TravelCenters of America (TA) 10-K 26 Feb 19 2018 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Feb. 25, 2019	Jun. 29, 2018
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	TRAVELCENTERS OF AMERICA LLC
Entity Central Index Key	1,378,453
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2018
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 114.8
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		40,397,551
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 314,387	$ 35,526
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $959 and $809 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively)	97,449	125,501
Inventory	196,721	187,237
Other current assets	35,119	27,015
Current assets of discontinued operations	0	23,239
Total current assets	643,676	398,518
Property and equipment, net	628,537	613,196
Goodwill	25,259	25,259
Other intangible assets, net	22,887	25,194
Other noncurrent assets	121,749	89,955
Noncurrent assets of discontinued operations	0	466,010
Total assets	1,442,108	1,618,132
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	120,914	155,581
Current HPT Leases liabilities	42,109	41,389
Other current liabilities	125,668	128,017
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	0	2,311
Total current liabilities	288,691	327,298
Long term debt, net	320,528	319,634
Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities	353,756	368,782
Other noncurrent liabilities	28,741	27,376
Noncurrent liabilities of discontinued operations	0	8,547
Total liabilities	991,716	1,051,637
Shareholders' equity:
Common shares, no par value, 43,369 and 41,369 shares authorized as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, 40,402 and 39,984 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively	695,315	690,688
Accumulated other comprehensive income	355	580
Accumulated deficit	(246,773)	(126,220)
Total TA shareholders' equity	448,897	565,048
Noncontrolling interests	1,495	1,447
Total shareholders' equity	450,392	566,495
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 1,442,108	$ 1,618,132

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 959	$ 809
Common shares, shares authorized	43,369	41,369
Common shares, shares issued	40,402	39,984
Common shares, shares outstanding	40,402	39,984

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 6,231,437	$ 5,316,897
Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation):
Total cost of goods sold	4,786,953	3,965,213
Operating expenses:
Site level operating	914,730	872,667
Selling, general and administrative	136,383	146,015
Real estate rent	283,476	274,850
Depreciation and amortization	83,179	89,379
Total operating expenses	1,417,768	1,382,911
Income (loss) from operations	26,716	(31,227)
Interest expense, net	29,003	30,016
Other expense (income), net	2,060	(895)
Loss before income taxes and discontinued operations	(4,347)	(60,348)
Benefit for income taxes	1,574	80,250
(Loss) income from continuing operations	(2,773)	19,902
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(117,631)	(10,619)
Net (loss) income	(120,404)	9,283
Less: net income for noncontrolling interests	149	132
Net (loss) income attributable to common shareholders	(120,553)	9,151
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes:
Foreign currency (loss) income, net of taxes of $(104) and $179, respectively	(156)	108
Equity interest in investee's unrealized (loss) gain on investments	(69)	461
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to common shareholders	(225)	569
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to common shareholders	$ (120,778)	$ 9,720
Net (loss) income per common share attributable to common shareholders:
Basic and diluted from continuing operations (in USD per share)	$ (0.07)	$ 0.50
Basic and diluted from discontinued operations (in USD per share)	(2.95)	(0.27)
Basic and diluted (in USD per share)	$ (3.02)	$ 0.23
Fuel
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 4,395,731	$ 3,557,537
Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation):
Total cost of goods sold	4,075,704	3,276,611
Nonfuel
Revenues:
Total revenues	1,819,563	1,741,339
Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation):
Total cost of goods sold	711,249	688,602
Rent and royalties from franchisees
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 16,143	$ 18,021

Consolidated Statements of Op_2

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Foreign currency (loss) income, taxes	$ (104)	$ 179

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income	$ (120,404)	$ 9,283
Less: loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(117,631)	(10,619)
(Loss) income from continuing operations	(2,773)	19,902
Adjustments to reconcile (loss) income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations:
Noncash rent expense	(14,799)	(14,632)
Depreciation and amortization expense	83,179	89,379
Deferred income taxes	403	(81,243)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of business acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	27,340	(18,437)
Inventory	(9,102)	(3,646)
Other assets	1,384	1,795
Accounts payable and other liabilities	(31,932)	3,876
Other, net	19,558	17,319
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations	73,258	14,313
Net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations	8,348	21,361
Net cash provided by operating activities	81,606	35,674
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of convenience stores business, net of transaction costs and cash sold	310,496	0
Proceeds from asset sales to HPT	55,829	109,374
Capital expenditures	(144,781)	(124,055)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(10,482)	(19,858)
Investment in equity investee	(2,859)	(6,000)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities of continuing operations	208,203	(40,539)
Net cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations	(8,904)	(21,346)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	199,299	(61,885)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from sale leaseback transactions with HPT	517	2,860
Sale leaseback financing obligation payments	(1,074)	(761)
Acquisition of treasury shares from employees	(1,744)	(1,175)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(101)	(83)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(2,402)	841
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(198)	140
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	278,305	(25,230)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year	36,082	61,312
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year	314,387	36,082
Less: cash of discontinued operations at the end of the year	0	556
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at the end of the year	314,387	35,526
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid (including rent classified as interest and net of capitalized interest)	29,250	31,611
Income taxes (refunded) paid	$ (228)	$ 345

Consolidated Statements of Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Shares	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Deficit	Treasury Shares	Total TA Shareholders' Equity	Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016		39,523
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 552,386	$ 686,348	$ 11	$ (135,371)	$ 0	$ 550,988	$ 1,398
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Grants under share award plan and share based compensation, net (in shares)		461
Grants under share award plan and share based compensation, net	3,165	$ 4,340			(1,175)	3,165
Retirement of treasury shares	1,175				1,175	1,175
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(83)						(83)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	569		569			569
Net (loss) income	$ 9,283			9,151		9,151	132
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017	39,984	39,984
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 566,495	$ 690,688	580	(126,220)	0	565,048	1,447
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Grants under share award plan and share based compensation, net (in shares)		418
Grants under share award plan and share based compensation, net	2,883	$ 4,627			(1,744)	2,883
Retirement of treasury shares	1,744				1,744	1,744
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(101)						(101)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	(225)		(225)			(225)
Net (loss) income	$ (120,404)			(120,553)		(120,553)	149
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018	40,402	40,402
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 450,392	$ 695,315	$ 355	$ (246,773)	$ 0	$ 448,897	$ 1,495

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies General Information and Basis of Presentation TravelCenters of America LLC, which we refer to as the Company or we, us and our, is a Delaware limited liability company. As of December 31, 2018 , we operated or franchised 301 travel centers and standalone restaurants. 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 and franchisees. As of December 31, 2018 , our business included 258 travel centers in 43 states in the United States, primarily along the U.S. interstate highway system, and the province of Ontario, Canada, operated primarily under the "TravelCenters of America," "TA," "TA Express," "Petro Stopping Centers" and "Petro" brand names. Of our 258 travel centers at December 31, 2018 , we owned 32 , we leased 201 , we operated two for a joint venture in which we own a noncontrolling interest and 23 were owned or leased from others by our franchisees. We operated 233 of our travel centers and franchisees operated 25 travel centers, including two 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. As of December 31, 2018 , our business included 43 standalone restaurants in 14 states in the United States operated primarily under the "Quaker Steak & Lube," or QSL, brand name. Of our 43 standalone restaurants at December 31, 2018 , we operated 16 restaurants ( seven we owned, eight we leased, and one we operated for a joint venture in which we own a noncontrolling interest) and 27 were owned or leased from others and operated by our franchisees. We manage our business as one segment. We make specific disclosures concerning fuel and nonfuel products and services because it facilitates our discussion of trends and operational initiatives within our business and industry. We have a single travel center located in a foreign country, Canada, that we do not consider material to our operations. On December 5, 2018 , we sold our 225 convenience stores, one standalone restaurant and certain related assets, or our convenience stores business, pursuant to an agreement we entered into on September 1, 2018 . As a result, the results of the convenience stores business are reported as a discontinued operation for all periods presented in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Additionally, the assets and liabilities of the convenience stores business as of December 31, 2017, have been presented as a discontinued operation in our consolidated balance sheet. See Note 4 for more information about our discontinued operations. Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TravelCenters of America LLC and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. We use the equity method of accounting for investments in entities when we have the ability to significantly influence, but not control, the investee's operating and financial policies, typically when we own 20% to 50% of the investee's voting stock. See Note 12 for more information about our equity investments. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant Accounting Policies Revenue Recognition. Revenues consist of fuel revenues, nonfuel revenues and rent and royalties from franchisees. See Note 2 for more information about our revenues. Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. We record trade accounts receivable at the invoiced amount and those amounts do not bear interest. The recorded allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of probable losses in our existing accounts receivable. We base the allowance on historical payment patterns, aging of accounts receivable, periodic review of customers' financial condition and actual write off history. We charge off account balances against the allowance when we believe it is probable the receivable will not be collected. Inventory. We state our inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. We determine cost principally on the weighted average cost method. We maintain reserves for the estimated amounts of obsolete and excess inventory. These estimates are based on unit sales histories and on hand inventory quantities, known market trends for inventory items and assumptions regarding factors such as future inventory needs, our ability and the related cost to return items to our suppliers and our ability to sell inventory at a discount when necessary. Property and Equipment. We record property and equipment as a result of business combinations based on their fair values as of the date of the acquisition. We record all other property and equipment at cost. We depreciate our property and equipment on a straight line basis generally over the following estimated useful lives of the assets: Buildings and site improvements 15 to 40 years Machinery and equipment 3 to 15 years Furniture and fixtures 5 to 10 years We depreciate leasehold improvements over the shorter of the lives shown above or the remaining term of the underlying lease. Amortization expense related to assets recorded in connection with the sale leaseback financing obligation pertaining to certain travel centers we lease from Hospitality Properties Trust, or HPT, is included in depreciation and amortization expense over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the lease term. See Notes 9 and 14 for more information about our relationship and transactions with HPT. Goodwill and Intangible Assets. In a business combination we are required to record assets and liabilities acquired, including those intangible assets that arise from contractual or other legal rights or are otherwise capable of being separated or divided from the acquired entity, based on the fair values of the acquired assets and liabilities. Any excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of the acquired net identifiable assets is recognized as goodwill. We amortize the recorded costs of intangible assets with finite lives on a straight line basis over their estimated lives, principally the terms of the related contractual agreements. See Note 6 for more information about our goodwill and intangible assets. Impairment. We review definite lived assets for indicators of impairment during each reporting period. We recognize impairment charges when (i) the carrying value of a long lived asset or asset group to be held and used in the business is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value and (ii) when the carrying value of a long lived asset or asset group to be disposed of exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset less the estimated cost to sell the asset. Our estimates of fair value are based on our estimates of likely market participant assumptions, including projected fuel sales volumes, nonfuel revenues, fuel and nonfuel gross margins, site level operating expenses and real estate rent expense. The discount rate is used to measure the present value of projected future cash flows and is set at a rate we believe is likely to be used by a market participant using a weighted average cost of capital method that considers market and industry data as well as our specific risk factors. The weighted average cost of capital is our estimate of the overall after tax rate of return required by equity and debt holders of a business enterprise. We use a number of assumptions and methods in preparing valuations underlying impairment tests, and in some instances we may obtain third party appraisals. We recognize impairment charges in the period during which the circumstances surrounding an asset or asset group to be held and used have changed such that the carrying value is no longer recoverable, or during which a commitment to a plan to dispose of the asset or asset group is made. We perform our impairment analysis for substantially all of our property and equipment at the individual site level because that is the lowest level of asset and liability groupings for which the cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. During 2018 , we did not record any impairment charges related to our long lived assets. We assess intangible assets with definite lives for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. Definite lived intangible assets include our agreements with franchisees and other intangible assets. For 2018 , definite lived intangible assets were assessed using a qualitative analysis that was performed by assessing certain trends and factors, including actual sales, collection of royalties from franchisees and any changes in the manner in which the assets were used that could impact the value of the asset. During 2018 , we did not record any impairment charges related to our definite lived intangible assets. We evaluate goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable using either a quantitative or qualitative analysis. Indefinite lived intangible assets consisted of trademarks and their fair value was determined using a relief from royalty method. We subject goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets to further evaluation and recognize impairment charges when events and circumstances indicate the carrying value of the goodwill or indefinite lived intangible asset exceeds the fair market value of the asset. As of November 30, 2018 , indefinite lived intangible assets were assessed using a qualitative analysis that was performed by assessing certain trends and factors, including actual sales and operating profit margins, discount rates, industry data and other relevant qualitative factors. These trends and factors were compared to, and based on, the assumptions used in the most recent quantitative assessment. During 2018 , we did not record any impairment charges related to our indefinite lived intangible assets. We evaluate goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level as of July 31, or more frequently if the circumstances warrant. With respect to goodwill, if we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we perform a goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of impairment to be recognized, if any. During the second quarter of 2018, prior to classifying our convenience stores business as held for sale and as a discontinued operation, we determined that the decline in site level gross margin in excess of site level operating expenses for our convenience stores business for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, as compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, in conjunction with the fact that the operating results for the convenience stores business failed to meet our forecasted results was an indicator of impairment of the goodwill in our convenience stores business. Accordingly, we performed an impairment assessment of the goodwill in the convenience stores business as of May 31, 2018, using a quantitative analysis under which the fair value of the convenience stores business 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 market rate of return we believe may be required by equity and debt holders of a business enterprise. The market approach considered the estimated fair values of possible comparable publicly traded companies. For each comparable publicly traded 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, including revenue growth rates and operating cash flow margins, of the respective reporting unit. Applying different assumptions could lead to different results. Based on this assessment, during the second quarter of 2018, we recorded an impairment charge of $51,500 , which is presented in loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. On September 1, 2018, our Board of Directors approved the sale of our convenience stores business, which resulted in our convenience stores business being classified as held for sale, and we entered into an agreement to sell the convenience stores business. As a result of the agreed upon sales price, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $17,840 in the convenience stores reporting unit as of September 1, 2018. See Note 4 for more information about our discontinued operations. As of July 31, 2018, our annual goodwill impairment test for the travel center and QSL reporting units was performed using a qualitative analysis which included evaluating financial trends and industry and market conditions and assessing the reasonableness of the assumptions used in the most recent quantitative analysis, including comparing actual results to the projections used in the quantitative analysis. Based on our analyses, we concluded that as of July 31, 2018, our goodwill in those reporting units was not impaired. Share Based Employee Compensation. We have historically granted awards of our common shares under our share award plans. Share awards issued to our Directors vest immediately. Share awards made to others vest in five to ten equal annual installments beginning on the date of the award. Compensation expense related to share awards is determined based on the market value of our shares on either the date of the award for employees or the vesting date for nonemployees, as appropriate, with the aggregate value of the shares awarded amortized to expense over the related vesting period. We include share based compensation expense in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Environmental Remediation. We record remediation charges and penalties when the obligation to remediate is probable and the amount of associated costs are reasonably determinable. We include remediation expenses within site level operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Generally, the timing of remediation expense recognition coincides with completion of a feasibility study or the commitment to a formal plan of action. Accrued liabilities related to environmental matters are recorded on an undiscounted basis because of the uncertainty associated with the timing of the related future payments. In our consolidated balance sheets, the accrual for environmental matters is included in other noncurrent liabilities, with the amount estimated to be expended within the subsequent 12 months included in other current liabilities. We recognize a receivable for estimated future environmental costs that we may be reimbursed for within other noncurrent assets in our consolidated balance sheets. Self Insurance Accruals. For insurance programs for which we pay deductibles and for which we are partially self insured up to certain stop loss amounts, we establish accruals for both estimated losses on known claims and claims incurred but not reported, based on claims histories and using actuarial methods. In our consolidated balance sheets, the accrual for self insurance costs is included in other noncurrent liabilities, with the amount estimated to be expended within the subsequent 12 months included in other current liabilities. Asset Retirement Obligations. We recognize the future costs for our obligations related to the removal of our underground storage tanks and certain improvements we own at leased properties over the estimated useful lives of each asset requiring removal. We record a liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation with a corresponding increase to the carrying value of the related long lived asset at the time such an asset is installed. We base the estimated liability on our historical experiences in removing these assets, their estimated useful lives, external estimates as to the cost to remove the assets in the future and regulatory or contractual requirements. The liability is a discounted liability using a credit adjusted risk free rate. Our asset retirement obligations at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , were $2,478 and $2,388 , respectively, and are presented in other noncurrent liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Leasing Transactions. Leasing transactions are a material part of our business. We have five leases with HPT. See Note 9 for more information about our leases with HPT and our accounting for them. We recognize rent under operating leases without scheduled rent increases as expense over the lease term as it becomes payable. Certain operating leases specify scheduled rent increases over the lease term or other lease payments that are not scheduled evenly throughout the lease term. We recognize the effects of those scheduled rent increases in rent expense over the lease term on an average, or straight line, basis. The rent payments resulting from our sales to HPT of improvements to the properties we lease from HPT are contingent rent. Other than at the travel centers where our leases are accounted for as sale leaseback financing obligations, we recognize the expense related to this contingent rent evenly throughout the remaining lease term beginning on the dates of the related sales to HPT. Income Taxes. We establish deferred income tax assets and liabilities to reflect the future tax consequences of differences between the tax basis and financial statement basis of assets and liabilities. We reduce the measurement of deferred tax assets, if necessary, by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We recognize the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. We evaluate and adjust these tax positions based on changing facts and circumstances. For tax positions meeting the more likely than not threshold, the amount we recognize in the financial statements is the largest benefit that we estimate has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority. See Note 11 for more information about our income taxes. Reclassifications. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to be consistent with the current year presentation within our consolidated financial statements, including as a result of our adoption of a new accounting principle as described below. Change in Accounting Principles In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or the FASB, issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , or ASU 2014-09, which established a comprehensive revenue recognition standard under GAAP for almost all industries. We adopted ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018, using the full retrospective method, which required that we restate our consolidated financial statements for prior year comparative periods. Although the majority of our revenue is initiated at the point of sale and was unaffected by this ASU, the implementation of this ASU affected the accounting for our loyalty programs, initial and renewal franchise fees and advertising fees received from franchisees. See Note 2 for more information about our revenues. Customer Loyalty Programs. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2014-09, we recognized the estimated cost of loyalty awards as a discount against the nonfuel revenues for which the rewards were redeemed. Loyalty awards now are recognized against the revenue that generates the loyalty award, primarily fuel revenues. The adoption of the new standard resulted in a $58,861 reclassification between fuel revenue and nonfuel revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 . Initial and Renewal Franchise Fees. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2014-09, we recognized initial franchise fees as revenue at the time the franchisee opened for business, which is when we had fulfilled our initial obligations under the related agreement, and recognized renewal fees at the time the franchisee's renewal period began. Initial and renewal franchise fees now are recognized as revenue over the term of the related franchise agreement, which is the period the customer benefits from use of the franchise rights. The adoption of the new standard resulted in an increase in our accumulated deficit of $1,082 , an increase in other current liabilities of $188 and an increase in other noncurrent liabilities of $894 as of December 31, 2017 , as well as an increase of $52 in rent and royalties from franchisees revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 . Advertising Fees. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2014-09, we recognized advertising fees collected from franchisees as a reduction of the related advertising expenses incurred. We now recognize these advertising fees as revenue. The adoption of the new standard for these advertising fees resulted in an increase in each of selling, general and administrative expenses and rent and royalties from franchisees revenue of $1,684 for the year ended December 31, 2017 . Income Taxes. As a result of the adjustments described above, a deferred tax asset was recognized, increasing other noncurrent assets and decreasing our accumulated deficit each by $278 as of December 31, 2017 , and decreasing our benefit for income taxes by $163 for the year ended December 31, 2017 . The following table presents the effect of the adoption of the new standard on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 . As Reported Discontinued Operations (1) Adoption of ASU 2014-09 As Adjusted Assets: Other noncurrent assets $ 90,004 $ (327 ) $ 278 $ 89,955 Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity: Other current liabilities $ 130,140 $ (2,311 ) $ 188 $ 128,017 Other noncurrent liabilities 35,029 (8,547 ) 894 27,376 Accumulated deficit (125,416 ) — (804 ) (126,220 ) (1) See Note 4 for more information about our discontinued operations. The following table presents the effect of the adoption of the new standard on our consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2017 . As Reported Discontinued Operations (1) Adoption of ASU 2014-09 As Adjusted Revenues: Fuel $ 4,090,912 $ (474,514 ) $ (58,861 ) $ 3,557,537 Nonfuel 1,944,181 (261,703 ) 58,861 1,741,339 Rent and royalties from franchisees 16,500 (215 ) 1,736 18,021 Total revenues 6,051,593 (736,432 ) 1,736 5,316,897 Selling, general and administrative expenses 154,663 (10,332 ) 1,684 146,015 Loss before income taxes and discontinued operations (75,045 ) 14,645 52 (60,348 ) Benefit for income taxes 84,439 (4,026 ) (163 ) 80,250 Income from continuing operations 9,394 10,619 (111 ) 19,902 (1) See Note 4 for more information about our discontinued operations. The following table presents the effect of the adoption of the new standard on our consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2017 . As Reported Discontinued Operations (1) Adoption of ASU 2014-09 As Adjusted Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 9,394 $ — $ (111 ) $ 9,283 Deferred income taxes (85,432 ) 4,026 163 (81,243 ) Accounts receivable (18,507 ) — 70 (18,437 ) Accounts payable and other liabilities 8,123 (4,125 ) (122 ) 3,876 Net cash provided by operating activities 35,674 — — 35,674 (1) See Note 4 for more information about our discontinued operations. We recognized a net increase in our accumulated deficit at January 1, 2016 , of $305 as a result of adopting ASU 2014-09. In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other , which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The new standard will apply for annual or interim impairment tests beginning after December 15, 2019, and requires prospective application. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017, and we adopted this standard during the second quarter of 2018. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases , or ASU 2016-02, which established 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. This classification determines whether the lease expense is recognized based on the effective interest method or on a straight line basis over the term of the lease. A lessee is also required to recognize 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 will apply for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods therein. To address implementation of ASU 2016-02 and evaluate its impact on our consolidated financial statements, we developed a project plan and formed a team to evaluate our leases, lease classification and related internal controls. We implemented lease accounting software and elected the modified retrospective transition method for adoption, which does not require us to restate prior year comparative periods. We will apply the package of practical expedients included in ASU 2016-02; accordingly, we will retain the lease classification and initial direct costs for any leases that existed prior to adoption and we will not revisit whether any existing or expired contracts contain leases. We estimate adoption of the standard will result in recognition of right of use assets that total approximately $1,800,000 , lease liabilities that total approximately $1,900,000 and a decrease to our accumulated deficit of approximately $86,000 , net of tax, on our consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2019. As a result of adopting ASU 2016-02, we will no longer recognize amortization of our deferred gain from previous sale leaseback transactions as a credit to real estate rent expense, which totaled $10,128 for the year ended December 31, 2018. In June 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation , which aligns the accounting for share based payments to nonemployees with the accounting for share based payments to employees. The new standard is required for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods therein, and requires modified retrospective application. Early adoption is permitted. The implementation of this update is not expected to cause a material change to our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue (Notes)

