Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Information
Hotel operating revenues	$ 291,651	$ 224,985
Rental income	62,212	73,260
FF&E reserve income	603	3,175
Total revenues	354,466	301,420
Hotel operating expenses	206,649	150,021
Depreciation and amortization	72,280	61,363
General and administrative	12,144	10,522
Acquisition related costs	276	1,060
Loss on asset impairment		889
Total expenses	291,349	223,855
Operating income	63,117	77,565
Interest income	19	66
Interest expense	(35,188)	(34,092)
Equity in earnings of an investee	76	45
Income before income taxes	28,024	43,584
Income tax expense	(518)	(636)
Net income	27,506	42,948
Total assets	5,659,230		5,635,125
Hotels
Segment Information
Hotel operating revenues	291,651	224,985
Rental income	8,688	21,942
FF&E reserve income	603	3,175
Total revenues	300,942	250,102
Hotel operating expenses	206,649	150,021
Depreciation and amortization	48,677	39,958
Acquisition related costs	276	1,060
Loss on asset impairment		889
Total expenses	255,602	191,928
Operating income	45,340	58,174
Income before income taxes	45,340	58,174
Net income	45,340	58,174
Total assets	3,398,033		3,384,221
Travel Centers
Segment Information
Rental income	53,524	51,318
Total revenues	53,524	51,318
Depreciation and amortization	23,603	21,405
Total expenses	23,603	21,405
Operating income	29,921	29,913
Income before income taxes	29,921	29,913
Net income	29,921	29,913
Total assets	2,222,853		2,209,970
Corporate
Segment Information
General and administrative	12,144	10,522
Total expenses	12,144	10,522
Operating income	(12,144)	(10,522)
Interest income	19	66
Interest expense	(35,188)	(34,092)
Equity in earnings of an investee	76	45
Income before income taxes	(47,237)	(44,503)
Income tax expense	(518)	(636)
Net income	(47,755)	(45,139)
Total assets	$ 38,344		$ 40,934