TravelCenters of America (TA) 10-Q 9 May 16 2016 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	May. 06, 2016
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	TRAVELCENTERS OF AMERICA LLC
Entity Central Index Key	1,378,453
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		38,798,664
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 129,604	$ 172,087
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $761 and $850 as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively)	108,859	91,580
Inventory	184,803	183,492
Other current assets	42,310	48,181
Total current assets	465,576	495,340
Property and equipment, net	1,030,026	989,606
Goodwill and intangible assets, net	110,743	105,977
Other noncurrent assets	31,625	30,618
Total assets	1,637,970	1,621,541
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	129,023	125,079
Current HPT Leases liabilities	37,465	37,030
Other current liabilities	164,420	133,513
Total current liabilities	330,908	295,622
Long term debt	316,696	316,447
Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities	382,000	385,498
Other noncurrent liabilities	67,696	74,655
Total liabilities	1,097,300	1,072,222
Shareholders' equity:
Common shares, no par value, 39,069 shares authorized as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, 38,799 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2016, and 38,808 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2015	683,268	682,219
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	6	(240)
Accumulated deficit	(142,604)	(132,660)
Total shareholders' equity	540,670	549,319
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 1,637,970	$ 1,621,541

Consolidated Balance Sheets (U3

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 761	$ 850
Common shares, shares authorized (in shares)	39,069	39,069
Common shares, shares issued (in shares)	38,799	38,808
Common shares, shares outstanding	38,799	38,808

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Revenues:
Fuel	$ 709,528	$ 1,003,167
Nonfuel	450,646	401,510
Rent and royalties from franchisees	4,276	3,024
Total revenues	1,164,450	1,407,701
Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation):
Fuel	617,827	890,780
Nonfuel	206,331	178,422
Total cost of goods sold	824,158	1,069,202
Operating expenses:
Site level operating	234,050	205,584
Selling, general and administrative	30,966	27,616
Real estate rent	63,529	55,604
Depreciation and amortization	20,525	17,525
Total operating expenses	349,070	306,329
(Loss) income from operations	(8,778)	32,170
Acquisition costs	969	414
Interest expense, net	6,821	6,332
Income from equity investees	947	791
(Loss) income before income taxes	(15,621)	26,215
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	5,677	(10,486)
Net (loss) income	(9,944)	15,729
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency gain (loss), net of taxes of $121 and $(194), respectively	194	(346)
Equity interest in investee’s unrealized gain on investments	52	45
Other comprehensive income (loss)	246	(301)
Comprehensive (loss) income	$ (9,698)	$ 15,428
Net (loss) income per common share:
Basic and diluted (in usd per share)	$ (0.26)	$ 0.41

Consolidated Statements of Inc5

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Foreign currency gain (loss), tax	$ 121	$ (194)

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income	$ (9,944)	$ 15,729
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Noncash rent expense	(3,346)	(2,336)
Depreciation and amortization expense	20,525	17,525
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision	(4,121)	35
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of business acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	(17,061)	(23,567)
Inventory	1,314	3,723
Other assets	6,859	2,521
Accounts payable and other liabilities	16,998	42,702
Other, net	246	601
Net cash provided by operating activities	11,470	56,933
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from asset sales	37,761	19,714
Capital expenditures	(56,479)	(40,864)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(35,123)	(41,736)
Net cash used in investing activities	(53,841)	(62,886)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from sale leaseback transactions with HPT	50	491
Sale leaseback financing obligation payments	(118)	(636)
Other, net	(74)	7
Net cash used in financing activities	(142)	(138)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	30	(33)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(42,483)	(6,124)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	172,087	224,275
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	129,604	218,151
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid (including rent classified as interest and net of capitalized interest)	6,971	5,764
Income taxes (received) paid	$ (420)	$ 123

