TravelCenters of America (TA) 10-Q 8 Nov 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Nov. 07, 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	Sep. 30, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		38,852,663
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 137,288	$ 172,087
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $715 and $850 as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively)	118,103	91,580
Inventory	195,229	183,492
Other current assets	39,014	48,181
Total current assets	489,634	495,340
Property and equipment, net	1,070,757	989,606
Goodwill and intangible assets, net	127,153	105,977
Other noncurrent assets	31,333	30,618
Total assets	1,718,877	1,621,541
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	146,454	125,079
Current HPT Leases liabilities	39,697	37,030
Other current liabilities	191,817	133,513
Total current liabilities	377,968	295,622
Long term debt	318,472	316,447
Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities	385,134	385,498
Other noncurrent liabilities	78,232	74,655
Total liabilities	1,159,806	1,072,222
Shareholders' equity:
Common shares, no par value, 41,369 and 39,069 shares authorized as of September 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively, 38,853 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2016, and 38,808 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2015	685,714	682,219
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	100	(240)
Accumulated deficit	(128,185)	(132,660)
Total TA shareholders' equity	557,629	549,319
Noncontrolling interests	1,442	0
Total shareholders' equity	559,071	549,319
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 1,718,877	$ 1,621,541

Consolidated Balance Sheets (U3

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 715	$ 850
Common shares, shares authorized (in shares)	41,369	39,069
Common shares, shares issued (in shares)	38,853	38,808
Common shares, shares outstanding (in shares)	38,853	38,808

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Revenues:
Fuel	$ 947,558	$ 1,031,146	$ 2,588,297	$ 3,159,399
Nonfuel	525,516	474,646	1,485,686	1,330,786
Rent and royalties from franchisees	4,529	3,201	13,135	9,392
Total revenues	1,477,603	1,508,993	4,087,118	4,499,577
Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation):
Fuel	837,525	928,596	2,284,570	2,848,175
Nonfuel	245,282	221,917	688,962	608,629
Total cost of goods sold	1,082,807	1,150,513	2,973,532	3,456,804
Operating expenses:
Site level operating	247,584	229,215	725,754	657,133
Selling, general and administrative	34,812	29,760	101,787	87,438
Real estate rent	66,573	60,616	194,838	169,528
Depreciation and amortization	22,698	17,445	64,545	53,086
Total operating expenses	371,667	337,036	1,086,924	967,185
Income from operations	23,129	21,444	26,662	75,588
Acquisition costs	225	1,755	2,286	3,296
Interest expense, net	7,200	5,042	20,761	16,461
Income from equity investees	1,534	1,336	3,572	3,156
Loss on extinguishment of debt			0	10,502
Income before income taxes	17,238	15,983	7,187	48,485
Provision for income taxes	6,263	6,157	2,571	19,158
Net income	10,975	9,826	4,616	29,327
Less net income for noncontrolling interests	77	0	141	0
Net income attributable to common shareholders	10,898	9,826	4,475	29,327
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency (loss) gain, net of taxes	(46)	(240)	165	(540)
Equity interest in investee's unrealized gain (loss) on investments	80	(72)	175	(91)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	34	(312)	340	(631)
Comprehensive income attributable to common shareholders	$ 10,932	$ 9,514	$ 4,815	$ 28,696
Net income per common share attributable to common shareholders:
Basic and diluted (in usd per share)	$ 0.28	$ 0.26	$ 0.12	$ 0.76

Consolidated Statements of Inc5

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Foreign currency (loss) gain, tax	$ (30)	$ (131)	$ 102	$ (287)

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 4,616	$ 29,327
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Noncash rent expense	(10,317)	(11,835)
Depreciation and amortization expense	64,545	53,086
Deferred income tax provision	3,545	531
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	10,502
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of business acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	(25,645)	(18,968)
Inventory	(7,996)	1,651
Other assets	10,024	(702)
Accounts payable and other liabilities	66,784	75,323
Other, net	3,551	1,746
Net cash provided by operating activities	109,107	140,661
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from asset sales	157,749	348,498
Capital expenditures	(229,217)	(170,284)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(72,137)	(269,309)
Net cash used in investing activities	(143,605)	(91,095)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from sale leaseback transactions with HPT	216	1,190
Sale leaseback financing obligation payments	(468)	(46,174)
Other, net	(74)	(150)
Net cash used in financing activities	(326)	(45,134)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	25	(82)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(34,799)	4,350
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	172,087	224,275
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	137,288	228,625
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid (including rent classified as interest and net of capitalized interest)	20,587	16,430
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	$ 420	$ 1,519

