate properties leased	145		145
Lessee of real estate investments \| TA No. 1
Revenue recognition
Adjustments included in rental income necessary to record rent on the straight line basis	$ 1,195		$ 3,594