Basis of Presentation, Business

Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Organization	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Organization	Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Organization TravelCenters of America LLC, which we refer to as the Company or we, us and our, is a Delaware limited liability company. As of March 31, 2016 , we operated and franchised 483 travel center and convenience store locations. Our customers include trucking fleets and their drivers, independent truck drivers and highway and local motorists. We offer a broad range of products and services, including diesel fuel and gasoline, as well as nonfuel products and services such as truck repair and maintenance services, full service restaurants, quick service restaurants, travel/convenience stores and various customer amenities. We also collect rents, royalties and other fees from our tenants, franchisees and dealers. We manage our business on the basis of two reportable segments: travel centers and convenience stores. See Note 7 for more information about our segments. We have a single travel center located in a foreign country, Canada, that we do not consider material to our operations. As of March 31, 2016 , our business included 255 travel centers 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 178 operated under the "TravelCenters of America" and "TA" brand names, or the TA brand, and 77 operated under the "Petro Stopping Centers" and "Petro" brand names, or the Petro brand. Of our 255 travel centers at March 31, 2016 , we owned 33 , we leased 195 , including 193 that we leased from Hospitality Properties Trust, or HPT, we operated two for a joint venture and our franchisees owned or leased from others 25 . We operated 225 of our travel centers and franchisees operated 30 travel centers, including five we leased to franchisees. Substantially all of our travel centers include a convenience store, at least one restaurant, a truck service/repair facility and fueling lanes for trucks and passenger vehicles. We report this portion of our business as our travel center segment. As of March 31, 2016 , our business also included 228 convenience stores not located on a travel center property in 11 , primarily Midwestern, states of the U.S. We operate our convenience stores primarily under the "Minit Mart" brand name, or the Minit Mart brand. Of these 228 convenience stores at March 31, 2016 , we owned 194 and we leased 31 , including one that we leased from HPT, and we operated three for a joint venture in which we own a noncontrolling interest. We report this portion of our business as our convenience store segment. The accompanying consolidated financial statements are unaudited. These unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, applicable for interim financial statements. The disclosures presented do not include all the information necessary for complete financial statements in accordance with GAAP. These unaudited interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 , or our Annual Report. In the opinion of our management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. While our revenues are modestly seasonal, the quarterly variations in our operating results may reflect greater seasonal differences because our rent expense and certain other costs do not vary seasonally. For this and other reasons, our operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year. Fair Value Measurement We refer to our $110,000 of 8.25% Senior Notes due 2028, our $120,000 of 8.00% Senior Notes due 2029, and our $100,000 of 8.00% Senior Notes due 2030 collectively as our Senior Notes, which are our senior unsecured obligations. These amounts of Senior Notes outstanding have been presented on our consolidated balance sheets as long term debt net of debt issuance costs totaling $13,304 and $13,553 as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. We estimate that, based on their trading prices (a Level 1 input), the aggregate fair value of our Senior Notes on March 31, 2016 , was $324,088 . Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or the FASB, issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which establishes a comprehensive revenue recognition standard under GAAP for virtually all industries. The new standard will apply for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods therein. We have not yet determined the effects, if any, the adoption of this update may have on our consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs , which requires debt issuance costs to be presented on the balance sheet as a reduction of the associated debt liability. In August 2015, the FASB clarified the previous Accounting Standards Update and issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-15, Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Lines of Credit Arrangements- Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcements on June 18, 2015 EITF Meeting , which addresses the presentation of debt issuance costs related to line of credit arrangements. These updates are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and require retrospective application. We adopted this standard during the current reporting period and applied it to all periods presented. Adoption of this standard resulted in the reclassification of debt issuance costs from other noncurrent assets to long term debt in our consolidated balance sheets. Debt issuance costs related to our line of credit arrangements remain classified as other noncurrent assets. In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases , which establishes a comprehensive lease standard under GAAP for virtually all industries. The new standard requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase of the leased asset by the lessee. This classification will determine whether the lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight line basis over the term of the lease. A lessee is also required to record a right of use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for similar to existing guidance for operating leases. The new standard requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. The new standard will apply for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted. We have not yet determined the effects the adoption of this update may have on us; however, we believe the adoption of this update will have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheets due to the recognition of the lease rights and obligations as assets and liabilities. While the adoption will have no effect on the cash we pay, amounts within our statements of income and comprehensive income and our statements of cash flows are expected to change materially.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share Unvested shares issued under our share award plan are deemed participating securities because they participate equally in earnings with all of our other common shares. The following table presents a reconciliation from net (loss) income to net (loss) income available to common shareholders and the related earnings per share. Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Net (loss) income, as reported $ (9,944 ) $ 15,729 Less: net (loss) income attributable to participating securities (489 ) 794 Net (loss) income available to common shareholders $ (9,455 ) $ 14,935 Weighted average common shares (1) 36,891 36,403 Basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share $ (0.26 ) $ 0.41 (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 shares. The weighted average number of unvested shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , was 1,908 and 1,935 , respectively.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions During the three months ended March 31, 2016 , we acquired 24 convenience stores 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 date of acquisition. We have included the results of these acquired convenience stores in our consolidated financial statements from the dates of acquisition. The pro forma impact of these acquisitions, including the results of operations of the acquired convenience stores from the beginning of the periods presented, is not material to our consolidated financial statements. The following table summarizes the amounts we recorded for the assets we acquired and liabilities we assumed in the business combinations described above, along with resulting goodwill. We expect that all of the goodwill acquired to date will be deductible for tax purposes. Inventory $ 2,590 Property and equipment 28,779 Goodwill and intangibles 5,257 Other liabilities (1,503 ) Total aggregate purchase price $ 35,123 As of March 31, 2016 , we had entered agreements to acquire five convenience stores for an aggregate purchase price of $9,462 and 50 restaurants for an aggregate of approximately $27,500 , excluding closing costs and working capital adjustments. Since March 31, 2016 , we have completed the acquisition of all of these restaurants and have entered an agreement to acquire an additional 11 convenience stores for an aggregate purchase price of $13,750 . We expect to complete the remainder of these acquisitions during 2016, but these purchases are subject to conditions and may not occur, may be delayed or the terms may change. Acquisition costs, such as legal fees, due diligence costs and closing costs, are not included as a component of consideration transferred in business combinations but instead are expensed as incurred. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , we incurred acquisition costs totaling $969 and $414 , respectively, for legal, due diligence and related activities associated with acquisitions considered or completed.