Basis of Presentation, Business

Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Organization	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2016 , we operated and franchised 540 travel center, standalone convenience store, which we refer to as convenience stores, and standalone restaurant locations described below. Our customers include trucking fleets and their drivers, independent truck drivers, highway and local motorists and casual diners. 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 reportable segments. We have a single travel center located in a foreign country, Canada, that we do not consider material to our operations. As of September 30, 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 September 30, 2016 , we owned 29 , we leased 199 , including 197 that we leased from Hospitality Properties Trust, or HPT, we operated two for a joint venture in which we own a noncontrolling interest 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. Our travel centers 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, and various customer amenities. We report this portion of our business as our travel center segment. As of September 30, 2016 , our business included 233 standalone convenience stores in 11 states in the U.S. We operate our convenience stores primarily under the "Minit Mart" brand name, or the Minit Mart brand. Of these 233 convenience stores at September 30, 2016 , we owned 198 , we leased 32 , including one that we leased from HPT, and we operated three for a joint venture in which we own a noncontrolling interest. Our convenience stores offer gasoline as well as a variety of nonfuel products, including coffee, groceries, fresh foods and quick service restaurants. We report this portion of our business as our convenience store segment. As of September 30, 2016 , our business included 52 standalone restaurants in 15 states in the U.S. operated primarily under the "Quaker Steak & Lube" brand name, or the QSL brand. Of our 52 standalone restaurants at September 30, 2016 , we owned five , we leased seven , we operated one for a joint venture in which we own a noncontrolling interest and 39 were owned or leased from others by our franchisees. We report this portion of our business within corporate and other in our segment information in Note 7. 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. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Fair Value Measurement Senior Notes 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. Our Senior Notes have been presented on our consolidated balance sheets as long term debt net of unamortized debt issuance costs totaling $12,804 and $13,553 as of September 30, 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 September 30, 2016 , was $337,760 . Goodwill Impairment Goodwill is tested for impairment annually as of July 31 at the reporting unit level, which is equivalent to our two reportable segments, travel centers and convenience stores. Impairment testing for 2016 was performed using a quantitative analysis under which the fair value of our goodwill was estimated using both an income approach and a market approach. The income approach considered discounted forecasted cash flows that were based on our long term operating plan. A terminal value was used to estimate the cash flows beyond the period covered by the operating plan. The discount rate is an estimate of the overall after tax rate of return required by equity and debt market holders of a business enterprise. The market approach considered comparable publicly traded guideline companies' business value. For each comparable publicly traded guideline company, value indicators, or pricing multiples, were considered to estimate the value of our business enterprise. These analyses require the exercise of significant judgments, including judgments about appropriate discount rates, perpetual growth rates and the timing of expected future cash flows of the respective operating segment. We concluded based on this analysis that as of July 31, 2016, the fair values of our reporting units exceeded their respective carrying amounts. 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 almost 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 were effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and required retrospective application. We adopted this standard during the three months ended March 31, 2016, 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 are expected to change materially. In August 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows , which simplifies elements of cash flow classification and reduces diversity in practice across all industries. The new standard will apply for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods therein, and requires retrospective application. Early adoption is permitted. The implementation of this update is not expected to cause any material changes to our consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , we acquired 29 convenience stores, 11 standalone restaurants and franchise agreements for an additional 39 restaurants, and 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 businesses 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 and standalone restaurants 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 acquired and liabilities assumed in the business combinations described above, along with resulting goodwill. We expect that amortization of all of the goodwill resulting from these acquisitions will be deductible for tax purposes. Convenience Stores Corporate and Other (1) Total Inventory $ 3,175 $ 465 $ 3,640 Property and equipment 36,289 12,867 49,156 Goodwill 7,219 — 7,219 Intangible assets 370 15,910 16,280 Other assets 18 1,289 1,307 Other liabilities (1,918 ) (3,547 ) (5,465 ) Total aggregate purchase price $ 45,153 $ 26,984 $ 72,137 (1) Includes standalone restaurants. See Note 7 for more segment information. The purchase price allocations included in the table above, primarily related to real estate, property and equipment, and intangibles, are based on valuations that are not yet finalized. The process for estimating the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires the use of judgment in determining appropriate assumptions and estimates. As we obtain additional information to finalize these preliminary valuations, adjustments to the recorded amounts may be made during the measurement period (up to one year from the acquisition date). 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. As of September 30, 2016 , we had entered agreements to acquire six restaurants for an aggregate purchase price of $6,000 and one travel center for a purchase price of $13,050 , excluding closing costs and working capital adjustments. We expect to complete these acquisitions during 2016, but these purchases are subject to conditions and may not occur, may be delayed or the terms may change.

