TravelCenters of America (TA) 10-K 13 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 12, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	TRAVELCENTERS OF AMERICA LLC
Entity Central Index Key	1378453
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$276.50
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		38,345,358
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$224,275	$85,657
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,312 and $1,304 as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively)	96,478	105,932
Inventories	172,750	199,201
Other current assets	69,029	79,604
Total current assets	562,532	470,394
Property and equipment, net	765,828	704,866
Goodwill and intangible assets, net	54,550	48,772
Other noncurrent assets	42,264	33,250
Total assets	1,425,174	1,257,282
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	123,084	149,645
Current HPT Leases liabilities	31,637	29,935
Other current liabilities	112,417	124,033
Total current liabilities	267,138	303,613
Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities	332,934	343,926
Long term debt	230,000	110,000
Other noncurrent liabilities	76,492	45,866
Total liabilities	906,564	803,405
Shareholders' equity:
Common shares, no par value, 39,158,666 shares authorized at December 31, 2014 and 2013, 38,425,886 shares issued and 38,336,358 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2014, and 37,625,366 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013	679,482	674,391
Accumulated other comprehensive income	435	834
Accumulated deficit	-160,379	-221,348
Treasury shares, 89,528 shares at December 31, 2014	-928
Total shareholders' equity	518,610	453,877
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$1,425,174	$1,257,282

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts (in dollars)	$1,312	$1,304
Common shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$0	$0
Common shares, shares authorized	39,158,666	39,158,666
Common shares, shares issued	38,425,886	37,625,366
Common shares, shares outstanding	38,336,358	37,625,366
Treasury Stock, Shares	89,528

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Fuel	$6,149,449	$6,481,252	$6,636,297
Nonfuel	1,616,802	1,450,792	1,344,755
Rent and royalties from franchisees	12,382	12,687	14,672
Total revenues	7,778,633	7,944,731	7,995,724
Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation):
Fuel	5,720,949	6,139,080	6,310,250
Nonfuel	738,871	652,824	599,474
Total cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation)	6,459,820	6,791,904	6,909,724
Operating expenses:
Site level operating	815,611	755,942	698,522
Selling, general & administrative	106,823	107,447	95,547
Real estate rent	217,155	209,320	198,927
Depreciation and amortization	65,584	58,928	51,534
Total operating expenses	1,205,173	1,131,637	1,044,530
Income from operations	113,640	21,190	41,470
Acquisition costs	-1,160	-2,523	-785
Interest expense	-16,712	-16,336	-8,873
Income before income taxes and income from equity investees	95,768	2,331	31,812
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	-38,023	26,618	-1,491
Income from equity investees	3,224	2,674	1,877
Net income	60,969	31,623	32,198
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of $(198), $(133) and $55, respectively	-400	-415	143
Equity interest in investee's unrealized gain (loss) on investments	1	-50	22
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-399	-465	165
Comprehensive income	$60,570	$31,158	$32,363
Net income per common share:
Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.62	$1.06	$1.12

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc1

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
Foreign currency translation adjustment, taxes	($198)	($133)	$55

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$60,969	$31,623	$32,198
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Noncash rent expense	-8,982	-8,828	-9,628
Depreciation and amortization expense	65,584	58,928	51,534
Distribution from equity investee			4,800
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision	13,790	-29,386	641
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of business acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	8,838	2,138	24,200
Inventories	27,594	-2,411	-17,045
Other assets	2,414	8,309	6,529
Accounts payable and other liabilities	-12,010	9,543	-13,131
Other, net	2,928	1,597	2,974
Net cash provided by operating activities	161,125	71,513	83,072
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from asset sales	64,927	78,181	68,290
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	-169,825	-164,242	-188,694
Capital expenditures	-28,695	-109,978	-52,070
Investment in equity investee	-825
Net cash used in investing activities	-134,418	-196,039	-172,474
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from Senior Notes issuance	120,000	110,000
Proceeds from issuance of common shares, net of offering costs	-14	65,102
Payment of deferred financing fees	-6,135	-4,750	-187
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions with HPT	1,398	6,319	8,598
Sale-leaseback financing obligation payments	-2,380	-1,644	-2,089
Acquisition of treasury shares from employees	-928
Net cash provided by financing activities	111,941	175,027	6,322
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-30	-33	14
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	138,618	50,468	-83,066
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year	85,657	35,189	118,255
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year	224,275	85,657	35,189
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid (including rent classified as interest and net of capitalized interest)	16,055	15,226	10,227
Income taxes paid (net of refunds)	$1,527	$750	$1,127

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Common Shares	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Deficit	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$602,636	$1,134	($285,169)		$318,601
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	28,775,671
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Grants under share award plan and share based compensation, net of forfeitures	2,470				2,470
Grants under share award plan and share based compensation, net of forfeitures (in shares)	760,795
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		165			165
Net income			32,198		32,198
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	605,106	1,299	-252,971		353,434
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	29,536,466
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Grants under share award plan and share based compensation, net of forfeitures	4,183				4,183
Grants under share award plan and share based compensation, net of forfeitures (in shares)	613,900
Shares issued in public offering, net of offering costs	65,102				65,102
Shares issued in public offering, net of offering costs (in shares)	7,475,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		-465			-465
Net income			31,623		31,623
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	674,391	834	-221,348		453,877
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	37,625,366				37,625,366
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Grants under share award plan and share based compensation, net of forfeitures				-928	-928
Grants under share award plan and share based compensation, net of forfeitures	5,105				4,177
Grants under share award plan and share based compensation, net of forfeitures (in shares)	710,992
Offering costs	-14				-14
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		-399			-399
Net income			60,969		60,969
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$679,482	$435	($160,379)	($928)	$518,610
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	38,336,358				38,336,358

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	General Information and Basis of Presentation
	TravelCenters of America LLC, which we refer to as the Company or we, us and our, operates and franchises travel centers under the "TravelCenters of America," "TA" or related brand names, or the TA brand, and the "Petro Stopping Centers" and "Petro" brand names, or the Petro brand, primarily along the U.S. interstate highway system. Our travel center customers include long haul trucking fleets and their drivers, independent truck drivers and motorists. We also operate convenience stores with retail gasoline stations, primarily under the Minit Mart brand name, that generally serve motorists. Our travel centers include, on average, over 25 acres of land and offer customers diesel fuel and gasoline as well as nonfuel products and services such as truck repair and maintenance services, full service restaurants, quick service restaurants, or QSRs, travel/convenience stores and various other driver amenities. We also collect rents, royalties and other fees from our franchisees.
	As of December 31, 2014, our business included 250 travel centers located in 43 states in the United States, or U.S., primarily along the U.S. interstate highway system, and the province of Ontario, Canada. Our travel centers included 174 operated under the TA brand, including 158 that we operated and 16 that franchisees operated, and 76 operated under the Petro brand, including 62 that we operated and 14 that franchisees operated. Of our 250 travel centers at December 31, 2014, 37 are owned by us, 188 are leased or managed by us, including 183 that we leased from Hospitality Properties Trust, or HPT, and 25 are owned or leased from others by franchisees. We sublease to franchisees five of the travel centers we lease from HPT.
	As of December 31, 2014, we operated 34 gasoline stations/convenience stores in four states, primarily Kentucky. Our typical gasoline station/convenience store includes ten fueling positions and approximately 5,000 square feet of interior space offering merchandise and QSRs. Of our 34 gasoline stations/convenience stores at December 31, 2014, we owned 27, we leased five, including one that we leased from HPT, and we operated two for a joint venture in which we own a noncontrolling interest.
	We manage our business on the basis of one operating segment and, therefore, have one reportable segment. Our locations sell similar products and services, use similar processes to sell those products and services, and sell their products and services to similar groups of customers. We make specific disclosures concerning fuel and nonfuel products and services because it facilitates our discussion of trends and operational initiatives within our business and industry. We have a single travel center located in a foreign country, Canada, that we do not consider material to our operations.
	Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TravelCenters of America LLC and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances with or among our consolidated subsidiaries have been eliminated. We use the equity method of accounting for investments in entities when we have the ability to significantly influence, but not control, the investee's operating and financial policies, typically when we own 20% to 50% of the investee's voting stock. See Note 11 for more information about our equity investments.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Significant Accounting Policies
	Revenue Recognition.    We recognize sales revenues and related costs at the time of final sale to consumers at our company operated locations for retail fuel and nonfuel sales and at the time of delivery of motor fuel to customers at either the terminal or the customer's facility for wholesale fuel sales. We record the estimated cost to us of the redemption by customers of our loyalty program points as a discount against gross sales in determining net sales presented in our consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income.
	For those travel centers that we sublease to a franchisee, we recognize rent revenue based on the amount of rent payment due for each period. These leases specify rent increases each year based on inflation rates for the respective periods or capital improvements we make at the travel center. Because the rent increases related to these factors are contingent upon future events, we recognize the related rent revenue after such events have occurred.
	We collect and recognize franchise royalty revenues monthly as earned. We determine royalty revenues as a percentage of the franchisees' revenues. We recognize initial franchise fee revenues when the franchisee opens for business under our brand name, which is when we have fulfilled all of our initial obligations under the related agreements.
	Motor Fuel and Sales Taxes.    We collect the cost of certain motor fuel and sales taxes from consumers and remit those amounts to the supplier or the appropriate governmental agency. We present these collections and remittances net in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.    We record trade accounts receivable at the invoiced amount and those amounts do not bear interest. The recorded allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of probable losses in our existing accounts receivable. We base the allowance on historical payment patterns, aging of accounts receivable, periodic review of customers' financial condition, and actual write off history. We individually review for collectability past due balances over specific amounts. We review all other balances for collectability on a pooled basis by the type of receivable. We charge off account balances against the allowance when we believe it is probable the receivable will not be recovered.
	Inventories.    We state our inventories at the lower of cost or market value. We determine cost principally on the weighted average cost method. We maintain reserves for the estimated amounts of obsolete and excess inventories. These estimates are based on unit sales histories and on hand inventory quantities, known market trends for inventory items and assumptions regarding factors such as future inventory needs, our ability and the related cost to return items to our suppliers and our ability to sell inventory at a discount when necessary.
	Other current assets.    Other current assets primarily consist of deposits with suppliers, prepaid expenses and the current portion of expected future recoveries of environmental expenditures. The most significant item included in other current assets is supplier deposits, which amounted to $29,705 and $29,443 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Property and Equipment.    We record property and equipment that we acquire as a result of business combinations based on their fair market values as of the date of the respective transaction. We charge to expense the costs we incur in evaluating and effecting a business combination, including legal fees, due diligence costs and closing costs, in the period that the costs are incurred. We record all other property and equipment at cost. We depreciate our property and equipment on a straight line basis generally over the following estimated useful lives of the assets:
	Buildings and site improvements	15 to 40 years
	Machinery and equipment	3 to 15 years
	Furniture and fixtures	5 to 10 years
	We depreciate leasehold improvements over the shorter of the lives shown above or the remaining term of the underlying lease. Amortization expense related to assets recorded in connection with the sale-leaseback financing obligation pertaining to certain travel centers we lease under the TA Lease is included in depreciation and amortization expense over the estimated useful lives of the assets.
	We charge repair and maintenance costs to expense as incurred, while we capitalize renewals and betterments. We remove from the accounts the cost and related accumulated depreciation of property and equipment sold, replaced or otherwise disposed. We recognize any resulting gains or losses in depreciation and amortization in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets.    We allocate the purchase price of an acquired entity to all assets and liabilities acquired, including those intangible assets that arise from contractual or other legal rights or are otherwise capable of being separated or divided from the acquired entity, based on the fair values of the acquired assets and liabilities. Any excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of the acquired net assets is recognized as goodwill. We expense as incurred the costs of internally developing, maintaining, or restoring intangible assets that are not specifically identifiable, that have indeterminate lives or that are inherent in a continuing business and related to the entity as a whole. We amortize the recorded cost of intangible assets with finite lives on a straight line basis over their estimated lives, principally the terms of the related contractual agreements giving rise to them. See Note 5 for more information about our intangible assets.
	Impairment.    We review definite lived assets for indicators of impairment during each reporting period. We recognize impairment charges when (a) the carrying value of a long lived or indefinite lived asset group to be held and used in the business is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value and (b) when the carrying value of a long lived asset to be disposed of exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset less the estimated cost to sell the asset. Our estimates of fair value are based on our estimates of likely market participant assumptions, including projected operating results, rental payments and the discount rate used to measure the present value of projected future cash flows. We recognize impairment charges in the period during which the circumstances surrounding an asset to be held and used have changed such that the carrying value is no longer recoverable, or during which a commitment to a plan to dispose of the asset is made. We perform our impairment analysis for substantially all of our property and equipment at the individual location level because that is the lowest level of asset groupings for which the cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities.
	We evaluate definite lived intangible assets for impairment when indicators exist and we evaluate goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually. We first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether a quantitative assessment is required. We subject goodwill and intangible assets to further evaluation and recognize impairment charges when events and circumstances indicate the carrying value of the goodwill or intangible asset exceeds the fair market value of the asset. With respect to goodwill, if we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we perform a two-step goodwill impairment test to identify potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of impairment to be recognized, if any. In the first step of the review process, we compare the estimated fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we recognize an impairment loss for the excess, if any, of the carrying value over the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill amount. We include impairment charges, when required, in depreciation and amortization expense in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. To better manage internal resources, for 2015, we changed our goodwill impairment testing date from November 30 to July 31. We do not consider the annual impairment testing event to be material to the consolidated financial statements.
	Share Based Employee Compensation.    The awards made under our share award plan to date are restricted shares. Shares issued to directors vest immediately. Shares issued to others vest in five to ten equal annual installments beginning on the date of grant. The compensation expense related to share grants is determined based on the market value of our shares on either the date of grant for employees or the vesting date for nonemployees, as appropriate, with the aggregate value of the granted shares amortized to expense over the related vesting period. We include share based compensation expense in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
	Environmental Remediation.    We record the expense of remediation costs and penalties when the obligation to remediate is probable and the amount of associated costs is reasonably determinable. We include remediation expenses within site level operating expenses in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Generally, the timing of remediation accruals coincides with completion of a feasibility study or the commitment to a formal plan of action. Accrued liabilities related to environmental matters are recorded on an undiscounted basis because of the uncertainty associated with the timing of the related future payments. We record a receivable if recoveries of remediation costs from third parties are probable. In our consolidated balance sheets, the accrual for environmental matters is included in other noncurrent liabilities, with the amount estimated to be expended within the subsequent twelve months included in other current liabilities and the related receivable for probable expected recoveries is included in other noncurrent assets.
	Self Insurance Accruals.    For insurance programs for which we pay deductibles and for which we are partially self insured up to certain stop loss amounts, we establish accruals for both estimated losses on known claims and claims incurred but not reported, based on claims histories and using actuarial methods. In our consolidated balance sheets, the accrual for self insurance costs is included in other noncurrent liabilities, with the amount estimated to be expended within the subsequent twelve months included in other current liabilities.
	Asset Retirement Obligations.    We recognize the future costs for our obligations related to the removal of our underground storage tanks and certain improvements we own at leased properties over the estimated useful lives of each asset requiring removal. We record a liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation with a corresponding increase to the carrying value of the related long lived asset at the time such an asset is installed. We base the estimated liability on our historical experiences in removing these assets, their estimated useful lives, external estimates as to the cost to remove the assets in the future and regulatory or contractual requirements. The liability is a discounted liability using a credit adjusted risk free rate. Revisions to the liability may occur due to changes in removal costs, asset useful lives or if new regulations regarding the removal of underground storage tanks are enacted and/or amendments to the lease contracts are negotiated. Our asset retirement obligations at December 31, 2014 and 2013, were $2,392 and $2,156, respectively.
	Leasing Transactions.    Leasing transactions are a material part of our business. We have two leases with HPT, the TA Lease for 144 properties, and the Petro Lease for 40 properties. We refer to the TA Lease and the Petro Lease together as the HPT Leases. For additional information regarding our accounting for the HPT Leases, see Note 12.
	We charge rent under operating leases without scheduled rent increases to expense over the lease term as it becomes payable. Certain operating leases specify scheduled rent increases over the lease term or other lease payments that are not scheduled evenly throughout the lease term. We recognize the effects of those scheduled rent increases in rent expense over the lease term on an average, or straight line, basis. The rent payments resulting from our sales to HPT of improvements to the properties we lease from HPT are contingent rent. Other than at the travel centers where our leases are accounted for as sale-leaseback financing obligations, we recognize the expense related to this contingent rent evenly throughout the remaining lease term beginning on the dates of the related sales to HPT.
	Income Taxes.    We establish deferred income tax assets and liabilities to reflect the future tax consequences of differences between the tax bases and financial statement bases of assets and liabilities. We reduce the measurement of deferred tax assets, if necessary, by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We recognize the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. We evaluate and adjust these tax positions based on changing facts and circumstances. For tax positions meeting the more likely than not threshold, the amount we recognize in the financial statements is the largest benefit that we estimate has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority. We classify interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, in our financial statements as a component of interest expense and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively. For additional information regarding our income taxes, see Note 11.
	Reclassifications.    Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to be consistent with the current year presentation.
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which establishes a standard for comprehensive revenue recognition. The new standard will apply for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods therein. Early adoption is prohibited. We have not yet determined the effects, if any, adoption of this update may have on our consolidated financial statements.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share	2. Earnings Per Share
	We calculate basic earnings per common share by dividing net income or loss available to common shareholders for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The net income or loss attributable to participating securities is deducted from our total net income or loss to determine the net income or loss attributable to common shareholders. We calculate diluted earnings per common share by adjusting weighted average outstanding shares, assuming conversion of all potentially dilutive share securities, using the treasury stock method; but we had no dilutive share securities outstanding as of December 31, 2014, nor at any time during the three year period then ended. Unvested shares issued under our share award plan are deemed participating securities because they participate equally in earnings or losses with all of our other common shares.
	The following table presents a reconciliation from net income to the net income available to common shareholders and the related earnings per share.
			Years Ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
	Net income, as reported		$	60,969	$	31,623	$	32,198
	Less: net income attributable to participating securities			2,986		1,957		1,851
	Net income available to common shareholders		$	57,983	$	29,666	$	30,347
	Weighted average common shares(1)			35,856,398		28,081,790		27,193,889
	Basic and diluted net income per share		$	1.62	$	1.06	$	1.12
	-1	Excludes the unvested shares granted under our share award plan, which shares are considered participating securities because they participate equally in earnings and losses with all of our other common shareholders. The weighted average number of unvested shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, was 1,846,469, 1,852,548 and 1,658,718, respectively.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquisitions
Acquisitions	3. Acquisitions
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, we acquired four travel centers for a total of $28,695 and we accounted for these transactions as business combinations, which requires, among other things, that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their respective fair values as of the acquisition date. We have included the results of these sites in our consolidated financial statements from their respective dates of acquisition. The pro forma impact of including the results of operations of these acquisitions from the beginning of the period is not material to our consolidated financial statements.
	The following table summarizes the amounts assigned, based on their fair values, to the assets we acquired and liabilities we assumed in the business combinations described above.
		Year Ended
		December 31, 2014
	Inventories	$	1,196
	Property and equipment		20,572
	Goodwill		7,331
	Other assets		17
	Other liabilities		(421	)
	Total purchase price	$	28,695
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, we acquired, for an aggregate amount of $46,160, nine travel centers and the business of one of our franchisees at a travel center that this franchisee previously subleased from us, and we accounted for these transactions as business combinations, except that one of the acquired travel centers was closed at the time we acquired it and was accounted for as an asset acquisition, as required by GAAP. See Note 12 below for further information regarding the acquisition of a former franchisee business and certain lease accounting effects resulting from that transaction. On December 16, 2013, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding membership units of Girkin Development, LLC, a Kentucky limited liability company that owns a total of 31 gasoline stations/convenience stores in Kentucky and Tennessee, operating under the proprietary Minit Mart brand, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $65,356. We intend to continue to use the Minit Mart brand name, which we own. Four of the Minit Mart sites are leased by us from third parties.
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, we acquired, for an aggregate amount of $52,070, ten travel centers in six business combination transactions and the businesses of our franchisees at four travel centers that these franchisees previously subleased from us in two business combination transactions. Each of these transactions was the purchase of assets for cash and was accounted for as a business combination. See Note 12 below for further information regarding the acquisitions of former franchisee businesses and certain lease accounting effects resulting from those transactions.
	During 2014, 2013 and 2012, we incurred $1,160, $2,523 and $785, respectively, of acquisition costs for legal, due diligence and related activities associated with acquisitions considered or completed, which amounts are included in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
	As of December 31, 2014, we had entered agreements to acquire two additional travel centers, 26 gasoline stations/convenience stores and a QSR for an aggregate of $41,422, and through the date of this Annual Report we completed the purchase of a travel center and 26 gasoline stations/convenience stores for $38,622. During 2015 to the date of this Annual Report, we entered agreements to acquire a parcel of vacant land, a travel center that we formerly leased and 19 gasoline stations/convenience stores for a total of $36,250 in three transactions. During 2015 to the date of this Annual Report, we completed the purchase of a parcel of vacant land and a travel center that we formerly leased for an aggregate of $8,500. We expect to complete the remaining acquisitions in the first half of 2015, but the purchase agreements are subject to conditions and may not occur, may be delayed or the terms may change.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property and Equipment
Property and Equipment	4. Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment, at cost, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, consisted of the following:
		2014		2013
	Land and improvements	$	243,499	$	225,698
	Buildings and improvements		220,013		194,764
	Machinery, equipment and furniture		298,232		250,295
	Leasehold improvements		221,027		201,065
	Construction in progress		101,416		88,361
			1,084,187		960,183
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		318,359		255,317
	Property and equipment, net	$	765,828	$	704,866
	Total depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, was $63,880, $57,456 and $46,888, respectively, including impairment charges of $659 and $351 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The following table shows the amounts of property and equipment owned by HPT but recognized in our consolidated balance sheets and included within the balances of property and equipment shown in the table above, as a result of the required accounting for the assets funded by HPT under the tenant improvements allowance and for the assets that we lease from HPT that did not qualify for sale-leaseback accounting
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Land and improvements	$	61,809	$	60,908
	Buildings and improvements		27,812		27,498
	Machinery, equipment and furniture		6,155		5,972
	Leasehold improvements		115,089		115,735
			210,865		210,113
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		75,063		64,144
	Property and equipment, net	$	135,802	$	145,969
	At December 31, 2014, our property and equipment balance included $32,571 of improvement assets of the type that we typically request that HPT purchase for an increase in rent; however, HPT is not obligated to purchase these improvements.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill and intangible assets, net, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, consisted of the following:
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Cost		Accumulated			Net
				Amortization
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Agreements with franchisees	$	16,189	$	(8,041	)	$	8,148
	Leasehold interests		2,267		(2,158	)		109
	Agreements with franchisors		2,836		(520	)		2,316
	Other		3,200		(3,200	)		—
	Total amortizable intangible assets		24,492		(13,919	)		10,573
	Carrying value of trademarks (indefinite lived)		11,706		—			11,706
	Total intangible assets		36,198		(13,919	)		22,279
	Goodwill		32,271		—			32,271
	Total goodwill and intangible assets	$	68,469	$	(13,919	)	$	54,550
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Cost		Accumulated			Net
				Amortization
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Agreements with franchisees	$	16,189	$	(7,044	)	$	9,145
	Leasehold interests		2,267		(2,097	)		170
	Agreements with franchisors		2,836		(25	)		2,811
	Other		3,200		(3,200	)		—
	Total amortizable intangible assets		24,492		(12,366	)		12,126
	Carrying value of trademarks (indefinite lived)		11,706		—			11,706
	Total intangible assets		36,198		(12,366	)		23,832
	Goodwill		24,940		—			24,940
	Total goodwill and intangible assets	$	61,138	$	(12,366	)	$	48,772
	Total amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $1,491, $1,325 and $3,606, respectively.
	We amortize our amortizable intangible assets over a weighted average period of 8 years. We estimate the aggregate amortization expense for our amortizable intangible assets to be as follows for each of the next five years:
	Year ending December 31,
	2015	$	1,504
	2016		1,494
	2017		1,409
	2018		1,324
	2019		1,267
	Goodwill.    Goodwill results from our business combinations and represents the excess of amounts paid to the sellers over the fair values of the identifiable assets acquired. During 2014 and 2013, we recognized $7,331 and $23,250, respectively, of goodwill in connection with our business combinations. Our goodwill balance includes $16,151 that is deductible for tax purposes. The table below shows the changes in our goodwill during the periods presented.
		Goodwill
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	1,690
	Add: Goodwill from business combinations		23,250
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		24,940
	Add: Goodwill from business combinations		7,331
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	32,271
	The estimate of the value of our goodwill acquired during 2014 was based upon our estimates and assumptions about the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities we acquired and are subject to change if we obtain additional information during the respective measurement period (up to one year from the acquisition date), which may impact the value of our goodwill.