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions We have relationships and historical and continuing transactions with HPT, The RMR Group LLC, or RMR, and others related to them. We also have relationships and continuing transactions with other companies to which RMR provides management services and which have trustees, directors and officers who are also directors or officers of us. For further information about these and other such relationships and certain other related person transactions, please refer to our Annual Report. Relationship with HPT HPT is our largest shareholder. As of March 31, 2016 , HPT owned 3,420 of our common shares, representing approximately 8.8% of our outstanding common shares. HPT is also our principal landlord. We have five leases with HPT, the four TA Leases for 154 properties, and the Petro Lease for 40 properties. We refer to the four TA Leases and the Petro Lease collectively as the HPT Leases. On June 1, 2015 , we entered a transaction agreement, or the Transaction Agreement, with HPT pursuant to which, among other things, we agreed to sell to HPT five travel centers upon the completion of their development at a purchase price equal to their development costs, including the cost of the land, and HPT agreed to lease back these development properties to us. On March 31, 2016 , we sold one of these development properties, a travel center located in Hillsboro, Texas, to HPT for $19,683 , and we amended our TA Lease 4 to add this property. Our minimum annual rent under our TA Lease 4 increased by $1,673 as a result of the completion of this sale and lease back. As of March 31, 2016 , the number of properties leased, the term, the minimum annual rent and deferred rent balances under our HPT Leases were as follows: Number of Sites Initial Term End Date (1) Minimum Annual Rent as of March 31, 2016 Deferred Rent (2) TA Lease 1 39 December 31, 2029 $ 49,198 $ 27,421 TA Lease 2 38 December 31, 2028 47,392 29,107 TA Lease 3 38 December 31, 2026 50,630 29,324 TA Lease 4 39 December 31, 2030 46,493 21,233 Petro Lease 40 June 30, 2024 65,329 42,915 Total 194 $ 259,042 $ 150,000 (1) We have two renewal options of 15 years each under each of the leases. (2) The deferred rent obligation is subject to acceleration at HPT's option upon an uncured default under our HPT agreements or a change in control of us. The following table summarizes the various amounts related to the HPT Leases and leases with other lessors that are reflected in real estate rent expense in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Cash payments for rent under the HPT Leases $ 64,440 $ 57,516 Change in accrued estimated percentage rent 246 (104 ) Adjustments to recognize expense on a straight line basis (56 ) (452 ) Less sale leaseback financing obligation amortization (118 ) (636 ) Less portion of rent payments recognized as interest expense (432 ) (1,452 ) Less deferred tenant improvements allowance amortization (943 ) (1,692 ) Amortization of deferred gain on sale leaseback transactions (2,308 ) (96 ) Rent expense related to HPT Leases 60,829 53,084 Rent paid to others (1) 2,790 2,621 Adjustments to recognize expense on a straight line basis for other leases (90 ) (101 ) Total real estate rent expense $ 63,529 $ 55,604 (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. March 31, December 31, Current HPT Leases liabilities: Accrued rent $ 21,557 $ 21,098 Sale leaseback financing obligation (1) 451 469 Straight line rent accrual (2) 2,458 2,458 Deferred gain (3) 9,229 9,235 Deferred tenant improvements allowance (4) 3,770 3,770 Total Current HPT Leases liabilities $ 37,465 $ 37,030 Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities: Deferred rent obligation (5) $ 150,000 $ 150,000 Sale leaseback financing obligation (1) 20,670 20,719 Straight line rent accrual (2) 48,257 48,373 Deferred gain (3) 118,659 121,049 Deferred tenant improvements allowance (4) 44,414 45,357 Total Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities $ 382,000 $ 385,498 (1) Sale Leaseback Financing Obligation. Prior to June 2015, the assets related to nine travel centers we leased from HPT were reflected in our consolidated balance sheets, as was the related financing obligation. This accounting was required primarily because, at the time of the inception of the applicable HPT Lease, more than a minor portion of these nine travel centers was subleased to third parties. In June 2015, we purchased five of the nine travel centers from HPT. That purchase was accounted for under GAAP as an extinguishment of the related financing obligation and resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $10,502 because the price we paid to HPT to purchase the five properties was $10,502 in excess of the then remaining related financing obligation. Also, because the TA Leases we entered into with HPT in connection with the Transaction Agreement were accounted for under GAAP as new leases and two of the remaining four properties reflected as financings under the prior TA Lease qualified for operating lease treatment, the remaining net assets and financing obligation related to these two properties were eliminated, resulting in a gain of $1,033 , which was deferred and will be recognized over the terms of the TA Leases as a reduction of rent expense. (2) Straight Line Rent Accrual. We accrued rent expense from 2007 to 2012 for stated increases in our minimum annual rents due under our then existing TA lease. While the TA Leases we entered into with HPT in connection with the Transaction Agreement contain no stated rent payment increases, we continue to amortize this accrual on a straight line basis over the current terms of the TA Leases as a reduction to real estate rent expense. The straight line rent accrual also includes our obligation for the estimated cost of removal of underground storage tanks at properties leased from HPT at the end of the related lease; we recognize these obligations on a straight line basis over the term of the related leases as additional rent expense. (3) Deferred Gain . The deferred gain primarily includes $133,668 of gains from the sale of travel centers and certain other assets to HPT during 2015 pursuant to the Transaction Agreement. We amortize the deferred gains on a straight line basis over the terms of the related leases as a reduction of rent expense. (4) Deferred Tenant Improvements Allowance. HPT funded certain capital projects at the properties we lease under the HPT Leases without an increase in rent payable by us. In connection with HPT's initial capital commitment, we recognized a liability for rent deemed to be related to this capital commitment as a deferred tenant improvements allowance. We amortize the deferred tenant improvements allowance on a straight line basis over the terms of the HPT Leases as a reduction of rent expense. (5) Deferred Rent Obligation. Pursuant to a rent deferral agreement with HPT, from July 2008 through December 31, 2010, we deferred a total of $150,000 of rent payable to HPT. This deferred rent obligation was allocated among the HPT Leases and is due at the end of the initial terms of the respective HPT Leases as noted above. HPT waived $311 and $259 of percentage rent under our Petro Lease for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. As of March 31, 2016 , HPT has cumulatively waived $2,439 of the $2,500 of percentage rent it previously agreed to waive. The total amount of percentage rent (which is net of the waived amount) was $246 and $1,193 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , pursuant to the terms of the HPT Leases, we sold to HPT $20,575 and $20,181 , respectively, of improvements we made to properties leased from HPT. As a result, our minimum annual rent payable to HPT increased by $1,749 and $1,715 , respectively. At March 31, 2016 , our property and equipment balance included $1,542 of improvements of the type that we typically request that HPT purchase for an increase in minimum annual rent; however, HPT is not obligated to purchase these improvements. Relationship with RMR Pursuant to our business management agreement and property management agreement with RMR, we incurred aggregate fees of $3,233 and $3,436 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. These amounts are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. We have historically awarded share grants to certain RMR employees under our equity compensation plan. In addition, under our business management agreement we reimburse RMR for our allocable costs for internal audit services. The amounts recognized as expense for share grants to RMR employees and internal audit costs were $1,194 and $837 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively; these amounts are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Relationship with AIC We and six other companies to which RMR provides management services each own in equal amounts Affiliates Insurance Company, or AIC, an insurance company. We and the other AIC shareholders participate in a combined property insurance program arranged and reinsured in part by AIC. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , our investment in AIC had a carrying value of $6,956 and $6,828 , respectively, which amounts are included in other noncurrent assets in our consolidated balance sheets. We recognized income of $77 and $72 related to our investment in AIC for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Our other comprehensive income includes our proportional share of unrealized gains on securities held for sale which are owned by AIC of $52 and $45 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Relationship with PTP We own a 40% minority interest in Petro Travel Plaza Holdings LLC, or PTP. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , our investment in PTP had a carrying value of $20,912 and $20,042 , respectively, which amounts are included in other noncurrent assets in our consolidated balance sheets. In February 2016, we began managing a third stand alone convenience store PTP owns. As of March 31, 2016 , we managed two travel centers and three convenience stores for PTP for which we receive management and accounting fees. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , we recognized management and accounting fee income of $227 and $200 , respectively, from PTP. At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , we had a net payable to PTP of $97 and net receivable from PTP of $43 , respectively. We recognized income of $870 and $719 during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, related to this investment, which is separate from and in addition to the management and accounting fees we earned.

