Significant Tenant (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Operations
Total revenues	$ 354,466	$ 301,420
Net loss	27,506	42,948
Cash Flows
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	20,049	8,303
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	18,043	148,211
Lessee of real estate investments | Travel Centers of America LLC
Operations
Total revenues	1,957,351	1,994,869
Total cost of goods sold	1,693,544	1,751,517
Net loss	(12,139)	(14,185)
Cash Flows
Net cash provided by operating activities	15,281	4,471
Net cash used in investing activities	(19,486)	(27,231)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	104,989	(571)
Net increase (decrease) in cash	100,775	(23,318)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	35,189	118,255
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	135,964	94,937
Financial Position
Current assets	553,562	492,615
Noncurrent assets	631,469	540,008
Current liabilities	354,576	319,648
Noncurrent liabilities	488,522	407,903
Total shareholders' equity	$ 341,933	$ 305,072