Other_Current_Liabilities

Other Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Current Liabilities
Other Current Liabilities	6. Other Current Liabilities
	Other current liabilities, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, consisted of the following:
		2014		2013
	Taxes payable, other than income taxes	$	38,554	$	34,096
	Accrued wages and benefits		13,472		14,529
	Self insurance program accruals, current portion		17,439		15,534
	Loyalty program accruals		14,560		16,700
	Other		28,392		43,174
	Total other current liabilities	$	112,417	$	124,033

Long_Term_Debt

Long Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Long Term Debt.
Long Term Debt	7. Long Term Debt
	Long term debt, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, consisted of the following:
		2014		2013
	8.25% Senior Notes	$	110,000	$	110,000
	8.00% Senior Notes		120,000		—
	Credit Facility		—		—
	Total long term debt	$	230,000	$	110,000
	Senior Notes
	On December 16, 2014, we issued in an underwritten public offering $120,000 aggregate principal amount of our 8.00% Senior Notes due on December 15, 2029, or the 8.00% Senior Notes. The 8.00% Senior Notes bear interest at 8.00% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears on February 28, May 31, August 31 and November 30 of each year, beginning on February 28, 2015. The 8.00% Senior Notes will mature (unless previously redeemed) on December 15, 2029, and no principal payments are required prior to that date. We may, at our option, at any time on or after December 15, 2017, redeem some or all of the 8.00% Senior Notes by paying 100% of the principal amount of the 8.00% Senior Notes to be redeemed plus accrued but unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date.
	In January 2013, we issued in an underwritten public offering $110,000 aggregate principal amount of our 8.25% Senior Notes due on January 15, 2028, or the 8.25% Senior Notes. The 8.25% Senior Notes bear interest at 8.25% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears on January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15 of each year. The 8.25% Senior Notes will mature (unless previously redeemed) on January 15, 2028 and no principal payments are required prior to that date. We may, at our option, at any time on or after January 15, 2016, redeem some or all of the 8.25% Senior Notes by paying 100% of the principal amount of the 8.25% Senior Notes to be redeemed plus accrued but unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date.
	We refer to the 8.25% Senior Notes and the 8.00% Senior Notes collectively as the Senior Notes, which are our senior unsecured obligations. The indenture governing our Senior Notes does not limit the amount of indebtedness we may incur. We may issue additional debt from time to time. We estimate that the fair value of our 8.25% Senior Notes was $114,180 and that the fair value of our 8.00% Senior Notes was $120,240, based on their respective closing prices on the New York Stock Exchange (a Level 1 input) on December 31, 2014.
	Revolving Credit Facility
	On December 19, 2014, we amended our revolving credit facility, or the Credit Facility, to, among other things: (i) extend the maturity of the Credit Facility from October 25, 2016 to December 19, 2019; (ii) reduce the applicable margins on borrowings and standby letter of credit fees; (iii) reduce the unused line fee rate; (iv) reduce the threshold for triggering a minimum fixed charge ratio requirement; and (v) make certain adjustments to the borrowing base calculation in a manner we believe is favorable to us. Under this Credit Facility, a maximum of $200,000 may be drawn, repaid and redrawn until maturity in October 2016. The availability of this maximum amount is subject to limits based on qualified collateral. Subject to available collateral and lender participation, the maximum amount may be increased to $300,000. The Credit Facility may be used for general business purposes and provides for the issuance of letters of credit. Generally, no principal payments are due until maturity. Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at an annual rate based on, at our option, LIBOR or a base rate, plus a premium (which premium is subject to adjustment based upon facility availability, utilization and other matters). Pursuant to the Credit Facility, we pay a monthly unused line fee which is subject to adjustment according to the average daily principal amount of unused commitment under the Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2014, our letter of credit fees were an annual rate of 1.50% of our outstanding standby letters of credit and our unused line fee rate was an annual rate of 0.375% of the maximum balance minus our utilization and letters of credit.
	The Credit Facility requires us to maintain certain levels of collateral, limits our ability to incur debt and liens, restricts us from making certain investments and paying dividends and other distributions, requires us to maintain a minimum fixed charge ratio under certain circumstances and contains other customary covenants and conditions. The Credit Facility provides for the acceleration of principal and interest payments upon an event of default including, but not limited to, failure to pay interest or other amounts due, a change in control of us, as defined in the Credit Facility, and our default under certain contracts, including the HPT Leases, and our business management and shared services agreement with Reit Management & Research LLC, or RMR. Our Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of our cash, accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and intangible assets. The amount available to us is determined by reference to a borrowing base calculation based on eligible collateral. At December 31, 2014, a total of $96,806 was available to us for borrowings and letters of credit under the Credit Facility. At December 31, 2014, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility but we had outstanding $41,900 of letters of credit issued under that facility, securing certain trade payables, insurance, fuel tax and other obligations. These letters of credit reduce the amount available for borrowing under the Credit Facility.
	Deferred Financing Costs
	Deferred financing costs were $10,930 and $5,594 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, net of accumulated amortization of $664 and $1,083, respectively, and are included in other noncurrent assets in our consolidated balance sheets. We capitalized $4,915 of costs related to the 8.25% Senior Notes offering. In 2014, we capitalized $5,552 of costs related to the issuance of our 8.00% Senior Notes and $583 related to amending our Credit Facility and we recognized expense of $96 to write off previously capitalized fees when we amended our Credit Facility. We estimate we will recognize future amortization of deferred financing fees of approximately $924 in each of the years from 2015 through 2019. We recognized interest expense from the amortization of deferred financing fees, of $703, $667 and $352 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Leasing_Transactions

Leasing Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leasing Transactions
Leasing Transactions	8. Leasing Transactions
	As a lessee.    We have entered into lease agreements covering a majority of our retail locations, our warehouse space, and various equipment and vehicles, with the most significant leases being the two HPT Leases as further described below. Certain leases include renewal options, and certain leases include escalation clauses and purchase options. Future minimum lease payments required under leases that had remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year, as of December 31, 2014, were as follows (included herein are the full payments due under the HPT Leases including the amount attributed to those sites that are accounted for as a financing in our consolidated balance sheet as reflected in the sale-leaseback financing obligation):
	Year ending December 31,	Total
	2015	$	239,447
	2016		236,827
	2017		234,762
	2018		231,798
	2019		228,105
	Thereafter		951,900
	Total	$	2,122,839
	The expenses related to our operating leases are included in the site level operating expense; selling, general and administrative expense; and real estate rent lines of the operating expenses section of our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Rent expense under our operating leases consisted of the following:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Minimum rent	$	212,711	$	205,413	$	195,964
	Sublease rent		8,932		8,697		8,736
	Contingent rent		3,671		2,540		1,710
	Total rent expense	$	225,314	$	216,650	$	206,410
	Pursuant to the HPT Leases, we lease 184 properties from HPT. See Note 12 for a further description of the HPT Leases and related transactions and relationships.
	As a lessor.    As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, five of the travel centers we lease from HPT were subleased to franchisees under operating lease agreements. During 2013 and 2012, we acquired the operations at one and four, respectively, of the travel centers that previously had been subleased from us to former franchisees. The current terms of the five remaining sublease agreements expire between June and September 2017. Four of the five subleases have one remaining renewal option for an additional five year period; the fifth sublease has no further renewal option. These leases include rent escalations that are contingent on future events, namely inflation or our investing in capital improvements at these travel centers. Rent revenue from these operating leases totaled $4,365, $4,869 and $5,724 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Future minimum lease payments due to us for the five subleased sites under these operating leases as of December 31, 2014, were as follows:
	Year ending December 31,	Total
	2015	$	4,458
	2016		4,458
	2017		2,499
	Total	$	11,415

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Shareholders' Equity
Shareholders' Equity	9. Shareholders' Equity
	In December 2013, we issued 7,475,000 common shares in a public offering, raising proceeds of approximately $65,102 after underwriters' discounts and commissions and other costs of the offering.
	Share Award Plan.    An aggregate of 6,000,000 of our common shares were authorized for issuance under the terms of our Amended and Restated 2007 Equity Compensation Plan, or the Plan. We awarded a total of 803,250, 619,075 and 767,925 common shares under the Plan during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, with aggregate market values of $7,766, $6,626 and $3,377, respectively, based on the closing prices of our common shares on the principal exchange on which they were traded on the dates of the awards. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recognized total share based compensation expense of $5,105, $4,183 and $2,470, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the vesting date fair value of common shares that vested was $6,233, $6,454 and $2,554, respectively.
	The weighted average grant date fair value of common shares issued in 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $9.67, $10.70 and $4.40, per share, respectively. Common shares issued to directors vest immediately and the related compensation expense is recognized on the grant date. Common shares issued to others vest in five to ten equal annual installments beginning on the date of grant. The related compensation expense is determined based on the market value of our common shares on either the date of grant for employees or the vesting date for nonemployees, as appropriate, with the aggregate value of the granted common shares expensed over the related vesting period. As of December 31, 2014, 732,780 common shares remained available for issuance under the Plan. As of December 31, 2014, there was a total of $13,900 of share based compensation related to unvested common shares that will be expensed over a weighted average remaining service period of 5.4 years. The following table sets forth the number and weighted average grant date fair value of unvested common shares and common shares issued under the Plan for the year ended December 31, 2014.
		Number			Weighted Average
		of Shares			Grant Date
					Fair Value
					Per Share
	Unvested shares balance as of December 31, 2013		1,842,425		$	6.08
	Granted		803,250			9.67
	Vested		(654,250	)		6.63
	Forfeited/canceled		(2,730	)		7.06
	Unvested shares balance as of December 31, 2014		1,988,695			7.34
	Treasury Shares.    Recipients of share awards may elect to have us withhold the number of their vesting common shares with a fair market value equal to, but not greater than, the minimum required tax withholding obligations with respect to share awards. During 2014, we acquired through this share withholding process an aggregate of 89,528 common shares with an aggregate value of $928, which is reflected as treasury shares in our consolidated balance sheet.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.    Accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, consisted of the following:
		Foreign			Equity interest			Accumulated
		currency			in investee's			other
		translation			unrealized			comprehensive
		adjustment			gain (loss) on			income
					investments
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	1,057		$	77		$	1,134
	2012 foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $55		143			—			143
	2012 equity interest in investee's unrealized gain on investments		—			22			22
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	1,200		$	99		$	1,299
	2013 foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $(133)		(415	)		—			(415	)
	2013 equity interest in investee's unrealized gain on investments		—			(50	)		(50	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	785		$	49		$	834
	2014 foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $(198)		(400	)		—			(400	)
	2014 equity interest in investee's unrealized loss on investments		—			1			1
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	385		$	50		$	435