Revenue (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue	Revenue We recognize revenue based on the consideration specified in the contract with the customer, excluding any sales incentives (such as loyalty programs and customer rebates) and amounts collected on behalf of third parties (such as sales and excise taxes). The majority of our revenue is generated at the point of sale in our retail locations. Revenues consist of fuel revenues, nonfuel revenues and rent and royalties from franchisees. Fuel Revenues. We recognize fuel revenues and the related costs at the time of sale to customers at our company operated locations. We sell diesel fuel and gasoline to our customers at prices that we establish daily or are indexed to market prices and reset daily. We sell diesel fuel under pricing arrangements with certain customers. For the year ended December 31, 2018 , approximately 80.6% of our diesel fuel volume was sold at discounts to posted prices under pricing arrangements with our customers, some of which include rebates payable to the customer after the end of the period. Nonfuel Revenues. We recognize nonfuel revenues and the related costs at the time of sale to customers. We sell a variety of nonfuel products and services at stated retail prices in our travel centers and standalone restaurants, as well as through our RoadSquad®, RoadSquad OnSite® and TA Commercial Tire Network™ programs. Truck repair and maintenance goods or services may be sold at discounted prices under pricing arrangements with certain customers, some of which include rebates payable to the customer after the end of the period. Rent and Royalties from Franchisees. We recognize franchise royalties and advertising fees from franchisees as revenue monthly based on the franchisees' sales data reported to us. Royalty revenues are contractual as a percentage of the franchisees' revenues and advertising fees are contractual as either a percentage of the franchisees' revenues or as a fixed amount. When we enter into a new franchise agreement or a renewal term with an existing franchisee, the franchisee is required to pay an initial or renewal franchise fee. Initial and renewal franchise fees are recognized as revenue on a straight line basis over the term of the respective franchise agreements. For those travel centers that we lease to a franchisee, we recognize rent revenue on a straight line basis based on the current contractual rent amount. These leases generally specify rent increases each year based on inflation rates for the respective periods or capital improvements we make at the travel centers. Because the rent increases related to these factors are contingent upon future events, we recognize the related rent revenue after such events have occurred. Other. Sales incentives and other promotional activities that we recognize as a reduction to revenue include, but are not limited to, the following: • Customer Loyalty Programs. We offer travel center trucking customers and casual restaurant diners the option to participate in our loyalty programs. Our loyalty programs provide customers with the right to earn loyalty awards on qualifying purchases that can be used for discounts on future purchases of goods or services. We apply a relative standalone selling price approach to our outstanding loyalty awards whereby a portion of each sale attributable to the loyalty awards earned is deferred and will be recognized as revenue in the category in which the loyalty awards are redeemed upon the redemption or expiration of the loyalty awards. Significant judgment is required to determine the standalone selling price for loyalty awards. Assumptions used in determining the standalone selling price include the historic redemption rate and the use of a weighted average selling price for fuel to calculate the revenue attributable to the loyalty awards. • Customer Discounts and Rebates. We enter into agreements with certain customers in which we agree to provide discounts on fuel and/or truck service purchases, some of which are structured as rebates payable to the customer after the end of the period. We recognize the cost of discounts against, and in the same period as, the revenue that generated the discounts earned. • Gift Cards. We sell branded gift cards. Sales proceeds are recognized as a contract liability; the liability is reduced and revenue is recognized when the gift card subsequently is redeemed for goods or services. Unredeemed gift card balances are recognized as revenue when the possibility of redemption becomes remote. Disaggregation of Revenue We disaggregate our revenue based on the type of good or service provided to the customer, or by fuel revenues and nonfuel revenues, in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Nonfuel revenues disaggregated by type of good or service for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Nonfuel revenues: Truck service $ 672,169 $ 642,961 Store and retail services 730,658 682,101 Restaurants 416,736 416,277 Total nonfuel revenues $ 1,819,563 $ 1,741,339 Contract Liabilities Our contract liabilities, which are presented in our consolidated balance sheets in other current and other noncurrent liabilities, primarily include deferred revenue related to our loyalty programs, gift cards, rebates payable to customers and other deferred revenues. The following table shows the changes in our contract liabilities between periods. Loyalty Programs Other Contract Liabilities Total December 31, 2016 $ 13,686 $ 4,921 $ 18,607 Increases due to unsatisfied performance obligations arising during the period 72,424 11,335 83,759 Revenue recognized from satisfying performance obligations during the period (65,854 ) (10,007 ) (75,861 ) Other (5,091 ) (1,568 ) (6,659 ) December 31, 2017 15,165 4,681 19,846 Increases due to unsatisfied performance obligations arising during the period 81,517 10,083 91,600 Revenue recognized from satisfying performance obligations during the period (74,548 ) (10,064 ) (84,612 ) Other (6,644 ) (1,230 ) (7,874 ) December 31, 2018 $ 15,490 $ 3,470 $ 18,960 As of December 31, 2018 , we expect the unsatisfied performance obligations relating to these loyalty programs will be satisfied within 12 months . As of December 31, 2018 , the deferred initial and renewal franchise fee revenue expected to be recognized in future periods ranges between $14 and $71 for each of the years 2019 through 2023 .

Acquisitions (Notes)

Acquisitions (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions 2018 Acquisitions. During the year ended December 31, 2018 , we acquired a travel center from one of our franchisees for a purchase price of $10,482 , and we accounted for this transaction as a business combination, 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 the acquired business in our consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. The pro forma impact of this acquisition, including the respective results of operations from the beginning of the periods presented, is not material to our consolidated financial statements. During the year ended December 31, 2018 , we acquired a tire retread facility for $2,805 and also acquired certain assets from two former franchisees, who previously leased from us travel centers we now operate, upon the termination of the related lease and franchise agreements for an aggregate purchase price of $5,202 . These acquisitions were accounted for as asset acquisitions. 2017 Acquisitions. During the year ended December 31, 2017 , we acquired six standalone restaurants from one of our franchisees and a travel center from another of our franchisees for an aggregate purchase price of $19,858 , and we accounted for these transactions as business combinations, which requires, among other things, that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their respective fair values as of the date of acquisition. We have included the results of these acquired businesses in our consolidated financial statements from the dates of acquisition. The pro forma impact of these acquisitions, including the respective results of operations from the beginning of the periods presented, are not material to our consolidated financial statements.

Discontinued Operations (Notes)

Discontinued Operations (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations On December 5, 2018 , we completed the sale of our convenience stores business for an aggregate sales price of $330,609 , pursuant to an agreement we entered into on September 1, 2018 . This sales price included $25,609 of net working capital items. Upon the classification of the assets and related liabilities as held for sale, we determined that the carrying value of the convenience stores business exceeded the agreed sales price less costs to sell, resulting in a loss on disposal of $79,623 that includes transaction costs of $9,650 . The following table includes the carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities presented in discontinued operations in our consolidated balance sheet. December 31, Assets: Cash $ 556 Inventory 22,403 Other current assets 280 Property and equipment, net 387,894 Goodwill 68,600 Other intangible assets, net 9,189 Other noncurrent assets 327 Total assets of discontinued operations $ 489,249 Liabilities: Other current liabilities $ 2,311 Other noncurrent liabilities 8,547 Total liabilities of discontinued operations $ 10,858 The following table presents the results of operations for our discontinued operations for each of the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 . Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Revenues $ 742,160 $ 736,432 Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation) 610,524 591,349 Site level operating expenses 103,037 108,082 Selling, general and administrative expenses 9,443 10,332 Real estate rent expense 2,206 2,277 Depreciation and amortization expense 20,418 39,037 Impairment of goodwill 69,340 — Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes (72,808 ) (14,645 ) Benefit for income taxes 14,789 4,026 Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes (58,019 ) (10,619 ) Loss on disposal (79,623 ) — Benefit for income taxes 20,011 — Loss from discontinued operations $ (117,631 ) $ (10,619 )

Property and Equipment (Notes)

Property and Equipment (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment, net, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 2017 Land and improvements $ 177,322 $ 164,019 Buildings and improvements 197,866 178,722 Machinery, equipment and furniture 459,892 421,721 Leasehold improvements 242,469 233,857 Construction in progress 65,855 58,841 Property and equipment, at cost 1,143,404 1,057,160 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization 514,867 443,964 Property and equipment, net $ 628,537 $ 613,196 Total depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , was $80,938 and $86,543 , respectively. The following table shows the amounts of property and equipment owned by HPT but recognized in our consolidated balance sheets, and included within the balances shown in the table above, as a result of the required accounting for the assets funded by HPT under the deferred tenant improvements allowance and for the assets that did not qualify for sale leaseback accounting. See Note 9 for more information about our leases with HPT. December 31, 2018 2017 Land and improvements $ 14,945 $ 14,565 Buildings and improvements 9,943 9,848 Machinery, equipment and furniture 3,282 3,239 Leasehold improvements 114,195 114,686 Property and equipment, at cost 142,365 142,338 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization 96,266 89,129 Property and equipment, net $ 46,099 $ 53,209 At December 31, 2018 , our property and equipment balance included $19,642 of improvements of the type that we typically request that HPT purchase for an increase in annual minimum rent; however, HPT is not obligated to purchase these improvements.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets Intangible assets, net, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Amortizable intangible assets: Agreements with franchisees $ 21,645 $ (12,308 ) $ 9,337 Leasehold interests 2,754 (2,183 ) 571 Other 3,913 (3,251 ) 662 Total amortizable intangible assets 28,312 (17,742 ) 10,570 Carrying value of trademarks (indefinite lives) 12,317 — 12,317 Intangible assets, net $ 40,629 $ (17,742 ) $ 22,887 December 31, 2017 Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Amortizable intangible assets: Agreements with franchisees $ 22,945 $ (11,221 ) $ 11,724 Leasehold interests 2,754 (2,149 ) 605 Other 3,748 (3,200 ) 548 Total amortizable intangible assets 29,447 (16,570 ) 12,877 Carrying value of trademarks (indefinite lives) 12,317 — 12,317 Intangible assets, net $ 41,764 $ (16,570 ) $ 25,194 Total amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , was $2,452 and $2,453 , respectively. We amortize our amortizable intangible assets over a weighted average period of 11 years. The aggregate amortization expense for our amortizable intangible assets as of December 31, 2018 , for each of the next five years is: Total 2019 $ 1,252 2020 1,237 2021 1,087 2022 981 2023 883 Goodwill . During the year ended December 31, 2017 , we recognized $5,517 of goodwill in connection with our business combinations. As of December 31, 2018, all of our goodwill balance is deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill by reporting unit was as follows: December 31, 2018 2017 Travel centers business $ 22,213 $ 22,213 QSL business 3,046 3,046 Total goodwill $ 25,259 $ 25,259