Contingencies

Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	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 at our locations. We use both underground storage tanks and above ground storage tanks to store petroleum products, natural gas and other hazardous substances 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. Under the terms of the HPT 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 leased properties. Under an agreement with Equilon Enterprises LLC doing business as Shell Oil Products US, or Shell, we have agreed to indemnify Shell and its affiliates from certain environmental liabilities incurred with respect to our travel centers where Shell has installed natural gas fueling lanes. 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 March 31, 2016 , we had a gross accrued liability of $4,786 for environmental matters as well as a receivable for expected recoveries of certain of these estimated future expenditures of $1,052 , resulting in an estimated net amount of $3,734 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 position 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. 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. In October 2015, the State Water Board issued a notice of alleged suspended penalty conduct claiming that we are liable for the full amount of the $1,000 in suspended penalties as a result of five alleged violations of underground storage tank regulations and requesting further information concerning the alleged violations. We believe we have meritorious defenses to these alleged violations, but cannot predict whether any penalties relating to these matters will be assessed by the Superior Court, which has retained jurisdiction over such matters. The State Water Board also has retained the right to file a separate action relating to these violations, but to date has not done so. In November 2015, we filed our response to the notice. We expect to meet with the State Water Board in 2016 in an effort to resolve the issues raised by the State Water Board's October 2015 notice. As of March 31, 2016 , we had recorded a liability of $1,682 with respect to this matter and believe that any additional amount of loss we may realize above that accrued, if any, upon the ultimate resolution of this matter will not be material. We currently have insurance of up to $10,000 per incident and up to $25,000 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. We cannot 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.

Inventory

Inventory	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory	Inventory Inventory consisted of the following: March 31, December 31, Nonfuel products $ 158,863 $ 159,256 Fuel products 25,940 24,236 Total inventory $ 184,803 $ 183,492

Segment Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information Reportable segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources to an individual segment and in assessing performance. Our reportable segments are travel centers and convenience stores. We measure our reportable segments profitability based on site level gross margin in excess of site level operating expenses. See Note 15 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of our Annual Report for more information about our reportable segments. Segment Information Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Travel Convenience Corporate Consolidated Revenues Fuel $ 622,580 $ 72,631 $ 14,317 $ 709,528 Nonfuel 388,485 61,449 712 450,646 Rent and royalties from franchisees 4,142 134 — 4,276 Total revenues 1,015,207 134,214 15,029 1,164,450 Site level gross margin in excess of $ 101,031 $ 4,371 $ 840 $ 106,242 Corporate operating expenses Selling, general and administrative $ 30,966 $ 30,966 Real estate rent 63,529 63,529 Depreciation and amortization 20,525 20,525 Loss from operations (8,778 ) Acquisition costs 969 969 Interest expense, net 6,821 6,821 Income from equity investees 947 947 Loss before income taxes (15,621 ) Benefit for income taxes 5,677 5,677 Net loss $ (9,944 ) Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 Travel Convenience Corporate Consolidated Revenues Fuel $ 968,969 $ 21,386 $ 12,812 $ 1,003,167 Nonfuel 380,499 20,845 166 401,510 Rent and royalties from franchisees 3,024 — — 3,024 Total revenues 1,352,492 42,231 12,978 1,407,701 Site level gross margin in excess of $ 130,229 $ 1,624 $ 1,062 $ 132,915 Corporate operating expenses Selling, general and administrative $ 27,616 $ 27,616 Real estate rent 55,604 55,604 Depreciation and amortization 17,525 17,525 Income from operations 32,170 Acquisition costs 414 414 Interest expense, net 6,332 6,332 Income from equity investees 791 791 Income before income taxes 26,215 Provision for income taxes (10,486 ) (10,486 ) Net income $ 15,729