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes
Income Taxes	10. Income Taxes
	Our tax provision (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, were $38,023, $(26,618), and $1,491, respectively. The amount for 2013 includes a $29,853 benefit from changes in the valuation allowance that primarily resulted from the reversal of the valuation allowance we historically had maintained with respect to most of our deferred tax assets. Included in tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, were $1,196, $822 and $850, respectively, of certain state taxes on operating income that are payable without regard to our tax loss carryforwards. Our income tax provision differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to the impact of state income taxes and various items that are not deductible for income tax purposes, partially offset by federal tax credits and incentives.
	Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	U.S. federal statutory rate applied to income before taxes		35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes, net		4.13			18.74			5.39
	Nondeductible expenses		1.39			32.82			4.64
	Benefit of tax credits		(2.20	)		(21.99	)		(17.84	)
	Taxes on foreign income at different than U.S. rate		0.25			0.38			0.37
	Change in valuation allowance		—			(596.38	)		(24.76	)
	Other—net		(0.35	)		(0.32	)		1.63
	Total tax provision (benefit)		38.22	%		(531.75	)%		4.43	%
	Components of the Income Tax Provision
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current tax provision:
	Federal	$	23,037		$	1,946		$	—
	State		1,196			822			850
	Total current tax provision		24,233			2,768			850
	Deferred tax provision (benefit):
	Federal		10,880			(22,312	)		587
	State		2,910			(7,074	)		54
	Total deferred tax provision (benefit)		13,790			(29,386	)		641
	Total tax provision (benefit)	$	38,023		$	(26,618	)	$	1,491
	As of December 31, 2014, our net operating loss carryforwards to offset future taxable income and to be taken as deductions in our U.S. federal and state corporate income tax returns were $71,643 and $67,349, respectively. We also had tax credit carryforwards to offset future federal income tax totaling $10,967. If not used, the net operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2024 and the tax credit carryforwards will begin to expire in 2027. As of December 31, 2014, we had a valuation allowance of $955 which has been established due to the uncertainty of realizing deferred tax assets in certain state and foreign jurisdictions.
	Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
		2014			2013
	Current deferred tax assets:
	Reserves	$	16,582		$	21,498
	Deferred tenant improvements allowance		2,633			2,614
	Straight line rent accrual		984			920
	Tax loss carryforwards		1,542			2,403
	Other		638			3,320
	Total current deferred tax asset before valuation allowance		22,379			30,755
	Valuation allowance		(22	)		(39	)
	Total current deferred tax assets		22,357			30,716
	Noncurrent deferred tax assets:
	Straight line rent accrual		13,341			21,549
	Reserves		7,646			7,092
	Sale-leaseback financing obligation		34,331			33,538
	Asset retirement obligation		7,263			673
	Tax loss carryforwards		3,681			5,801
	Deferred tenant improvements allowance		18,430			20,911
	Other		3,200			844
	Total noncurrent deferred tax asset before valuation allowance		87,892			90,408
	Valuation allowance		(933	)		(918	)
	Total noncurrent deferred tax assets		86,959			89,490
	Total deferred tax assets		109,316			120,206
	Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciable assets		(104,243	)		(102,008	)
	Intangible assets		(5,047	)		(4,730	)
	Other		(1,484	)		(1,262	)
	Total		(110,774	)		(108,000	)
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	(1,458	)	$	12,206
	The following table presents the classification in our consolidated balance sheets of the deferred tax assets and liabilities presented in the table above.
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax amounts are included in:
	Other current assets	$	22,357		$	30,716
	Other noncurrent liabilities	$	23,815		$	18,510
	Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets
		Balance at			Additions/			Other			Balance at
		Beginning			(Reversals)			Changes			End of Year
of Year		Recorded in the
		Provision for
		Income Taxes
Year Ended December 31, 2014	$	957		$	—		$	(2	)	$	955
Year Ended December 31, 2013	$	30,835		$	(29,853	)	$	(25	)	$	957
Year Ended December 31, 2012	$	39,176		$	(8,341	)	$	—		$	30,835
Uncertain Tax Positions
	Years Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Balance at beginning of period	$	59,557		$	60,138		$	57,448
Reductions to current year tax positions		—			(502	)		(471	)
Additions (reductions) to prior year tax positions		—			(79	)		3,161
Settlements		—			—			—
Lapse of statute of limitations		—			—			—
Balance at end of period	$	59,557		$	59,557		$	60,138
As of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we had unrecognized tax benefits of $59,557, $59,557 and $60,138, respectively. These unrecognized tax benefits relate to uncertainties concerning our value as of the ownership change in 2007, whether certain capital contributions made in that year should be included in the computation of the annual net operating loss deduction limitation, and uncertainties as to the measurement of the net unrecognized built-in loss and allocation of the net unrecognized built-in loss, if any, to our various assets as of the date of the ownership change. These uncertainties impact the amount of the loss carryforwards that are subject to the annual net operating loss deduction limitation as well as the annual net operating loss deduction limitation itself.
The amount of the uncertain tax benefits if settled favorably that would have an impact on the effective tax rate is $57,228, $57,228 and $57,280 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. However, with respect to the year ended December 31, 2012, the impact would have been fully offset by an increase in the valuation allowance. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, $34,675 and $57,721, respectively, of the uncertain tax benefits were classified as a reduction to our deferred tax assets and $24,882 and $1,836, respectively, were classified as a noncurrent liability. We have not accrued interest or penalties due the existence of net operating loss and credit carryforwards to offset any additional income tax liability. We do not anticipate the amount of the existing unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.
We file income tax returns in the United States, various states, and Canada. Our federal income tax returns are subject to tax examinations for the years ended December 31, 2011 through 2013. Our state and Canadian income tax returns are generally subject to examination for the tax years ended December 31, 2009, through December 31, 2013. To the extent we have tax attribute carryforwards, the tax years in which the attribute was generated may still be adjusted by the taxing authorities to the extent the carryforwards are claimed in a future year.