Other Current Liabilities (Note

Other Current Liabilities (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Current Liabilities	Other Current Liabilities Other current liabilities, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 2017 Taxes payable, other than income taxes $ 42,985 $ 46,872 Accrued wages and benefits 19,830 20,674 Loyalty program accruals 15,490 15,165 Self insurance program accruals, current portion 14,623 15,301 Accrued capital expenditures 7,742 5,695 Other 24,998 24,310 Total other current liabilities $ 125,668 $ 128,017

Long Term Debt (Notes)

Long Term Debt (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long Term Debt	Long Term Debt Long term debt, net, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , consisted of the following: Interest Rate Maturity Date December 31, 2018 2017 2028 Senior Notes 8.25% January 15, 2028 $ 110,000 $ 110,000 2029 Senior Notes 8.00% December 15, 2029 120,000 120,000 2030 Senior Notes 8.00% October 15, 2030 100,000 100,000 Other long term debt 4.01% March 31, 2027 1,086 1,189 Deferred financing costs (10,558 ) (11,555 ) Total long term debt, net $ 320,528 $ 319,634 Senior Notes Our 2028 Senior Notes were issued in January 2013 and require us to pay interest quarterly in arrears on January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15 of each year. No principal payments are required prior to the maturity date. We may, at our option, at any time redeem some or all of the 2028 Senior Notes by paying 100% of the principal amount of the 2028 Senior Notes to be redeemed plus accrued but unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date. Our 2029 Senior Notes were issued in December 2014 and require us to pay interest quarterly in arrears on February 28, May 31, August 31 and November 30 of each year. No principal payments are required prior to the maturity date. We may, at our option, at any time redeem some or all of the 2029 Senior Notes by paying 100% of the principal amount of the 2029 Senior Notes to be redeemed plus accrued but unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date. Our 2030 Senior Notes were issued in October 2015 and require us to pay interest quarterly in arrears on January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15 of each year. No principal payments are required prior to the maturity date. We may, at our option, at any time redeem some or all of the 2030 Senior Notes by paying 100% of the principal amount of the 2030 Senior Notes to be redeemed plus accrued but unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date. We refer to the 2028 Senior Notes, 2029 Senior Notes and 2030 Senior Notes collectively as our Senior Notes, which are our senior unsecured obligations. The indenture governing our Senior Notes does not limit the amount of indebtedness we may incur. We may issue additional debt from time to time. Our Senior Notes are presented on our consolidated balance sheets as long term debt, net of deferred financing costs. We estimate that the fair values of our 2028 Senior Notes, 2029 Senior Notes and 2030 Senior Notes were $108,240 , $110,112 and $93,080 , respectively, based on their respective closing prices on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, or the Nasdaq, (a Level 1 input) on December 31, 2018 . Revolving Credit Facility We have a revolving credit facility, or the Credit Facility, with a group of commercial banks that matures on December 19, 2019. Under the Credit Facility, a maximum of $200,000 may be drawn, repaid and redrawn until maturity. The availability of this maximum amount is subject to limits based on qualified collateral. Subject to available collateral and lender participation, the maximum amount may be increased to $300,000 . The Credit Facility may be used for general business purposes and allows for the issuance of letters of credit. Generally, no principal payments are due until maturity. Under the terms of the Credit Facility, interest is payable on outstanding borrowings at a rate based on, at our option, LIBOR or a base rate, plus a premium (which premium is subject to adjustment based upon facility availability, utilization and other matters). Pursuant to the Credit Facility, we pay a monthly unused line fee which is subject to adjustment according to the average daily principal amount of unused commitment under the Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2018 , our letter of credit fees were an annual rate of 1.50% of our outstanding standby letters of credit and our unused line fee rate was an annual rate of 0.25% of the maximum balance minus our utilization and letters of credit. The Credit Facility requires us to maintain certain levels of collateral, limits our ability to incur debt and liens, restricts us from making certain investments and paying dividends and other distributions, requires us to maintain a minimum fixed charge ratio under certain circumstances and contains other customary covenants and conditions. The Credit Facility provides for the acceleration of principal and interest payments upon an event of default including, but not limited to, failure to pay interest or other amounts due, a change in control of us, as defined in the Credit Facility, and our default under certain contracts, including our leases with HPT, and our business management agreement with The RMR Group LLC, or RMR. Our Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of our cash, accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and intangible assets. The amount available to us is determined by reference to a borrowing base calculation based on eligible collateral. At December 31, 2018 , based on our qualified collateral, a total of $100,236 was available to us for loans and letters of credit under the Credit Facility. At December 31, 2018 , there were no loans outstanding under the Credit Facility but we had outstanding $14,813 of letters of credit issued under that facility, securing certain trade payables, insurance, fuel tax and other obligations. These letters of credit reduce the amount available for borrowing under the Credit Facility, leaving $85,423 available for use as of that date. Deferred Financing Costs The unamortized balance of our deferred financing costs were $10,558 and $11,555 for our Senior Notes and $216 and $440 for our Credit Facility at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, net of accumulated amortization of $4,422 and $3,425 , and $904 and $680 , respectively. The deferred financing costs for our Senior Notes are presented as a reduction of long term debt, net and the deferred financing costs for our Credit Facility are presented in other noncurrent assets on our consolidated balance sheets. We estimate we will recognize future amortization of deferred financing costs of $1,214 in 2019 , $1,000 in 2020 and $997 in each of the years 2021 , 2022 and 2023 . We recognized interest expense from the amortization of deferred financing costs of $1,221 for each of the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 .

Leasing Transactions (Notes)

Leasing Transactions (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Leases [Abstract]
Leasing Transactions	Leasing Transactions As a Lessee. We have entered into lease agreements covering many of our retail locations, office and warehouse space, and various equipment and vehicles, with the most significant leases being our five leases with HPT that are further described below. Certain leases include renewal options, and certain leases include escalation clauses and purchase options. Future minimum lease payments required under leases that had remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2018 , were as follows (included herein are the full payments due under the HPT Leases, including the amount attributed to the lease of those sites that are accounted for as a financing in our consolidated balance sheets as reflected in the sale leaseback financing obligations): Total 2019 $ 302,855 2020 301,220 2021 299,393 2022 296,551 2023 295,534 Thereafter 1,980,078 Total $ 3,475,631 The amounts in the table above are as of December 31, 2018, and do not reflect the $43,148 annual minimum rent reduction resulting from the Transaction Agreements (as defined below) entered into in January 2019, as further described below. The expenses related to our operating leases are included in site level operating expenses; selling, general and administrative expenses and real estate rent expense in the operating expenses section of our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income . Rent expense under our operating leases consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Minimum rent $ 282,424 $ 275,561 Sublease rent 7,126 7,035 Contingent rent 3,591 2,195 Total rent expense $ 293,141 $ 284,791 HPT Leases. As of December 31, 2018 , we leased from HPT a total of 199 properties under five leases with HPT, four of which we refer to as the TA Leases and one of which we refer to as the Petro Lease, and which we refer to collectively as the HPT Leases. On January 16, 2019 , we entered into three transaction agreements with HPT, or the Transaction Agreements, pursuant to which in January 2019: • we purchased 20 travel center properties from HPT, which we previously leased from HPT, for a total purchase price of approximately $308,200 ; • our annual minimum rent due to HPT was reduced by $43,148 ; • the term of each HPT Lease was extended by three years; • commencing on April 1, 2019 , we will pay to HPT an aggregate of $70,458 , in 16 quarterly installments of approximately $4,404 each, to fully satisfy and discharge our $150,000 deferred rent obligation to HPT that otherwise would have become due in five installments between 2024 and 2030; • commencing with the year ending December 31, 2020 , we will be obligated to pay to HPT an additional amount of percentage rent equal to one-half percent ( 0.5% ) of the excess of our annual nonfuel revenues at leased sites over the nonfuel revenues for each respective site for the year ending December 31, 2019 ; and • certain of the 179 travel center properties that we continue to lease from HPT were reallocated among the HPT Leases. The number of properties leased, the terms, the annual minimum rent and the deferred rent balances owed by us under the HPT Leases, as amended in January 2019, are as follows: Number of Properties Initial Term End Date (1) Annual Minimum Rent as of January 31, 2019 Deferred Rent (2) TA Lease 1 36 December 31, 2032 $ 49,019 $ 14,175 TA Lease 2 36 December 31, 2031 44,663 12,847 TA Lease 3 35 December 31, 2029 42,404 12,603 TA Lease 4 37 December 31, 2033 46,206 12,961 Petro Lease 35 June 30, 2035 61,617 17,872 Total 179 $ 243,909 $ 70,458 (1) We have two renewal options of 15 years each under each of the HPT Leases. (2) Pursuant to a rent deferral agreement with HPT, we previously deferred as of December 31, 2010, a total of $150,000 of rent payable to HPT, which remained outstanding as of December 31, 2018 , and had been due in five installments between 2024 and 2030. Pursuant to the Transaction Agreements, we agreed to make 16 quarterly installments of $4,404 each commencing April 1, 2019 , or $70,458 in aggregate, to repay and fully satisfy and discharge the $150,000 in deferred rent we owed HPT. Under the rent deferral agreement, deferred rent shall be accelerated and interest shall begin to accrue thereon at 1% per month on the deferred rent amounts if certain events occur, including: a default under the HPT Leases; a change of control of us, as defined in the deferral agreement; or our declaration or payment of a dividend or other distribution in respect of our common shares. The HPT Leases are "triple net" leases that require us to pay all costs incurred in the operation of the leased properties, including costs related to personnel, utilities, inventory acquisition and provision of services to customers, insurance, real estate and personal property taxes, environmental related expenses, underground storage tank removal costs and ground lease payments at those properties at which HPT leases the property and subleases it to us. We also are required generally to indemnify HPT for certain environmental matters and for liabilities that arise during the terms of the leases from ownership or operation of the leased properties and, at lease expiration, we are required to pay an amount equal to an estimate of the cost of removing underground storage tanks on the leased properties. The HPT Leases require us to maintain the leased properties, including structural and non-structural components. We recognized rent expense of $273,012 and $264,625 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, under the HPT Leases. In addition to the payment of annual minimum rent, the TA Leases provide for payment to HPT of percentage rent, based on increases in total nonfuel revenues at a property over base year levels ( 3.0% of nonfuel revenues above 2015 nonfuel revenues and an additional 0.5% of nonfuel revenues above 2019 nonfuel revenues beginning with the year ending December 31, 2020 ) and the Petro Lease provides for payment to HPT of percentage rent based on increases in total nonfuel revenues at a property over base year levels at such property ( 3.0% of nonfuel revenues above 2012 nonfuel revenues and an additional 0.5% of nonfuel revenues above 2019 nonfuel revenues beginning with the year ending December 31, 2020 ). The total amount of percentage rent that we incurred during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , was $3,591 and $2,195 , respectively. Under the HPT Leases, we may request that HPT purchase approved amounts of renovations, improvements and equipment at the leased properties in return for increases in our annual minimum rent according to the following formula: the annual minimum rent will be increased by an amount equal to the amount paid by HPT multiplied by the greater of (i) 8.5% or (ii) a benchmark U.S. Treasury interest rate plus 3.5% . During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , we sold to HPT $56,346 and $84,632 , respectively, of improvements we previously made to properties leased from HPT, and, as a result, our annual minimum rent payable to HPT increased by $4,789 and $7,194 , respectively. At December 31, 2018 , our property and equipment balance included $19,642 of improvements of the type that we typically request that HPT purchase for an increase in annual minimum rent; however, HPT is not obligated to purchase these improvements. On September 25, 2017 , HPT purchased land and improvements that previously were leased by HPT from a third party and subleased to us. Effective as of that date, our rent due to that third party pursuant to the terms of our sublease with HPT ceased. Also on that date, we and HPT amended our lease to reflect our direct lease from HPT of that land and those improvements and to increase our annual minimum rent due to HPT by $731 , which was 8.5% of HPT's investment. On May 3, 2017 , we sold a development property to HPT for $27,602 pursuant to a transaction agreement we entered with HPT in 2015 and we concurrently leased this property back from HPT. In 2017, HPT received $1,031 as the final payment of a total settlement amount of $7,209 with respect to a travel center we previously leased from HPT in Roanoke, Virginia and which was taken by eminent domain proceedings brought by the Virginia Department of Transportation in 2014. In 2018, we and HPT agreed to the allocation of the total settlement amount between us and HPT, and HPT paid us $1,032 , which we recognized in June 2018 as a reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses. 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 operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Cash payments for rent under the HPT Leases $ 289,793 $ 280,894 Change in accrued estimated percentage rent 93 356 Adjustments to recognize expense on a straight line basis (327 ) (383 ) Less: sale leaseback financing obligation amortization (974 ) (658 ) Less: portion of rent payments recognized as interest expense (1,675 ) (1,681 ) Less: deferred tenant improvements allowance amortization (3,770 ) (3,770 ) Amortization of deferred gain on sale leaseback transactions (10,128 ) (10,133 ) Rent expense related to the HPT Leases 273,012 264,625 Rent paid to others (1) 10,412 10,643 Adjustments to recognize expense on a straight line basis for other leases 52 (418 ) Total real estate rent expense $ 283,476 $ 274,850 (1) Includes rent paid directly to HPT's landlords under leases for properties we sublease from HPT, as well as rent related to properties we lease from landlords other than HPT. The following table summarizes the various amounts related to the HPT Leases that are included in our consolidated balance sheets. December 31, 2018 2017 Current HPT Leases liabilities: Accrued rent $ 24,721 $ 24,170 Sale leaseback financing obligations (1) 1,032 863 Straight line rent accrual (2) 2,458 2,458 Deferred gain (3) 10,128 10,128 Deferred tenant improvements allowance (4) 3,770 3,770 Total current HPT Leases liabilities $ 42,109 $ 41,389 Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities: Deferred rent obligation (5) $ 150,000 $ 150,000 Sale leaseback financing obligations (1) 22,365 22,987 Straight line rent accrual (2) 46,431 46,937 Deferred gain (3) 100,913 111,041 Deferred tenant improvements allowance (4) 34,047 37,817 Total noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities $ 353,756 $ 368,782 (1) Sale Leaseback Financing Obligations. Prior to 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 prior leases with HPT, more than a minor portion of these nine travel centers was subleased to third parties. As part of the 2015 transaction agreement, 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 2015 were accounted for as new leases and two of the remaining four properties reflected as financings under the prior TA Leases then qualified for operating lease treatment, the remaining net assets and financing obligations 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 to real estate rent expense. (2) Straight Line Rent Accrual. Straight line rent accrual includes the accrued rent expense from 2007 to 2012 for stated increases in our annual minimum rents due under our then existing TA lease. The TA Leases we entered into with HPT in connection with the 2015 transaction agreement contain no stated rent payment increases. We 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 real estate 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. We amortize the deferred gains on a straight line basis over the terms of the related leases as a reduction of real estate 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 real estate rent expense. (5) Deferred Rent Obligation . In January 2019, this amount was reduced to $70,458 pursuant to the terms of the Transaction Agreements. As a Lessor. As of December 31, 2018 , we leased to franchisees two travel centers. During 2017, these franchisees exercised their final renewal term options and renewed their lease agreements. The current terms of these lease agreements expire in June 2022. These leases include rent escalations that are contingent on future events, namely inflation or our investing in capital improvements at these travel centers. Rent revenue from operating leases totaled $3,052 and $4,208 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Future minimum lease payments due to us for the two leased sites under these operating leases as of December 31, 2018 , were $2,202 for each of the years 2019 , 2020 and 2021 and $1,101 in 2022 .