Basis of Presentation, Busine14

Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Organization (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	We manage our business on the basis of two reportable segments: travel centers and convenience stores. See Note 7 for more information about our segments. We have a single travel center located in a foreign country, Canada, that we do not consider material to our operations.
Basis of Presentation	The accompanying consolidated financial statements are unaudited. These unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, applicable for interim financial statements. The disclosures presented do not include all the information necessary for complete financial statements in accordance with GAAP. These unaudited interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 , or our Annual Report. In the opinion of our management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. While our revenues are modestly seasonal, the quarterly variations in our operating results may reflect greater seasonal differences because our rent expense and certain other costs do not vary seasonally. For this and other reasons, our operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or the FASB, issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which establishes a comprehensive revenue recognition standard under GAAP for virtually all industries. The new standard will apply for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods therein. We have not yet determined the effects, if any, the adoption of this update may have on our consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs , which requires debt issuance costs to be presented on the balance sheet as a reduction of the associated debt liability. In August 2015, the FASB clarified the previous Accounting Standards Update and issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-15, Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Lines of Credit Arrangements- Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcements on June 18, 2015 EITF Meeting , which addresses the presentation of debt issuance costs related to line of credit arrangements. These updates are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and require retrospective application. We adopted this standard during the current reporting period and applied it to all periods presented. Adoption of this standard resulted in the reclassification of debt issuance costs from other noncurrent assets to long term debt in our consolidated balance sheets. Debt issuance costs related to our line of credit arrangements remain classified as other noncurrent assets. In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases , which establishes a comprehensive lease standard under GAAP for virtually all industries. The new standard requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase of the leased asset by the lessee. This classification will determine whether the lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight line basis over the term of the lease. A lessee is also required to record a right of use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for similar to existing guidance for operating leases. The new standard requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. The new standard will apply for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted. We have not yet determined the effects the adoption of this update may have on us; however, we believe the adoption of this update will have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheets due to the recognition of the lease rights and obligations as assets and liabilities. While the adoption will have no effect on the cash we pay, amounts within our statements of income and comprehensive income and our statements of cash flows are expected to change materially.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciliation from net income to net income available to common shareholders and related earnings per share	The following table presents a reconciliation from net (loss) income to net (loss) income available to common shareholders and the related earnings per share. Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Net (loss) income, as reported $ (9,944 ) $ 15,729 Less: net (loss) income attributable to participating securities (489 ) 794 Net (loss) income available to common shareholders $ (9,455 ) $ 14,935 Weighted average common shares (1) 36,891 36,403 Basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share $ (0.26 ) $ 0.41 (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 shares. The weighted average number of unvested shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , was 1,908 and 1,935 , respectively.

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Summary of amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed	The following table summarizes the amounts we recorded for the assets we acquired and liabilities we assumed in the business combinations described above, along with resulting goodwill. We expect that all of the goodwill acquired to date will be deductible for tax purposes. Inventory $ 2,590 Property and equipment 28,779 Goodwill and intangibles 5,257 Other liabilities (1,503 ) Total aggregate purchase price $ 35,123