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	Shareholders' Equity On May 19, 2016, our shareholders approved the 2016 Equity Compensation Plan, or the 2016 Plan, under which 2,300 shares were authorized for issuance under the terms of the 2016 Plan. Changes in Shareholders' Equity On April 20, 2016, we acquired the Quaker Steak & Lube restaurant business of Lube Holdings, Inc., or the QSL acquisition. The QSL acquisition included a 75% controlling interest in an entity that operates one restaurant and leases certain assets from another entity in which we own a 25% interest. These entities are consolidated in our consolidated financial statements. See Note 2 for more information about the QSL acquisition. The changes in shareholders' equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , follow: Total TA Shareholders' Equity Noncontrolling Interests Total Shareholders' Equity December 31, 2015 $ 549,319 $ — $ 549,319 Grants under share award plan and share based compensation, net 3,495 — 3,495 QSL acquisition — 1,301 1,301 Other comprehensive income, net of tax 340 — 340 Net income 4,475 141 4,616 September 30, 2016 $ 557,629 $ 1,442 $ 559,071 Net Income Per Common Share Attributable to Common Shareholders The following table presents a reconciliation of net income attributable to common shareholders to net income available to common shareholders and the related earnings per share. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net income attributable to common shareholders, as reported $ 10,898 $ 9,826 $ 4,475 $ 29,327 Less: net income attributable to participating securities 534 494 219 1,477 Net income available to common shareholders $ 10,364 $ 9,332 $ 4,256 $ 27,850 Weighted average common shares (1) 36,953 36,467 36,922 36,435 Basic and diluted net income per common share $ 0.28 $ 0.26 $ 0.12 $ 0.76 (1) Excludes unvested shares granted under our share award plans, 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 September 30, 2016 and 2015 , was 1,900 and 1,932 , respectively. The weighted average number of unvested shares outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , was 1,904 and 1,933 , respectively.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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, including other companies to which RMR provides management services and which have trustees, directors and officers who are also our Directors or officers. For further information about these and other such relationships and certain other related party transactions, please refer to our Annual Report. Relationship with HPT HPT is our largest shareholder. As of September 30, 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 158 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 with HPT. On June 22, 2016 , we and HPT amended the transaction agreement. We refer to the amended transaction agreement as the Transaction Agreement. Under the Transaction Agreement, among other things, we agreed to sell to HPT four travel centers upon the completion of their development at a purchase price equal to their development costs, including the cost of the land, and two existing travel centers owned by us, and HPT agreed to lease back these properties to us under the HPT Leases. In connection with the Transaction Agreement: • On March 31, 2016 , we sold one of the development properties to HPT for $19,683 , and we and HPT amended our TA Lease 4 to add this property and our minimum annual rent under our TA Lease 4 increased by $1,673 . • On June 22, 2016 , we sold two existing travel centers for an aggregate of $23,876 , and we and HPT amended our TA Lease 1 and TA Lease 3 to add these properties, respectively, and our minimum annual rent under our TA Lease 1 and TA Lease 3 increased by $1,121 and $908 , respectively. The sale of these two properties generated a gain of $11,794 that was deferred and will be amortized on a straight line basis over the terms of the related leases as a reduction of rent expense. We also amended the Petro Lease to extend its term to 2032. • On June 30, 2016 , we sold one of the development properties to HPT for $22,297 , and we and HPT amended our TA Lease 2 to add this property and our minimum annual rent under our TA Lease 2 increased by $1,895 . • On September 30, 2016 , we sold one of the two remaining development properties to HPT for $16,557 , and we and HPT amended our TA Lease 2 to add this property and our minimum annual rent under our TA Lease 2 increased by $1,407 . As of September 30, 2016 , the sale and lease back of the remaining development property pursuant to the terms of the Transaction Agreement, is expected to be completed before June 30, 2017 . Because of the relationships between us and HPT, the terms of the Transaction Agreement and lease amendments described above were negotiated and approved by special committees of our Board of Directors and the HPT board of trustees composed of our Independent Directors and HPT's independent trustees who are not also Directors or trustees of the other party, which committees were represented by separate counsel. On September 14, 2016 , HPT purchased a vacant land parcel located adjacent to a property we lease from HPT in Holbrook, Arizona for $325 ; and we and HPT amended our TA Lease 4 to add this parcel and our minimum annual rent under our TA Lease 4 increased by $28 . As of September 30, 2016 , the number of properties leased, the terms, the minimum annual rents and the deferred rent balances under our HPT Leases were as follows: Number of Properties Initial Term End Date (1) Minimum Annual Deferred Rent (2) TA Lease 1 40 December 31, 2029 $ 50,885 $ 27,421 TA Lease 2 40 December 31, 2028 51,696 29,107 TA Lease 3 39 December 31, 2026 52,262 29,324 TA Lease 4 39 December 31, 2030 47,526 21,233 Petro Lease 40 June 30, 2032 66,685 42,915 Total 198 $ 269,054 $ 150,000 (1) We have two renewal options of 15 years each under each of our HPT Leases. (2) Deferred rent for the TA Lease 1, TA Lease 2, TA Lease 3 and TA Lease 4 is due and payable on the respective initial term end dates noted above. Deferred rent for the Petro Lease is due and payable on June 30, 2024. Deferred rent is subject to acceleration at HPT's option upon an uncured default by, 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 Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Cash payments for rent under the HPT Leases $ 67,040 $ 62,445 $ 197,063 $ 178,818 Change in accrued estimated percentage rent 384 (878 ) 667 (1,275 ) Adjustments to recognize expense on a straight line basis (53 ) (52 ) (180 ) (4,639 ) Less sale leaseback financing obligation amortization (126 ) (64 ) (350 ) (1,132 ) Less portion of rent payments recognized as interest expense (433 ) (446 ) (1,297 ) (2,866 ) Less deferred tenant improvements allowance amortization (942 ) (942 ) (2,827 ) (4,077 ) Amortization of deferred gain on sale leaseback transactions (2,525 ) (2,053 ) (7,218 ) (2,871 ) Rent expense related to HPT Leases 63,345 58,010 185,858 161,958 Rent paid to others (1) 3,294 2,693 9,219 7,858 Adjustments to recognize expense on a straight line basis for other leases (66 ) (87 ) (239 ) (288 ) Total real estate rent expense $ 66,573 $ 60,616 $ 194,838 $ 169,528 (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. September 30, December 31, Current HPT Leases liabilities: Accrued rent $ 22,833 $ 21,098 Sale leaseback financing obligation (1) 481 469 Straight line rent accrual (2) 2,458 2,458 Deferred gain (3) 10,155 9,235 Deferred tenant improvements allowance (4) 3,770 3,770 Total Current HPT Leases liabilities $ 39,697 $ 37,030 Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities: Deferred rent obligation (5) $ 150,000 $ 150,000 Sale leaseback financing obligation (1) 20,568 20,719 Straight line rent accrual (2) 48,013 48,373 Deferred gain (3) 124,024 121,049 Deferred tenant improvements allowance (4) 42,529 45,357 Total Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities $ 385,134 $ 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 these nine travel centers from HPT. That purchase was accounted for 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 as new leases and two of the remaining four properties reflected as financings under the prior TA Lease then 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 applicable 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 $145,462 of gains from the sales of travel centers and certain other assets to HPT during 2015 and 2016 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. Deferred rent for the TA Leases is due at the end of the initial terms of the respective TA Leases as noted above, and deferred rent for the Petro Lease is due on June 30, 2024. HPT waived percentage rent of $271 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 , and $372 and $819 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. As of June 30, 2016 , HPT had cumulatively waived all of the $2,500 of percentage rent it previously agreed to waive. The total amount of percentage rent (which is net of any waived amounts) was $408 and $0 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and $937 and $1,999 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Pursuant to the terms of our HPT Leases, we sold improvements made to properties leased from HPT for $20,255 and $29,734 during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $75,314 and $70,150 during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As a result, our minimum annual rent payable to HPT increased by $1,722 and $2,527 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $6,402 and $5,963 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. At September 30, 2016 , our property and equipment balance included $55,308 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 $3,935 and $3,567 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and $10,748 and $10,063 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. These amounts are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. In August 2016, we and RMR amended our property management agreement to increase the property management fees we pay to RMR to $36 per year (previously, we paid $30 per year to RMR for property management fees). 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 $989 and $868 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and $3,186 and $2,555 for the nine months ended September 30, 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. We paid aggregate annual premiums, including taxes and fees, of approximately $2,186 in connection with this insurance program for the policy year ending June 30, 2017, which amount may be adjusted from time to time as we acquire and dispose of properties that are included in this insurance program. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , our investment in AIC had a carrying value of $7,110 and $6,828 , respectively. These amounts are included in other noncurrent assets in our consolidated balance sheets. We recognized income (loss) of $14 and $(25) related to our investment in AIC for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and $108 and $70 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Our other comprehensive income includes our proportional share of unrealized gains (losses) on securities held for sale, which are owned by AIC, of $80 and $(72) for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and $175 and $(91) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance We, The RMR Group Inc., the managing member of RMR, RMR and certain companies to which RMR provides management services participate in a combined directors' and officers' liability insurance policy. In September 2016, we participated in a one year extension of this combined directors' and officers' insurance policy through September 2018. Our premium for this policy extension was approximately $91 for the current policy year ending September 2017. Relationship with PTP We own a 40% minority interest in Petro Travel Plaza Holdings LLC, or PTP. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , our investment in PTP had a carrying value of $20,507 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 standalone convenience store PTP owns. As of September 30, 2016 , we managed two travel centers, three convenience stores and one restaurant for PTP for which we receive management and accounting fees. We recognized management fee income of $323 and $200 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $776 and $600 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In addition to the management fees we earned, we recognized income of $1,520 and $1,361 during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and $3,464 and $3,086 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , we had a net payable to PTP of $834 and net receivable from PTP of $43 , respectively.