Shareholders' Equity (Notes)

Shareholders' Equity (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	Shareholders' Equity Share Award Plans. On May 19, 2016, our shareholders approved the TravelCenters of America LLC 2016 Equity Compensation Plan, or the 2016 Plan, under which 4,300 shares have been authorized for issuance under the terms of the 2016 Plan. The 2016 Plan replaced the Amended and Restated TravelCenters of America LLC 2007 Equity Compensation Plan, or the 2007 Plan. No additional awards will be made under the 2007 Plan and the shares previously registered for offer and sale under the 2007 Plan but not yet issued were deregistered, although shares awarded under the 2007 Plan that had not yet vested have continued, and will continue, to vest in accordance with, and subject to, the terms of the related awards. We refer to the 2007 Plan and 2016 Plan collectively as the Share Award Plans. We awarded a total of 876 and 751 common shares under the Share Award Plans during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, with aggregate market values of $3,867 and $3,528 , respectively, based on the closing prices of our common shares on the Nasdaq on the dates of the awards. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , we recognized total share based compensation expense of $6,371 and $5,515 , respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , the vesting date fair value of common shares that vested was $5,147 and $3,781 , respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of common shares awarded during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , was $4.41 and $4.70 , per share, respectively. Common shares issued to Directors vested immediately and the related compensation expense was recognized on the date of the award. Common shares issued to others vest in five to ten equal annual installments beginning on the date of the award. The related compensation expense was determined based on the market value of our common shares on either the date of the award for employees or the vesting date for nonemployees, as appropriate, with the aggregate value of the awarded common shares expensed over the related vesting period. As of December 31, 2018 , 1,765 common shares remained available for issuance under the 2016 Plan. As of December 31, 2018 , there was a total of $8,019 of share based compensation related to unvested common shares that will be expensed over a weighted average remaining service period of four years . The following table sets forth the number and weighted average grant date fair value of unvested common shares and common shares awarded under the Share Award Plans for the year ended December 31, 2018 . Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Unvested shares balance as of December 31, 2017 2,013 $ 6.68 Granted 876 4.41 Vested (1,298 ) 6.61 Forfeited/canceled (9 ) 5.71 Unvested shares balance as of December 31, 2018 1,582 5.49 Treasury Shares. Certain recipients of share awards may elect to have us withhold the number of their vesting common shares with a fair market value sufficient to fund the required tax withholding obligations with respect to their share awards. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , we acquired through this share withholding process 449 and 272 common shares, respectively, with an aggregate value of $1,744 and $1,175 , respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , we retired 449 and 272 treasury shares, no par value, respectively, with a carrying value of $1,744 and $1,175 , respectively, that reduced our common shares outstanding. (Loss) Income Per Common Share from Continuing Operations Attributable to Common Shareholders We calculate basic earnings per common share by dividing (loss) income from continuing operations available to common shareholders for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to participating securities is deducted from our total (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders to determine the (loss) income from continuing operations available to common shareholders. We calculate diluted earnings per common share by adjusting weighted average outstanding shares, assuming conversion of all potentially dilutive share securities, using the treasury stock method; but we had no dilutive share securities outstanding as of December 31, 2018 , nor at any time during the two year period then ended. Unvested shares issued under our Share Award Plans are deemed participating securities because they participate equally in earnings and losses with all of our other common shares. The following table presents a reconciliation of (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders to (loss) income from continuing operations available to common shareholders and the related earnings per share. Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (Loss) income from continuing operations $ (2,773 ) $ 19,902 Less: net income for noncontrolling interests 149 132 (Loss) income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders (2,922 ) 19,770 Less: (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to participating securities (125 ) 1,028 (Loss) income from continuing operations available to common shareholders $ (2,797 ) $ 18,742 Weighted average common shares (1) 38,244 37,524 Basic and diluted (loss) income per common share from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders $ (0.07 ) $ 0.50 (1) Excludes unvested shares awarded 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 was 1,705 and 2,057 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Income Taxes (Notes)

Income Taxes (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We had a tax benefit of $1,574 and $80,250 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 U.S. federal statutory rate applied to loss before income taxes and discontinued operations $ 994 $ 20,815 Benefit of tax credits 3,977 2,688 Provision to return adjustments 560 443 Nondeductible executive compensation (210 ) — Other nondeductible expenses (430 ) (318 ) State income taxes, net of federal benefit (2,957 ) 1,648 Uncertain tax position resolution — 58,602 Tax rate change — (4,619 ) Other, net (360 ) 991 Total tax benefit $ 1,574 $ 80,250 In December 2017, the U.S. government enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which, among other things, decreased the corporate statutory tax rate from 35% to 21%. At December 31, 2017, we would have had a deferred tax asset of approximately $48,983 based on a U.S. federal tax rate of 35%. Since the legislation was enacted prior to December 31, 2017, this asset was remeasured at the 21% tax rate, which resulted in a decrease to the asset, as well as a decrease in our tax benefit, of $4,619 as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017. Components of the Income Tax Benefit Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Current tax benefit: Federal $ 1,737 $ 32,883 State 240 (5,575 ) Total current tax benefit 1,977 27,308 Deferred tax benefit: Federal 3,581 44,831 State (3,984 ) 8,111 Total deferred tax benefit (403 ) 52,942 Total tax benefit $ 1,574 $ 80,250 Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities December 31, 2018 2017 Deferred tax assets: Tax loss carryforwards $ 76,250 $ 61,961 Deferred gains 33,882 32,949 Tax credit carryforwards 31,377 27,414 Reserves 16,186 16,844 Straight line rent accrual 12,516 13,542 Deferred tenant improvements allowance 9,531 11,228 Asset retirement obligations 625 2,765 Other 488 6,083 Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowance 180,855 172,786 Valuation allowance (1,310 ) (1,027 ) Total deferred tax assets 179,545 171,759 Deferred tax liabilities: Property and equipment (97,306 ) (120,297 ) Goodwill and intangible assets (3,374 ) (5,632 ) Other — (1,466 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (100,680 ) (127,395 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 78,865 $ 44,364 As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , we had a valuation allowance of $1,310 and $1,027 , respectively, related to foreign credit carryforwards, state net operating losses and deferred tax assets in foreign jurisdictions due to the uncertainty of their realization. At December 31, 2018 , we had carryforwards for federal net operating losses, state net operating losses and federal tax credits of $318,110 , $224,790 and $31,377 , respectively. Although not anticipated, $57,971 of the federal net operating losses is scheduled to expire in 2031 if unused. We anticipate $2,689 of the state net operating losses will expire in 2019, and the remainder to be utilized prior to expiration beginning in 2021. Federal tax credit carryforwards of $468 may expire between 2020 and 2025 if unused, with the remainder expected to be utilized prior to their expiration beginning in 2031. The net deferred tax assets presented in the table above are included in other noncurrent assets in our consolidated balance sheets. Uncertain Tax Positions Year Ended December 31, 2017 Recognized Unrecognized Balance at beginning of period $ 28,301 $ 31,441 Changes to current year tax positions — (1,140 ) Lapse in statute of limitations (28,301 ) (30,301 ) Balance at end of period $ — $ — In 2017, we had a gross uncertain tax position totaling $58,602 , which consisted of $28,301 recognized as a current liability and $30,301 of unrecognized deferred tax assets. In September 2017, as a result of the lapse in the statute of limitations, the uncertainty related to our value as of the date of an ownership change for federal income tax purposes that was experienced as a result of common share trading was resolved. Accordingly, we recognized deferred tax assets related to the tax attributes not previously recognized and reversed the accrued tax liability. The benefit for income taxes in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income for the year ended December 31, 2017, includes $58,602 recognized in connection with the resolution of the previous uncertain tax positions. Our U.S. federal income tax returns are subject to tax examinations for the years ended December 31, 2015 through 2018 . Our state and Canadian income tax returns are generally subject to examination for the tax years ended December 31, 2014 through 2018 . To the extent we have tax attribute carryforwards, the tax years in which the attribute was generated may still be adjusted by the taxing authorities to the extent the carryforwards are utilized in a subsequent year.

Equity Investments (Notes)

Equity Investments (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Investments	Equity Investments As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , our investment in equity affiliates, which is presented in our consolidated balance sheets in other noncurrent assets, was $40,065 and $42,502 , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , our proportional share of our investees' net (loss) income, which is included in other expense (income), net in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income was $2,027 and $1,088 , respectively. Summarized Financial Information The following table sets forth summarized financial information of our equity investments and does not represent the amounts we have included in our consolidated financial statements in connection with our equity investments. Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (1) Total revenues $ 125,136 $ 113,679 Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation) 87,189 72,364 Operating income 2,862 10,402 Net income 1,482 7,808 (1) Total revenues and cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation) for the year ended 2017 have been adjusted for the adoption of ASU 2014-09. Motor fuel taxes are no longer included in fuel revenues or fuel cost of goods sold, resulting in a decrease from the originally reported amounts in each of fuel revenues and fuel cost of goods sold of $13,956 for the year ended December 31, 2017. Fair Value It is not practicable to estimate the fair value of our equity investments because of the lack of quoted market prices and the inability to estimate current fair value without incurring excessive costs. However, management believes that the carrying amounts of our equity investments at December 31, 2018 , were not impaired given these companies' overall financial condition and earnings trends.

Business Management Agreement w

Business Management Agreement with RMR (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Business Management Agreement with RMR	Related Party Transactions Relationship with HPT We were a 100% owned subsidiary of HPT until HPT distributed our common shares to its shareholders in 2007. We are HPT's largest tenant and HPT is our principal landlord and largest shareholder and as of December 31, 2018 , owned 3,420 , or approximately 8.5% , of our outstanding common shares. One of our Managing Directors, Adam D. Portnoy, serves, and our former Managing Director, Barry M. Portnoy, served until his death on February 25, 2018, as a managing trustee of HPT. Ethan S. Bornstein, Adam D. Portnoy's brother-in-law, is an executive officer of HPT. Thomas M. O'Brien, who served as one of our Managing Directors and our President and Chief Executive Officer until December 31, 2017, was a former executive officer of HPT. RMR provides management services to both us and HPT. Spin-Off Transaction Agreement. In connection with our spin-off from HPT in 2007, we entered a transaction agreement with HPT and RMR, pursuant to which we granted HPT a right of first refusal to purchase, lease, mortgage or otherwise finance any interest we own in a travel center before we sell, lease, mortgage or otherwise finance that travel center to or with another party, and we granted HPT and any other company to which RMR provides management services a right of first refusal to acquire or finance any real estate of the types in which HPT or such other companies invest before we do. We also agreed that for so long as we are a tenant of HPT we will not permit: the acquisition by any person or group of beneficial ownership of 9.8% or more of the voting shares or the power to direct the management and policies of us or any of our subsidiary tenants or guarantors under the HPT Leases; the sale of a material part of our assets or of any such tenant or guarantor; or the cessation of certain of our Directors to continue to constitute a majority of our Board of Directors or any such tenant or guarantor. Also, we agreed not to take any action that might reasonably be expected to have a material adverse impact on HPT's ability to qualify as a real estate investment trust and to indemnify HPT for any liabilities it may incur relating to our assets and business. Lease Arrangements. As of December 31, 2018 , we leased from HPT a total of 199 properties under the HPT Leases. We have also engaged in other transactions with HPT, including in connection with the Transaction Agreements that we entered into with HPT on January 16, 2019 , pursuant to which in January 2019 we purchased from HPT 20 travel centers we leased from HPT as of December 31, 2018 , and our HPT Leases were amended and extended. See Note 9 for more information about our relationship, agreements and transactions with HPT. Our Manager, RMR RMR provides certain services we require to operate our business. We have a business management agreement with RMR to provide management services to us, which relates to various aspects of our business generally. Until July 31, 2017, we also had a property management agreement with RMR, which related to building management services for our headquarters building. See Note 13 for more information about our current and former management agreements with RMR. We have relationships and historical and continuing transactions with HPT, RMR, The RMR Group Inc., Affiliates Insurance Company, or AIC, and others related to them, including other companies to which RMR or its subsidiaries provide management services and some of which have trustees, directors or officers who are also our Directors and officers. RMR is a majority owned subsidiary of The RMR Group Inc. One of our Managing Directors, Adam D. Portnoy, as the sole trustee of ABP Trust, is the controlling shareholder of The RMR Group Inc. and is a managing director and the president and chief executive officer of The RMR Group Inc. and an officer and employee of RMR. Barry M. Portnoy was our other Managing Director and a director and an officer of The RMR Group Inc. and an officer and employee of RMR until his death on February 25, 2018. Andrew J. Rebholz, our Chief Executive Officer, Barry A. Richards, our President and Chief Operating Officer, William E. Myers, our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and Mark R. Young, our Executive Vice President and General Counsel, are officers and employees of RMR. Thomas M. O'Brien, who served as one of our Managing Directors and our President and Chief Executive Officer until December 31, 2017, was also an officer of RMR until December 31, 2017, and an employee of RMR until June 30, 2018. As of December 31, 2018 , RMR owned 1,493 , or approximately 3.7% , of our outstanding common shares. RMR also provides management services to HPT and HPT's executive officers are officers and employees of RMR. Our Independent Directors also serve as independent directors or independent trustees of other public companies to which RMR or its subsidiaries provide management services. Adam D. Portnoy serves, and, until his death Barry M. Portnoy served, as a managing director or managing trustee of these companies and other officers of RMR serve as managing trustees or managing directors of certain of these companies. In addition, officers of RMR and The RMR Group Inc. serve as our officers and officers of other companies to which RMR or its subsidiaries provide management services. See Note 13 for more information about our relationship with RMR. Share Awards to RMR Employees. We award common shares to certain employees of RMR who are also not Directors, officers or employees of ours annually. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , we awarded to such persons a total of 51 and 67 of our common shares valued at $228 and $319 , in aggregate, respectively, based upon the closing prices of our common shares on the Nasdaq on the dates the awards were made under our Share Award Plans. These share awards to RMR employees are in addition to the fees we paid to RMR and the share awards to our Directors, officers and employees (some of whom are also officers and employees of RMR). See Note 10 for more information regarding our share awards and activity as well as certain share purchases we made in connection with share award recipients satisfying tax withholding obligations on vesting share awards. CEO Retirement. On November 29, 2017, we and RMR entered into a retirement agreement with Thomas M. O'Brien who served as our President and Chief Executive Officer and as one of our Managing Directors until December 31, 2017, and remained our employee through June 30, 2018. Under this retirement agreement, (i) consistent with past practice, we paid him his current annual base salary of $300 until June 30, 2018, and we paid him a cash bonus in respect of 2017 in the amount of $2,060 in December 2017, (ii) in lieu of any share grants for his 2017 service, we paid him an additional cash payment in the amount of $475 in December 2017 and (iii) following his retirement from the Company on June 30, 2018, we made an additional cash payment to him in July 2018 in the amount of $1,505 and, as of his retirement date, fully accelerated the vesting of 625 then unvested common shares of the Company previously awarded to him. In October 2018, RMR purchased from Thomas M. O'Brien 1,493 of our common shares he then owned, representing approximately 3.7% of our outstanding common shares pursuant to RMR's right of first refusal under this retirement agreement after we did not exercise our right under such agreement to purchase such shares. Relationship with AIC We, HPT and five other companies to which RMR provides management services each currently own 14.3% of AIC, an Indiana insurance company, and are parties to a shareholders agreement regarding AIC. Although we own less than 20.0% of AIC, we use the equity method to account for this investment because we believe that we have significant influence over AIC because all our Directors (other than Andrew J. Rebholz) are also directors of AIC. All our Directors (other than Andrew J. Rebholz) and all the independent trustees and independent directors of the other AIC shareholders currently serve on the board of directors of AIC. RMR provides management and administrative services to AIC pursuant to a management and administrative services agreement with AIC. Pursuant to this agreement, AIC pays to RMR a service fee equal to 3.0% of the total annual net earned premiums payable under then active policies issued or underwritten by AIC or by a vendor or an agent of AIC on its behalf or in furtherance of AIC's business. We and the other shareholders of AIC participate in a combined property insurance program arranged and insured or reinsured in part by AIC. We paid aggregate premiums, including taxes and fees, of $2,502 and $1,721 , respectively, in connection with this insurance program for the policy years ending June 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively, which amount for the policy year ending June 30, 2019, may be adjusted from time to time as we acquire or dispose of properties that are included in this insurance program. As of December 31, 2018 , we have invested $6,054 in AIC since its formation in 2008. Our investment in AIC had a carrying value of $8,632 and $8,185 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. These amounts are included in other noncurrent assets in our consolidated balance sheets. We recognized income of $516 and $608 related to our investment in AIC for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Our other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to common shareholders includes our proportional share of unrealized losses and gains on securities held for sale, which are owned by AIC, of $69 and $461 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance We, The RMR Group Inc., RMR and certain companies to which RMR or its subsidiaries provide management services, including HPT, participate in a combined directors' and officers' liability insurance policy. The current combined policy expires in September 2020. We paid aggregate premiums of $157 and $156 in the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, for these policies.
RMR | Affiliated entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Business Management Agreement with RMR	Business Management Agreement with RMR We have a business management agreement with RMR to provide management services to us, which relates to various aspects of our business generally, including but not limited to, services related to compliance with various laws and rules applicable to our status as a publicly owned company, advice and supervision with respect to our travel centers, site selection for properties on which new travel centers may be developed, identification of, and purchase negotiation for, travel center properties and companies, accounting and financial reporting, capital markets and financing activities, investor relations and general oversight of our daily business activities, including legal matters, human resources, insurance programs, management information systems and the like. Until July 31, 2017, we also had a property management agreement under which RMR provided building management services to us for our headquarters building. See Note 14 for further information regarding our relationship, agreements and transactions with RMR. Business Management Agreement. Under our business management agreement, we pay RMR an annual business management fee equal to 0.6% of the sum of our fuel gross margin (which is our fuel revenues less our fuel cost of goods sold) plus our total nonfuel revenues. The fee is payable monthly and totaled $14,570 and $14,030 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. These amounts are included in selling, general and administrative expenses and loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. The current term of our business management agreement with RMR ends on December 31, 2019 , and automatically renews for successive one year terms unless we or RMR gives notice of non-renewal before the end of an applicable term. RMR may terminate the business management agreement upon 120 days' written notice, and we may terminate upon 60 days' written notice, subject to approval by a majority vote of our Independent Directors. If we terminate or do not renew the business management agreement other than for cause, as defined, we are obligated to pay RMR a termination fee equal to 2.875 times the annual base management fee and the annual internal audit services expense, which amounts are based on averages during the 24 consecutive calendar months prior to the date of notice of termination or nonrenewal. We are also generally responsible for all of our expenses and certain expenses incurred or arranged by RMR on our behalf. RMR also provides internal audit services to us in return for our share of the total internal audit costs incurred by RMR for us and other publicly owned companies to which RMR or its subsidiaries provide management services, which amounts are subject to approval by our Compensation Committee. Our Audit Committee appoints our Director of Internal Audit and our Compensation Committee approves our portion of RMR's internal audit costs. The amounts recognized as expense for internal audit costs were $236 and $276 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. These amounts are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income and are in addition to the business management fees paid to RMR. Pursuant to our business management agreement, RMR may from time to time negotiate on our behalf with certain third party vendors and suppliers for the procurement of services to us. As part of this arrangement, we may enter agreements with RMR and other companies to which RMR provides management services for the purpose of obtaining more favorable terms from such vendors and suppliers. In addition, RMR has agreed to provide certain transition services to us for 120 days following termination by us or notice of termination by RMR. Property Management Agreement. Until July 31, 2017, we also had a property management agreement with RMR under which RMR provided building management services to us for our headquarters building. We paid RMR aggregate fees and expenses of $78 for property management services at our headquarters building through July 31, 2017. This amount is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

