| Cover | May 21, 2020 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | May 21, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 001-33274 |
| Entity Registrant Name | TravelCenters of America Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001378453 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 20-5701514 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MD |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 24601 Center Ridge Road |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Westlake |
| Entity Address, State or Province | OH |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 44145-5639 |
| City Area Code | 440 |
| Local Phone Number | 808-9100 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Shares of Common Stock, $0.001 Par Value Per Share |
| Trading Symbol | TA |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| 8.25% Senior Notes due 2028 | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 8.25% Senior Notes due 2028 |
| Trading Symbol | TANNI |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| 8.00% Senior Notes due 2029 | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 8.00% Senior Notes due 2029 |
| Trading Symbol | TANNL |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| 8.00% Senior Notes due 2030 | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 8.00% Senior Notes due 2030 |
| Trading Symbol | TANNZ |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