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2016 , we had a gross accrued liability of $4,951 for environmental matters as well as a receivable for expected recoveries of certain of these estimated future expenditures of $1,063 , resulting in an estimated net amount of $3,888 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. In November 2015, we filed our response to the October 2015 notice of alleged suspended penalties and in June and September 2016 we met with the State Water Board to attempt to resolve these matters. 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. As of September 30, 2016 , we have recognized a liability of $2,264 with respect to these matters concerning the State Water Board and believe, though we can provide no assurance, 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 to us. 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. Other Disputes Many of our customers use fuel cards issued by Comdata Inc., or Comdata, to make payments to us. On September 12, 2016, we received a letter from Comdata alleging that we were in default under the Comdata Merchant Agreement, of December 15, 2010, (as amended on December 14, 2011) by and between Comdata and us, or the Comdata Merchant Agreement, pursuant to which we agreed to accept Comdata fuel cards for certain purchases by our customers through January 2, 2022. The September 12, 2016, letter from Comdata alleges default under the Comdata Merchant Agreement due to our purported failure to comply with a separate agreement with Comdata to install radio frequency identification, or RFID, technology at 224 of our company operated travel center locations. In its letter, Comdata threatened to terminate both agreements unless we cured the alleged default on or before October 13, 2016. Although we disputed, and continue to dispute, Comdata's assertions, by letter dated October 13, 2016, we informed Comdata that we had substantially completed installation of the RFID technology, that the technology had been installed and was operational at 201 of our travel center locations, that one location had been operational but was damaged and under repair, and that the remaining 22 travel center locations would be outfitted with the RFID technology as soon as we received the required hardware and licenses previously ordered from Comdata. On November 3, 2016, we received a letter from Comdata purporting to terminate both agreements effective immediately and offering to continue the terms of the agreements for up to 90 days. The Comdata Merchant Agreement provides that in the event that either party engages legal counsel to enforce, protect or preserve any rights it might have under such agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorney’s fees and associated costs, in addition to any other relief to which it may be entitled. We do not believe that Comdata has the right to terminate either of our agreements under the present circumstances and are considering our response.

Inventory

Inventory	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory	Inventory Inventory consisted of the following: September 30, December 31, Nonfuel products $ 163,641 $ 159,256 Fuel products 31,588 24,236 Total inventory $ 195,229 $ 183,492

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 1 above and Note 15 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of our Annual Report for more information about our reportable segments. Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Travel Convenience Corporate Consolidated Revenues: Fuel $ 808,366 $ 119,375 $ 19,817 $ 947,558 Nonfuel 434,712 81,691 9,113 525,516 Rent and royalties from franchisees 3,238 58 1,233 4,529 Total revenues 1,246,316 201,124 30,163 1,477,603 Site level gross margin in excess of site level operating expenses $ 131,866 $ 12,249 $ 3,097 $ 147,212 Corporate operating expenses: Selling, general and administrative 34,812 $ 34,812 Real estate rent 66,573 66,573 Depreciation and amortization 22,698 22,698 Income from operations 23,129 Acquisition costs 225 225 Interest expense, net 7,200 7,200 Income from equity investees 1,534 1,534 Income before income taxes 17,238 Provision for income taxes 6,263 6,263 Net income 10,975 Less net income for noncontrolling interests 77 Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 10,898 Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Travel Convenience Corporate Consolidated Revenues: Fuel $ 943,291 $ 69,733 $ 18,122 $ 1,031,146 Nonfuel 431,318 43,082 246 474,646 Rent and royalties from franchisees 3,201 — — 3,201 Total revenues 1,377,810 112,815 18,368 1,508,993 Site level gross margin in excess of site level operating expenses $ 121,359 $ 7,421 $ 485 $ 129,265 Corporate operating expenses: Selling, general and administrative $ 29,760 $ 29,760 Real estate rent 60,616 60,616 Depreciation and amortization 17,445 17,445 Income from operations 21,444 Acquisition costs 1,755 1,755 Interest expense, net 5,042 5,042 Income from equity investees 1,336 1,336 Income before income taxes 15,983 Provision for income taxes 6,157 6,157 Net income 9,826 Less net income for noncontrolling interests — Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 9,826 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Travel Centers Convenience Stores Corporate and Other Consolidated Revenues: Fuel $ 2,222,962 $ 311,199 $ 54,136 $ 2,588,297 Nonfuel 1,248,533 220,562 16,591 1,485,686 Rent and royalties from franchisees 10,556 249 2,330 13,135 Total revenues 3,482,051 532,010 73,057 4,087,118 Site level gross margin in excess of site level operating expenses $ 353,645 $ 27,188 $ 6,999 $ 387,832 Corporate operating expenses: Selling, general and administrative $ 101,787 $ 101,787 Real estate rent 194,838 194,838 Depreciation and amortization 64,545 64,545 Income from operations 26,662 Acquisition costs 2,286 2,286 Interest expense, net 20,761 20,761 Income from equity investees 3,572 3,572 Income before income taxes 7,187 Provision for income taxes 2,571 2,571 Net income 4,616 Less net income for noncontrolling interests 141 Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 4,475 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Travel Centers Convenience Stores Corporate and Other Consolidated Revenues: Fuel $ 2,976,528 $ 134,600 $ 48,271 $ 3,159,399 Nonfuel 1,234,468 95,678 640 1,330,786 Rent and royalties from franchisees 9,392 — — 9,392 Total revenues 4,220,388 230,278 48,911 4,499,577 Site level gross margin in excess of site level operating expenses $ 371,009 $ 12,450 $ 2,181 $ 385,640 Corporate operating expenses: Selling, general and administrative $ 87,438 $ 87,438 Real estate rent 169,528 169,528 Depreciation and amortization 53,086 53,086 Income from operations 75,588 Acquisition costs 3,296 3,296 Interest expense, net 16,461 16,461 Income from equity investees 3,156 3,156 Loss on extinguishment of debt 10,502 10,502 Income before income taxes 48,485 Provision for income taxes 19,158 19,158 Net income 29,327 Less net income for noncontrolling interests — Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 29,327