Related Party Transactions (Not

Related Party Transactions (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions Relationship with HPT We were a 100% owned subsidiary of HPT until HPT distributed our common shares to its shareholders in 2007. We are HPT's largest tenant and HPT is our principal landlord and largest shareholder and as of December 31, 2018 , owned 3,420 , or approximately 8.5% , of our outstanding common shares. One of our Managing Directors, Adam D. Portnoy, serves, and our former Managing Director, Barry M. Portnoy, served until his death on February 25, 2018, as a managing trustee of HPT. Ethan S. Bornstein, Adam D. Portnoy's brother-in-law, is an executive officer of HPT. Thomas M. O'Brien, who served as one of our Managing Directors and our President and Chief Executive Officer until December 31, 2017, was a former executive officer of HPT. RMR provides management services to both us and HPT. Spin-Off Transaction Agreement. In connection with our spin-off from HPT in 2007, we entered a transaction agreement with HPT and RMR, pursuant to which we granted HPT a right of first refusal to purchase, lease, mortgage or otherwise finance any interest we own in a travel center before we sell, lease, mortgage or otherwise finance that travel center to or with another party, and we granted HPT and any other company to which RMR provides management services a right of first refusal to acquire or finance any real estate of the types in which HPT or such other companies invest before we do. We also agreed that for so long as we are a tenant of HPT we will not permit: the acquisition by any person or group of beneficial ownership of 9.8% or more of the voting shares or the power to direct the management and policies of us or any of our subsidiary tenants or guarantors under the HPT Leases; the sale of a material part of our assets or of any such tenant or guarantor; or the cessation of certain of our Directors to continue to constitute a majority of our Board of Directors or any such tenant or guarantor. Also, we agreed not to take any action that might reasonably be expected to have a material adverse impact on HPT's ability to qualify as a real estate investment trust and to indemnify HPT for any liabilities it may incur relating to our assets and business. Lease Arrangements. As of December 31, 2018 , we leased from HPT a total of 199 properties under the HPT Leases. We have also engaged in other transactions with HPT, including in connection with the Transaction Agreements that we entered into with HPT on January 16, 2019 , pursuant to which in January 2019 we purchased from HPT 20 travel centers we leased from HPT as of December 31, 2018 , and our HPT Leases were amended and extended. See Note 9 for more information about our relationship, agreements and transactions with HPT. Our Manager, RMR RMR provides certain services we require to operate our business. We have a business management agreement with RMR to provide management services to us, which relates to various aspects of our business generally. Until July 31, 2017, we also had a property management agreement with RMR, which related to building management services for our headquarters building. See Note 13 for more information about our current and former management agreements with RMR. We have relationships and historical and continuing transactions with HPT, RMR, The RMR Group Inc., Affiliates Insurance Company, or AIC, and others related to them, including other companies to which RMR or its subsidiaries provide management services and some of which have trustees, directors or officers who are also our Directors and officers. RMR is a majority owned subsidiary of The RMR Group Inc. One of our Managing Directors, Adam D. Portnoy, as the sole trustee of ABP Trust, is the controlling shareholder of The RMR Group Inc. and is a managing director and the president and chief executive officer of The RMR Group Inc. and an officer and employee of RMR. Barry M. Portnoy was our other Managing Director and a director and an officer of The RMR Group Inc. and an officer and employee of RMR until his death on February 25, 2018. Andrew J. Rebholz, our Chief Executive Officer, Barry A. Richards, our President and Chief Operating Officer, William E. Myers, our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and Mark R. Young, our Executive Vice President and General Counsel, are officers and employees of RMR. Thomas M. O'Brien, who served as one of our Managing Directors and our President and Chief Executive Officer until December 31, 2017, was also an officer of RMR until December 31, 2017, and an employee of RMR until June 30, 2018. As of December 31, 2018 , RMR owned 1,493 , or approximately 3.7% , of our outstanding common shares. RMR also provides management services to HPT and HPT's executive officers are officers and employees of RMR. Our Independent Directors also serve as independent directors or independent trustees of other public companies to which RMR or its subsidiaries provide management services. Adam D. Portnoy serves, and, until his death Barry M. Portnoy served, as a managing director or managing trustee of these companies and other officers of RMR serve as managing trustees or managing directors of certain of these companies. In addition, officers of RMR and The RMR Group Inc. serve as our officers and officers of other companies to which RMR or its subsidiaries provide management services. See Note 13 for more information about our relationship with RMR. Share Awards to RMR Employees. We award common shares to certain employees of RMR who are also not Directors, officers or employees of ours annually. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , we awarded to such persons a total of 51 and 67 of our common shares valued at $228 and $319 , in aggregate, respectively, based upon the closing prices of our common shares on the Nasdaq on the dates the awards were made under our Share Award Plans. These share awards to RMR employees are in addition to the fees we paid to RMR and the share awards to our Directors, officers and employees (some of whom are also officers and employees of RMR). See Note 10 for more information regarding our share awards and activity as well as certain share purchases we made in connection with share award recipients satisfying tax withholding obligations on vesting share awards. CEO Retirement. On November 29, 2017, we and RMR entered into a retirement agreement with Thomas M. O'Brien who served as our President and Chief Executive Officer and as one of our Managing Directors until December 31, 2017, and remained our employee through June 30, 2018. Under this retirement agreement, (i) consistent with past practice, we paid him his current annual base salary of $300 until June 30, 2018, and we paid him a cash bonus in respect of 2017 in the amount of $2,060 in December 2017, (ii) in lieu of any share grants for his 2017 service, we paid him an additional cash payment in the amount of $475 in December 2017 and (iii) following his retirement from the Company on June 30, 2018, we made an additional cash payment to him in July 2018 in the amount of $1,505 and, as of his retirement date, fully accelerated the vesting of 625 then unvested common shares of the Company previously awarded to him. In October 2018, RMR purchased from Thomas M. O'Brien 1,493 of our common shares he then owned, representing approximately 3.7% of our outstanding common shares pursuant to RMR's right of first refusal under this retirement agreement after we did not exercise our right under such agreement to purchase such shares. Relationship with AIC We, HPT and five other companies to which RMR provides management services each currently own 14.3% of AIC, an Indiana insurance company, and are parties to a shareholders agreement regarding AIC. Although we own less than 20.0% of AIC, we use the equity method to account for this investment because we believe that we have significant influence over AIC because all our Directors (other than Andrew J. Rebholz) are also directors of AIC. All our Directors (other than Andrew J. Rebholz) and all the independent trustees and independent directors of the other AIC shareholders currently serve on the board of directors of AIC. RMR provides management and administrative services to AIC pursuant to a management and administrative services agreement with AIC. Pursuant to this agreement, AIC pays to RMR a service fee equal to 3.0% of the total annual net earned premiums payable under then active policies issued or underwritten by AIC or by a vendor or an agent of AIC on its behalf or in furtherance of AIC's business. We and the other shareholders of AIC participate in a combined property insurance program arranged and insured or reinsured in part by AIC. We paid aggregate premiums, including taxes and fees, of $2,502 and $1,721 , respectively, in connection with this insurance program for the policy years ending June 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively, which amount for the policy year ending June 30, 2019, may be adjusted from time to time as we acquire or dispose of properties that are included in this insurance program. As of December 31, 2018 , we have invested $6,054 in AIC since its formation in 2008. Our investment in AIC had a carrying value of $8,632 and $8,185 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. These amounts are included in other noncurrent assets in our consolidated balance sheets. We recognized income of $516 and $608 related to our investment in AIC for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Our other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to common shareholders includes our proportional share of unrealized losses and gains on securities held for sale, which are owned by AIC, of $69 and $461 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance We, The RMR Group Inc., RMR and certain companies to which RMR or its subsidiaries provide management services, including HPT, participate in a combined directors' and officers' liability insurance policy. The current combined policy expires in September 2020. We paid aggregate premiums of $157 and $156 in the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, for these policies.

Contingencies (Notes)

Contingencies (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	Contingencies 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 U.S., 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 have 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 and for which we have not previously recorded a liability, our operating results may be materially adversely affected. In addition, to the extent we fail to comply with environmental laws and regulations, or we become subject to costs and requirements not similarly experienced by our competitors, our competitive position may be harmed. At December 31, 2018 , we had an accrued liability of $2,434 for environmental matters as well as a receivable for expected recoveries of certain of these estimated future expenditures of $665 , resulting in an estimated net amount of $1,769 that we expect to fund in the future. We cannot precisely know the ultimate costs we may incur in connection with currently known 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. We currently have insurance of up to $20,000 per incident and up to $20,000 in the aggregate for certain environmental liabilities, subject, in each case, to certain limitations and deductibles which expires in June 2021. 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 a 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. Legal Proceedings We are routinely involved in various legal and administrative proceedings, including tax audits, incidental to the ordinary course of our business. We do not expect that any litigation or administrative proceedings in which we are presently involved, or of which we are aware, will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Inventory (Notes)

Inventory (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory	Inventory Inventory at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 2017 Nonfuel products $ 163,302 $ 152,925 Fuel products 33,419 34,312 Total inventory $ 196,721 $ 187,237

