Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income taxes
Net deferred tax assets prior to valuation allowance	$ 116,146	$ 100,591
Travel Centers of America LLC
Income taxes
Net deferred tax assets prior to valuation allowance	64,760	66,062
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	6,600
Consolidated TRS
Income taxes
Net deferred tax assets prior to valuation allowance	42,292	30,806
Valuation allowance provided (as a percent)	100.00%	100.00%
Net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purpose, subject to expiration	$ 109,278