Basis of Presentation, Busine14

Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Organization (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 reportable 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.
Reclassifications	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Goodwill Impairment	Goodwill Impairment Goodwill is tested for impairment annually as of July 31 at the reporting unit level, which is equivalent to our two reportable segments, travel centers and convenience stores. Impairment testing for 2016 was performed using a quantitative analysis under which the fair value of our goodwill was estimated using both an income approach and a market approach. The income approach considered discounted forecasted cash flows that were based on our long term operating plan. A terminal value was used to estimate the cash flows beyond the period covered by the operating plan. The discount rate is an estimate of the overall after tax rate of return required by equity and debt market holders of a business enterprise. The market approach considered comparable publicly traded guideline companies' business value. For each comparable publicly traded guideline company, value indicators, or pricing multiples, were considered to estimate the value of our business enterprise. These analyses require the exercise of significant judgments, including judgments about appropriate discount rates, perpetual growth rates and the timing of expected future cash flows of the respective operating segment.
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 almost 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 were effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and required retrospective application. We adopted this standard during the three months ended March 31, 2016, 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 are expected to change materially. In August 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows , which simplifies elements of cash flow classification and reduces diversity in practice across all industries. The new standard will apply for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods therein, and requires retrospective application. Early adoption is permitted. The implementation of this update is not expected to cause any material changes to our consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 acquired and liabilities assumed in the business combinations described above, along with resulting goodwill. We expect that amortization of all of the goodwill resulting from these acquisitions will be deductible for tax purposes. Convenience Stores Corporate and Other (1) Total Inventory $ 3,175 $ 465 $ 3,640 Property and equipment 36,289 12,867 49,156 Goodwill 7,219 — 7,219 Intangible assets 370 15,910 16,280 Other assets 18 1,289 1,307 Other liabilities (1,918 ) (3,547 ) (5,465 ) Total aggregate purchase price $ 45,153 $ 26,984 $ 72,137 (1) Includes standalone restaurants. See Note 7 for more segment information.

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Changes in shareholders' equity	The changes in shareholders' equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , follow: Total TA Shareholders' Equity Noncontrolling Interests Total Shareholders' Equity December 31, 2015 $ 549,319 $ — $ 549,319 Grants under share award plan and share based compensation, net 3,495 — 3,495 QSL acquisition — 1,301 1,301 Other comprehensive income, net of tax 340 — 340 Net income 4,475 141 4,616 September 30, 2016 $ 557,629 $ 1,442 $ 559,071
Reconciliation from net income attributable to common shareholders to net income available to common shareholders	The following table presents a reconciliation of net income attributable to common shareholders to net income available to common shareholders and the related earnings per share. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net income attributable to common shareholders, as reported $ 10,898 $ 9,826 $ 4,475 $ 29,327 Less: net income attributable to participating securities 534 494 219 1,477 Net income available to common shareholders $ 10,364 $ 9,332 $ 4,256 $ 27,850 Weighted average common shares (1) 36,953 36,467 36,922 36,435 Basic and diluted net income per common share $ 0.28 $ 0.26 $ 0.12 $ 0.76 (1) Excludes unvested shares granted under our share award plans, 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 September 30, 2016 and 2015 , was 1,900 and 1,932 , respectively. The weighted average number of unvested shares outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , was 1,904 and 1,933 , respectively.

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Summarized information for each HPT Lease	As of September 30, 2016 , the number of properties leased, the terms, the minimum annual rents and the deferred rent balances under our HPT Leases were as follows: Number of Properties Initial Term End Date (1) Minimum Annual Deferred Rent (2) TA Lease 1 40 December 31, 2029 $ 50,885 $ 27,421 TA Lease 2 40 December 31, 2028 51,696 29,107 TA Lease 3 39 December 31, 2026 52,262 29,324 TA Lease 4 39 December 31, 2030 47,526 21,233 Petro Lease 40 June 30, 2032 66,685 42,915 Total 198 $ 269,054 $ 150,000 (1) We have two renewal options of 15 years each under each of our HPT Leases. (2) Deferred rent for the TA Lease 1, TA Lease 2, TA Lease 3 and TA Lease 4 is due and payable on the respective initial term end dates noted above. Deferred rent for the Petro Lease is due and payable on June 30, 2024. Deferred rent is subject to acceleration at HPT's option upon an uncured default by, 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 Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Cash payments for rent under the HPT Leases $ 67,040 $ 62,445 $ 197,063 $ 178,818 Change in accrued estimated percentage rent 384 (878 ) 667 (1,275 ) Adjustments to recognize expense on a straight line basis (53 ) (52 ) (180 ) (4,639 ) Less sale leaseback financing obligation amortization (126 ) (64 ) (350 ) (1,132 ) Less portion of rent payments recognized as interest expense (433 ) (446 ) (1,297 ) (2,866 ) Less deferred tenant improvements allowance amortization (942 ) (942 ) (2,827 ) (4,077 ) Amortization of deferred gain on sale leaseback transactions (2,525 ) (2,053 ) (7,218 ) (2,871 ) Rent expense related to HPT Leases 63,345 58,010 185,858 161,958 Rent paid to others (1) 3,294 2,693 9,219 7,858 Adjustments to recognize expense on a straight line basis for other leases (66 ) (87 ) (239 ) (288 ) Total real estate rent expense $ 66,573 $ 60,616 $ 194,838 $ 169,528 (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. September 30, December 31, Current HPT Leases liabilities: Accrued rent $ 22,833 $ 21,098 Sale leaseback financing obligation (1) 481 469 Straight line rent accrual (2) 2,458 2,458 Deferred gain (3) 10,155 9,235 Deferred tenant improvements allowance (4) 3,770 3,770 Total Current HPT Leases liabilities $ 39,697 $ 37,030 Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities: Deferred rent obligation (5) $ 150,000 $ 150,000 Sale leaseback financing obligation (1) 20,568 20,719 Straight line rent accrual (2) 48,013 48,373 Deferred gain (3) 124,024 121,049 Deferred tenant improvements allowance (4) 42,529 45,357 Total Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities $ 385,134 $ 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 these nine travel centers from HPT. That purchase was accounted for 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 as new leases and two of the remaining four properties reflected as financings under the prior TA Lease then 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 applicable 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 $145,462 of gains from the sales of travel centers and certain other assets to HPT during 2015 and 2016 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. Deferred rent for the TA Leases is due at the end of the initial terms of the respective TA Leases as noted above, and deferred rent for the Petro Lease is due on June 30, 2024.

Inventory (Tables)

Inventory (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of inventory	Inventory consisted of the following: September 30, December 31, Nonfuel products $ 163,641 $ 159,256 Fuel products 31,588 24,236 Total inventory $ 195,229 $ 183,492