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	We manage our business as one segment. We make specific disclosures concerning fuel and nonfuel products and services because it facilitates our discussion of trends and operational initiatives within our business and industry. We have a single travel center located in a foreign country, Canada, that we do not consider material to our operations.
Consolidation	Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TravelCenters of America LLC and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. We use the equity method of accounting for investments in entities when we have the ability to significantly influence, but not control, the investee's operating and financial policies, typically when we own 20% to 50% of the investee's voting stock.
Basis of Presentation	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. We record trade accounts receivable at the invoiced amount and those amounts do not bear interest. The recorded allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of probable losses in our existing accounts receivable. We base the allowance on historical payment patterns, aging of accounts receivable, periodic review of customers' financial condition and actual write off history. We charge off account balances against the allowance when we believe it is probable the receivable will not be collected.
Inventory	Inventory. We state our inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. We determine cost principally on the weighted average cost method. We maintain reserves for the estimated amounts of obsolete and excess inventory. These estimates are based on unit sales histories and on hand inventory quantities, known market trends for inventory items and assumptions regarding factors such as future inventory needs, our ability and the related cost to return items to our suppliers and our ability to sell inventory at a discount when necessary.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment. We record property and equipment as a result of business combinations based on their fair values as of the date of the acquisition. We record all other property and equipment at cost. We depreciate our property and equipment on a straight line basis generally over the following estimated useful lives of the assets: Buildings and site improvements 15 to 40 years Machinery and equipment 3 to 15 years Furniture and fixtures 5 to 10 years We depreciate leasehold improvements over the shorter of the lives shown above or the remaining term of the underlying lease. Amortization expense related to assets recorded in connection with the sale leaseback financing obligation pertaining to certain travel centers we lease from Hospitality Properties Trust, or HPT, is included in depreciation and amortization expense over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the lease term.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets. In a business combination we are required to record assets and liabilities acquired, including those intangible assets that arise from contractual or other legal rights or are otherwise capable of being separated or divided from the acquired entity, based on the fair values of the acquired assets and liabilities. Any excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of the acquired net identifiable assets is recognized as goodwill. We amortize the recorded costs of intangible assets with finite lives on a straight line basis over their estimated lives, principally the terms of the related contractual agreements.
Impairment	Impairment. We review definite lived assets for indicators of impairment during each reporting period. We recognize impairment charges when (i) the carrying value of a long lived asset or asset group to be held and used in the business is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value and (ii) when the carrying value of a long lived asset or asset group to be disposed of exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset less the estimated cost to sell the asset. Our estimates of fair value are based on our estimates of likely market participant assumptions, including projected fuel sales volumes, nonfuel revenues, fuel and nonfuel gross margins, site level operating expenses and real estate rent expense. The discount rate is used to measure the present value of projected future cash flows and is set at a rate we believe is likely to be used by a market participant using a weighted average cost of capital method that considers market and industry data as well as our specific risk factors. The weighted average cost of capital is our estimate of the overall after tax rate of return required by equity and debt holders of a business enterprise. We use a number of assumptions and methods in preparing valuations underlying impairment tests, and in some instances we may obtain third party appraisals. We recognize impairment charges in the period during which the circumstances surrounding an asset or asset group to be held and used have changed such that the carrying value is no longer recoverable, or during which a commitment to a plan to dispose of the asset or asset group is made. We perform our impairment analysis for substantially all of our property and equipment at the individual site level because that is the lowest level of asset and liability groupings for which the cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. During 2018 , we did not record any impairment charges related to our long lived assets. We assess intangible assets with definite lives for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. Definite lived intangible assets include our agreements with franchisees and other intangible assets. For 2018 , definite lived intangible assets were assessed using a qualitative analysis that was performed by assessing certain trends and factors, including actual sales, collection of royalties from franchisees and any changes in the manner in which the assets were used that could impact the value of the asset. During 2018 , we did not record any impairment charges related to our definite lived intangible assets. We evaluate goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable using either a quantitative or qualitative analysis. Indefinite lived intangible assets consisted of trademarks and their fair value was determined using a relief from royalty method. We subject goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets to further evaluation and recognize impairment charges when events and circumstances indicate the carrying value of the goodwill or indefinite lived intangible asset exceeds the fair market value of the asset. As of November 30, 2018 , indefinite lived intangible assets were assessed using a qualitative analysis that was performed by assessing certain trends and factors, including actual sales and operating profit margins, discount rates, industry data and other relevant qualitative factors. These trends and factors were compared to, and based on, the assumptions used in the most recent quantitative assessment. During 2018 , we did not record any impairment charges related to our indefinite lived intangible assets. We evaluate goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level as of July 31, or more frequently if the circumstances warrant. With respect to goodwill, if we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we perform a goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of impairment to be recognized, if any. During the second quarter of 2018, prior to classifying our convenience stores business as held for sale and as a discontinued operation, we determined that the decline in site level gross margin in excess of site level operating expenses for our convenience stores business for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, as compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, in conjunction with the fact that the operating results for the convenience stores business failed to meet our forecasted results was an indicator of impairment of the goodwill in our convenience stores business. Accordingly, we performed an impairment assessment of the goodwill in the convenience stores business as of May 31, 2018, using a quantitative analysis under which the fair value of the convenience stores business 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 market rate of return we believe may be required by equity and debt holders of a business enterprise. The market approach considered the estimated fair values of possible comparable publicly traded companies. For each comparable publicly traded 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, including revenue growth rates and operating cash flow margins, of the respective reporting unit. Applying different assumptions could lead to different results. Based on this assessment, during the second quarter of 2018, we recorded an impairment charge of $51,500 , which is presented in loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. On September 1, 2018, our Board of Directors approved the sale of our convenience stores business, which resulted in our convenience stores business being classified as held for sale, and we entered into an agreement to sell the convenience stores business. As a result of the agreed upon sales price, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $17,840 in the convenience stores reporting unit as of September 1, 2018. See Note 4 for more information about our discontinued operations. As of July 31, 2018, our annual goodwill impairment test for the travel center and QSL reporting units was performed using a qualitative analysis which included evaluating financial trends and industry and market conditions and assessing the reasonableness of the assumptions used in the most recent quantitative analysis, including comparing actual results to the projections used in the quantitative analysis. Based on our analyses, we concluded that as of July 31, 2018, our goodwill in those reporting units was not impaired.
Share Based Employee Compensation	Share Based Employee Compensation. We have historically granted awards of our common shares under our share award plans. Share awards issued to our Directors vest immediately. Share awards made to others vest in five to ten equal annual installments beginning on the date of the award. Compensation expense related to share awards is determined based on the market value of our shares on either the date of the award for employees or the vesting date for nonemployees, as appropriate, with the aggregate value of the shares awarded amortized to expense over the related vesting period. We include share based compensation expense in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.
Environmental Remediation	Environmental Remediation. We record remediation charges and penalties when the obligation to remediate is probable and the amount of associated costs are reasonably determinable. We include remediation expenses within site level operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Generally, the timing of remediation expense recognition coincides with completion of a feasibility study or the commitment to a formal plan of action. Accrued liabilities related to environmental matters are recorded on an undiscounted basis because of the uncertainty associated with the timing of the related future payments. In our consolidated balance sheets, the accrual for environmental matters is included in other noncurrent liabilities, with the amount estimated to be expended within the subsequent 12 months included in other current liabilities. We recognize a receivable for estimated future environmental costs that we may be reimbursed for within other noncurrent assets in our consolidated balance sheets.
Self Insurance Accruals	Self Insurance Accruals. For insurance programs for which we pay deductibles and for which we are partially self insured up to certain stop loss amounts, we establish accruals for both estimated losses on known claims and claims incurred but not reported, based on claims histories and using actuarial methods. In our consolidated balance sheets, the accrual for self insurance costs is included in other noncurrent liabilities, with the amount estimated to be expended within the subsequent 12 months included in other current liabilities.
Asset Retirement Obligations	Asset Retirement Obligations. We recognize the future costs for our obligations related to the removal of our underground storage tanks and certain improvements we own at leased properties over the estimated useful lives of each asset requiring removal. We record a liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation with a corresponding increase to the carrying value of the related long lived asset at the time such an asset is installed. We base the estimated liability on our historical experiences in removing these assets, their estimated useful lives, external estimates as to the cost to remove the assets in the future and regulatory or contractual requirements. The liability is a discounted liability using a credit adjusted risk free rate.
Leasing Transactions	We recognize rent under operating leases without scheduled rent increases as expense over the lease term as it becomes payable. Certain operating leases specify scheduled rent increases over the lease term or other lease payments that are not scheduled evenly throughout the lease term. We recognize the effects of those scheduled rent increases in rent expense over the lease term on an average, or straight line, basis. The rent payments resulting from our sales to HPT of improvements to the properties we lease from HPT are contingent rent. Other than at the travel centers where our leases are accounted for as sale leaseback financing obligations, we recognize the expense related to this contingent rent evenly throughout the remaining lease term beginning on the dates of the related sales to HPT.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes. We establish deferred income tax assets and liabilities to reflect the future tax consequences of differences between the tax basis and financial statement basis of assets and liabilities. We reduce the measurement of deferred tax assets, if necessary, by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We recognize the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. We evaluate and adjust these tax positions based on changing facts and circumstances. For tax positions meeting the more likely than not threshold, the amount we recognize in the financial statements is the largest benefit that we estimate has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to be consistent with the current year presentation within our consolidated financial statements, including as a result of our adoption of a new accounting principle as described below.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases , or ASU 2016-02, which established 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. This classification determines whether the lease expense is recognized based on the effective interest method or on a straight line basis over the term of the lease. A lessee is also required to recognize 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 will apply for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods therein. To address implementation of ASU 2016-02 and evaluate its impact on our consolidated financial statements, we developed a project plan and formed a team to evaluate our leases, lease classification and related internal controls. We implemented lease accounting software and elected the modified retrospective transition method for adoption, which does not require us to restate prior year comparative periods. We will apply the package of practical expedients included in ASU 2016-02; accordingly, we will retain the lease classification and initial direct costs for any leases that existed prior to adoption and we will not revisit whether any existing or expired contracts contain leases. We estimate adoption of the standard will result in recognition of right of use assets that total approximately $1,800,000 , lease liabilities that total approximately $1,900,000 and a decrease to our accumulated deficit of approximately $86,000 , net of tax, on our consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2019. As a result of adopting ASU 2016-02, we will no longer recognize amortization of our deferred gain from previous sale leaseback transactions as a credit to real estate rent expense, which totaled $10,128 for the year ended December 31, 2018. In June 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation , which aligns the accounting for share based payments to nonemployees with the accounting for share based payments to employees. The new standard is required for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods therein, and requires modified retrospective application. Early adoption is permitted. The implementation of this update is not expected to cause a material change to our consolidated financial statements. Change in Accounting Principles In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or the FASB, issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , or ASU 2014-09, which established a comprehensive revenue recognition standard under GAAP for almost all industries. We adopted ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018, using the full retrospective method, which required that we restate our consolidated financial statements for prior year comparative periods. Although the majority of our revenue is initiated at the point of sale and was unaffected by this ASU, the implementation of this ASU affected the accounting for our loyalty programs, initial and renewal franchise fees and advertising fees received from franchisees. See Note 2 for more information about our revenues. Customer Loyalty Programs. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2014-09, we recognized the estimated cost of loyalty awards as a discount against the nonfuel revenues for which the rewards were redeemed. Loyalty awards now are recognized against the revenue that generates the loyalty award, primarily fuel revenues. The adoption of the new standard resulted in a $58,861 reclassification between fuel revenue and nonfuel revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 . Initial and Renewal Franchise Fees. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2014-09, we recognized initial franchise fees as revenue at the time the franchisee opened for business, which is when we had fulfilled our initial obligations under the related agreement, and recognized renewal fees at the time the franchisee's renewal period began. Initial and renewal franchise fees now are recognized as revenue over the term of the related franchise agreement, which is the period the customer benefits from use of the franchise rights. The adoption of the new standard resulted in an increase in our accumulated deficit of $1,082 , an increase in other current liabilities of $188 and an increase in other noncurrent liabilities of $894 as of December 31, 2017 , as well as an increase of $52 in rent and royalties from franchisees revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 . Advertising Fees. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2014-09, we recognized advertising fees collected from franchisees as a reduction of the related advertising expenses incurred. We now recognize these advertising fees as revenue. The adoption of the new standard for these advertising fees resulted in an increase in each of selling, general and administrative expenses and rent and royalties from franchisees revenue of $1,684 for the year ended December 31, 2017 . Income Taxes. As a result of the adjustments described above, a deferred tax asset was recognized, increasing other noncurrent assets and decreasing our accumulated deficit each by $278 as of December 31, 2017 , and decreasing our benefit for income taxes by $163 for the year ended December 31, 2017 . In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other , which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The new standard will apply for annual or interim impairment tests beginning after December 15, 2019, and requires prospective application. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017, and we adopted this standard during the second quarter of 2018.
Revenue Recognition	We recognize revenue based on the consideration specified in the contract with the customer, excluding any sales incentives (such as loyalty programs and customer rebates) and amounts collected on behalf of third parties (such as sales and excise taxes). The majority of our revenue is generated at the point of sale in our retail locations. Revenues consist of fuel revenues, nonfuel revenues and rent and royalties from franchisees. Fuel Revenues. We recognize fuel revenues and the related costs at the time of sale to customers at our company operated locations. We sell diesel fuel and gasoline to our customers at prices that we establish daily or are indexed to market prices and reset daily. We sell diesel fuel under pricing arrangements with certain customers. For the year ended December 31, 2018 , approximately 80.6% of our diesel fuel volume was sold at discounts to posted prices under pricing arrangements with our customers, some of which include rebates payable to the customer after the end of the period. Nonfuel Revenues. We recognize nonfuel revenues and the related costs at the time of sale to customers. We sell a variety of nonfuel products and services at stated retail prices in our travel centers and standalone restaurants, as well as through our RoadSquad®, RoadSquad OnSite® and TA Commercial Tire Network™ programs. Truck repair and maintenance goods or services may be sold at discounted prices under pricing arrangements with certain customers, some of which include rebates payable to the customer after the end of the period. Rent and Royalties from Franchisees. We recognize franchise royalties and advertising fees from franchisees as revenue monthly based on the franchisees' sales data reported to us. Royalty revenues are contractual as a percentage of the franchisees' revenues and advertising fees are contractual as either a percentage of the franchisees' revenues or as a fixed amount. When we enter into a new franchise agreement or a renewal term with an existing franchisee, the franchisee is required to pay an initial or renewal franchise fee. Initial and renewal franchise fees are recognized as revenue on a straight line basis over the term of the respective franchise agreements. For those travel centers that we lease to a franchisee, we recognize rent revenue on a straight line basis based on the current contractual rent amount. These leases generally specify rent increases each year based on inflation rates for the respective periods or capital improvements we make at the travel centers. Because the rent increases related to these factors are contingent upon future events, we recognize the related rent revenue after such events have occurred. Other. Sales incentives and other promotional activities that we recognize as a reduction to revenue include, but are not limited to, the following: • Customer Loyalty Programs. We offer travel center trucking customers and casual restaurant diners the option to participate in our loyalty programs. Our loyalty programs provide customers with the right to earn loyalty awards on qualifying purchases that can be used for discounts on future purchases of goods or services. We apply a relative standalone selling price approach to our outstanding loyalty awards whereby a portion of each sale attributable to the loyalty awards earned is deferred and will be recognized as revenue in the category in which the loyalty awards are redeemed upon the redemption or expiration of the loyalty awards. Significant judgment is required to determine the standalone selling price for loyalty awards. Assumptions used in determining the standalone selling price include the historic redemption rate and the use of a weighted average selling price for fuel to calculate the revenue attributable to the loyalty awards. • Customer Discounts and Rebates. We enter into agreements with certain customers in which we agree to provide discounts on fuel and/or truck service purchases, some of which are structured as rebates payable to the customer after the end of the period. We recognize the cost of discounts against, and in the same period as, the revenue that generated the discounts earned. • Gift Cards. We sell branded gift cards. Sales proceeds are recognized as a contract liability; the liability is reduced and revenue is recognized when the gift card subsequently is redeemed for goods or services. Unredeemed gift card balances are recognized as revenue when the possibility of redemption becomes remote.

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of estimated useful lives of property and equipment, net	We depreciate our property and equipment on a straight line basis generally over the following estimated useful lives of the assets: Buildings and site improvements 15 to 40 years Machinery and equipment 3 to 15 years Furniture and fixtures 5 to 10 years Property and equipment, net, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 2017 Land and improvements $ 177,322 $ 164,019 Buildings and improvements 197,866 178,722 Machinery, equipment and furniture 459,892 421,721 Leasehold improvements 242,469 233,857 Construction in progress 65,855 58,841 Property and equipment, at cost 1,143,404 1,057,160 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization 514,867 443,964 Property and equipment, net $ 628,537 $ 613,196
Effect of adoption of ASU 2014-09 on consolidated financial statements	The following table presents the effect of the adoption of the new standard on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 . As Reported Discontinued Operations (1) Adoption of ASU 2014-09 As Adjusted Assets: Other noncurrent assets $ 90,004 $ (327 ) $ 278 $ 89,955 Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity: Other current liabilities $ 130,140 $ (2,311 ) $ 188 $ 128,017 Other noncurrent liabilities 35,029 (8,547 ) 894 27,376 Accumulated deficit (125,416 ) — (804 ) (126,220 ) (1) See Note 4 for more information about our discontinued operations. The following table presents the effect of the adoption of the new standard on our consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2017 . As Reported Discontinued Operations (1) Adoption of ASU 2014-09 As Adjusted Revenues: Fuel $ 4,090,912 $ (474,514 ) $ (58,861 ) $ 3,557,537 Nonfuel 1,944,181 (261,703 ) 58,861 1,741,339 Rent and royalties from franchisees 16,500 (215 ) 1,736 18,021 Total revenues 6,051,593 (736,432 ) 1,736 5,316,897 Selling, general and administrative expenses 154,663 (10,332 ) 1,684 146,015 Loss before income taxes and discontinued operations (75,045 ) 14,645 52 (60,348 ) Benefit for income taxes 84,439 (4,026 ) (163 ) 80,250 Income from continuing operations 9,394 10,619 (111 ) 19,902 (1) See Note 4 for more information about our discontinued operations. The following table presents the effect of the adoption of the new standard on our consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2017 . As Reported Discontinued Operations (1) Adoption of ASU 2014-09 As Adjusted Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 9,394 $ — $ (111 ) $ 9,283 Deferred income taxes (85,432 ) 4,026 163 (81,243 ) Accounts receivable (18,507 ) — 70 (18,437 ) Accounts payable and other liabilities 8,123 (4,125 ) (122 ) 3,876 Net cash provided by operating activities 35,674 — — 35,674 (1) See Note 4 for more information about our discontinued operations.

Revenue (Tables)

Revenue (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Nonfuel revenues disaggregated by type of good or service	Nonfuel revenues disaggregated by type of good or service for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Nonfuel revenues: Truck service $ 672,169 $ 642,961 Store and retail services 730,658 682,101 Restaurants 416,736 416,277 Total nonfuel revenues $ 1,819,563 $ 1,741,339
Changes in contract liabilities between periods	The following table shows the changes in our contract liabilities between periods. Loyalty Programs Other Contract Liabilities Total December 31, 2016 $ 13,686 $ 4,921 $ 18,607 Increases due to unsatisfied performance obligations arising during the period 72,424 11,335 83,759 Revenue recognized from satisfying performance obligations during the period (65,854 ) (10,007 ) (75,861 ) Other (5,091 ) (1,568 ) (6,659 ) December 31, 2017 15,165 4,681 19,846 Increases due to unsatisfied performance obligations arising during the period 81,517 10,083 91,600 Revenue recognized from satisfying performance obligations during the period (74,548 ) (10,064 ) (84,612 ) Other (6,644 ) (1,230 ) (7,874 ) December 31, 2018 $ 15,490 $ 3,470 $ 18,960

Discontinued Operations (Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Presentation of Balance Sheets and Results of Operations for Discontinued Operations	The following table includes the carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities presented in discontinued operations in our consolidated balance sheet. December 31, Assets: Cash $ 556 Inventory 22,403 Other current assets 280 Property and equipment, net 387,894 Goodwill 68,600 Other intangible assets, net 9,189 Other noncurrent assets 327 Total assets of discontinued operations $ 489,249 Liabilities: Other current liabilities $ 2,311 Other noncurrent liabilities 8,547 Total liabilities of discontinued operations $ 10,858 The following table presents the results of operations for our discontinued operations for each of the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 . Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Revenues $ 742,160 $ 736,432 Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation) 610,524 591,349 Site level operating expenses 103,037 108,082 Selling, general and administrative expenses 9,443 10,332 Real estate rent expense 2,206 2,277 Depreciation and amortization expense 20,418 39,037 Impairment of goodwill 69,340 — Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes (72,808 ) (14,645 ) Benefit for income taxes 14,789 4,026 Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes (58,019 ) (10,619 ) Loss on disposal (79,623 ) — Benefit for income taxes 20,011 — Loss from discontinued operations $ (117,631 ) $ (10,619 )

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Schedule of components of property and equipment, net	We depreciate our property and equipment on a straight line basis generally over the following estimated useful lives of the assets: Buildings and site improvements 15 to 40 years Machinery and equipment 3 to 15 years Furniture and fixtures 5 to 10 years Property and equipment, net, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 2017 Land and improvements $ 177,322 $ 164,019 Buildings and improvements 197,866 178,722 Machinery, equipment and furniture 459,892 421,721 Leasehold improvements 242,469 233,857 Construction in progress 65,855 58,841 Property and equipment, at cost 1,143,404 1,057,160 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization 514,867 443,964 Property and equipment, net $ 628,537 $ 613,196
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Schedule of components of property and equipment, net	The following table shows the amounts of property and equipment owned by HPT but recognized in our consolidated balance sheets, and included within the balances shown in the table above, as a result of the required accounting for the assets funded by HPT under the deferred tenant improvements allowance and for the assets that did not qualify for sale leaseback accounting. See Note 9 for more information about our leases with HPT. December 31, 2018 2017 Land and improvements $ 14,945 $ 14,565 Buildings and improvements 9,943 9,848 Machinery, equipment and furniture 3,282 3,239 Leasehold improvements 114,195 114,686 Property and equipment, at cost 142,365 142,338 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization 96,266 89,129 Property and equipment, net $ 46,099 $ 53,209