Equity_Investments

Equity Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Investments
Equity Investments	11. Equity Investments
	Affiliates Insurance Company
	At December 31, 2014, we owned approximately 14.3% of Affiliates Insurance Company, or AIC. Although we own less than 20% of AIC, we use the equity method to account for this investment because we believe that we have significant influence over AIC because a majority of our Directors are also directors of AIC. This investment had a carrying value of $6,828 and $5,913 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and is presented in our consolidated balance sheets in other noncurrent assets. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recognized income of $89, $334 and $316, respectively, related to this investment. In May 2014, we purchased 2,857 AIC shares for $825. See Note 12 for a further description of our transactions with AIC.
	Petro Travel Plaza Holdings LLC
	We own a 40% interest in Petro Travel Plaza Holdings LLC, or PTP, and operate two travel centers and two gasoline stations/convenience stores that PTP owns for which we receive management and accounting fees. This investment is accounted for under the equity method. The carrying value of this investment as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, was $20,807 and $17,672, respectively and was included in other noncurrent assets in our consolidated balance sheets. The equity income recorded from this investment for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, was $3,135, $2,340 and $1,561, respectively. See Note 12 for a further description of our transactions with PTP.
	The locations owned by PTP are encumbered by debt with an outstanding balance of $16,602 as of December 31, 2014. Since we account for our investment in PTP under the equity method of accounting, we have not recorded a liability for this debt. We are not directly liable for this loan, but the carrying value of our investment in this joint venture could be adversely affected if the joint venture defaulted on this debt and the joint venture's property, which is collateral for this loan, was sold. In connection with the loan agreement entered by PTP, we and our joint venture partner each agreed to indemnify the lender against liability from environmental matters related to PTP's sites.
	Fair Value
	It is not practicable to estimate the fair value of TA's investment in the equity of AIC or PTP because of the lack of quoted market prices and the inability to estimate current fair value without incurring excessive costs. However, management believes that the carrying amounts of AIC and PTP at December 31, 2014, were not impaired given these companies' overall financial conditions and earnings trends.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions
Related Party Transactions	12. Related Party Transactions
	Governance Guidelines
	We have adopted written Governance Guidelines that describe the consideration and approval of any related person transactions. Under these Governance Guidelines, we may not enter into any transaction in which any Director or executive officer, any member of the immediate family of any Director or executive officer or any other related person, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest unless that transaction has been disclosed or made known to our Board of Directors and our Board of Directors reviews and approves or ratifies the transaction by the affirmative vote of a majority of the disinterested Directors, even if the disinterested Directors constitute less than a quorum. If there are no disinterested Directors, the transaction must be reviewed, authorized and approved or ratified by both (1) the affirmative vote of a majority of our Board of Directors and (2) the affirmative vote of a majority of our Independent Directors. In determining whether to approve or ratify a transaction, our Board of Directors, or disinterested Directors or Independent Directors, as the case may be, shall act in accordance with any applicable provisions of our limited liability company agreement and bylaws, consider all of the relevant facts and circumstances and approve only those transactions that they determine are fair and reasonable to us and our shareholders. All related person transactions described below were reviewed and approved or ratified by a majority of the disinterested Directors or otherwise in accordance with our policies, limited liability company agreement and bylaws, each as described above. In the case of any transaction with us in which any other employee of ours who is subject to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and who has a direct or indirect material interest in the transaction, the employee must seek approval from an executive officer who has no interest in the matter for which approval is being requested.
	Relationship with HPT
	HPT was our parent company until 2007 and is our principal landlord and our largest shareholder. We were created as a separate public company in 2007 as a result of a spin off from HPT. As of December 31, 2014, HPT owned 3,420,000 of our common shares, representing approximately 8.9% of our outstanding common shares. One of our Managing Directors, Mr. Barry Portnoy, is a managing trustee of HPT. Mr. Barry Portnoy's son, Mr. Adam Portnoy, is also a managing trustee of HPT, and Mr. Barry Portnoy's son-in-law, Mr. Ethan Bornstein, is an executive officer of HPT. Our other Managing Director, Mr. Thomas O'Brien, who is also our President and Chief Executive Officer, was a former executive officer of HPT. One of our Independent Directors, Mr. Arthur Koumantzelis, was an independent trustee of HPT prior to our spin-off from HPT.
	We have two leases with HPT, the TA Lease and the Petro Lease, pursuant to which we lease 184 properties from HPT. Our TA Lease is for 144 properties and our Petro Lease is for 40 properties. The TA Lease expires on December 31, 2022. The Petro Lease expires on June 30, 2024, and may be extended by us for up to two additional periods of 15 years each. We have the right to use the "TA", "TravelCenters of America" and other trademarks, which are owned by HPT, during the term of the TA Lease.
	The HPT Leases are "triple net" leases that require us to pay all costs incurred in the operation of the leased properties, including costs related to personnel, utilities, inventory acquisition and provision of services to customers, insurance, real estate and personal property taxes, environmental related expenses, underground storage tank removal costs, and, at those properties at which HPT leases the property from the owner and subleases it to us, ground lease payments. We also are required generally to indemnify HPT for certain environmental matters and for liabilities that arise during the terms of the leases from ownership or operation of the leased properties and, at lease expiration, we are required to pay an amount equal to an estimate of the cost of removing underground storage tanks on the leased properties. The HPT Leases also include arbitration provisions for the resolution of disputes.
	As amended, the TA Lease requires us to pay minimum rent to HPT of $163,438 per year through December 31, 2022. As amended, the Petro Lease requires us to pay minimum rent to HPT of $61,414 per year through June 30, 2024. These minimum rent amounts include increases in minimum rent as a result of lease amendments and HPT's purchasing improvements to the properties we lease from HPT, as described below.
	Effective January 2012 and 2013, we began to incur percentage rent payable to HPT under the TA Lease and the Petro Lease, respectively. In each case, the percentage rent equals 3% of increases in nonfuel gross revenues and 0.3% of increases in gross fuel revenues at the leased properties over base amounts. The increases in percentage rents attributable to fuel revenues are subject to a maximum each year calculated by reference to changes in the consumer price index. Also, as discussed below, HPT has agreed to waive payment of the first $2,500 of percentage rent that may become due under our Petro Lease; HPT waived $640 of percentage rent under our Petro Lease for the year ended December 31, 2014, pursuant to that waiver; and through December 31, 2014, HPT has cumulatively waived $1,006 of the $2,500 of percentage rent to be waived. The total amount of percentage rent (which is net of the waived amount) that we incurred during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, was $2,984, $2,050 and 1,465, respectively.
	Under the HPT Leases, we may request that HPT purchase approved amounts for renovations, improvements and equipment at the leased properties in return for increases in our minimum annual rent according to the following formula: the minimum rent per year will be increased by an amount equal to the amount paid by HPT multiplied by the greater of (i) 8.5% or (ii) a benchmark U.S. Treasury interest rate plus 3.5%. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, pursuant to the terms of the HPT Leases, we sold to HPT $66,133, $83,912 and $76,754, respectively, of improvements we previously made to properties leased from HPT, and, as a result, our minimum annual rent payable to HPT increased by $5,621, $7,133 and $6,524, respectively. At December 31, 2014, our property and equipment balance included $32,571 of improvements of the type that we typically request that HPT purchase for an increase in rent; however, HPT is not obligated to purchase these improvements.
	The following table sets forth the amounts of minimum lease payments required under the HPT Leases as of December 31, 2014, in each of the years shown.
	Year ending December 31,		Minimum			Rent for Ground			Total Minimum			Rent for Ground
			Rent(1)			Leases Acquired			Lease Payments			Leases Subleased
						by HPT(1)			Due to HPT(1)			from HPT(1)
	2015		$	219,570		$	5,282		$	224,852		$	8,459
	2016			219,570			5,333			224,903			6,580
	2017			219,570			5,396			224,966			5,733
	2018			219,570			5,265			224,835			5,135
	2019			219,570			4,638			224,208			3,217
	2020			219,570			2,537			222,107			2,507
	2021			219,570			1,577			221,147			2,274
	2022(2)			351,175			—			351,175			1,560
	2023			61,414			—			61,414			922
	2024(3)			83,018			—			83,018			694
	-1	The timing of minimum rent payments does not match the recognition of expense under GAAP, which requires that the minimum rent payments are recognized in expense evenly over the term of the lease regardless of the payment schedule.
	-2	Includes previously deferred rent payments of $107,085 and estimated cost of removing underground storage tanks on the leased properties of $24,252 due on December 31, 2022.
	-3	Includes previously deferred rent payments of $42,915 and estimated cost of removing underground storage tanks on the leased properties of $9,403 due on June 30, 2024.
	In 2008, we entered into a rent deferral agreement with HPT, which we and HPT subsequently amended in 2011. Pursuant to the deferral agreement, we were permitted to defer up to $150,000 of rent payable to HPT. We were not permitted to defer any additional amounts of rent after December 31, 2010. As of December 31, 2010, we had deferred, in aggregate, $150,000 of rent, which remained outstanding as of December 31, 2014. The deferral agreement also included a prohibition on share repurchases and dividends by us while any deferred rent remains unpaid. Pursuant to the deferral agreement, $107,085 of our deferred rent will be due and payable on December 31, 2022, and the remaining $42,915 will be due and payable on June 30, 2024. Interest ceased to accrue on deferred rent owed to HPT by us beginning on January 1, 2011; however, the deferred rent amounts shall be accelerated and interest shall begin to accrue on the deferred rent amounts if certain events provided in the deferral agreement occur, including a change of control of us, as defined that agreement. In connection with the deferral agreement, we entered into a registration rights agreement with HPT, which provides HPT with certain rights to require us to conduct a registered public offering with respect to our common shares issued to HPT pursuant to the deferral agreement, which rights continue through the date that is twelve months following the latest of the expiration of the terms of the TA Lease and the Petro Lease.
	On April 15, 2013, we entered an agreement with Equilon Enterprises LLC doing business as Shell Oil Products US, or Shell, pursuant to which Shell has agreed to construct a network of natural gas fueling lanes at up to 100 of our travel centers located along the U.S. interstate highway system, including travel centers we lease from HPT. In connection with that agreement, on April 15, 2013, we and HPT amended the HPT Leases to revise the calculation of percentage rent payable by us under the HPT Leases, with the intended effect that the amount of percentage rent would be unaffected by the type of fuel sold, whether diesel fuel or natural gas. That amendment also made certain administrative changes to the terms of the HPT Leases. Also on that date, in order to facilitate our agreement with Shell, HPT entered into a subordination, non-disturbance and attornment agreement with Shell, whereby HPT agreed to recognize Shell's license and other rights with respect to the natural gas fueling lanes at our HPT leased travel centers on certain conditions and in certain circumstances.
	On July 1, 2013, HPT purchased land that was previously leased by HPT from a third party and subleased to us under the TA Lease. Effective as of that date, rents due to that third party and our paying of those rents of approximately $545 annually on behalf of HPT under the terms of the TA Lease ceased. Also on that date, we and HPT amended the TA Lease to reflect our direct lease from HPT of that land and certain minor properties adjacent to other existing properties included in the TA Lease that also had been purchased by HPT, and to increase the annual rent due under the TA Lease by $537, which was 8.5% of HPT's investment.
	On December 23, 2013, HPT purchased property adjacent to a property we lease from HPT under the Petro Lease. Effective as of that date, we and HPT amended the Petro Lease to add that property to that lease and to increase annual rent due under the Petro Lease by $105, which was 8.5% of HPT's investment.
	On August 13, 2013, the travel center located in Roanoke, VA that we leased from HPT under the TA Lease was taken by eminent domain proceedings brought by the Virginia Department of Transportation, or VDOT, in connection with planned highway construction. The TA Lease provides that the annual rent payable by us is reduced by 8.5% of the amount of the proceeds HPT receives from the taking or, at HPT's option, the fair market value rent of the property on the commencement date of the TA Lease. In January 2014, HPT received proceeds from VDOT of $6,178, which is a substantial portion of VDOT's estimate of the value of the property, and as a result our annual rent under the TA Lease was reduced by $525 effective January 6, 2014. We and HPT are challenging VDOT's estimate of this property's value and we expect that the final resolution of this matter will take considerable time. After the VDOT taking, HPT entered a lease agreement with VDOT to lease this property for $40 per month; and subleased this property to us so that we became responsible to pay this VDOT lease rent. Following the expiration of this lease in November 2014, this property was surrendered to the VDOT.
	On July 14, 2014, HPT agreed to purchase and lease to us under the TA Lease land adjacent to a travel center that HPT owns in Florence, KY. On August 25, 2014, HPT terminated the purchase agreement.
	On September 23, 2014, HPT exercised its option to purchase the land and improvements at the travel center we sublease from HPT in Waterloo, NY. This transaction is expected to close in October 2015 and we expect that, following HPT's purchase, we will lease this travel center directly from HPT.
	The following table summarizes the various amounts related to the HPT Leases and other lessors that are reflected in real estate rent expense in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
			Years Ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Cash payments for rent under the HPT Leases		$	222,722		$	216,659		$	207,653
	Change in accrued estimated percentage rent			959			327			(11	)
	Adjustments to recognize expense on a straight line basis			(1,621	)		(1,734	)		(2,664	)
	Less sale-leaseback financing obligation amortization			(2,380	)		(1,644	)		(2,089	)
	Less portion of rent payments recognized as interest expense			(5,887	)		(7,400	)		(7,330	)
	Less deferred tenant improvements allowance amortization			(6,769	)		(6,769	)		(6,769	)
	Amortization of deferred gain on sale-leaseback transactions			(385	)		(354	)		(103	)
	Rent expense related to HPT Leases			206,639			199,085			188,687
	Rent paid to others(1)			10,786			10,206			9,915
	Adjustments to recognize expense on a straight line basis for other leases			(270	)		29			325
	Total real estate rent expense		$	217,155		$	209,320		$	198,927
	-1	Includes rent paid directly to HPT's landlords under leases for properties we sublease from HPT as well as rent related to properties we lease from landlords other than HPT.
	The following table summarizes the various amounts related to the HPT Leases that are included in our consolidated balance sheets.
			December 31,			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Current HPT Leases liabilities:
	Accrued rent		$	19,407		$	18,041
	Sale-leaseback financing obligation(1)			2,547			2,358
	Straight line rent accrual(2)			2,529			2,382
	Deferred gain on sale-leaseback transactions(3)			385			385
	Deferred tenant improvements allowance(4)			6,769			6,769
	Total Current HPT Leases liabilities		$	31,637		$	29,935
	Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities:
	Deferred rent obligation(5)		$	150,000		$	150,000
	Sale-leaseback financing obligation(1)			82,591			83,762
	Straight line rent accrual(2)			50,234			52,901
	Deferred gain on sale-leaseback transactions(3)			2,732			3,117
Deferred tenant improvements allowance(4)			47,377			54,146
Total Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities		$	332,934		$	343,926
-1	Sale-leaseback Financing Obligation. GAAP governing the transactions related to our entering the TA Lease required us to recognize in our consolidated balance sheets the leased assets at thirteen of the properties that we leased from HPT because we subleased more than a minor portion of those properties to third parties, and one property that did not qualify for operating lease treatment for other reasons. Accordingly, we recorded the leased assets at these properties at an amount equal to HPT's recorded initial carrying amounts, which were equal to their fair values, and recognized an equal amount of liability that is presented as sale-leaseback financing obligation in our consolidated balance sheets. In addition, sales to HPT of improvements at these properties are accounted for as sale-leaseback financing transactions and these liabilities are increased by the amount of proceeds we receive from HPT. We recognize a portion of the total rent payments to HPT related to these assets as a reduction of the sale-leaseback financing obligation and a portion as interest expense in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. We determined the allocation of these rent payments to the liability and to interest expense using the effective interest method. The amounts allocated to interest expense during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, were $5,887, $7,400 and $7,330, respectively.
	During 2012, the subleases at four of these properties were terminated and we began operating these properties directly. The termination of these subleases qualified the properties for sale-leaseback accounting, at which time we reduced our property and equipment balance by $22,229 and our sale-leaseback financing obligation balance by $24,646, resulting in a deferred gain of $2,417. In October 2013, the sublease at another one of these properties was terminated and we began to operate that property, qualifying it for sale-leaseback accounting, at which time we reduced our property and equipment balance by $2,030 and our sale-leaseback financing obligation balance by $2,463, resulting in a deferred gain of $433. See note (3) below for further discussion regarding the deferred gains.
-2	Straight Line Rent Accrual. The TA Lease included scheduled rent increases over the first six years of the lease term, as do certain of the leases for properties we sublease from HPT, the rent for which we pay directly to HPT's landlords. Also, under our leases with HPT, we are obligated to pay to HPT at lease expiration an amount equal to an estimate, calculated in accordance with GAAP, of the cost of removing the underground storage tanks. We recognize the effects of scheduled rent increases and the future payment to HPT for the estimated cost of removing underground storage tanks in real estate rent expense over the lease terms on a straight line basis, with offsetting entries to this accrual balance.
-3	Deferred Gain on Sale-Leaseback Transactions. This gain arose from our 2012 and 2013 terminations of subleases to franchisees for five properties we lease from HPT, which qualified these properties for sale-leaseback accounting and required us to remove the related assets and liabilities from our consolidated balance sheets, as further described in note (1) above, and from the sales to HPT of certain assets at the five properties we lease from HPT that we continue to sublease to franchisees. The gain from the sale portion of a sale-leaseback transaction is deferred and amortized into our real estate rent expense on a straight line basis over the then remaining term of the lease.
-4	Deferred Tenant Improvements Allowance. HPT committed to fund up to $125,000 of capital projects at the properties we lease under the TA Lease without an increase in rent payable by us, which amount HPT had fully funded by September 30, 2010, net of discounting to reflect our accelerated receipt of those funds. In connection with this commitment, we recognized a liability for the rent deemed to be related to this tenant improvements allowance. This deferred tenant improvements allowance was initially recorded at an amount equal to the leasehold improvements receivable we recognized for the discounted value of the then expected future amounts to be received from HPT, based upon our then expected timing of receipt of those payments. We amortize the deferred tenant improvements allowance on a straight line basis over the term of the TA Lease as a reduction of real estate rent expense.
-5	Deferred Rent Obligation. Pursuant to a rent deferral agreement with HPT, through December 31, 2010, we deferred a total of $150,000 of rent payable to HPT. The deferred rent obligation is payable in two installments, $107,085 in December 2022 and $42,915 in June 2024. This obligation does not bear interest, unless certain events of default or other events occur, including a change of control of us.
Relationship with RMR
RMR provides business management and shared services to us pursuant to a business management and shared services agreement, or our business management agreement. One of our Managing Directors, Mr. Barry Portnoy, is Chairman, majority owner and an employee of RMR. Mr. Barry Portnoy's son, Mr. Adam Portnoy, is an owner of RMR and serves as President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of RMR. Our other Managing Director, Mr. Thomas O'Brien, who is also our President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Andrew Rebholz, our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and Mr. Mark Young, our Executive Vice President and General Counsel, are officers and employees of RMR. RMR provides management services to HPT and HPT's executive officers are officers and employees of RMR. Two of our Independent Directors also serve as independent directors or independent trustees of other companies to which RMR or its affiliates provides management services. Mr. Barry Portnoy serves as a managing director or managing trustee of those companies and Mr. Adam Portnoy serves as a managing trustee of a majority of those companies. In addition, officers of RMR serve as our officers and officers of those companies to which RMR or its affiliates provides management services.
Because at least 80% of Messrs. O'Brien's, Rebholz's and Young's business time is devoted to services to us, 80% of Messrs. O'Brien's, Rebholz's and Young's total cash compensation (that is, the combined base salary and cash bonus paid by us and RMR) was paid by us and the remainder was paid by RMR. Messrs. O'Brien, Rebholz and Young are also eligible to participate in certain RMR benefit plans. We believe the compensation we paid to these officers reasonably reflected their division of business time; however, periodically, these individuals may divide their business time differently than they do currently and their compensation from us may become disproportionate to this division.
Our Board of Directors has given our Compensation Committee, which is comprised exclusively of our Independent Directors, authority to act on our behalf with respect to our business management agreement with RMR. The charter of our Compensation Committee requires the committee to review annually the terms of the business management agreement, evaluate RMR's performance under this agreement and determine whether to renew, amend or terminate the business management agreement.
Pursuant to the business management agreement, RMR assists us with various aspects of our business, which may include, but are not limited to, compliance with various laws and rules applicable to our status as a publicly owned company, advice and supervision with respect to our travel centers, site selection for properties on which new travel centers may be developed, identification of, and purchase negotiation for, travel center and gasoline station/convenience store properties and companies, accounting and financial reporting, capital markets and financing activities, investor relations and general oversight of our daily business activities, including legal matters, human resources, insurance programs, management information systems and the like. Under our business management agreement, we pay RMR an annual business management fee equal to 0.6% of the sum of our gross fuel margin (which is our fuel sales revenues less our cost of fuel sales) plus our total nonfuel revenues. The fee is payable monthly based on the prior month's margins and revenues. This fee totaled $12,272, $10,758 and $10,025 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These amounts are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
RMR also provides internal audit services to us in return for our share of the total internal audit costs incurred by RMR for us and other publicly owned companies to which RMR or its affiliates provides management services, which amounts are subject to approval by our Compensation Committee. Our Audit Committee appoints our Director of Internal Audit. Our share of RMR's costs of providing this internal audit function was approximately $272, $208 and $193 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These allocated costs are in addition to the business management fees paid to RMR.
The current term of our business management agreement with RMR ends on December 31, 2015, and automatically renews for successive one year terms unless we or RMR gives notice of non-renewal before the end of an applicable term. On March 12, 2015, we and RMR entered into an amended and restated business management and shared services agreement, which was approved by our Compensation Committee, comprised solely of our Independent Directors. As amended, RMR may terminate the business management agreement upon 120 days' written notice, and we continue to have the right to terminate the business management agreement upon 60 days' written notice, subject to approval by a majority vote of our Independent Directors. As amended, if we terminate or elect not to renew the business management agreement other than for cause, as defined, we are obligated to pay RMR a termination fee equal to 2.875 times the annual base management fee and the annual internal audit services expense, which amounts are based on averages during the 24 consecutive calendar months prior to the date of notice of nonrenewal or termination. Also, as amended, RMR agrees to provide certain transition services for us for 120 days following termination by us or notice of termination by RMR. The business management agreement includes arbitration provisions for the resolution of disputes.
Under our business management agreement with RMR, we acknowledge that RMR also provides management services to other companies, including HPT. The fact that RMR has responsibilities to other entities, including our largest landlord, HPT, could create conflicts; and in the event of such conflicts, our business management agreement allows RMR to act on its own behalf and on behalf of HPT or such other entity rather than on our behalf.
We are also generally responsible for all of our expenses and certain expenses incurred by RMR on our behalf. Pursuant to our business management agreement, RMR may from time to time negotiate on our behalf with certain third party vendors and suppliers for the procurement of services to us. As part of this arrangement, we have in the past, and may in the future enter agreements with RMR and other companies to which RMR provides management services for the purpose of obtaining more favorable terms from such vendors and suppliers.
We have a property management agreement with RMR under which RMR provides building management services to us for our headquarters building. The charter of our Compensation Committee requires that the Committee annually review the property management agreement, evaluate RMR's performance under this agreement and renew, amend or terminate this agreement. We paid RMR $141, $143 and $132 for property management services at our headquarters building for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These amounts are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
Under the Plan, we grant restricted shares to certain employees of RMR who are not also Directors, officers or employees of ours. We granted a total of 62,550, 48,950 and 59,725 shares with an aggregate value of $610, $523 and $260 to such persons in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, based upon the closing price of our common shares on the NYSE (for grants made in 2014 and 2013) or NYSE MKT (for grants made in 2012) on the dates of the grants. One fifth of those shares vested on the grant dates and one fifth vests on each of the next four anniversaries of the grant dates. These share grants to RMR employees are in addition to both the fees we pay to RMR and our share grants to our Directors, officers and employees. On occasion, we have entered into arrangements with former employees of ours or RMR in connection with the termination of their employment with us or RMR, providing for the acceleration of vesting of shares previously granted to them under the Plan. Additionally, each of our President and Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and Executive Vice President and General Counsel received grants of restricted shares of other companies to which RMR provides management services, including HPT, in their capacities as officers of RMR.
Other Relationships with HPT and RMR
In connection with our spin off from HPT in 2007, we entered a transaction agreement with HPT and RMR, pursuant to which we granted HPT a right of first refusal to purchase, lease, mortgage or otherwise finance any interest we own in a travel center before we sell, lease, mortgage or otherwise finance that travel center to or with another party, and we granted HPT and any other company to which RMR provides management services a right of first refusal to acquire or finance any real estate of the types in which they invest before we do. We also agreed that for so long as we are a tenant of HPT we will not permit: the acquisition by any person or group of beneficial ownership of 9.8% or more of the voting shares or the power to direct the management and policies of us or any of our subsidiary tenants or guarantors under our leases with HPT; the sale of a material part of our assets or of any such tenant or guarantor; or the cessation of our continuing Directors to constitute a majority of our Board of Directors or any such tenant or guarantor. Also, we agreed not to take any action that might reasonably be expected to have a material adverse impact on HPT's ability to qualify as a REIT and to indemnify HPT for any liabilities it may incur relating to our assets and business. The transaction agreement includes arbitration provisions for the resolution of disputes.
Relationship with AIC
We, RMR, HPT and four other companies to which RMR provides management services currently own AIC, an Indiana insurance company, and are parties to an amended and restated shareholders agreement regarding AIC. On May 9, 2014, as a result of a change in control of Equity Commonwealth (formerly CommonWealth REIT), or EQC, as defined in the amended and restated shareholders agreement, we and the other AIC shareholders purchased pro rata the AIC shares EQC owned in accordance with the terms of that agreement. Pursuant to that purchase, we purchased 2,857 AIC shares from EQC for $825. Following these purchases, we and the other remaining six shareholders each owns approximately 14.3% of AIC.
A majority of our Directors and most of the trustees and directors of the other AIC shareholders currently serve on the board of directors of AIC. RMR provides management and administrative services to AIC pursuant to a management and administrative services agreement with AIC. Our Governance Guidelines provide that any material transaction between us and AIC shall be reviewed, authorized and approved or ratified by the affirmative votes of both a majority of our Board of Directors and a majority of our Independent Directors. The shareholders agreement among us, the other shareholders of AIC and AIC includes arbitration provisions for the resolution of disputes.
As of December 31, 2014, we have invested $6,054 in AIC since its formation in 2008. Although we own less than 20% of AIC, we use the equity method to account for this investment because we believe that we have significant influence over AIC because all of our Directors are also directors of AIC. Our investment in AIC had a carrying value of $6,828 and $5,913 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which amounts are included in other noncurrent assets on our consolidated balance sheets. We recognized income of $89, $334 and $316, related to our investment in AIC for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In June 2014, we and the other shareholders of AIC purchased a one-year property insurance policy providing $500,000 of coverage pursuant to an insurance program arranged by AIC and with respect to which AIC is a reinsurer of certain coverage amounts. We paid AIC a premium, including taxes and fees, of $1,601 in connection with that policy, which amount may be adjusted from time to time as we acquire or dispose of properties that are included in the policy. Our annual premiums for this property insurance in 2013 and 2012 were $2,743 and $3,183, respectively. See Note 11 for a further description of our investment in AIC.
Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance
In September 2014, we purchased a two year combined directors' and officers' insurance policy with RMR and five other companies to which RMR provides management services that provides $10,000 in aggregate primary coverage, including certain errors and omission coverage. At that time, we also purchased separate additional one year directors' and officers' liability insurance policies that provide $20,000 of aggregate excess coverage plus $5,000 of excess non-indemnifiable coverage. The total premium payable by us for these policies purchased in September 2014 was approximately $351.
Relationship with PTP
PTP is a joint venture between us and Tejon Development Corporation, that owns two travel centers and two gasoline stations/convenience stores in California. We own a 40% interest in PTP and operate the two travel centers and two gasoline stations/convenience stores PTP owns for which we receive management and accounting fees, which totaled $800 for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. The carrying value of our investment in PTP as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, was $20,807 and $17,672, respectively. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had a net receivable from PTP of $430 and payable to PTP of $1,147, respectively. We recognized income of $3,135, $2,340 and $1,561 during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to this investment, which is separate from and in addition to the management and accounting fees we earned. During 2012, we received distributions from PTP totaling $4,800. These distributions represented a return on our investment and, accordingly, are included as operating activities in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows. See Note 11 for a further description of our investment in PTP.