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information	Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Travel Convenience Corporate Consolidated Revenues: Fuel $ 808,366 $ 119,375 $ 19,817 $ 947,558 Nonfuel 434,712 81,691 9,113 525,516 Rent and royalties from franchisees 3,238 58 1,233 4,529 Total revenues 1,246,316 201,124 30,163 1,477,603 Site level gross margin in excess of site level operating expenses $ 131,866 $ 12,249 $ 3,097 $ 147,212 Corporate operating expenses: Selling, general and administrative 34,812 $ 34,812 Real estate rent 66,573 66,573 Depreciation and amortization 22,698 22,698 Income from operations 23,129 Acquisition costs 225 225 Interest expense, net 7,200 7,200 Income from equity investees 1,534 1,534 Income before income taxes 17,238 Provision for income taxes 6,263 6,263 Net income 10,975 Less net income for noncontrolling interests 77 Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 10,898 Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Travel Convenience Corporate Consolidated Revenues: Fuel $ 943,291 $ 69,733 $ 18,122 $ 1,031,146 Nonfuel 431,318 43,082 246 474,646 Rent and royalties from franchisees 3,201 — — 3,201 Total revenues 1,377,810 112,815 18,368 1,508,993 Site level gross margin in excess of site level operating expenses $ 121,359 $ 7,421 $ 485 $ 129,265 Corporate operating expenses: Selling, general and administrative $ 29,760 $ 29,760 Real estate rent 60,616 60,616 Depreciation and amortization 17,445 17,445 Income from operations 21,444 Acquisition costs 1,755 1,755 Interest expense, net 5,042 5,042 Income from equity investees 1,336 1,336 Income before income taxes 15,983 Provision for income taxes 6,157 6,157 Net income 9,826 Less net income for noncontrolling interests — Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 9,826 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Travel Centers Convenience Stores Corporate and Other Consolidated Revenues: Fuel $ 2,222,962 $ 311,199 $ 54,136 $ 2,588,297 Nonfuel 1,248,533 220,562 16,591 1,485,686 Rent and royalties from franchisees 10,556 249 2,330 13,135 Total revenues 3,482,051 532,010 73,057 4,087,118 Site level gross margin in excess of site level operating expenses $ 353,645 $ 27,188 $ 6,999 $ 387,832 Corporate operating expenses: Selling, general and administrative $ 101,787 $ 101,787 Real estate rent 194,838 194,838 Depreciation and amortization 64,545 64,545 Income from operations 26,662 Acquisition costs 2,286 2,286 Interest expense, net 20,761 20,761 Income from equity investees 3,572 3,572 Income before income taxes 7,187 Provision for income taxes 2,571 2,571 Net income 4,616 Less net income for noncontrolling interests 141 Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 4,475 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Travel Centers Convenience Stores Corporate and Other Consolidated Revenues: Fuel $ 2,976,528 $ 134,600 $ 48,271 $ 3,159,399 Nonfuel 1,234,468 95,678 640 1,330,786 Rent and royalties from franchisees 9,392 — — 9,392 Total revenues 4,220,388 230,278 48,911 4,499,577 Site level gross margin in excess of site level operating expenses $ 371,009 $ 12,450 $ 2,181 $ 385,640 Corporate operating expenses: Selling, general and administrative $ 87,438 $ 87,438 Real estate rent 169,528 169,528 Depreciation and amortization 53,086 53,086 Income from operations 75,588 Acquisition costs 3,296 3,296 Interest expense, net 16,461 16,461 Income from equity investees 3,156 3,156 Loss on extinguishment of debt 10,502 10,502 Income before income taxes 48,485 Provision for income taxes 19,158 19,158 Net income 29,327 Less net income for noncontrolling interests — Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 29,327

Basis of Presentation, Busine20

Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Organization - Business Description (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016storestaterestaurantconvenience_storetravel_centersegment
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | segment	2
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of stores | store	540
Restaurants
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of states | state	15
Number of stores owned | restaurant	5
Number of stores leased | restaurant	7
Restaurants | Joint venture
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of stores operated under joint venture | restaurant	1
Restaurants | Franchisee operated sites
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of stores owned by franchisees or leased from others | restaurant	39
Restaurants | QSL brand
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of restaurants | restaurant	52
Travel centers
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of stores	255
Number of states | state	43
Number of stores owned	29
Number of stores leased	199
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	197
Travel centers | Company operated sites
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of stores	225
Travel centers | Franchisee operated sites
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of stores	30
Number of stores owned by franchisees or leased from others	25
Travel centers | Franchisee sites leased
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of stores	5
Travel centers | TA brand
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of stores	178
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_store	198
Number of stores leased | convenience_store	32
Convenience stores | Joint venture
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of stores operated under joint venture | convenience_store	3
Convenience stores | HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of stores leased | convenience_store	1
Convenience stores | Minit Mart brand
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of stores | convenience_store	233

Basis of Presentation, Busine21

Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Organization - Fair Value Measurement (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance expense	$ 12,804,000	$ 13,553,000
Senior Notes | Level 1 input
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fair value of debt instrument	337,760,000
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%

Acquisitions - Summary of Amoun

Acquisitions - Summary of Amounts Assigned to Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Acquisitions
Inventory	$ 3,640
Property and equipment	49,156
Goodwill	7,219
Intangible assets	16,280
Other assets	1,307
Other liabilities	(5,465)
Total aggregate purchase price	72,137
Corporate and other | Restaurants
Acquisitions
Inventory	465
Property and equipment	12,867
Goodwill	0
Intangible assets	15,910
Other assets	1,289
Other liabilities	(3,547)
Total aggregate purchase price	26,984
Convenience stores
Acquisitions
Inventory	3,175
Property and equipment	36,289
Goodwill	7,219
Intangible assets	370
Other assets	18
Other liabilities	(1,918)
Total aggregate purchase price	$ 45,153

Acquisitions - Additional Infor

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Details)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016restaurantconvenience_store	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)restauranttravel_center
Restaurants
Acquisitions
Number of properties acquired	11
Restaurants | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Acquisitions
Number of properties acquired		6
Aggregate purchase price | $		$ 6,000,000
Restaurants | Franchisee operated sites
Acquisitions
Number of properties acquired	39
Convenience stores
Acquisitions
Number of properties acquired | convenience_store	29
Travel centers | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Acquisitions
Number of properties acquired | travel_center		1
Aggregate purchase price | $		$ 13,050,000

Shareholders' Equity - Equity

Shareholders' Equity - Equity Compensation Plan (Details) shares in Thousands	May 19, 2016shares
Share award plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Additional shares approved for issuance under 2016 Equity Compensation Plan (in shares)	2,300

Shareholders' Equity - Changes

Shareholders' Equity - Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Apr. 20, 2016
Increase in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			$ 549,319
Grants under share award plan and share based compensation, net			3,495
QSL acquisition			1,301
Other comprehensive income, net of tax			340
Net income	$ 10,975	$ 9,826	4,616	$ 29,327
Ending balance	559,071		559,071
Parent
Increase in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			549,319
Grants under share award plan and share based compensation, net			3,495
Other comprehensive income, net of tax			340
Net income			4,475
Ending balance	557,629		557,629
Noncontrolling Interest
Increase in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			0
QSL acquisition			1,301
Other comprehensive income, net of tax			0
Net income			141
Ending balance	$ 1,442		$ 1,442
Entity that operates one restaurant
Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]
Ownership interest acquired (as a percent)					75.00%
Entity that leases certain assets
Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]
Ownership interest acquired (as a percent)					25.00%