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of components of intangible assets, net	ntangible assets, net, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Amortizable intangible assets: Agreements with franchisees $ 21,645 $ (12,308 ) $ 9,337 Leasehold interests 2,754 (2,183 ) 571 Other 3,913 (3,251 ) 662 Total amortizable intangible assets 28,312 (17,742 ) 10,570 Carrying value of trademarks (indefinite lives) 12,317 — 12,317 Intangible assets, net $ 40,629 $ (17,742 ) $ 22,887 December 31, 2017 Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Amortizable intangible assets: Agreements with franchisees $ 22,945 $ (11,221 ) $ 11,724 Leasehold interests 2,754 (2,149 ) 605 Other 3,748 (3,200 ) 548 Total amortizable intangible assets 29,447 (16,570 ) 12,877 Carrying value of trademarks (indefinite lives) 12,317 — 12,317 Intangible assets, net $ 41,764 $ (16,570 ) $ 25,194
Schedule of estimate the aggregate amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets to be as follows for each of the next five years	The aggregate amortization expense for our amortizable intangible assets as of December 31, 2018 , for each of the next five years is: Total 2019 $ 1,252 2020 1,237 2021 1,087 2022 981 2023 883
Schedule of goodwill by reporting unit	Goodwill by reporting unit was as follows: December 31, 2018 2017 Travel centers business $ 22,213 $ 22,213 QSL business 3,046 3,046 Total goodwill $ 25,259 $ 25,259

Other Current Liabilities (Tabl

Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of components of other current liabilities	Other current liabilities, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 2017 Taxes payable, other than income taxes $ 42,985 $ 46,872 Accrued wages and benefits 19,830 20,674 Loyalty program accruals 15,490 15,165 Self insurance program accruals, current portion 14,623 15,301 Accrued capital expenditures 7,742 5,695 Other 24,998 24,310 Total other current liabilities $ 125,668 $ 128,017

Long Term Debt (Tables)

Long Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of long term debt, net	Long term debt, net, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , consisted of the following: Interest Rate Maturity Date December 31, 2018 2017 2028 Senior Notes 8.25% January 15, 2028 $ 110,000 $ 110,000 2029 Senior Notes 8.00% December 15, 2029 120,000 120,000 2030 Senior Notes 8.00% October 15, 2030 100,000 100,000 Other long term debt 4.01% March 31, 2027 1,086 1,189 Deferred financing costs (10,558 ) (11,555 ) Total long term debt, net $ 320,528 $ 319,634

Leasing Transactions (Tables)

Leasing Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of future minimum lease payments	Future minimum lease payments required under leases that had remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2018 , were as follows (included herein are the full payments due under the HPT Leases, including the amount attributed to the lease of those sites that are accounted for as a financing in our consolidated balance sheets as reflected in the sale leaseback financing obligations): Total 2019 $ 302,855 2020 301,220 2021 299,393 2022 296,551 2023 295,534 Thereafter 1,980,078 Total $ 3,475,631
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Schedule of rent expense under our operating leases and HPT Leases	Rent expense under our operating leases consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Minimum rent $ 282,424 $ 275,561 Sublease rent 7,126 7,035 Contingent rent 3,591 2,195 Total rent expense $ 293,141 $ 284,791
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Schedule of rent expense under our operating leases and HPT Leases	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 operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Cash payments for rent under the HPT Leases $ 289,793 $ 280,894 Change in accrued estimated percentage rent 93 356 Adjustments to recognize expense on a straight line basis (327 ) (383 ) Less: sale leaseback financing obligation amortization (974 ) (658 ) Less: portion of rent payments recognized as interest expense (1,675 ) (1,681 ) Less: deferred tenant improvements allowance amortization (3,770 ) (3,770 ) Amortization of deferred gain on sale leaseback transactions (10,128 ) (10,133 ) Rent expense related to the HPT Leases 273,012 264,625 Rent paid to others (1) 10,412 10,643 Adjustments to recognize expense on a straight line basis for other leases 52 (418 ) Total real estate rent expense $ 283,476 $ 274,850 (1) Includes rent paid directly to HPT's landlords under leases for properties we sublease from HPT, as well as rent related to properties we lease from landlords other than HPT.
Schedule of annual minimum rent under HPT Leases	The number of properties leased, the terms, the annual minimum rent and the deferred rent balances owed by us under the HPT Leases, as amended in January 2019, are as follows: Number of Properties Initial Term End Date (1) Annual Minimum Rent as of January 31, 2019 Deferred Rent (2) TA Lease 1 36 December 31, 2032 $ 49,019 $ 14,175 TA Lease 2 36 December 31, 2031 44,663 12,847 TA Lease 3 35 December 31, 2029 42,404 12,603 TA Lease 4 37 December 31, 2033 46,206 12,961 Petro Lease 35 June 30, 2035 61,617 17,872 Total 179 $ 243,909 $ 70,458 (1) We have two renewal options of 15 years each under each of the HPT Leases. (2) Pursuant to a rent deferral agreement with HPT, we previously deferred as of December 31, 2010, a total of $150,000 of rent payable to HPT, which remained outstanding as of December 31, 2018 , and had been due in five installments between 2024 and 2030. Pursuant to the Transaction Agreements, we agreed to make 16 quarterly installments of $4,404 each commencing April 1, 2019 , or $70,458 in aggregate, to repay and fully satisfy and discharge the $150,000 in deferred rent we owed HPT. Under the rent deferral agreement, deferred rent shall be accelerated and interest shall begin to accrue thereon at 1% per month on the deferred rent amounts if certain events occur, including: a default under the HPT Leases; a change of control of us, as defined in the deferral agreement; or our declaration or payment of a dividend or other distribution in respect of our common shares.
Schedule of various amounts related to HPT Leases included in the consolidated balance sheets	The following table summarizes the various amounts related to the HPT Leases that are included in our consolidated balance sheets. December 31, 2018 2017 Current HPT Leases liabilities: Accrued rent $ 24,721 $ 24,170 Sale leaseback financing obligations (1) 1,032 863 Straight line rent accrual (2) 2,458 2,458 Deferred gain (3) 10,128 10,128 Deferred tenant improvements allowance (4) 3,770 3,770 Total current HPT Leases liabilities $ 42,109 $ 41,389 Noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities: Deferred rent obligation (5) $ 150,000 $ 150,000 Sale leaseback financing obligations (1) 22,365 22,987 Straight line rent accrual (2) 46,431 46,937 Deferred gain (3) 100,913 111,041 Deferred tenant improvements allowance (4) 34,047 37,817 Total noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities $ 353,756 $ 368,782 (1) Sale Leaseback Financing Obligations. Prior to 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 prior leases with HPT, more than a minor portion of these nine travel centers was subleased to third parties. As part of the 2015 transaction agreement, 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 2015 were accounted for as new leases and two of the remaining four properties reflected as financings under the prior TA Leases then qualified for operating lease treatment, the remaining net assets and financing obligations 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 to real estate rent expense. (2) Straight Line Rent Accrual. Straight line rent accrual includes the accrued rent expense from 2007 to 2012 for stated increases in our annual minimum rents due under our then existing TA lease. The TA Leases we entered into with HPT in connection with the 2015 transaction agreement contain no stated rent payment increases. We 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 real estate 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. We amortize the deferred gains on a straight line basis over the terms of the related leases as a reduction of real estate 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 real estate rent expense. (5) Deferred Rent Obligation . In January 2019, this amount was reduced to $70,458 pursuant to the terms of the Transaction Agreements.

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of number and weighted average grant date fair value of unvested common shares and common shares issued under the Share Award Plans	The following table sets forth the number and weighted average grant date fair value of unvested common shares and common shares awarded under the Share Award Plans for the year ended December 31, 2018 . Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Unvested shares balance as of December 31, 2017 2,013 $ 6.68 Granted 876 4.41 Vested (1,298 ) 6.61 Forfeited/canceled (9 ) 5.71 Unvested shares balance as of December 31, 2018 1,582 5.49
Reconciliation of (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders to (loss) income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	The following table presents a reconciliation of (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders to (loss) income from continuing operations available to common shareholders and the related earnings per share. Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (Loss) income from continuing operations $ (2,773 ) $ 19,902 Less: net income for noncontrolling interests 149 132 (Loss) income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders (2,922 ) 19,770 Less: (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to participating securities (125 ) 1,028 (Loss) income from continuing operations available to common shareholders $ (2,797 ) $ 18,742 Weighted average common shares (1) 38,244 37,524 Basic and diluted (loss) income per common share from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders $ (0.07 ) $ 0.50 (1) Excludes unvested shares awarded 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 was 1,705 and 2,057 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of effective tax rate reconciliation	Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 U.S. federal statutory rate applied to loss before income taxes and discontinued operations $ 994 $ 20,815 Benefit of tax credits 3,977 2,688 Provision to return adjustments 560 443 Nondeductible executive compensation (210 ) — Other nondeductible expenses (430 ) (318 ) State income taxes, net of federal benefit (2,957 ) 1,648 Uncertain tax position resolution — 58,602 Tax rate change — (4,619 ) Other, net (360 ) 991 Total tax benefit $ 1,574 $ 80,250
Schedule of components of the income tax benefit	Components of the Income Tax Benefit Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Current tax benefit: Federal $ 1,737 $ 32,883 State 240 (5,575 ) Total current tax benefit 1,977 27,308 Deferred tax benefit: Federal 3,581 44,831 State (3,984 ) 8,111 Total deferred tax benefit (403 ) 52,942 Total tax benefit $ 1,574 $ 80,250
Schedule of components deferred tax assets and liabilities	Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities December 31, 2018 2017 Deferred tax assets: Tax loss carryforwards $ 76,250 $ 61,961 Deferred gains 33,882 32,949 Tax credit carryforwards 31,377 27,414 Reserves 16,186 16,844 Straight line rent accrual 12,516 13,542 Deferred tenant improvements allowance 9,531 11,228 Asset retirement obligations 625 2,765 Other 488 6,083 Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowance 180,855 172,786 Valuation allowance (1,310 ) (1,027 ) Total deferred tax assets 179,545 171,759 Deferred tax liabilities: Property and equipment (97,306 ) (120,297 ) Goodwill and intangible assets (3,374 ) (5,632 ) Other — (1,466 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (100,680 ) (127,395 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 78,865 $ 44,364
Schedule of uncertain tax positions	Uncertain Tax Positions Year Ended December 31, 2017 Recognized Unrecognized Balance at beginning of period $ 28,301 $ 31,441 Changes to current year tax positions — (1,140 ) Lapse in statute of limitations (28,301 ) (30,301 ) Balance at end of period $ — $ —

Equity Investments (Tables)

Equity Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Schedule of summarized financial information	The following table sets forth summarized financial information of our equity investments and does not represent the amounts we have included in our consolidated financial statements in connection with our equity investments. Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (1) Total revenues $ 125,136 $ 113,679 Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation) 87,189 72,364 Operating income 2,862 10,402 Net income 1,482 7,808 (1) Total revenues and cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation) for the year ended 2017 have been adjusted for the adoption of ASU 2014-09. Motor fuel taxes are no longer included in fuel revenues or fuel cost of goods sold, resulting in a decrease from the originally reported amounts in each of fuel revenues and fuel cost of goods sold of $13,956 for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Inventory (Tables)

Inventory (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of inventory	Inventory at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 2017 Nonfuel products $ 163,302 $ 152,925 Fuel products 33,419 34,312 Total inventory $ 196,721 $ 187,237

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - General Information and Basis of Presentation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018restauranttravel_centerstatestoresegment	Dec. 05, 2018restaurantconvenience_store
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | segment	1
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of sites | store	301
Travel centers
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of states | state	43
Number of sites owned	32
Number of sites leased	201
Number of sites operated under joint venture	2
Travel centers | Company operated sites
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of sites	233
Travel centers | Franchisee operated sites
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of sites	25
Number of sites owned by franchisees or leased from others	23
Travel centers | Franchisee operated and leased sites
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of sites	2
Travel centers | TA, TA Express And Petro brands
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of sites	258
Restaurants
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of states | state	14
Number of sites owned | restaurant	7
Number of sites leased | restaurant	8
Number of sites operated under joint venture | restaurant	1
Restaurants | Company operated sites
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of sites | restaurant	16
Restaurants | Franchisee operated sites
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of sites owned by franchisees or leased from others | restaurant	27
Restaurants | QSL brand
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of sites | restaurant	43
Disposal group, disposed of by sale | Restaurants
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of sites | restaurant		1
Disposal group, disposed of by sale | Convenience stores
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of sites | convenience_store		225

Summary of Significant Accoun_5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Property and Equipment (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Buildings and site improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	15 years
Buildings and site improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	40 years
Machinery and equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Machinery and equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	15 years
Furniture and fixtures | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	5 years
Furniture and fixtures | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	10 years

Summary of Significant Accoun_6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill Impairment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 01, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018
Disposal group, disposed of by sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of goodwill	$ 17,840	$ 51,500

Summary of Significant Accoun_7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Share Based Employee Compensation (Details) - Restricted shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of shares issued to other than directors	5 years
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of shares issued to other than directors	10 years

Summary of Significant Accoun_8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Asset Retirement Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Asset retirement obligation	$ 2,478	$ 2,388

Summary of Significant Accoun_9

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Change in Accounting Principle (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) to revenues	$ (6,231,437)	$ (5,316,897)
Increase (decrease) to accumulated deficit	246,773	126,220
Increase to other current liabilities	125,668	128,017
Increase to other noncurrent liabilities	28,741	27,376
Increase in selling, general and administrative expenses	136,383	146,015
Increase to other noncurrent assets	(121,749)	(89,955)
Decrease to benefit for income taxes	1,574	80,250
Nonfuel
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) to revenues	(1,819,563)	(1,741,339)
Fuel
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) to revenues	(4,395,731)	(3,557,537)
Rent and royalties from franchisees
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) to revenues	$ (16,143)	(18,021)
Difference between revenue guidance in effect before and after ASC 606 | Adoption of ASU 2014-09
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) to revenues		(1,736)
Increase (decrease) to accumulated deficit		804	$ 305
Increase to other current liabilities		188
Increase to other noncurrent liabilities		894
Increase in selling, general and administrative expenses		1,684
Increase to other noncurrent assets		(278)
Decrease to benefit for income taxes		(163)
Difference between revenue guidance in effect before and after ASC 606 | Adoption of ASU 2014-09 | Nonfuel
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) to revenues		(58,861)
Difference between revenue guidance in effect before and after ASC 606 | Adoption of ASU 2014-09 | Fuel
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) to revenues		58,861
Difference between revenue guidance in effect before and after ASC 606 | Adoption of ASU 2014-09 | Rent and royalties from franchisees
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) to revenues		(1,736)
Difference between revenue guidance in effect before and after ASC 606 | Adoption of ASU 2014-09 | Loyalty programs | Nonfuel
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) to revenues		(58,861)
Difference between revenue guidance in effect before and after ASC 606 | Adoption of ASU 2014-09 | Loyalty programs | Fuel
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) to revenues		58,861
Difference between revenue guidance in effect before and after ASC 606 | Adoption of ASU 2014-09 | Initial and renewal franchise fees
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) to accumulated deficit		1,082
Increase to other current liabilities		188
Increase to other noncurrent liabilities		894
Difference between revenue guidance in effect before and after ASC 606 | Adoption of ASU 2014-09 | Initial and renewal franchise fees | Rent and royalties from franchisees
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) to revenues		(52)
Difference between revenue guidance in effect before and after ASC 606 | Adoption of ASU 2014-09 | Advertising fees
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Increase in selling, general and administrative expenses		1,684
Difference between revenue guidance in effect before and after ASC 606 | Adoption of ASU 2014-09 | Advertising fees | Rent and royalties from franchisees
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) to revenues		(1,684)
Difference between revenue guidance in effect before and after ASC 606 | Adoption of ASU 2014-09 | Income taxes
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) to accumulated deficit		(278)
Increase to other noncurrent assets		(278)
Decrease to benefit for income taxes		$ (163)

Summary of Significant Accou_10

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Effect of Adoption of ASU 2014-09 on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Other noncurrent assets	$ 121,749	$ 89,955
Other current liabilities	125,668	128,017
Other noncurrent liabilities	28,741	27,376
Accumulated deficit	$ (246,773)	(126,220)
Discontinued Operations
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Other noncurrent assets		327
Other current liabilities		2,311
Other noncurrent liabilities		8,547
Accumulated deficit		0
As Reported
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Other noncurrent assets		90,004
Other current liabilities		130,140
Other noncurrent liabilities		35,029
Accumulated deficit		(125,416)
Difference between revenue guidance in effect before and after ASC 606 | Adoption of ASU 2014-09
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Other noncurrent assets		278
Other current liabilities		188
Other noncurrent liabilities		894
Accumulated deficit		$ (804)	$ (305)