Contingencies

Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Contingencies [Abstract]
Contingencies	13. Contingencies
	Legal Proceedings
	We are routinely involved in various legal and administrative proceedings, including tax audits, incidental to the ordinary course of our business, none of which we expect, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	Environmental Contingencies
	Extensive environmental laws regulate our operations and properties. These laws may require us to investigate and clean up hazardous substances, including petroleum or natural gas products, released at our owned and leased properties. Governmental entities or third parties may hold us liable for property damage and personal injuries, and for investigation, remediation and monitoring costs incurred in connection with any contamination and regulatory compliance. We use both underground storage tanks and above ground storage tanks to store petroleum products, natural gas and waste at our locations. We must comply with environmental laws regarding tank construction, integrity testing, leak detection and monitoring, overfill and spill control, release reporting and financial assurance for corrective action in the event of a release. At some locations we must also comply with environmental laws relative to vapor recovery or discharges to water. In addition, our travel centers and gasoline stations/convenience stores also include fueling areas and truck repair and maintenance facilities. Under the terms of our leases, we generally have agreed to indemnify HPT for any environmental liabilities related to properties that we lease from HPT and we are required to pay all environmental related expenses incurred in the operation of the properties. Under an agreement with Shell, we have agreed to indemnify Shell and its affiliates from certain environmental liabilities incurred with respect to our travel centers where natural gas fueling lanes are installed.
	From time to time we have received, and in the future likely will receive, notices of alleged violations of environmental laws or otherwise have become or will become aware of the need to undertake corrective actions to comply with environmental laws at our locations. Investigatory and remedial actions were, and regularly are, undertaken with respect to releases of hazardous substances at our locations. In some cases we received, and may receive in the future, contributions to partially offset our environmental costs from insurers, from state funds established for environmental clean up associated with the sale of petroleum products or from indemnitors who agreed to fund certain environmental related costs at locations purchased from those indemnitors. To the extent we incur material amounts for environmental matters for which we do not receive or expect to receive insurance or other third party reimbursement or for which we have not previously recorded a liability, our operating results may be materially adversely affected. In addition, to the extent we fail to comply with environmental laws and regulations, or we become subject to costs and requirements not similarly experienced by our competitors, our competitive position may be harmed.
	At December 31, 2014, we had a gross accrued liability of $5,787 for environmental matters as well as a receivable for expected recoveries of certain of these estimated future expenditures of $1,658, resulting in an estimated net amount of $4,129 that we expect to fund in the future. We cannot precisely know the ultimate costs we may incur in connection with currently known or future potential environmental related violations, corrective actions, investigation and remediation; however, we do not expect the costs for such matters to be material, individually or in the aggregate, to our financial condition or results of operations.
	In February 2014, we reached an agreement with the California State Water Resources Control Board, or the State Water Board, to settle certain claims the State Water Board had filed against us in California Superior Court in 2010 relating to alleged violations of underground storage tank laws and regulations for a cash payment of $1,800; suspended penalties of $1,000 that may become payable by us in the future if, prior to March 2019, we fail to comply with specified underground storage tank laws and regulations; and our agreement to invest, prior to March 2018, up to $2,000 of verified costs that are directly related to the development and implementation of a comprehensive California Enhanced Environmental Compliance Program for the underground storage tank systems at all of our California facilities that is above and beyond minimum requirements of California law and regulations related to underground storage tank systems. To the extent that we do not incur the full $2,000 of eligible environmental compliance costs by March 2018, the difference between the amount we incur and $2,000 will be payable to the State Water Board. The settlement, which was approved by the Superior Court on February 20, 2014, also included injunctive relief provisions requiring that we comply with certain California environmental laws and regulations applicable to underground storage tank systems. We made the $1,800 cash payment during the first quarter of 2014. As of December 31, 2014, we have a liability of $1,623 recorded with respect to this matter, which amount is included in the gross accrued liability for environmental matters referenced above. We have not recognized a liability for any portion of the suspended penalties totaling $1,000 as we believe the probability of triggering these penalties is remote.
	We have insurance of up to $10,000 per incident and up to $40,000 in the aggregate for certain environmental liabilities, subject, in each case, to certain limitations and deductibles. However, we can provide no assurance that we will be able to maintain similar environmental insurance coverage in the future on acceptable terms.
	It is impossible to predict the ultimate effect changing circumstances and changing environmental laws may have on us in the future or the ultimate outcome of matters currently pending. We cannot be certain that contamination presently unknown to us does not exist at our sites, or that material liability will not be imposed on us in the future. If we discover additional environmental issues, or if government agencies impose additional environmental requirements, increased environmental compliance or remediation expenditures may be required, which could have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, legislation and regulation regarding climate change, including greenhouse gas emissions, and other environmental matters and market reaction to any such legislation or regulation or to climate change concerns, may decrease the demand for our fuel products, may require us to expend significant amounts and may negatively impact our business. For instance, federal and state governmental requirements addressing emissions from trucks and other motor vehicles, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's gasoline and diesel sulfur control requirements that limit the concentration of sulfur in motor fuel, as well as President Obama's February 2014 order that his administration develop and implement new fuel efficiency standards for medium and heavy duty commercial trucks by March 2016, has caused us to add certain services and provide certain products to our customers at a cost to us and may decrease the demand for our fuel products and negatively impact our business. Further, legislation and regulations that limit carbon emissions also may cause our energy costs at our locations to increase.

Accounts_Receivable

Accounts Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable	14. Accounts Receivable
	Changes in, and balances of, the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable were as follows:
		Balance at		Amounts			Amounts			Balance at
		Beginning		Charged/			Charged Off,			End of
		of Period		(Credited)			Net of			Period
				To Expense			Recoveries
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Deducted from accounts receivable for doubtful accounts	$	1,304	$	417		$	(409	)	$	1,312
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Deducted from accounts receivable for doubtful accounts	$	1,516	$	(274	)	$	62		$	1,304
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Deducted from accounts receivable for doubtful accounts	$	1,679	$	349		$	(512	)	$	1,516

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventories
Inventories	15. Inventories
	Inventories at December 31, 2014 and 2013, consisted of the following:
		2014		2013
	Nonfuel products	$	146,370	$	150,600
	Fuel products		26,380		48,601
	Total inventories	$	172,750	$	199,201

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	16. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)
	The following is a summary of our unaudited quarterly results of operations for 2014 and 2013:
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
		Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter
	Total revenues	$	1,967,309		$	2,076,109		$	2,009,217		$	1,725,998
	Gross profit (excluding depreciation)		301,564			325,093			332,136			360,020
	Income from operations		4,865			26,939			25,324			56,512
	Provision for income taxes		(276	)		(9,673	)		(9,442	)		(18,632	)
	Net income		197			13,634			12,796			34,342
	Net income per share:
	Basic and diluted		0.01			0.36			0.34			0.91
	Comprehensive income		24			13,825			12,538			34,184
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
		Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter
	Total revenues	$	1,957,351		$	2,018,754		$	2,062,096		$	1,906,530
	Gross profit (excluding depreciation)		263,807			301,228			307,141			280,651
	Income (loss) from operations		(8,460	)		19,971			20,938			(11,259	)
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes		(170	)		(382	)		(1,074	)		28,244
	Net income (loss)		(12,139	)		15,984			15,803			11,975
	Net income (loss) per share:
	Basic and diluted		(0.41	)		0.54			0.53			0.39
	Comprehensive income (loss)		(12,273	)		15,712			15,933			11,787
	During the fourth quarter of 2014 we recognized a benefit of $6,898 related to the reinstatement of biodiesel and renewable energy fuel tax credits on certain fuel purchases made during 2014.
	During the fourth quarter of 2013 we recognized a $10,000 charge related to a litigation settlement and $29,853 related to the reversal of a portion of the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2013 we recognized a charge of $2,435 to correct for certain misstatements in our historical financial statements that we determined to be immaterial.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition.    We recognize sales revenues and related costs at the time of final sale to consumers at our company operated locations for retail fuel and nonfuel sales and at the time of delivery of motor fuel to customers at either the terminal or the customer's facility for wholesale fuel sales. We record the estimated cost to us of the redemption by customers of our loyalty program points as a discount against gross sales in determining net sales presented in our consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income.
	For those travel centers that we sublease to a franchisee, we recognize rent revenue based on the amount of rent payment due for each period. These leases specify rent increases each year based on inflation rates for the respective periods or capital improvements we make at the travel center. Because the rent increases related to these factors are contingent upon future events, we recognize the related rent revenue after such events have occurred.
	We collect and recognize franchise royalty revenues monthly as earned. We determine royalty revenues as a percentage of the franchisees' revenues. We recognize initial franchise fee revenues when the franchisee opens for business under our brand name, which is when we have fulfilled all of our initial obligations under the related agreements.
Motor Fuel and Sales Taxes	Motor Fuel and Sales Taxes.    We collect the cost of certain motor fuel and sales taxes from consumers and remit those amounts to the supplier or the appropriate governmental agency. We present these collections and remittances net in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.    We record trade accounts receivable at the invoiced amount and those amounts do not bear interest. The recorded allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of probable losses in our existing accounts receivable. We base the allowance on historical payment patterns, aging of accounts receivable, periodic review of customers' financial condition, and actual write off history. We individually review for collectability past due balances over specific amounts. We review all other balances for collectability on a pooled basis by the type of receivable. We charge off account balances against the allowance when we believe it is probable the receivable will not be recovered.
Inventories	Inventories.    We state our inventories at the lower of cost or market value. We determine cost principally on the weighted average cost method. We maintain reserves for the estimated amounts of obsolete and excess inventories. These estimates are based on unit sales histories and on hand inventory quantities, known market trends for inventory items and assumptions regarding factors such as future inventory needs, our ability and the related cost to return items to our suppliers and our ability to sell inventory at a discount when necessary.
Other current assets	Other current assets.    Other current assets primarily consist of deposits with suppliers, prepaid expenses and the current portion of expected future recoveries of environmental expenditures. The most significant item included in other current assets is supplier deposits, which amounted to $29,705 and $29,443 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment.    We record property and equipment that we acquire as a result of business combinations based on their fair market values as of the date of the respective transaction. We charge to expense the costs we incur in evaluating and effecting a business combination, including legal fees, due diligence costs and closing costs, in the period that the costs are incurred. We record all other property and equipment at cost. We depreciate our property and equipment on a straight line basis generally over the following estimated useful lives of the assets:
	Buildings and site improvements	15 to 40 years
	Machinery and equipment	3 to 15 years
	Furniture and fixtures	5 to 10 years
	We depreciate leasehold improvements over the shorter of the lives shown above or the remaining term of the underlying lease. Amortization expense related to assets recorded in connection with the sale-leaseback financing obligation pertaining to certain travel centers we lease under the TA Lease is included in depreciation and amortization expense over the estimated useful lives of the assets.
	We charge repair and maintenance costs to expense as incurred, while we capitalize renewals and betterments. We remove from the accounts the cost and related accumulated depreciation of property and equipment sold, replaced or otherwise disposed. We recognize any resulting gains or losses in depreciation and amortization in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets.    We allocate the purchase price of an acquired entity to all assets and liabilities acquired, including those intangible assets that arise from contractual or other legal rights or are otherwise capable of being separated or divided from the acquired entity, based on the fair values of the acquired assets and liabilities. Any excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of the acquired net assets is recognized as goodwill. We expense as incurred the costs of internally developing, maintaining, or restoring intangible assets that are not specifically identifiable, that have indeterminate lives or that are inherent in a continuing business and related to the entity as a whole. We amortize the recorded cost of intangible assets with finite lives on a straight line basis over their estimated lives, principally the terms of the related contractual agreements giving rise to them. See Note 5 for more information about our intangible assets.
Impairment	Impairment.    We review definite lived assets for indicators of impairment during each reporting period. We recognize impairment charges when (a) the carrying value of a long lived or indefinite lived asset group to be held and used in the business is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value and (b) when the carrying value of a long lived asset to be disposed of exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset less the estimated cost to sell the asset. Our estimates of fair value are based on our estimates of likely market participant assumptions, including projected operating results, rental payments and the discount rate used to measure the present value of projected future cash flows. We recognize impairment charges in the period during which the circumstances surrounding an asset to be held and used have changed such that the carrying value is no longer recoverable, or during which a commitment to a plan to dispose of the asset is made. We perform our impairment analysis for substantially all of our property and equipment at the individual location level because that is the lowest level of asset groupings for which the cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities.
	We evaluate definite lived intangible assets for impairment when indicators exist and we evaluate goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually. We first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether a quantitative assessment is required. We subject goodwill and intangible assets to further evaluation and recognize impairment charges when events and circumstances indicate the carrying value of the goodwill or intangible asset exceeds the fair market value of the asset. With respect to goodwill, if we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we perform a two-step goodwill impairment test to identify potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of impairment to be recognized, if any. In the first step of the review process, we compare the estimated fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we recognize an impairment loss for the excess, if any, of the carrying value over the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill amount. We include impairment charges, when required, in depreciation and amortization expense in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. To better manage internal resources, for 2015, we changed our goodwill impairment testing date from November 30 to July 31. We do not consider the annual impairment testing event to be material to the consolidated financial statements.
Share Based Employee Compensation	Share Based Employee Compensation.    The awards made under our share award plan to date are restricted shares. Shares issued to directors vest immediately. Shares issued to others vest in five to ten equal annual installments beginning on the date of grant. The compensation expense related to share grants is determined based on the market value of our shares on either the date of grant for employees or the vesting date for nonemployees, as appropriate, with the aggregate value of the granted shares amortized to expense over the related vesting period. We include share based compensation expense in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
Environmental Remediation	Environmental Remediation.    We record the expense of remediation costs and penalties when the obligation to remediate is probable and the amount of associated costs is reasonably determinable. We include remediation expenses within site level operating expenses in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Generally, the timing of remediation accruals coincides with completion of a feasibility study or the commitment to a formal plan of action. Accrued liabilities related to environmental matters are recorded on an undiscounted basis because of the uncertainty associated with the timing of the related future payments. We record a receivable if recoveries of remediation costs from third parties are probable. In our consolidated balance sheets, the accrual for environmental matters is included in other noncurrent liabilities, with the amount estimated to be expended within the subsequent twelve months included in other current liabilities and the related receivable for probable expected recoveries is included in other noncurrent assets.
Self Insurance Accruals	Self Insurance Accruals.    For insurance programs for which we pay deductibles and for which we are partially self insured up to certain stop loss amounts, we establish accruals for both estimated losses on known claims and claims incurred but not reported, based on claims histories and using actuarial methods. In our consolidated balance sheets, the accrual for self insurance costs is included in other noncurrent liabilities, with the amount estimated to be expended within the subsequent twelve months included in other current liabilities.
Asset Retirement Obligations	Asset Retirement Obligations.    We recognize the future costs for our obligations related to the removal of our underground storage tanks and certain improvements we own at leased properties over the estimated useful lives of each asset requiring removal. We record a liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation with a corresponding increase to the carrying value of the related long lived asset at the time such an asset is installed. We base the estimated liability on our historical experiences in removing these assets, their estimated useful lives, external estimates as to the cost to remove the assets in the future and regulatory or contractual requirements. The liability is a discounted liability using a credit adjusted risk free rate. Revisions to the liability may occur due to changes in removal costs, asset useful lives or if new regulations regarding the removal of underground storage tanks are enacted and/or amendments to the lease contracts are negotiated. Our asset retirement obligations at December 31, 2014 and 2013, were $2,392 and $2,156, respectively.
Leasing Transactions	Leasing Transactions.    Leasing transactions are a material part of our business. We have two leases with HPT, the TA Lease for 144 properties, and the Petro Lease for 40 properties. We refer to the TA Lease and the Petro Lease together as the HPT Leases. For additional information regarding our accounting for the HPT Leases, see Note 12.
	We charge rent under operating leases without scheduled rent increases to expense over the lease term as it becomes payable. Certain operating leases specify scheduled rent increases over the lease term or other lease payments that are not scheduled evenly throughout the lease term. We recognize the effects of those scheduled rent increases in rent expense over the lease term on an average, or straight line, basis. The rent payments resulting from our sales to HPT of improvements to the properties we lease from HPT are contingent rent. Other than at the travel centers where our leases are accounted for as sale-leaseback financing obligations, we recognize the expense related to this contingent rent evenly throughout the remaining lease term beginning on the dates of the related sales to HPT.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes.    We establish deferred income tax assets and liabilities to reflect the future tax consequences of differences between the tax bases and financial statement bases of assets and liabilities. We reduce the measurement of deferred tax assets, if necessary, by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We recognize the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. We evaluate and adjust these tax positions based on changing facts and circumstances. For tax positions meeting the more likely than not threshold, the amount we recognize in the financial statements is the largest benefit that we estimate has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority. We classify interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, in our financial statements as a component of interest expense and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively. For additional information regarding our income taxes, see Note 11.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications.    Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to be consistent with the current year presentation.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which establishes a standard for comprehensive revenue recognition. The new standard will apply for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods therein. Early adoption is prohibited. We have not yet determined the effects, if any, adoption of this update may have on our consolidated financial statements.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Schedule of estimated useful lives of property and equipment
	Buildings and site improvements	15 to 40 years
	Machinery and equipment	3 to 15 years
	Furniture and fixtures	5 to 10 years

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share
Schedule of reconciliation from net income to the net income available to common shareholders and the related earnings per share
			Years Ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
	Net income, as reported		$	60,969	$	31,623	$	32,198
	Less: net income attributable to participating securities			2,986		1,957		1,851
	Net income available to common shareholders		$	57,983	$	29,666	$	30,347
	Weighted average common shares(1)			35,856,398		28,081,790		27,193,889
	Basic and diluted net income per share		$	1.62	$	1.06	$	1.12
	-1	Excludes the unvested shares granted under our share award plan, which shares are considered participating securities because they participate equally in earnings and losses with all of our other common shareholders. The weighted average number of unvested shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, was 1,846,469, 1,852,548 and 1,658,718, respectively.