Shareholders' Equity - Earning

Shareholders' Equity - Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Net income attributable to common shareholders, as reported	$ 10,898	$ 9,826	$ 4,475	$ 29,327
Less: net income attributable to participating securities	534	494	219	1,477
Net income available to common shareholders	$ 10,364	$ 9,332	$ 4,256	$ 27,850
Weighted average common shares (in shares)	36,953	36,467	36,922	36,435
Basic and diluted net income per common share (in usd per share)	$ 0.28	$ 0.26	$ 0.12	$ 0.76
Weighted average number of unvested shares outstanding (in shares)	1,900	1,932	1,904	1,933

Related Party Transactions - Re

Related Party Transactions - Relationship with HPT (Details) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)propertyleasetravel_centershares	Sep. 14, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)travel_center	Jun. 22, 2016USD ($)travel_center	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)travel_center	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)propertyleaseshares	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)propertyleaseshares	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015shares	Jun. 01, 2015USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Common shares, shares outstanding (in shares) | shares	38,853					38,853		38,853		38,808
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Common shares, shares outstanding (in shares) | shares	3,420					3,420		3,420
Percentage of outstanding common shares owned	8.80%					8.80%		8.80%
Number of leases | lease	5					5		5
Number of sites subject to lease | property	198					198		198
Aggregate selling price of assets sold						$ 20,255	$ 29,734	$ 75,314	$ 70,150
Increase in minimum annual rent						1,722	2,527	6,402	5,963
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT | Improvements
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Improvement assets to be purchased for an increase in rent	$ 55,308					$ 55,308		$ 55,308
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT | Travel centers
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of sites agreed to be sold | travel_center				4
Number of existing sites agreed to be sold | travel_center				2
Aggregate deferred gain											$ 1,033
Remaining sites to be sold | travel_center	2
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT | TA Leases
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of leases | lease	4					4		4
Number of sites subject to lease | property	158					158		158
Aggregate deferred gain	$ 145,462					$ 145,462		$ 145,462
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT | Petro Lease
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of sites subject to lease | property	40					40		40
Percentage rent waived							271	$ 372	819
Cumulative percentage rent waived			$ 2,500
Percentage rent waived upon agreement								2,500
Percentage rent incurred						$ 408	$ 0	$ 937	$ 1,999
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT | TA Lease 4
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of sites subject to lease | property	39					39		39
Increase in minimum annual rent		$ 28			$ 1,673
Purchase price of vacant parcel of land		$ 325
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
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT | TA Lease 1 and TA Lease 3 | Travel centers
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of sites sold | travel_center				2
Aggregate selling price of assets sold				$ 23,876
Aggregate deferred gain				11,794
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT | TA Lease 1
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of sites subject to lease | property	40					40		40
Increase in minimum annual rent				1,121
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT | TA Lease 3
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of sites subject to lease | property	39					39		39
Increase in minimum annual rent				$ 908
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT | TA Lease 2
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of sites subject to lease | property	40					40		40
Increase in minimum annual rent	$ 1,407		$ 1,895
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT | TA Lease 2 | Travel centers
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of sites sold | travel_center	1		1
Aggregate selling price of assets sold	$ 16,557		$ 22,297

Related Party Transactions - Su

Related Party Transactions - Summarized Information for Each HPT Lease (Details) - Principal landlord and largest shareholder - HPT $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)propertyrenewal_option	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)propertyrenewal_option	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of Sites | property	198	198
Minimum Annual Rent	$ 269,054
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	40	40
Minimum Annual Rent	$ 50,885
Deferred Rent	$ 27,421	$ 27,421
TA Lease 2
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of Sites | property	40	40
Minimum Annual Rent	$ 51,696
Deferred Rent	$ 29,107	$ 29,107
TA Lease 3
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of Sites | property	39	39
Minimum Annual Rent	$ 52,262
Deferred Rent	$ 29,324	$ 29,324
TA Lease 4
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of Sites | property	39	39
Minimum Annual Rent	$ 47,526
Deferred Rent	$ 21,233	$ 21,233
Petro Lease
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of Sites | property	40	40
Minimum Annual Rent	$ 66,685
Deferred Rent	$ 42,915	$ 42,915

Related Party Transactions - 29

Related Party Transactions - Summary of Various Amounts Reflected in Real Estate Rent Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total real estate rent expense	$ 66,573	$ 60,616	$ 194,838	$ 169,528
HPT's landlords and other landlords
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cash payments for rent	3,294	2,693	9,219	7,858
Adjustments to recognize expense on a straight line basis	(66)	(87)	(239)	(288)
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cash payments for rent	67,040	62,445	197,063	178,818
Change in accrued estimated percentage rent	384	(878)	667	(1,275)
Adjustments to recognize expense on a straight line basis	(53)	(52)	(180)	(4,639)
Less sale leaseback financing obligation amortization	(126)	(64)	(350)	(1,132)
Less portion of rent payments recognized as interest expense	(433)	(446)	(1,297)	(2,866)
Less deferred tenant improvements allowance amortization	(942)	(942)	(2,827)	(4,077)
Amortization of deferred gain on sale leaseback transactions	(2,525)	(2,053)	(7,218)	(2,871)
Total real estate rent expense	$ 63,345	$ 58,010	$ 185,858	$ 161,958

Related Party Transactions - 30

Related Party Transactions - Summary of Various Amounts Included in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 01, 2015USD ($)travel_center	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Current HPT Leases liabilities:
Total Current HPT Leases liabilities		$ 39,697		$ 37,030
Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities:
Total Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities		385,134		385,498
Various Amounts Related to HPT Leases Included in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Footnotes):
Loss on extinguishment of debt		0	$ 10,502
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT
Current HPT Leases liabilities:
Accrued rent		22,833		21,098
Sale leaseback financing obligation		481		469
Straight line rent accrual		2,458		2,458
Deferred gain		10,155		9,235
Deferred tenant improvements allowance		3,770		3,770
Total Current HPT Leases liabilities		39,697		37,030
Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities:
Deferred rent obligation		150,000		150,000
Sale leaseback financing obligation		20,568		20,719
Straight line rent accrual		48,013		48,373
Deferred gain		124,024		121,049
Deferred tenant improvements allowance		42,529		45,357
Total Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities		385,134		385,498
Various Amounts Related to HPT Leases Included in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Footnotes):
Deferred rent obligation		150,000		$ 150,000
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		$ 145,462
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 - 31

