Financial Reporting by Business Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Segments internal financial reports
Revenues	$ 236,775	$ 183,879	$ 457,513	$ 398,360
Depreciation and amortization	29,271	25,951	58,328	53,022
Operating (loss) income	31,200	(20,693)	45,926	(5,740)
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(21,377)	(20,480)	(42,186)	(40,595)
Interest income	3,316	3,286	6,489	6,508
Income from unconsolidated companies	152	190	325	117
Net gain on extinguishment of debt	0	100	0	1,299
Other gains and (losses), net	141	(147)	(50)	(160)
Income before income taxes	13,432	(37,744)	10,504	(38,571)
Financial Reporting by Business Segments (Textuals) [Abstract]
Number of principal business segments			3
Casualty Loss [Member]
Segments internal financial reports
Operating (loss) income	(469)	(31,347)	(468)	(31,347)
Hospitality [Member]
Segments internal financial reports
Revenues	218,173	172,920	427,515	376,615
Depreciation and amortization	25,291	22,443	50,566	45,662
Operating (loss) income	41,713	30,009	71,167	60,255
Opry and Attractions [Member]
Segments internal financial reports
Revenues	18,569	10,930	29,936	21,691
Depreciation and amortization	1,340	1,058	2,672	2,420
Operating (loss) income	3,866	1,018	3,223	254
Corporate And Other [Member]
Segments internal financial reports
Revenues	33	29	62	54
Depreciation and amortization	2,640	2,450	5,090	4,940
Operating (loss) income	(13,869)	(14,133)	(27,955)	(28,662)
Pre-Opening Costs [Member]
Segments internal financial reports
Operating (loss) income	$ (41)	$ (6,240)	$ (41)	$ (6,240)