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquisitions
Summary of the amounts assigned, based on their fair values, to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the business combinations
		Year Ended
		December 31, 2014
	Inventories	$	1,196
	Property and equipment		20,572
	Goodwill		7,331
	Other assets		17
	Other liabilities		(421	)
	Total purchase price	$	28,695

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property and Equipment
Schedule of components of property and equipment, at cost
		2014		2013
	Land and improvements	$	243,499	$	225,698
	Buildings and improvements		220,013		194,764
	Machinery, equipment and furniture		298,232		250,295
	Leasehold improvements		221,027		201,065
	Construction in progress		101,416		88,361
			1,084,187		960,183
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		318,359		255,317
	Property and equipment, net	$	765,828	$	704,866
HPT
Property and Equipment
Schedule of components of property and equipment, at cost
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Land and improvements	$	61,809	$	60,908
	Buildings and improvements		27,812		27,498
	Machinery, equipment and furniture		6,155		5,972
	Leasehold improvements		115,089		115,735
			210,865		210,113
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		75,063		64,144
	Property and equipment, net	$	135,802	$	145,969

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Schedule of components of goodwill and intangible assets, net
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Cost		Accumulated			Net
				Amortization
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Agreements with franchisees	$	16,189	$	(8,041	)	$	8,148
	Leasehold interests		2,267		(2,158	)		109
	Agreements with franchisors		2,836		(520	)		2,316
	Other		3,200		(3,200	)		—
	Total amortizable intangible assets		24,492		(13,919	)		10,573
	Carrying value of trademarks (indefinite lived)		11,706		—			11,706
	Total intangible assets		36,198		(13,919	)		22,279
	Goodwill		32,271		—			32,271
	Total goodwill and intangible assets	$	68,469	$	(13,919	)	$	54,550
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Cost		Accumulated			Net
				Amortization
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Agreements with franchisees	$	16,189	$	(7,044	)	$	9,145
	Leasehold interests		2,267		(2,097	)		170
	Agreements with franchisors		2,836		(25	)		2,811
	Other		3,200		(3,200	)		—
	Total amortizable intangible assets		24,492		(12,366	)		12,126
	Carrying value of trademarks (indefinite lived)		11,706		—			11,706
	Total intangible assets		36,198		(12,366	)		23,832
	Goodwill		24,940		—			24,940
	Total goodwill and intangible assets	$	61,138	$	(12,366	)	$	48,772
Schedule of estimate the aggregate amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets to be as follows for each of the next five years
	Year ending December 31,
	2015	$	1,504
	2016		1,494
	2017		1,409
	2018		1,324
	2019		1,267
Schedule of changes in goodwill
		Goodwill
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	1,690
	Add: Goodwill from business combinations		23,250
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		24,940
	Add: Goodwill from business combinations		7,331
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	32,271

Other_Current_Liabilities_Tabl

Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Current Liabilities
Schedule of components of other current liabilities
		2014		2013
	Taxes payable, other than income taxes	$	38,554	$	34,096
	Accrued wages and benefits		13,472		14,529
	Self insurance program accruals, current portion		17,439		15,534
	Loyalty program accruals		14,560		16,700
	Other		28,392		43,174
	Total other current liabilities	$	112,417	$	124,033

Long_Term_Debt_Tables

Long Term Debt (Tables) (Senior Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Senior Notes
Schedule of Long Term Debt
		2014		2013
	8.25% Senior Notes	$	110,000	$	110,000
	8.00% Senior Notes		120,000		—
	Credit Facility		—		—
	Total long term debt	$	230,000	$	110,000

Leasing_Transactions_Tables

Leasing Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leasing Transactions
Schedule of future minimum lease payments required under leases that had remaining noncancelable lease terms
	Year ending December 31,	Total
	2015	$	239,447
	2016		236,827
	2017		234,762
	2018		231,798
	2019		228,105
	Thereafter		951,900
	Total	$	2,122,839
Schedule of rent expense under the entity's operating leases
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Minimum rent	$	212,711	$	205,413	$	195,964
	Sublease rent		8,932		8,697		8,736
	Contingent rent		3,671		2,540		1,710
	Total rent expense	$	225,314	$	216,650	$	206,410
Schedule of future minimum lease payments due to us for subleased sites
	Year ending December 31,	Total
	2015	$	4,458
	2016		4,458
	2017		2,499
	Total	$	11,415

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Shareholders' Equity
Schedule of number and weighted average grant date fair value of unvested common shares and common shares issued under the Plan
		Number			Weighted Average
		of Shares			Grant Date
					Fair Value
					Per Share
	Unvested shares balance as of December 31, 2013		1,842,425		$	6.08
	Granted		803,250			9.67
	Vested		(654,250	)		6.63
	Forfeited/canceled		(2,730	)		7.06
	Unvested shares balance as of December 31, 2014		1,988,695			7.34
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income
		Foreign			Equity interest			Accumulated
		currency			in investee's			other
		translation			unrealized			comprehensive
		adjustment			gain (loss) on			income
					investments
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	1,057		$	77		$	1,134
	2012 foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $55		143			—			143
	2012 equity interest in investee's unrealized gain on investments		—			22			22
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	1,200		$	99		$	1,299
	2013 foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $(133)		(415	)		—			(415	)
	2013 equity interest in investee's unrealized gain on investments		—			(50	)		(50	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	785		$	49		$	834
	2014 foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $(198)		(400	)		—			(400	)
	2014 equity interest in investee's unrealized loss on investments		—			1			1
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	385		$	50		$	435

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes
Schedule of principal reasons for the difference between income tax provision and the income tax provision (benefit) at the U.S. Federal statutory income tax rate
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	U.S. federal statutory rate applied to income before taxes		35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes, net		4.13			18.74			5.39
	Nondeductible expenses		1.39			32.82			4.64
	Benefit of tax credits		(2.20	)		(21.99	)		(17.84	)
	Taxes on foreign income at different than U.S. rate		0.25			0.38			0.37
	Change in valuation allowance		—			(596.38	)		(24.76	)
	Other—net		(0.35	)		(0.32	)		1.63
	Total tax provision (benefit)		38.22	%		(531.75	)%		4.43	%
Schedule of provision (benefit) for income taxes
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current tax provision:
	Federal	$	23,037		$	1,946		$	—
	State		1,196			822			850
	Total current tax provision		24,233			2,768			850
	Deferred tax provision (benefit):
	Federal		10,880			(22,312	)		587
	State		2,910			(7,074	)		54
	Total deferred tax provision (benefit)		13,790			(29,386	)		641
	Total tax provision (benefit)	$	38,023		$	(26,618	)	$	1,491
Schedule of significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities
		2014			2013
	Current deferred tax assets:
	Reserves	$	16,582		$	21,498
	Deferred tenant improvements allowance		2,633			2,614
	Straight line rent accrual		984			920
	Tax loss carryforwards		1,542			2,403
	Other		638			3,320
	Total current deferred tax asset before valuation allowance		22,379			30,755
	Valuation allowance		(22	)		(39	)
	Total current deferred tax assets		22,357			30,716
	Noncurrent deferred tax assets:
	Straight line rent accrual		13,341			21,549
	Reserves		7,646			7,092
	Sale-leaseback financing obligation		34,331			33,538
	Asset retirement obligation		7,263			673
	Tax loss carryforwards		3,681			5,801
	Deferred tenant improvements allowance		18,430			20,911
	Other		3,200			844
	Total noncurrent deferred tax asset before valuation allowance		87,892			90,408
	Valuation allowance		(933	)		(918	)
	Total noncurrent deferred tax assets		86,959			89,490
	Total deferred tax assets		109,316			120,206
	Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciable assets		(104,243	)		(102,008	)
	Intangible assets		(5,047	)		(4,730	)
	Other		(1,484	)		(1,262	)
	Total		(110,774	)		(108,000	)
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	(1,458	)	$	12,206
Schedule of location in our consolidated balance sheets of the deferred tax assets and liabilities
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax amounts are included in:
	Other current assets	$	22,357		$	30,716
	Other noncurrent liabilities	$	23,815		$	18,510
Schedule of changes in, and balances of valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
		Balance at			Additions/			Other			Balance at
		Beginning			(Reversals)			Changes			End of Year
		of Year			Recorded in the
					Provision for
					Income Taxes
	Year Ended December 31, 2014	$	957		$	—		$	(2	)	$	955
	Year Ended December 31, 2013	$	30,835		$	(29,853	)	$	(25	)	$	957
	Year Ended December 31, 2012	$	39,176		$	(8,341	)	$	—		$	30,835
Summary of activity related to unrecognized tax benefits
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of period	$	59,557		$	60,138		$	57,448
	Reductions to current year tax positions		—			(502	)		(471	)
	Additions (reductions) to prior year tax positions		—			(79	)		3,161
	Settlements		—			—			—
	Lapse of statute of limitations		—			—			—
	Balance at end of period	$	59,557		$	59,557		$	60,138

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions
Schedule of amounts of minimum lease payments required under the HPT Leases	The following table sets forth the amounts of minimum lease payments required under the HPT Leases as of December 31, 2014, in each of the years shown.
	Year ending December 31,		Minimum			Rent for Ground			Total Minimum			Rent for Ground
			Rent(1)			Leases Acquired			Lease Payments			Leases Subleased
						by HPT(1)			Due to HPT(1)			from HPT(1)
	2015		$	219,570		$	5,282		$	224,852		$	8,459
	2016			219,570			5,333			224,903			6,580
	2017			219,570			5,396			224,966			5,733
	2018			219,570			5,265			224,835			5,135
	2019			219,570			4,638			224,208			3,217
	2020			219,570			2,537			222,107			2,507
	2021			219,570			1,577			221,147			2,274
	2022(2)			351,175			—			351,175			1,560
	2023			61,414			—			61,414			922
	2024(3)			83,018			—			83,018			694
	-1	The timing of minimum rent payments does not match the recognition of expense under GAAP, which requires that the minimum rent payments are recognized in expense evenly over the term of the lease regardless of the payment schedule.
	-2	Includes previously deferred rent payments of $107,085 and estimated cost of removing underground storage tanks on the leased properties of $24,252 due on December 31, 2022.
	-3	Includes previously deferred rent payments of $42,915 and estimated cost of removing underground storage tanks on the leased properties of $9,403 due on June 30, 2024.
Schedule of various amounts related to the HPT Leases and other lessors which are reflected in real estate rent expense in consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income
			Years Ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Cash payments for rent under the HPT Leases		$	222,722		$	216,659		$	207,653
	Change in accrued estimated percentage rent			959			327			(11	)
	Adjustments to recognize expense on a straight line basis			(1,621	)		(1,734	)		(2,664	)
	Less sale-leaseback financing obligation amortization			(2,380	)		(1,644	)		(2,089	)
	Less portion of rent payments recognized as interest expense			(5,887	)		(7,400	)		(7,330	)
	Less deferred tenant improvements allowance amortization			(6,769	)		(6,769	)		(6,769	)
	Amortization of deferred gain on sale-leaseback transactions			(385	)		(354	)		(103	)
	Rent expense related to HPT Leases			206,639			199,085			188,687
	Rent paid to others(1)			10,786			10,206			9,915
	Adjustments to recognize expense on a straight line basis for other leases			(270	)		29			325
	Total real estate rent expense		$	217,155		$	209,320		$	198,927
	-1	Includes rent paid directly to HPT's landlords under leases for properties we sublease from HPT as well as rent related to properties we lease from landlords other than HPT.
Schedule of various amounts related to the HPT Leases
			December 31,			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Current HPT Leases liabilities:
	Accrued rent		$	19,407		$	18,041
	Sale-leaseback financing obligation(1)			2,547			2,358
	Straight line rent accrual(2)			2,529			2,382
	Deferred gain on sale-leaseback transactions(3)			385			385
	Deferred tenant improvements allowance(4)			6,769			6,769
	Total Current HPT Leases liabilities		$	31,637		$	29,935
	Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities:
	Deferred rent obligation(5)		$	150,000		$	150,000
	Sale-leaseback financing obligation(1)			82,591			83,762
	Straight line rent accrual(2)			50,234			52,901
	Deferred gain on sale-leaseback transactions(3)			2,732			3,117
	Deferred tenant improvements allowance(4)			47,377			54,146
	Total Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities		$	332,934		$	343,926
	-1	Sale-leaseback Financing Obligation. GAAP governing the transactions related to our entering the TA Lease required us to recognize in our consolidated balance sheets the leased assets at thirteen of the properties that we leased from HPT because we subleased more than a minor portion of those properties to third parties, and one property that did not qualify for operating lease treatment for other reasons. Accordingly, we recorded the leased assets at these properties at an amount equal to HPT's recorded initial carrying amounts, which were equal to their fair values, and recognized an equal amount of liability that is presented as sale-leaseback financing obligation in our consolidated balance sheets. In addition, sales to HPT of improvements at these properties are accounted for as sale-leaseback financing transactions and these liabilities are increased by the amount of proceeds we receive from HPT. We recognize a portion of the total rent payments to HPT related to these assets as a reduction of the sale-leaseback financing obligation and a portion as interest expense in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. We determined the allocation of these rent payments to the liability and to interest expense using the effective interest method. The amounts allocated to interest expense during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, were $5,887, $7,400 and $7,330, respectively.
		During 2012, the subleases at four of these properties were terminated and we began operating these properties directly. The termination of these subleases qualified the properties for sale-leaseback accounting, at which time we reduced our property and equipment balance by $22,229 and our sale-leaseback financing obligation balance by $24,646, resulting in a deferred gain of $2,417. In October 2013, the sublease at another one of these properties was terminated and we began to operate that property, qualifying it for sale-leaseback accounting, at which time we reduced our property and equipment balance by $2,030 and our sale-leaseback financing obligation balance by $2,463, resulting in a deferred gain of $433. See note (3) below for further discussion regarding the deferred gains.
	-2	Straight Line Rent Accrual. The TA Lease included scheduled rent increases over the first six years of the lease term, as do certain of the leases for properties we sublease from HPT, the rent for which we pay directly to HPT's landlords. Also, under our leases with HPT, we are obligated to pay to HPT at lease expiration an amount equal to an estimate, calculated in accordance with GAAP, of the cost of removing the underground storage tanks. We recognize the effects of scheduled rent increases and the future payment to HPT for the estimated cost of removing underground storage tanks in real estate rent expense over the lease terms on a straight line basis, with offsetting entries to this accrual balance.
	-3	Deferred Gain on Sale-Leaseback Transactions. This gain arose from our 2012 and 2013 terminations of subleases to franchisees for five properties we lease from HPT, which qualified these properties for sale-leaseback accounting and required us to remove the related assets and liabilities from our consolidated balance sheets, as further described in note (1) above, and from the sales to HPT of certain assets at the five properties we lease from HPT that we continue to sublease to franchisees. The gain from the sale portion of a sale-leaseback transaction is deferred and amortized into our real estate rent expense on a straight line basis over the then remaining term of the lease.
	-4	Deferred Tenant Improvements Allowance. HPT committed to fund up to $125,000 of capital projects at the properties we lease under the TA Lease without an increase in rent payable by us, which amount HPT had fully funded by September 30, 2010, net of discounting to reflect our accelerated receipt of those funds. In connection with this commitment, we recognized a liability for the rent deemed to be related to this tenant improvements allowance. This deferred tenant improvements allowance was initially recorded at an amount equal to the leasehold improvements receivable we recognized for the discounted value of the then expected future amounts to be received from HPT, based upon our then expected timing of receipt of those payments. We amortize the deferred tenant improvements allowance on a straight line basis over the term of the TA Lease as a reduction of real estate rent expense.
	-5	Deferred Rent Obligation. Pursuant to a rent deferral agreement with HPT, through December 31, 2010, we deferred a total of $150,000 of rent payable to HPT. The deferred rent obligation is payable in two installments, $107,085 in December 2022 and $42,915 in June 2024. This obligation does not bear interest, unless certain events of default or other events occur, including a change of control of us.