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Summarized information for each HPT Lease	As of March 31, 2016 , the number of properties leased, the term, the minimum annual rent and deferred rent balances under our HPT Leases were as follows: Number of Sites Initial Term End Date (1) Minimum Annual Rent as of March 31, 2016 Deferred Rent (2) TA Lease 1 39 December 31, 2029 $ 49,198 $ 27,421 TA Lease 2 38 December 31, 2028 47,392 29,107 TA Lease 3 38 December 31, 2026 50,630 29,324 TA Lease 4 39 December 31, 2030 46,493 21,233 Petro Lease 40 June 30, 2024 65,329 42,915 Total 194 $ 259,042 $ 150,000 (1) We have two renewal options of 15 years each under each of the leases. (2) The deferred rent obligation is subject to acceleration at HPT's option upon an uncured default under our HPT agreements or a change in control of us.
Summary of various amounts reflected in real estate rent expense	The following table summarizes the various amounts related to the HPT Leases and leases with other lessors that are reflected in real estate rent expense in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Cash payments for rent under the HPT Leases $ 64,440 $ 57,516 Change in accrued estimated percentage rent 246 (104 ) Adjustments to recognize expense on a straight line basis (56 ) (452 ) Less sale leaseback financing obligation amortization (118 ) (636 ) Less portion of rent payments recognized as interest expense (432 ) (1,452 ) Less deferred tenant improvements allowance amortization (943 ) (1,692 ) Amortization of deferred gain on sale leaseback transactions (2,308 ) (96 ) Rent expense related to HPT Leases 60,829 53,084 Rent paid to others (1) 2,790 2,621 Adjustments to recognize expense on a straight line basis for other leases (90 ) (101 ) Total real estate rent expense $ 63,529 $ 55,604 (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.
Summary of various amounts included in consolidated balance sheets	The following table summarizes the various amounts related to the HPT Leases that are included in our consolidated balance sheets. March 31, December 31, Current HPT Leases liabilities: Accrued rent $ 21,557 $ 21,098 Sale leaseback financing obligation (1) 451 469 Straight line rent accrual (2) 2,458 2,458 Deferred gain (3) 9,229 9,235 Deferred tenant improvements allowance (4) 3,770 3,770 Total Current HPT Leases liabilities $ 37,465 $ 37,030 Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities: Deferred rent obligation (5) $ 150,000 $ 150,000 Sale leaseback financing obligation (1) 20,670 20,719 Straight line rent accrual (2) 48,257 48,373 Deferred gain (3) 118,659 121,049 Deferred tenant improvements allowance (4) 44,414 45,357 Total Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities $ 382,000 $ 385,498 (1) Sale Leaseback Financing Obligation. Prior to June 2015, the assets related to nine travel centers we leased from HPT were reflected in our consolidated balance sheets, as was the related financing obligation. This accounting was required primarily because, at the time of the inception of the applicable HPT Lease, more than a minor portion of these nine travel centers was subleased to third parties. In June 2015, we purchased five of the nine travel centers from HPT. That purchase was accounted for under GAAP as an extinguishment of the related financing obligation and resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $10,502 because the price we paid to HPT to purchase the five properties was $10,502 in excess of the then remaining related financing obligation. Also, because the TA Leases we entered into with HPT in connection with the Transaction Agreement were accounted for under GAAP as new leases and two of the remaining four properties reflected as financings under the prior TA Lease qualified for operating lease treatment, the remaining net assets and financing obligation related to these two properties were eliminated, resulting in a gain of $1,033 , which was deferred and will be recognized over the terms of the TA Leases as a reduction of rent expense. (2) Straight Line Rent Accrual. We accrued rent expense from 2007 to 2012 for stated increases in our minimum annual rents due under our then existing TA lease. While the TA Leases we entered into with HPT in connection with the Transaction Agreement contain no stated rent payment increases, we continue to amortize this accrual on a straight line basis over the current terms of the TA Leases as a reduction to real estate rent expense. The straight line rent accrual also includes our obligation for the estimated cost of removal of underground storage tanks at properties leased from HPT at the end of the related lease; we recognize these obligations on a straight line basis over the term of the related leases as additional rent expense. (3) Deferred Gain . The deferred gain primarily includes $133,668 of gains from the sale of travel centers and certain other assets to HPT during 2015 pursuant to the Transaction Agreement. We amortize the deferred gains on a straight line basis over the terms of the related leases as a reduction of rent expense. (4) Deferred Tenant Improvements Allowance. HPT funded certain capital projects at the properties we lease under the HPT Leases without an increase in rent payable by us. In connection with HPT's initial capital commitment, we recognized a liability for rent deemed to be related to this capital commitment as a deferred tenant improvements allowance. We amortize the deferred tenant improvements allowance on a straight line basis over the terms of the HPT Leases as a reduction of rent expense. (5) Deferred Rent Obligation. Pursuant to a rent deferral agreement with HPT, from July 2008 through December 31, 2010, we deferred a total of $150,000 of rent payable to HPT. This deferred rent obligation was allocated among the HPT Leases and is due at the end of the initial terms of the respective HPT Leases as noted above.

Inventory (Tables)

Inventory (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of inventory	Inventory consisted of the following: March 31, December 31, Nonfuel products $ 158,863 $ 159,256 Fuel products 25,940 24,236 Total inventory $ 184,803 $ 183,492

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information	Segment Information Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Travel Convenience Corporate Consolidated Revenues Fuel $ 622,580 $ 72,631 $ 14,317 $ 709,528 Nonfuel 388,485 61,449 712 450,646 Rent and royalties from franchisees 4,142 134 — 4,276 Total revenues 1,015,207 134,214 15,029 1,164,450 Site level gross margin in excess of $ 101,031 $ 4,371 $ 840 $ 106,242 Corporate operating expenses Selling, general and administrative $ 30,966 $ 30,966 Real estate rent 63,529 63,529 Depreciation and amortization 20,525 20,525 Loss from operations (8,778 ) Acquisition costs 969 969 Interest expense, net 6,821 6,821 Income from equity investees 947 947 Loss before income taxes (15,621 ) Benefit for income taxes 5,677 5,677 Net loss $ (9,944 ) Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 Travel Convenience Corporate Consolidated Revenues Fuel $ 968,969 $ 21,386 $ 12,812 $ 1,003,167 Nonfuel 380,499 20,845 166 401,510 Rent and royalties from franchisees 3,024 — — 3,024 Total revenues 1,352,492 42,231 12,978 1,407,701 Site level gross margin in excess of $ 130,229 $ 1,624 $ 1,062 $ 132,915 Corporate operating expenses Selling, general and administrative $ 27,616 $ 27,616 Real estate rent 55,604 55,604 Depreciation and amortization 17,525 17,525 Income from operations 32,170 Acquisition costs 414 414 Interest expense, net 6,332 6,332 Income from equity investees 791 791 Income before income taxes 26,215 Provision for income taxes (10,486 ) (10,486 ) Net income $ 15,729

Basis of Presentation, Busine20

Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Organization - Business Description (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016storestateconvenience_storestravel_centersegment
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | segment	2
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of stores | store	483
Travel centers
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of stores	255
Number of states | state	43
Number of stores owned	33
Number of stores leased	195
Travel centers | Joint venture
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of stores operated under joint venture	2
Travel centers | HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of stores leased	193
Travel centers | Company operated stores
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of stores	225
Travel centers | Franchisee operated stores
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of stores	30
Number of stores owned by franchisees or leased from others	25
Travel centers | TA brand
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of stores	178
Travel centers | TA brand | Franchisee units leases
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of stores	5
Travel centers | Petro brand
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of stores	77
Convenience stores
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of states | state	11
Number of stores owned | convenience_stores	194
Number of stores leased | convenience_stores	31
Convenience stores | Joint venture
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of stores operated under joint venture | convenience_stores	3
Convenience stores | HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of stores leased | convenience_stores	1
Convenience stores | Minit Mart brand
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of stores | convenience_stores	228