Related Party Transactions - Relationship with RMR (Details) - Affiliated entity - RMR - Selling, general and administrative expenses - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Business and property management agreement fees
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Management fees			$ 3,935	$ 3,567	$ 10,748	$ 10,063
Annual property management fees
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Management fees	$ 30	$ 36
Share grants and internal audit costs
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expense for share grants and internal audit fees			$ 989	$ 868	$ 3,186	$ 2,555

Related Party Transactions - 32

Related Party Transactions - Relationship with AIC (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)company	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Income (loss) related to investment	$ 1,534	$ 1,336	$ 3,572	$ 3,156
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities held for sale	80	(72)	175	(91)
Affiliated entity | AIC | Annual premium for property insurance
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Annual premium for property insurance			$ 2,186
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	7,110		$ 7,110		$ 6,828
Income (loss) related to investment	14	(25)	108	70
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities held for sale	$ 80	$ (72)	$ 175	$ (91)

Related Party Transactions - Di

Related Party Transactions - Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
RMR | Affiliated entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Combined directors' and officers' liability insurance policy premium	$ 91

Related Party Transactions - 34

Related Party Transactions - Relationship with PTP (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)restaurantconvenience_storetravel_center	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)restaurantconvenience_storetravel_center	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Income (loss) related to investment	$ 1,534	$ 1,336	$ 3,572	$ 3,156
Joint venture | Restaurants
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of stores | restaurant	1		1
Joint venture | Travel centers
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of stores | travel_center	2		2
Joint venture | Convenience stores
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of stores | convenience_store	3		3
Joint venture | PTP
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership interest (as a percent)	40.00%		40.00%
Carrying value of investment	$ 20,507		$ 20,507		$ 20,042
Income (loss) related to investment	1,520	1,361	3,464	3,086
Net payable	834		834
Net receivable					$ 43
Joint venture | PTP | Management and accounting fee income
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Management and accounting fee income	$ 323	$ 200	$ 776	$ 600
Joint venture | PTP | Restaurants
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of stores | restaurant	1		1
Joint venture | PTP | Travel centers
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of stores | travel_center	2		2
Joint venture | PTP | Convenience stores
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of stores | convenience_store	3		3

Contingencies Environmental Con

Contingencies Environmental Contingencies (Details)	1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015violation	Feb. 28, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Litigation by California State Water Resources Control Board
Commitments and contingencies
Loss contingency liability			$ 2,264,000
Settlement amount		$ 1,800,000
Suspended penalties		1,000,000
Maximum verified costs		$ 2,000,000
Number of alleged violations | violation	5
Environmental Issue
Commitments and contingencies
Total recorded liabilities			4,951,000
Expected recoveries of future expenditures			1,063,000
Loss contingency liability			3,888,000
Loss contingency insurance limit for liabilities per incident			10,000,000
Loss contingency insurance limit for liabilities			$ 25,000,000

Contingencies Other Disputes (D

Contingencies Other Disputes (Details)	Oct. 13, 2016travel_center	Sep. 30, 2016storetravel_center	Sep. 12, 2016travel_center
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Number of stores | store		540
Travel centers
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Number of stores		255
Travel centers | Number of sites under agreement
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Number of stores			224
Travel centers | Number of sites under agreement with RFID | Subsequent Event [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Number of stores	201
Travel centers | Number of sites with damaged RFID | Subsequent Event [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Number of stores	1
Travel centers | Number of sites remaining to receive RFID | Subsequent Event [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Number of stores	22

Inventory (Details)

Inventory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventory	$ 195,229	$ 183,492
Nonfuel products
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventory	163,641	159,256
Fuel products
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventory	$ 31,588	$ 24,236

Segment Information - Segment R

Segment Information - Segment Results (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Revenues:
Fuel	$ 947,558	$ 1,031,146	$ 2,588,297	$ 3,159,399
Nonfuel	525,516	474,646	1,485,686	1,330,786
Rent and royalties from franchisees	4,529	3,201	13,135	9,392
Total revenues	1,477,603	1,508,993	4,087,118	4,499,577
Site level gross margin in excess of site level operating expenses	147,212	129,265	387,832	385,640
Selling, general and administrative	34,812	29,760	101,787	87,438
Real estate rent	66,573	60,616	194,838	169,528
Depreciation and amortization	22,698	17,445	64,545	53,086
Income from operations	23,129	21,444	26,662	75,588
Acquisition costs	225	1,755	2,286	3,296
Interest expense, net	7,200	5,042	20,761	16,461
Income from equity investees	1,534	1,336	3,572	3,156
Loss on extinguishment of debt			0	10,502
Income before income taxes	17,238	15,983	7,187	48,485
Provision for income taxes	6,263	6,157	2,571	19,158
Net income	10,975	9,826	4,616	29,327
Less net income for noncontrolling interests	77	0	141	0
Net income attributable to common shareholders	10,898	9,826	4,475	29,327
Operating Segments | Travel centers
Revenues:
Fuel	808,366	943,291	2,222,962	2,976,528
Nonfuel	434,712	431,318	1,248,533	1,234,468
Rent and royalties from franchisees	3,238	3,201	10,556	9,392
Total revenues	1,246,316	1,377,810	3,482,051	4,220,388
Site level gross margin in excess of site level operating expenses	131,866	121,359	353,645	371,009
Operating Segments | Convenience stores
Revenues:
Fuel	119,375	69,733	311,199	134,600
Nonfuel	81,691	43,082	220,562	95,678
Rent and royalties from franchisees	58	0	249	0
Total revenues	201,124	112,815	532,010	230,278
Site level gross margin in excess of site level operating expenses	12,249	7,421	27,188	12,450
Corporate and other
Revenues:
Fuel	19,817	18,122	54,136	48,271
Nonfuel	9,113	246	16,591	640
Rent and royalties from franchisees	1,233	0	2,330	0
Total revenues	30,163	18,368	73,057	48,911
Site level gross margin in excess of site level operating expenses	3,097	485	6,999	2,181
Selling, general and administrative	34,812	29,760	101,787	87,438
Real estate rent	66,573	60,616	194,838	169,528
Depreciation and amortization	22,698	17,445	64,545	53,086
Acquisition costs	225	1,755	2,286	3,296
Interest expense, net	7,200	5,042	20,761	16,461
Income from equity investees	1,534	1,336	3,572	3,156
Loss on extinguishment of debt				10,502
Provision for income taxes	$ 6,263	$ 6,157	$ 2,571	$ 19,158