Accounts_Receivable_Tables

Accounts Receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in, and balances of the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
		Balance at		Amounts			Amounts			Balance at
		Beginning		Charged/			Charged Off,			End of
		of Period		(Credited)			Net of			Period
				To Expense			Recoveries
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Deducted from accounts receivable for doubtful accounts	$	1,304	$	417		$	(409	)	$	1,312
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Deducted from accounts receivable for doubtful accounts	$	1,516	$	(274	)	$	62		$	1,304
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Deducted from accounts receivable for doubtful accounts	$	1,679	$	349		$	(512	)	$	1,516

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventories
Schedule of inventories
		2014		2013
	Nonfuel products	$	146,370	$	150,600
	Fuel products		26,380		48,601
	Total inventories	$	172,750	$	199,201

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D1

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)
Summary of unaudited quarterly results of operations
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
		Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter
	Total revenues	$	1,967,309		$	2,076,109		$	2,009,217		$	1,725,998
	Gross profit (excluding depreciation)		301,564			325,093			332,136			360,020
	Income from operations		4,865			26,939			25,324			56,512
	Provision for income taxes		(276	)		(9,673	)		(9,442	)		(18,632	)
	Net income		197			13,634			12,796			34,342
	Net income per share:
	Basic and diluted		0.01			0.36			0.34			0.91
	Comprehensive income		24			13,825			12,538			34,184
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
		Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter
	Total revenues	$	1,957,351		$	2,018,754		$	2,062,096		$	1,906,530
	Gross profit (excluding depreciation)		263,807			301,228			307,141			280,651
	Income (loss) from operations		(8,460	)		19,971			20,938			(11,259	)
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes		(170	)		(382	)		(1,074	)		28,244
	Net income (loss)		(12,139	)		15,984			15,803			11,975
	Net income (loss) per share:
	Basic and diluted		(0.41	)		0.54			0.53			0.39
	Comprehensive income (loss)		(12,273	)		15,712			15,933			11,787

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	item	item
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of operating segments	1
Number of reportable segments	1
Minimum
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Ownership interest (as a percent)	20.00%
Maximum
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Ownership interest (as a percent)	50.00%
HPT
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of sites under leases	184
Franchisee subleased sites
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of locations	5	5
Travel centers
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of locations	250
Number of states in which the entity operates	43
Number of locations owned	37
Number of sites under leases	188
Travel centers | Minimum
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Area of property	25
Travel centers | HPT
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of sites under leases	183
Travel centers | Franchised sites
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of locations owned and operated	25
Travel centers | Franchisee subleased sites | HPT
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of locations	5
Gasoline stations/convenience stores
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of locations	34
Number of states in which the entity operates	4
Number of locations owned	27
Number of sites under leases	5
Number of fueling stations	10
Area of property	5,000
Number of properties operated under joint venture	2
Gasoline stations/convenience stores | HPT
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of sites under leases	1
Travel Centers of America brand | Travel centers
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of locations	174
Travel Centers of America brand | Travel centers | Company operated sites
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of locations	158
Travel Centers of America brand | Travel centers | Franchisee operated sites
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of locations	16
Petro Stopping Center brand | Travel centers
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of locations	76
Petro Stopping Center brand | Travel centers | Company operated sites
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of locations	62
Petro Stopping Center brand | Travel centers | Franchisee operated sites
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of locations	14

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	item
Segment Reporting
Number of operating segments	1
Other current assets
Supplier deposits	$29,705	$29,443
Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset retirement obligation	$2,392	$2,156
Minimum
Share Based Employee Compensation
Vesting period of shares issued to other than directors	5 years
Maximum
Share Based Employee Compensation
Vesting period of shares issued to other than directors	10 years
HPT
Summary of significant accounting policies
Number of sites under leases	184
HPT | TA Lease
Summary of significant accounting policies
Number of sites under leases	144
HPT | Petro Lease
Summary of significant accounting policies
Number of sites under leases	40
Buildings and site improvements | Minimum
Property and Equipment
Estimated useful lives	15 years
Buildings and site improvements | Maximum
Property and Equipment
Estimated useful lives	40 years
Machinery and equipment | Minimum
Property and Equipment
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Machinery and equipment | Maximum
Property and Equipment
Estimated useful lives	15 years
Furniture and fixtures | Minimum
Property and Equipment
Estimated useful lives	5 years
Furniture and fixtures | Maximum
Property and Equipment
Estimated useful lives	10 years

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share
Dilutive securities outstanding									0
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share
Net income, as reported	$34,342	$12,796	$13,634	$197	$11,975	$15,803	$15,984	($12,139)	$60,969	$31,623	$32,198
Less: net income attributable to participating securities									2,986	1,957	1,851
Net income available to common shareholders									$57,983	$29,666	$30,347
Weighted average common shares									35,856,398	28,081,790	27,193,889
Basic and diluted net income per share	$0.91	$0.34	$0.36	$0.01	$0.39	$0.53	$0.54	($0.41)	$1.62	$1.06	$1.12
Number of unvested participating shares									1,846,469	1,852,548	1,658,718

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 16, 2013
				item
Summary of the amounts assigned, based on their fair values, to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the business combinations
Inventories	$1,196
Property and equipment	20,572
Goodwill	7,331
Other noncurrent assets	17
Other liabilities	-421
Total purchase price	28,695
Acquisition costs	-1,160	-2,523	-785
Minit Mart brand
Acquisitions
Number of sites under leases		4
Thirty one gasoline stations/convenience stores
Summary of the amounts assigned, based on their fair values, to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the business combinations
Number of gasoline stations/convenience stores				31
Purchase price paid				65,356
Ten travel centers
Acquisitions
Number of travel center properties acquired		9	10
Number of travel centers formerly operated by franchisees		1
Number of transactions in which travel centers acquired were accounted as business combinations			6
Summary of the amounts assigned, based on their fair values, to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the business combinations
Purchase price paid		46,160	52,070
Four travel centers
Acquisitions
Number of travel center properties acquired	4
Number of travel centers formerly operated by franchisees			4
Number of transactions in which travel centers acquired were accounted as business combinations			2
Summary of the amounts assigned, based on their fair values, to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the business combinations
Purchase price paid	28,695
Two travel centers, twenty-six gasoline stations/convenience stores and a QSR
Summary of the amounts assigned, based on their fair values, to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the business combinations
Purchase price per agreement	41,422
A travel center and twenty-six gasoline stations/convenience stores
Summary of the amounts assigned, based on their fair values, to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the business combinations
Purchase price paid	38,622
A parcel vacant of land, a travel center formerly leased and nineteen gasoline stations/convenience stores | Subsequent event
Summary of the amounts assigned, based on their fair values, to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the business combinations
Purchase price per agreement	36,250
Number of transactions	3
A parcel vacant of land and a travel center formerly leased | Subsequent event
Summary of the amounts assigned, based on their fair values, to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the business combinations
Purchase price paid	$8,500
Travel centers
Acquisitions
Number of sites under leases	188
Travel centers | Two travel centers, twenty-six gasoline stations/convenience stores and a QSR
Summary of the amounts assigned, based on their fair values, to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the business combinations
Number of property to be acquired under the agreement	2
Gasoline stations/convenience stores
Acquisitions
Number of sites under leases	5
Gasoline stations/convenience stores | Two travel centers, twenty-six gasoline stations/convenience stores and a QSR
Summary of the amounts assigned, based on their fair values, to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the business combinations
Number of property to be acquired under the agreement	26
Gasoline stations/convenience stores | Two travel centers, twenty-six gasoline stations/convenience stores and a QSR | Subsequent event
Acquisitions
Number of travel center properties acquired	26
Gasoline stations/convenience stores | A parcel vacant of land, a travel center formerly leased and nineteen gasoline stations/convenience stores | Subsequent event
Summary of the amounts assigned, based on their fair values, to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the business combinations
Number of property to be acquired under the agreement	19

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	$1,084,187	$960,183
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	318,359	255,317
Property and equipment, net	765,828	704,866
Depreciation expense	63,880	57,456	46,888
Impairment charges		659	351
HPT
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	210,865	210,113
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	75,063	64,144
Property and equipment, net	135,802	145,969
Land and improvements
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	243,499	225,698
Land and improvements | HPT
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	61,809	60,908
Buildings and site improvements
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	220,013	194,764
Buildings and site improvements | HPT
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	27,812	27,498
Machinery, equipment and furniture
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	298,232	250,295
Machinery, equipment and furniture | HPT
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	6,155	5,972
Leasehold improvements
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	221,027	201,065
Leasehold improvements | HPT
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	115,089	115,735
Construction in progress
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	101,416	88,361
Completed improvement projects | HPT
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, net	$32,571

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill and intangible assets
Total amortizable intangible assets, Cost	$24,492	$24,492
Total amortizable intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	-13,919	-12,366
Total amortizable intangible assets, Net	10,573	12,126
Carrying value of trademarks (indefinite lived)	11,706	11,706
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill), Total	36,198	36,198
Total intangible assets, Net	22,279	23,832
Goodwill	32,271	24,940	1,690
Total goodwill and intangible assets, Cost	68,469	61,138
Total goodwill and intangible assets, Net	54,550	48,772
Amortization expense	1,491	1,325	3,606
Weighted average amortization period	8 years
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes	16,151
Changes in goodwill
Balance at beginning of period	24,940	1,690
Add: Goodwill from business combinations	7,331	23,250
Balance at end of period	32,271	24,940	1,690
Estimated aggregate amortization expense
2015	1,504
2016	1,494
2017	1,409
2018	1,324
2019	1,267
Maximum Measurement Period from Acquisition on date which Impact Value of Goodwill	1 year
Agreements with franchisees
Goodwill and intangible assets
Total amortizable intangible assets, Cost	16,189	16,189
Total amortizable intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	-8,041	-7,044
Total amortizable intangible assets, Net	8,148	9,145
Leasehold interests
Goodwill and intangible assets
Total amortizable intangible assets, Cost	2,267	2,267
Total amortizable intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	-2,158	-2,097
Total amortizable intangible assets, Net	109	170
Agreements with franchisors
Goodwill and intangible assets
Total amortizable intangible assets, Cost	2,836	2,836
Total amortizable intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	-520	-25
Total amortizable intangible assets, Net	2,316	2,811
Other
Goodwill and intangible assets
Total amortizable intangible assets, Cost	3,200	3,200
Total amortizable intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	($3,200)	($3,200)

Other_Current_Liabilities_Deta

Other Current Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Current Liabilities
Taxes payable, other than income taxes	$38,554	$34,096
Accrued wages and benefits	13,472	14,529
Self insurance program accruals, current portion	17,439	15,534
Loyalty program accruals	14,560	16,700
Other	28,392	43,174
Total other current liabilities	$112,417	$124,033

Long_Term_Debt_Details

Long Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013	Dec. 16, 2014
Senior Notes
Long term debt	$230,000	$110,000
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization	10,930	5,594
Accumulated amortization	664	1,083
Future amortization of deferred financing fees in 2015	924
Future amortization of deferred financing fees in 2016	924
Future amortization of deferred financing fees in 2017	924
Future amortization of deferred financing fees in 2018	924
Future amortization of deferred financing fees in 2019	924
Interest expense from the amortization of deferred financing fees	703	667	352
Expense recognized to write off deferred financing fees	96
Senior Notes
Senior Notes
Long term debt	230,000	110,000
8.25% Senior Notes Member
Senior Notes
Long term debt	110,000	110,000
Aggregate principal amount issued				110,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	8.25%	8.25%		8.25%
Redemption price of debt instrument (as a percent)	100.00%
Fair value of debt instrument	114,180
Deferred Financing Costs
Capitalized costs related to entering the credit facility		4,915
8.00% Senior Notes Member
Senior Notes
Long term debt	120,000
Aggregate principal amount issued					120,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	8.00%				8.00%
Redemption price of debt instrument (as a percent)	100.00%
Fair value of debt instrument	120,240
Deferred Financing Costs
Capitalized costs related to entering the credit facility	5,552
Credit facility
Revolving Credit Facility
Fee on outstanding commitments (as a percent)	1.50%
Fee on unused commitments (as a percent)	0.38%
Deferred Financing Costs
Capitalized costs related to entering the credit facility	583
Credit facility
Revolving Credit Facility
Maximum borrowing capacity	200,000
Increase in maximum borrowing capacity subject to available collateral and lender participation	300,000
Principal payments due until maturity	0
Amount available for borrowings and letters of credit	96,806
Outstanding amount of borrowings	0
Outstanding amount of letters of credit	$41,900
Credit facility | LIBOR
Revolving Credit Facility
Variable rate basis	LIBOR
Credit facility | Base rate
Revolving Credit Facility
Variable rate basis	base rate

Leasing_Transactions_Details

Leasing Transactions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Future minimum lease payments
2015	$239,447
2016	236,827
2017	234,762
2018	231,798
2019	228,105
Thereafter	951,900
Total	2,122,839
Rent expense under operating leases
Minimum rent	212,711	205,413	195,964
Sublease rent	8,932	8,697	8,736
Contingent rent	3,671	2,540	1,710
Total rent expense	$225,314	$216,650	$206,410
HPT
Leasing Transactions - As a lessee
Number of leases	2
Additional disclosures
Number of properties under lease	184

Leasing_Transactions_Details_2

Leasing Transactions (Details 2) (Franchisee subleased sites, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	item	item	item
Franchisee subleased sites
Leasing Transactions - As a lessor
Number of travel centers	5	5
Number of travel centers acquired that were formerly operated by franchisees		1	4
Number of subleases that have one remaining renewal option	4
Number of remaining renewal options available	1
Term of renewal options	5 years
Rent revenue from operating leases	$4,365	$4,869	$5,724
Future minimum lease payments due to the entity for subleased sites under operating leases
2015	4,458
2016	4,458
2017	2,499
Total	$11,415

Shareholders_Equity_Details

Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Shareholders' Equity
Common shares issued in a public offering	7,475,000
Proceeds from issuance of common shares, net of underwriters' discounts and commissions and other costs of the offering	$65,102	($14)	$65,102
Shareholders' Equity
Number of common shares authorized under the plan		6,000,000
Number of common shares awarded under the plan		803,250	619,075	767,925
Market value of common shares awarded (in dollars)		7,766	6,626	3,377
Total share based compensation expense recognized (in dollars)		5,105	4,183	2,470
Fair value (in dollars)		6,233	6,454	2,554
Weighted average grant date fair value of common shares (in dollars per share)		$9.67	$10.70	$4.40
Common shares that remained available for issuance		732,780
Total share based compensation related to unvested shares (in dollars)		13,900
Weighted average remaining service period over which share based compensation related to unvested shares will be expensed		5 years 4 months 24 days
Aggregate amount repurchased shares		89,528
Aggregate amount repurchased		$928
Number Of Shares
Unvested shares balance at the beginning of the period		1,842,425
Granted (in shares)		803,250	619,075	767,925
Vested (in shares)		-654,250
Forfeited/canceled (in shares)		-2,730
Unvested shares balance at the end of the period	1,842,425	1,988,695	1,842,425
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Unvested shares balance at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)		$6.08
Granted (in dollars per share)		$9.67	$10.70	$4.40
Vested (in dollars per share)		$6.63
Forfeited/canceled (in dollars per share)		$7.06
Unvested shares balance at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$6.08	$7.34	$6.08
Minimum
Shareholders' Equity
Vesting period		5 years
Maximum
Shareholders' Equity
Vesting period		10 years

Shareholders_Equity_Details_2

Shareholders' Equity (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Balance at the beginning of the period	$834	$1,299	$1,134
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	-400	-415	143
Equity interest in investee's unrealized gain (loss) on investments	1	-50	22
Balance at the end of the period	435	834	1,299
Foreign currency translation adjustment, taxes	-198	-133	55
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Balance at the beginning of the period	785	1,200	1,057
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	-400	-415	143
Balance at the end of the period	385	785	1,200
Equity interest in investee's unrealized gain (loss) on investments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Balance at the beginning of the period	49	99	77
Equity interest in investee's unrealized gain (loss) on investments	1	-50	22
Balance at the end of the period	$50	$49	$99

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes
Total tax provision (benefit)	$18,632	$9,442	$9,673	$276	($28,244)	$1,074	$382	$170	$38,023	($26,618)	$1,491
Benefit from reversal of valuation allowance					29,853					-29,853
State taxes based on operating income									$1,196	$822	$850
Difference between income tax provision and income tax provision (benefit) at the U.S. Federal statutory income tax rate
U.S. Federal statutory income tax rate (as a percent)									35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net									4.13%	18.74%	5.39%
Nondeductible expenses									1.39%	32.82%	4.64%
Benefit of tax credits									-2.20%	-21.99%	-17.84%
Taxes on foreign income at different than U.S. rate									0.25%	0.38%	0.37%
Change in valuation allowance										-596.38%	-24.76%
Other-net									-0.35%	-0.32%	1.63%
Total tax provision (benefit)									38.22%	-531.75%	4.43%