Basis of Presentation, Busine21

Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Organization - Fair Value Measurement (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	$ 13,304,000	$ 13,553,000
Senior Notes | Level 1 input
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fair value of debt instrument	324,088,000
Senior Notes | 8.25% Senior Notes due 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount issued	$ 110,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	8.25%
Senior Notes | 8.00% Senior Notes due 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount issued	$ 120,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	8.00%
Senior Notes | 8.00% Senior Notes due 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount issued	$ 100,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	8.00%

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net (loss) income, as reported	$ (9,944)	$ 15,729
Less: net (loss) income attributable to participating securities	(489)	794
Net (loss) income available to common shareholders	$ (9,455)	$ 14,935
Weighted average common shares (in shares)	36,891	36,403
Basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share	$ (0.26)	$ 0.41
Weighted average number of unvested shares outstanding (in shares)	1,908	1,935

Acquisitions - Summary of Amoun

Acquisitions - Summary of Amounts Assigned to Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - Convenience stores $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Acquisitions
Inventory	$ 2,590
Property and equipment	28,779
Goodwill and intangibles	5,257
Other liabilities	(1,503)
Total aggregate purchase price	$ 35,123

Acquisitions - Additional Infor

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)restaurantconvenience_stores	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)convenience_stores	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)convenience_stores
Acquisitions
Acquisition costs		$ 969	$ 414
Restaurants [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Acquisitions
Number of properties acquired | restaurant	50
Purchase price paid	$ 27,500
Convenience stores
Acquisitions
Number of properties acquired | convenience_stores		24
Convenience stores | Forecast
Acquisitions
Number of properties acquired | convenience_stores	11			5
Purchase price paid	$ 13,750			$ 9,462

Related Party Transactions - Re

Related Party Transactions - Relationship with HPT (Details) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)propertyleasetravel_centershares	Jun. 01, 2015USD ($)travel_center	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)propertyleaseshares	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)shares
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Common shares, shares outstanding | shares	38,799		38,799		38,808
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Common shares, shares outstanding | shares	3,420		3,420
Percentage of outstanding common shares owned	8.80%		8.80%
Number of leases | lease	5		5
Number of sites subject to lease | property	194		194
Aggregate selling price of assets sold			$ 20,575	$ 20,181
Increase in minimum annual rent			1,749	1,715
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT | Improvements
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Improvement assets to be purchased for an increase in rent	$ 1,542		$ 1,542
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT | Travel centers
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of sites agreed to be sold | travel_center		5
Aggregate deferred gain		$ 1,033
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT | TA Leases
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of leases | lease	4		4
Number of sites subject to lease | property	154		154
Aggregate deferred gain					$ 133,668
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT | Petro Lease
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of sites subject to lease | property	40		40
Percentage rent waived			$ 311	259
Cumulative percentage rent waived			2,439
Percentage rent waived upon agreement			2,500
Percentage rent incurred			$ 246	$ 1,193
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT | TA Lease 4
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of sites subject to lease | property	39		39
Increase in minimum annual rent			$ 1,673
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT | TA Lease 4 | Travel centers
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of sites sold | travel_center	1
Aggregate selling price of assets sold	$ 19,683

Related Party Transactions - Su

Related Party Transactions - Summarized Information for Each HPT Lease (Details) - Principal landlord and largest shareholder - HPT $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)propertyrenewal_option	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)propertyrenewal_option	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of Sites | property	194	194
Minimum Annual Rent	$ 259,042
Deferred Rent	$ 150,000	$ 150,000	$ 150,000
Number of renewal options | renewal_option	2	2
Renewal term (in years)		15 years
TA Lease 1
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of Sites | property	39	39
Minimum Annual Rent	$ 49,198
Deferred Rent	$ 27,421	$ 27,421
TA Lease 2
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of Sites | property	38	38
Minimum Annual Rent	$ 47,392
Deferred Rent	$ 29,107	$ 29,107
TA Lease 3
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of Sites | property	38	38
Minimum Annual Rent	$ 50,630
Deferred Rent	$ 29,324	$ 29,324
TA Lease 4
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of Sites | property	39	39
Minimum Annual Rent	$ 46,493
Deferred Rent	$ 21,233	$ 21,233
Petro Lease
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of Sites | property	40	40
Minimum Annual Rent	$ 65,329
Deferred Rent	$ 42,915	$ 42,915

Related Party Transactions - 27

Related Party Transactions - Summary of Various Amounts Reflected in Real Estate Rent Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total real estate rent expense	$ 63,529	$ 55,604
HPT's landlords and other landlords
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cash payments for rent	2,790	2,621
Adjustments to recognize expense on a straight line basis	(90)	(101)
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cash payments for rent	64,440	57,516
Change in accrued estimated percentage rent	246	(104)
Adjustments to recognize expense on a straight line basis	(56)	(452)
Less sale leaseback financing obligation amortization	(118)	(636)
Less portion of rent payments recognized as interest expense	(432)	(1,452)
Less deferred tenant improvements allowance amortization	(943)	(1,692)
Amortization of deferred gain on sale leaseback transactions	(2,308)	(96)
Total real estate rent expense	$ 60,829	$ 53,084