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current tax provision:
Federal									$23,037	$1,946
State									1,196	822	850
Total current tax provision									24,233	2,768	850
Deferred tax provision (benefit):
Federal									10,880	-22,312	587
State									2,910	-7,074	54
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total									13,790	-29,386	641
Total tax provision (benefit)	18,632	9,442	9,673	276	-28,244	1,074	382	170	38,023	-26,618	1,491
Tax credit carryforwards to offset future federal income tax	10,967								10,967
Valuation allowance	955								955
Current deferred tax assets:
Reserves	16,582				21,498				16,582	21,498
Deferred tenant improvements allowance	2,633				2,614				2,633	2,614
Straight line rent accrual	984				920				984	920
Tax loss carryforwards	1,542				2,403				1,542	2,403
Other	638				3,320				638	3,320
Total current deferred tax asset before valuation allowance	22,379				30,755				22,379	30,755
Valuation allowance	-22				-39				-22	-39
Total current deferred tax assets	22,357				30,716				22,357	30,716
Noncurrent deferred tax assets:
Straight line rent accrual	13,341				21,549				13,341	21,549
Reserves	7,646				7,092				7,646	7,092
Sale-leaseback financing obligation	34,331				33,538				34,331	33,538
Asset retirement obligation	7,263				673				7,263	673
Tax loss carryforwards	3,681				5,801				3,681	5,801
Deferred tenant improvements allowance	18,430				20,911				18,430	20,911
Other	3,200				844				3,200	844
Total noncurrent deferred tax asset before valuation allowance	87,892				90,408				87,892	90,408
Valuation allowance	-933				-918				-933	-918
Total noncurrent deferred tax assets	86,959				89,490				86,959	89,490
Total deferred tax assets	109,316				120,206				109,316	120,206
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciable assets	-104,243				-102,008				-104,243	-102,008
Intangible assets	-5,047				-4,730				-5,047	-4,730
Other	-1,484				-1,262				-1,484	-1,262
Total	-110,774				-108,000				-110,774	-108,000
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	-1,458				12,206				-1,458	12,206
Deferred tax amounts are included in:
Other current assets	22,357				30,716				22,357	30,716
Other noncurrent liabilities	23,815				18,510				23,815	18,510
U.S. Federal
Deferred tax provision (benefit):
Net operating loss carryforwards	71,643								71,643
State corporate
Deferred tax provision (benefit):
Net operating loss carryforwards	$67,349								$67,349

Income_Taxes_Details_3

Income Taxes (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Movement in valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
Balance at Beginning of Year	$957	$30,835	$39,176
Additions/ (Reversals) Recorded in the Provision for Income Taxes		-29,853	-8,341
Other Changes	-2	-25
Balance at End of Year	$955	$957	$30,835

Income_Taxes_Details_4

Income Taxes (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014
Activity related to unrecognized tax benefits
Balance at beginning of period	$60,138	$57,448	$59,557
Reductions to current year tax positions	502	471
Additions (reductions) to prior year tax positions	-79	3,161
Balance at end of period	59,557	60,138	59,557
Uncertain tax benefits if settled, would favorably impact on the effective tax rate	57,228	57,280	57,228
Unrecognized tax benefits classified as a reduction to our deferred tax assets	57,721		34,675
Unrecognized tax benefits classified as noncurrent liability	$1,836		$24,882

Equity_Investments_Details

Equity Investments (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity Investments
Income recognized related to equity investments		$3,224	$2,674	$1,877
Purchase price of shares		825
AIC
Equity Investments
Ownership interest (as a percent)		14.30%
Carrying value of investment		6,828	5,913
Income recognized related to equity investments		89	334	316
Common shares purchased	2,857
Purchase price of shares	825
PTP
Equity Investments
Ownership interest (as a percent)		40.00%
Carrying value of investment		20,807	17,672
Income recognized related to equity investments		3,135	2,340	1,561
Number of travel centers operated		2
Number of gasoline stations/convenience stores operated		2
Debt balance for which locations owned by equity investee are encumbered		$16,602

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	24 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 12, 2015	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 06, 2014	Jul. 01, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Dec. 23, 2013	9-May-14	Jun. 30, 2014	Apr. 15, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 13, 2013	Sep. 30, 2010	Nov. 30, 2014
	director					item				property				property	item
Related Party
Minimum rent	$212,711	$205,413	$195,964
Number of managing directors who are employee of RMR	1
Summary of details amounts related to the HPT Leases and other leases that are reflected in real estate rent expense in condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income
Less sale-leaseback financing obligation amortization	-2,380	-1,644	-2,089
Rent paid to others	10,786	10,206	9,915
Adjustments to recognize expense on a straight line basis for other leases	-270	29	325
Total real estate rent expense	217,155	209,320	198,927
Current HPT Leases liabilities:
Total Current HPT Leases liabilities	31,637	29,935				29,935
Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities:
Total Noncurrent HPT Lease liabilities	332,934	343,926				343,926
Other related party transactions
Awards granted (in shares)	803,250	619,075	767,925
Aggregate value of awards granted during the period	7,766	6,626	3,377
Income recognized related to equity investments	3,224	2,674	1,877
Purchase price of shares	825
Distributions from equity investee			4,800
Maximum
Other related party transactions
Vesting period of shares issued to other than directors	10 years
Ownership interest (as a percent)	50.00%
Business management and shared services
Other related party transactions
Period before which written notice is required to be given for termination of business management agreement				60 days
Business management and shared services | RMR
Other related party transactions
Period before which written notice is required to be given for termination of business management agreement				120 days
HPT
Related Party
Number of common shares owned	3,420,000
Percentage of outstanding common shares owned	8.90%
Number of leases	2
Number of properties under lease	184
Rate of increase in annual amount (as a percent)	8.50%
Rate of increase in annual amount, basis	U.S. Treasury interest rate
Rate of increase in annual amount, basis spread (as a percent)	3.50%
Improvements sold	66,133	83,912	76,754
Increase to annual rent payable	5,621	7,133	6,524
Improvements included in property and equipment	32,571
Amounts of minimum lease payments required under the HPT Leases
Deferred Rent Payments	150,000	150,000			150,000	150,000
Estimated cost of removing underground storage tanks due on December 31, 2022	24,252
Estimated cost of removing underground storage tanks due on June 30, 2024	9,403
Amount by which monthly rent payment can be deferred					150,000
Period following the latest of the expiration of the lease terms during which the entity can be required to conduct registered public offering of common shares issued	12 months
Summary of details amounts related to the HPT Leases and other leases that are reflected in real estate rent expense in condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income
Cash payments for rent under the HPT Leases and interest on the deferred rent obligation	222,722	216,659	207,653
Change in accrued estimated percentage rent	959	327	-11
Adjustments to recognize expense on a straight line basis	-1,621	-1,734	-2,664
Less sale-leaseback financing obligation amortization	-2,380	-1,644	-2,089
Less portion of rent payments recognized as interest expense	-5,887	-7,400	-7,330
Less deferred tenant improvements allowance amortization	-6,769	-6,769	-6,769
Amortization of deferred gain on sale-leaseback transactions	-385	-354	-103
Rent expense related to HPT Leases	206,639	199,085	188,687
Current HPT Leases liabilities:
Accrued rent	19,407	18,041				18,041
Current portion of sale-leaseback financing obligation	2,547	2,358				2,358
Current portion of straight line rent accrual	2,529	2,382				2,382
Current portion of deferred gain on sale-leaseback transactions	385	385				385
Current portion of deferred tenant improvements allowance	6,769	6,769				6,769
Total Current HPT Leases liabilities	31,637	29,935				29,935
Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities:
Deferred rent obligation	150,000	150,000			150,000	150,000
Sale-leaseback financing obligation	82,591	83,762				83,762
Straight line rent accrual	50,234	52,901				52,901
Deferred gain on sale-leaseback transactions	2,732	3,117				3,117
Deferred tenant improvements allowance	47,377	54,146				54,146
Total Noncurrent HPT Lease liabilities	332,934	343,926				343,926
Other related party transactions
Less portion of rent payments recognized as interest expense	-5,887	-7,400	-7,330
Number of real estate properties for which subleases were terminated						5
HPT | 2015
Amounts of minimum lease payments required under the HPT Leases
Minimum rent payment	219,570
Rent for Ground Leases Acquired by HPT	5,282
Total Minimum Lease Payments Due to HPT	224,852
Rent for Ground Leases Subleased from HPT	8,459
HPT | 2016
Amounts of minimum lease payments required under the HPT Leases
Minimum rent payment	219,570
Rent for Ground Leases Acquired by HPT	5,333
Total Minimum Lease Payments Due to HPT	224,903
Rent for Ground Leases Subleased from HPT	6,580
HPT | 2017
Amounts of minimum lease payments required under the HPT Leases
Minimum rent payment	219,570
Rent for Ground Leases Acquired by HPT	5,396
Total Minimum Lease Payments Due to HPT	224,966
Rent for Ground Leases Subleased from HPT	5,733
HPT | 2018
Amounts of minimum lease payments required under the HPT Leases
Minimum rent payment	219,570
Rent for Ground Leases Acquired by HPT	5,265
Total Minimum Lease Payments Due to HPT	224,835
Rent for Ground Leases Subleased from HPT	5,135
HPT | 2019
Amounts of minimum lease payments required under the HPT Leases
Minimum rent payment	219,570
Rent for Ground Leases Acquired by HPT	4,638
Total Minimum Lease Payments Due to HPT	224,208
Rent for Ground Leases Subleased from HPT	3,217
HPT | 2020
Amounts of minimum lease payments required under the HPT Leases
Minimum rent payment	219,570
Rent for Ground Leases Acquired by HPT	2,537
Total Minimum Lease Payments Due to HPT	222,107
Rent for Ground Leases Subleased from HPT	2,507
HPT | 2021
Amounts of minimum lease payments required under the HPT Leases
Minimum rent payment	219,570
Rent for Ground Leases Acquired by HPT	1,577
Total Minimum Lease Payments Due to HPT	221,147
Rent for Ground Leases Subleased from HPT	2,274
HPT | 2022
Amounts of minimum lease payments required under the HPT Leases
Minimum rent payment	351,175
Total Minimum Lease Payments Due to HPT	351,175
Rent for Ground Leases Subleased from HPT	1,560
HPT | 2023
Amounts of minimum lease payments required under the HPT Leases
Minimum rent payment	61,414
Total Minimum Lease Payments Due to HPT	61,414
Rent for Ground Leases Subleased from HPT	922
HPT | 2024
Amounts of minimum lease payments required under the HPT Leases
Minimum rent payment	83,018
Total Minimum Lease Payments Due to HPT	83,018
Rent for Ground Leases Subleased from HPT	694
HPT | Deferred rent obligation payable in December 2022
Amounts of minimum lease payments required under the HPT Leases
Deferred Rent Payments	107,085
Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities:
Deferred rent obligation	107,085
HPT | Deferred rent obligation payable in June 2024
Amounts of minimum lease payments required under the HPT Leases
Deferred Rent Payments	42,915
Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities:
Deferred rent obligation	42,915
HPT | TA Lease
Related Party
Number of properties under lease	144
Percentage of non-fuel revenue		3.00%				3.00%
Percentage of fuel revenue		0.30%				0.30%
Annual percentage rent recognized as an expense	2,984	2,050	1,465
Rate of increase in annual amount (as a percent)																8.50%
Amounts of minimum lease payments required under the HPT Leases
Minimum rent payment	163,438
Other related party transactions
Number of real estate properties leased to be recognized	13
Number of real estate properties not qualifying for operating lease treatment	1
Decrease in property and equipment on business acquisition			22,229							2,030
Decrease in sale-leaseback financing obligation on business acquisition			24,646							2,463
Gain on business acquisition			2,417							433
The term of scheduled rent increase from the initial lease term	6 years
Number of real estate properties for which subleases were terminated			4							1
Amount funded for leasehold improvements																	125,000
Operating lease rent previously paid to a third party								545
Increase to annual rent payable related to a lease amendment								537
Decrease to annual rent payable related to a lease agreement							525
Reduction of annual rent payable as a percentage of amount received by lessor by eminent domain proceedings or fair market value rent of property	8.50%
Proceeds from VDOT									6,178
HPT | TA Lease | Virginia
Amounts of minimum lease payments required under the HPT Leases
Rent for Ground Leases Subleased from HPT																		40
HPT | Petro Lease
Related Party
Number of properties under lease	40
Term of renewal option	15 years
Minimum rent	61,414
Percentage of non-fuel revenue		3.00%				3.00%
Percentage of fuel revenue		0.30%				0.30%
Percentage rent to be waived	2,500	2,500
Percentage rent waived	640
Cumulative percentage rent waived	1,006
Rate of increase in annual amount (as a percent)											8.50%
Other related party transactions
Increase to annual rent payable related to a lease amendment											105
HPT | Petro Lease | Maximum
Related Party
Number of renewal options available	2
AIC
Other related party transactions
Number of other companies which are shareholders of related party	4
Ownership interest (as a percent)	14.30%
Amount invested in equity investee	6,054
Equity method investments, carrying value	6,828	5,913				5,913
Income recognized related to equity investments	89	334	316
Period of property insurance program													1 year
Coverage of property insurance	500,000
Premiums paid under property insurance program		2,743	3,183										1,601
Common shares purchased												2,857
Purchase price of shares												825
PTP
Other related party transactions
Ownership interest (as a percent)	40.00%
Equity method investments, carrying value	20,807	17,672				17,672
Income recognized related to equity investments	3,135	2,340	1,561
Number of travel centers operated	2
Number of gasoline stations/convenience stores operated	2
Management and accounting fee income recognized	800	800	800
Net receivable	430
Net payable		1,147				1,147
Distributions from equity investee			4,800
Shell
Other related party transactions
Number of travel centers up to which a network of natural gas fueling lanes is agreed to be constructed by Shell														100
RMR
Amounts of minimum lease payments required under the HPT Leases
Number of independent directors, who are directors or trustees of the other public company	2
Other related party transactions
Business management fee as percentage of sum of gross fuel margin and total nonfuel revenues	0.60%
Business management fee	12,272	10,758	10,025
Pro rata share in cost of providing internal audit function	272	208	193
Period by which business management agreement get automatically renewed	1 year
Multiple in calculating termination fee				2.875
Period over which base management fee is determined as basis to calculate termination fee				24
Business Management Agreement, Termination, Transistion Period				120
Property management fees	141	143	132
Maximum percentage of any class of equity shares that can be acquired	9.80%
Period for directors' and officers' insurance coverage															2 years
Number of entities to who RMR manages															5
Aggregate coverage of combined directors' and officers' liability insurance policy purchased with the related party															10,000
Period for additional directors' and officers' insurance coverage															1 year
Combined directors' and officers' liability insurance policy purchased with related party aggregate excess layer coverage															20,000
Aggregate excess non-indemnifiable coverage of combined directors' and officers' liability insurance policy purchased with the related party															5,000
Premium payable for combined directors' and officers' liability insurance policy															351
RMR | Messrs. O'Brien and Rebholz and Young
Other related party transactions
Minimum percentage of business time devoted	80.00%	80.00%	80.00%
Percentage of total cash compensation paid	80.00%	80.00%	80.00%
RMR | Restricted shares
Other related party transactions
Awards granted (in shares)	62,550	48,950	59,725
Aggregate value of awards granted during the period	$610	$523	$260
Portion of the awards granted that vested on grant date	0.2
Portion of the awards granted which will vest on each of the next four anniversaries of the grant date	0.2
Vesting period of shares issued to other than directors	4 years

Contingencies_Details

Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Litigation by California State Water Resources Control Board
Commitments and contingencies
Settlement amount	$1,800
Suspended penalties amount	1,000
Maximum verified costs, prior to March 2018	2,000
Cash paid by the entity for settlement		1,800
Loss contingency, liability			1,623
Environmental Matters
Gross liability for environmental matters:
Total recorded liabilities			5,787
Less-expected recoveries of future expenditures, included in other noncurrent assets			-1,658
Net estimated environmental costs to be funded by future operating cash flows			4,129
Environmental Matters | Maximum
Commitments and contingencies
Loss contingency insurance limit for liabilities per incident			10,000
Loss contingency insurance limit for liabilities			$40,000

Accounts_Receivable_Details

Accounts Receivable (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Changes in, and balances of the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
Balance at Beginning of Period	$1,304	$1,516	$1,679
Amounts Charged/(Credited) To Expense	417	-274	349
Amounts Charged Off, Net of Recoveries	-409	62	-512
Balance at End of Period	$1,312	$1,304	$1,516

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories
Nonfuel products	$146,370	$150,600
Fuel products	26,380	48,601
Total inventories	$172,750	$199,201

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D2

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)
Total revenues	$1,725,998	$2,009,217	$2,076,109	$1,967,309	$1,906,530	$2,062,096	$2,018,754	$1,957,351	$7,778,633	$7,944,731	$7,995,724
Gross profit (excluding depreciation)	360,020	332,136	325,093	301,564	280,651	307,141	301,228	263,807
Income (loss) from operations	56,512	25,324	26,939	4,865	-11,259	20,938	19,971	-8,460	113,640	21,190	41,470
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	-18,632	-9,442	-9,673	-276	28,244	-1,074	-382	-170	-38,023	26,618	-1,491
Net income	34,342	12,796	13,634	197	11,975	15,803	15,984	-12,139	60,969	31,623	32,198
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.91	$0.34	$0.36	$0.01	$0.39	$0.53	$0.54	($0.41)	$1.62	$1.06	$1.12
Comprehensive income (loss)	34,184	12,538	13,825	24	11,787	15,933	15,712	-12,273	60,570	31,158	32,363
Benefit related to reinstatement of biodiesel and renewable energy fuel tax credits	6,898
Charge related to a litigation settlement					10,000
Reversal of valuation allowance for deferred tax assets					29,853					-29,853
Charge to correct for certain immaterial misstatements					$2,435