Related Party Transactions - 28

Related Party Transactions - Summary of Various Amounts Included in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 01, 2015USD ($)travel_center	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Current HPT Leases liabilities:
Total Current HPT Leases liabilities		$ 37,465	$ 37,030
Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities:
Total Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities		382,000	385,498
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT
Current HPT Leases liabilities:
Accrued rent		21,557	21,098
Sale leaseback financing obligation		451	469
Straight line rent accrual		2,458	2,458
Deferred gain		9,229	9,235
Deferred tenant improvements allowance		3,770	3,770
Total Current HPT Leases liabilities		37,465	37,030
Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities:
Deferred rent obligation		150,000	150,000
Sale leaseback financing obligation		20,670	20,719
Straight line rent accrual		48,257	48,373
Deferred gain		118,659	121,049
Deferred tenant improvements allowance		44,414	45,357
Total Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities		$ 382,000	385,498
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT | Travel centers
Various Amounts Related to HPT Leases Included in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Footnotes):
Number of properties acquired | travel_center	5
Loss on extinguishment of debt	$ 10,502
Aggregate deferred gain	$ 1,033
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT | Prior TA Lease | Travel center property
Various Amounts Related to HPT Leases Included in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Footnotes):
Number of sites reflected on consolidated balance sheets | travel_center	9
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT | TA Leases
Various Amounts Related to HPT Leases Included in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Footnotes):
Aggregate deferred gain			$ 133,668
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT | TA Leases | Travel centers
Various Amounts Related to HPT Leases Included in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Footnotes):
Number of sites leased | travel_center	2
Number of sites subject to operating or capital lease | travel_center	4

Related Party Transactions - 29

Related Party Transactions - Relationship with RMR (Details) - Affiliated entity - RMR - Selling, general and administrative expenses - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Business management fee	$ 3,233	$ 3,436
Expense for share grants and internal audit fees	$ 1,194	$ 837

Related Party Transactions - 30

Related Party Transactions - Relationship with AIC (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)company	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Income related to investment	$ 947	$ 791
Unrealized gains on securities for sale	$ 52	45
Affiliated entity | AIC | RMR
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of companies managed by RMR | company	6
Equity method investee | AIC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Carrying value of investment	$ 6,956		$ 6,828
Income related to investment	77	72
Unrealized gains on securities for sale	$ 52	$ 45

Related Party Transactions - 31

Related Party Transactions - Relationship with PTP (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)convenience_storestravel_center	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Income related to investment	$ 947	$ 791
Joint venture | Travel centers
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of stores | travel_center	2
Joint venture | Convenience stores
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of stores | convenience_stores	3
Joint venture | PTP
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership interest (as a percent)	40.00%
Carrying value of investment	$ 20,912		$ 20,042
Net payable	97
Net receivable			$ 43
Income related to investment	870	719
Joint venture | PTP | Property management and accounting fee
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Management and accounting fee income	$ 227	$ 200
Joint venture | PTP | Travel centers
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of stores | travel_center	2
Joint venture | PTP | Convenience stores
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of stores | convenience_stores	3

Contingencies (Details)

Contingencies (Details)	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015violation	Feb. 28, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Litigation by California State Water Resources Control Board [Member]
Commitments and contingencies
Loss contingency liability			$ 1,682,000
Settlement amount		$ 1,800,000
Suspended penalties		1,000,000
Maximum verified costs		$ 2,000,000
Number of alleged violations | violation	5
Environmental Issue [Member]
Commitments and contingencies
Total recorded liabilities			4,786,000
Expected recoveries of future expenditures			1,052,000
Loss contingency liability			3,734,000
Loss contingency insurance limit for liabilities per incident			10,000,000
Loss contingency insurance limit for liabilities			$ 25,000,000

Inventory (Details)

Inventory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventory	$ 184,803	$ 183,492
Nonfuel products
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventory	158,863	159,256
Fuel products
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventory	$ 25,940	$ 24,236

Segment Information - Segment R

Segment Information - Segment Results (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Revenues:
Fuel	$ 709,528	$ 1,003,167
Nonfuel	450,646	401,510
Rent and royalties from franchisees	4,276	3,024
Total revenues	1,164,450	1,407,701
Site level gross margin in excess of site level operating expenses	106,242	132,915
Selling, general and administrative	30,966	27,616
Real estate rent	63,529	55,604
Depreciation and amortization	20,525	17,525
(Loss) income from operations	(8,778)	32,170
Acquisition costs	969	414
Interest expense, net	6,821	6,332
Income from equity investees	947	791
(Loss) income before income taxes	(15,621)	26,215
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	5,677	(10,486)
Net (loss) income	(9,944)	15,729
Operating Segments | Travel centers
Revenues:
Fuel	622,580	968,969
Nonfuel	388,485	380,499
Rent and royalties from franchisees	4,142	3,024
Total revenues	1,015,207	1,352,492
Site level gross margin in excess of site level operating expenses	101,031	130,229
Operating Segments | Convenience stores
Revenues:
Fuel	72,631	21,386
Nonfuel	61,449	20,845
Rent and royalties from franchisees	134	0
Total revenues	134,214	42,231
Site level gross margin in excess of site level operating expenses	4,371	1,624
Corporate, Non-Segment
Revenues:
Fuel	14,317	12,812
Nonfuel	712	166
Rent and royalties from franchisees	0	0
Total revenues	15,029	12,978
Site level gross margin in excess of site level operating expenses	840	1,062
Selling, general and administrative	30,966	27,616
Real estate rent	63,529	55,604
Depreciation and amortization	20,525	17,525
Acquisition costs	969	414
Interest expense, net	6,821	6,332
Income from equity investees	947	791
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	$ 5,677	$ (10,486)