Summary of Significant Accou_11

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Effect of Adoption of ASU 2014-09 on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 6,231,437	$ 5,316,897
Selling, general and administrative	136,383	146,015
Loss before income taxes and discontinued operations	(4,347)	(60,348)
Benefit for income taxes	1,574	80,250
Income from continuing operations	(2,773)	19,902
Fuel
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total revenues	4,395,731	3,557,537
Nonfuel
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total revenues	1,819,563	1,741,339
Rent and royalties from franchisees
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 16,143	18,021
Discontinued Operations
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total revenues		736,432
Selling, general and administrative		10,332
Loss before income taxes and discontinued operations		(14,645)
Benefit for income taxes		4,026
Income from continuing operations		(10,619)
Discontinued Operations | Fuel
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total revenues		474,514
Discontinued Operations | Nonfuel
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total revenues		261,703
Discontinued Operations | Rent and royalties from franchisees
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total revenues		215
As Reported
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total revenues		6,051,593
Selling, general and administrative		154,663
Loss before income taxes and discontinued operations		(75,045)
Benefit for income taxes		84,439
Income from continuing operations		9,394
As Reported | Fuel
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total revenues		4,090,912
As Reported | Nonfuel
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total revenues		1,944,181
As Reported | Rent and royalties from franchisees
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total revenues		16,500
Difference between revenue guidance in effect before and after ASC 606 | Adoption of ASU 2014-09
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total revenues		1,736
Selling, general and administrative		1,684
Loss before income taxes and discontinued operations		52
Benefit for income taxes		(163)
Income from continuing operations		(111)
Difference between revenue guidance in effect before and after ASC 606 | Adoption of ASU 2014-09 | Fuel
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total revenues		(58,861)
Difference between revenue guidance in effect before and after ASC 606 | Adoption of ASU 2014-09 | Nonfuel
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total revenues		58,861
Difference between revenue guidance in effect before and after ASC 606 | Adoption of ASU 2014-09 | Rent and royalties from franchisees
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Total revenues		$ 1,736

Summary of Significant Accou_12

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Effect of Adoption of ASU 2014-09 on Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Net income	$ (120,404)	$ 9,283
Deferred income taxes	403	(81,243)
Accounts receivable	27,340	(18,437)
Accounts payable and other liabilities	(31,932)	3,876
Net cash provided by operating activities	$ 81,606	35,674
Discontinued Operations
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Net income		0
Deferred income taxes		(4,026)
Accounts receivable		0
Accounts payable and other liabilities		4,125
Net cash provided by operating activities		0
As Reported
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Net income		9,394
Deferred income taxes		(85,432)
Accounts receivable		(18,507)
Accounts payable and other liabilities		8,123
Net cash provided by operating activities		35,674
Difference between revenue guidance in effect before and after ASC 606 | Adoption of ASU 2014-09
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Net income		(111)
Deferred income taxes		163
Accounts receivable		70
Accounts payable and other liabilities		(122)
Net cash provided by operating activities		$ 0

Summary of Significant Accou_13

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Adjustment to accumulated deficit		$ (246,773)	$ (126,220)
Scenario, forecast | Adoption of ASU 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Recognition of additional right of use assets for operating leases	$ 1,800,000
Recognition of additional lease liabilities for operating leases	1,900,000
Adjustment to accumulated deficit	$ 86,000

Revenue - Narrative (Details)

Revenue - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Percent of diesel fuel sold at discounts	80.60%

Revenue - Disaggregation of Non

Revenue - Disaggregation of Nonfuel Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Total revenues	$ 6,231,437	$ 5,316,897
Nonfuel
Total revenues	1,819,563	1,741,339
Truck service
Total revenues	672,169	642,961
Store and retail services
Total revenues	730,658	682,101
Restaurants
Total revenues	$ 416,736	$ 416,277

Revenue - Changes in Contract L

Revenue - Changes in Contract Liabilities Between Periods (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Movement in Deferred Revenue [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 19,846	$ 18,607
Increases due to unsatisfied performance obligations arising during the period	91,600	83,759
Revenue recognized from satisfying performance obligations during the period	(84,612)	(75,861)
Other	(7,874)	(6,659)
Ending Balance	18,960	19,846
Loyalty Programs
Movement in Deferred Revenue [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	15,165	13,686
Increases due to unsatisfied performance obligations arising during the period	81,517	72,424
Revenue recognized from satisfying performance obligations during the period	(74,548)	(65,854)
Other	(6,644)	(5,091)
Ending Balance	15,490	15,165
Other Contract Liabilities
Movement in Deferred Revenue [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	4,681	4,921
Increases due to unsatisfied performance obligations arising during the period	10,083	11,335
Revenue recognized from satisfying performance obligations during the period	(10,064)	(10,007)
Other	(1,230)	(1,568)
Ending Balance	$ 3,470	$ 4,681

Revenue - Contract Liabilities

Revenue - Contract Liabilities Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Minimum
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Deferred initial and renewal franchisee fee revenue	$ 14
Maximum
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Deferred initial and renewal franchisee fee revenue	$ 71
Loyalty programs
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing for unsatisfied performance obligations to be satisfied	12 months

Acquisitions - Narrative (Detai

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)franchiseepropertytravel_center	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)franchiseerestauranttravel_center
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired | $	$ 10,482	$ 19,858
Travel centers
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of locations acquired | travel_center	1	1
Number of franchisees | franchisee	1	1
Purchase price for asset acquisitions | $	$ 5,202
Travel centers | Franchisee operated and leased sites
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of locations where certain assets were acquired | franchisee	2
Tire retread facility
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price for asset acquisitions | $	$ 2,805
Number of locations where certain assets were acquired | property	1
Restaurants
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of locations acquired | restaurant		6
Number of franchisees | franchisee		1

Discontinued Operations - Narra

Discontinued Operations - Narrative (Details) - Disposal group, disposed of by sale - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 05, 2018
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Aggregate sales price			$ 330,609
Net working capital items			$ 25,609
Loss on disposal	$ 79,623	$ 0
Transaction costs	$ 9,650

Discontinued Operations - Carry

Discontinued Operations - Carrying Amounts of Major Classes of Assets and Liabilities Presented in Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash	$ 0	$ 556
Disposal group, disposed of by sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash		556
Inventory		22,403
Other current assets		280
Property and equipment, net		387,894
Goodwill		68,600
Other intangible assets, net		9,189
Other noncurrent assets		327
Total assets of discontinued operations		489,249
Other current liabilities		2,311
Other noncurrent liabilities		8,547
Total liabilities of discontinued operations		$ 10,858

Discontinued Operations - Resul

Discontinued Operations - Results of Operations for Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Loss from discontinued operations	$ (117,631)	$ (10,619)
Disposal group, disposed of by sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues	742,160	736,432
Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation)	610,524	591,349
Site level operating expenses	103,037	108,082
Selling, general and administrative expenses	9,443	10,332
Real estate rent expense	2,206	2,277
Depreciation and amortization expense	20,418	39,037
Impairment of goodwill	69,340	0
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes	(72,808)	(14,645)
Benefit for income taxes	14,789	4,026
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(58,019)	(10,619)
Loss on disposal	(79,623)	0
Benefit for income taxes	20,011	0
Loss from discontinued operations	$ (117,631)	$ (10,619)

Property and Equipment (Details

Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$ 80,938	$ 86,543
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	1,143,404	1,057,160
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	514,867	443,964
Property and equipment, net	628,537	613,196
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	142,365	142,338
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	96,266	89,129
Property and equipment, net	46,099	53,209
Land and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	177,322	164,019
Land and improvements | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	14,945	14,565
Buildings and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	197,866	178,722
Buildings and improvements | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	9,943	9,848
Machinery, equipment and furniture
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	459,892	421,721
Machinery, equipment and furniture | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	3,282	3,239
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	242,469	233,857
Leasehold improvements | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	114,195	114,686
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	$ 65,855	$ 58,841

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Other Intangible Assets, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total amortizable intangible assets, Cost	$ 28,312	$ 29,447
Total amortizable intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(17,742)	(16,570)
Total amortizable intangible assets, Net	10,570	12,877
Intangible assets, Cost	40,629	41,764
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(17,742)	(16,570)
Intangible assets, Net	22,887	25,194
Trademarks
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying value of trademarks (indefinite lives)	12,317	12,317
Agreements with franchisees
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total amortizable intangible assets, Cost	21,645	22,945
Total amortizable intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(12,308)	(11,221)
Total amortizable intangible assets, Net	9,337	11,724
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(12,308)	(11,221)
Leasehold interests
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total amortizable intangible assets, Cost	2,754	2,754
Total amortizable intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(2,183)	(2,149)
Total amortizable intangible assets, Net	571	605
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(2,183)	(2,149)
Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total amortizable intangible assets, Cost	3,913	3,748
Total amortizable intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(3,251)	(3,200)
Total amortizable intangible assets, Net	662	548
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ (3,251)	$ (3,200)

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Total amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets	$ 2,452	$ 2,453
Weighted average period of amortizable intangible assets	11 years
Goodwill acquired during period		$ 5,517

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_5

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Future Amortization Expense (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Total
2,019	$ 1,252
2,020	1,237
2,021	1,087
2,022	981
2,023	$ 883

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_6

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Goodwill by Reporting Unit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill [Line Items]
Total goodwill	$ 25,259	$ 25,259
Travel centers business
Goodwill [Line Items]
Total goodwill	22,213	22,213
QSL business
Goodwill [Line Items]
Total goodwill	$ 3,046	$ 3,046

Other Current Liabilities (Deta

Other Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Taxes payable, other than income taxes	$ 42,985	$ 46,872
Accrued wages and benefits	19,830	20,674
Loyalty program accruals	15,490	15,165
Self insurance program accruals, current portion	14,623	15,301
Accrued capital expenditures	7,742	5,695
Other	24,998	24,310
Total other current liabilities	$ 125,668	$ 128,017

Long Term Debt - Schedule of Lo

Long Term Debt - Schedule of Long Term Debt, Net (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.01%
Other long term debt	$ 1,086,000	$ 1,189,000
Total long term debt, net	320,528,000	319,634,000
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs	$ (10,558,000)	(11,555,000)
2028 Senior Notes | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	8.25%
Senior notes	$ 110,000,000	110,000,000
2029 Senior Notes | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	8.00%
Senior notes	$ 120,000,000	120,000,000
2030 Senior Notes | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	8.00%
Senior notes	$ 100,000,000	$ 100,000,000

Long Term Debt - Senior Notes (

Long Term Debt - Senior Notes (Details) - Senior Notes $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
2028 Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price of debt instrument (as a percent)	100.00%
Fair value of debt instrument	$ 108,240
2029 Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price of debt instrument (as a percent)	100.00%
Fair value of debt instrument	$ 110,112
2030 Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price of debt instrument (as a percent)	100.00%
Fair value of debt instrument	$ 93,080

Long Term Debt - Revolving Cred

Long Term Debt - Revolving Credit Facility (Details) - Credit Facility	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 200,000,000
Increase in maximum borrowing capacity subject to available collateral and lender participation	$ 300,000,000
Fee on outstanding commitments (as a percent)	1.50%
Fee on unused commitments (as a percent)	0.25%
Amount available for borrowings and letters of credit	$ 100,236,000
Borrowings outstanding	0
Outstanding amount of letters of credit	14,813,000
Amount under Credit Facility available for use	$ 85,423,000

Long Term Debt - Deferred Finan

Long Term Debt - Deferred Financing Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Future amortization of deferred financing costs in 2019	$ 1,214
Future amortization of deferred financing costs in 2020	1,000
Future amortization of deferred financing costs in 2021	997
Future amortization of deferred financing costs in 2022	997
Future amortization of deferred financing costs in 2023	997
Interest expense from the amortization of deferred financing costs	1,221	$ 1,221
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized deferred financing costs	(10,558)	(11,555)
Unamortized accumulated amortization	4,422	3,425
Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized deferred financing costs	(216)	(440)
Unamortized accumulated amortization	$ 904	$ 680

Leasing Transactions - As a Les

Leasing Transactions - As a Lessee (Details) - HPT Leases - Principal landlord and largest shareholder - HPT $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2017USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)lease	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of leases with HPT | lease			5
Increase (decrease) in annual minimum rent	$ 731		$ 4,789	$ 7,194
Subsequent event
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in annual minimum rent		$ (43,148)

Leasing Transactions - Future M

Leasing Transactions - Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Entity's Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2,019	$ 302,855
2,020	301,220
2,021	299,393
2,022	296,551
2,023	295,534
Thereafter	1,980,078
Total	$ 3,475,631

Leasing Transactions - Rent Exp

Leasing Transactions - Rent Expense Under Operating Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Minimum rent	$ 282,424	$ 275,561
Sublease rent	7,126	7,035
Contingent rent	3,591	2,195
Total rent expense	$ 293,141	$ 284,791

Leasing Transactions - HPT Leas

Leasing Transactions - HPT Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2019USD ($)installment	Sep. 25, 2017USD ($)	May 03, 2017USD ($)travel_center	Jan. 31, 2019USD ($)propertytravel_center	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)propertytravel_centerinstallmentlease	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)travel_center	Dec. 31, 2015travel_center	Jan. 16, 2019agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total real estate rent expense						$ 283,476	$ 274,850
Percentage rent incurred						3,591	2,195
Aggregate selling price						$ 55,829	$ 109,374
Travel centers
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of sites subject to lease | travel_center						201
Number of locations acquired | travel_center						1	1
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Deferred rent obligation						$ 150,000	$ 150,000
Subsequent proceeds from VDOT						1,031
Total settlement amount due from VDOT						7,209
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | Selling, general and administrative expenses
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreed upon allocation of VDOT settlement paid to TA						$ 1,032
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | TA Leases
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of leases with HPT | lease						4
Rate of percentage rent incurred						3.00%
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | Petro Lease
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of leases with HPT | lease						1
Rate of percentage rent incurred						3.00%
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT Leases
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of sites subject to lease | property						199
Number of leases with HPT | lease						5
Increase (decrease) in annual minimum rent		$ 731				$ 4,789	7,194
Deferred rent obligation						$ 150,000
Number of installments to be paid for deferred rent obligation | installment						5
Total real estate rent expense						$ 273,012	264,625
Percentage rent incurred						$ 3,591	2,195
Lease payment multiple (as a percent) for basis in increase in rent						8.50%
Basis spread on U.S. Treasury interest rate (as a percent)						3.50%
Aggregate selling price						$ 56,346	$ 84,632
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT Leases | Leasehold improvements
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Improvement assets to be purchased for an increase in rent						$ 19,642
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | Travel centers
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of locations acquired | travel_center								5
Aggregate selling price			$ 27,602
Number of development properties sold | travel_center			1
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | Subsequent event
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of transaction agreements entered into | agreement									3
Deferred rent obligation				$ 70,458
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | Subsequent event | TA Leases
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Rate of percentage rent incurred					0.50%
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | Subsequent event | Petro Lease
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of sites subject to lease | property				35
Deferred rent obligation				$ 17,872
Rate of percentage rent incurred					0.50%
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | Subsequent event | HPT Leases
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of sites subject to lease | property				179
Increase (decrease) in annual minimum rent				$ (43,148)
Extension of lease term (in years)				3 years
Deferred rent obligation				$ 70,458
Amount per installment pursuant to Transaction Agreements	$ 4,404
Number of installments to be paid for deferred rent obligation | installment	16
Rate of percentage rent incurred					0.50%
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | Subsequent event | Travel centers | HPT Leases
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of locations acquired | travel_center				20
Total purchase price				$ 308,200

Leasing Transactions - Summariz

Leasing Transactions - Summarized Information for Each HPT Lease (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2019USD ($)installment	Jan. 31, 2019USD ($)property	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)propertyrenewal_optioninstallment	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Annual minimum rent			$ 282,424	$ 275,561
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Deferred rent			$ 150,000	$ 150,000
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT Leases
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of sites subject to lease | property			199
Deferred rent			$ 150,000
Number of renewal options | renewal_option			2
Renewal term (in years)			15 years
Number of installments to be paid for deferred rent obligation | installment			5
Interest rate percentage on deferred rent amounts			1.00%
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | Subsequent event
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Deferred rent		$ 70,458
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | Subsequent event | HPT Leases
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of sites subject to lease | property		179
Annual minimum rent		$ 243,909
Deferred rent		$ 70,458
Number of installments to be paid for deferred rent obligation | installment	16
Amount per installment pursuant to Transaction Agreements	$ 4,404
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | Subsequent event | TA Lease 1
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of sites subject to lease | property		36
Annual minimum rent		$ 49,019
Deferred rent		$ 14,175
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | Subsequent event | TA Lease 2
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of sites subject to lease | property		36
Annual minimum rent		$ 44,663
Deferred rent		$ 12,847
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | Subsequent event | TA Lease 3
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of sites subject to lease | property		35
Annual minimum rent		$ 42,404
Deferred rent		$ 12,603
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | Subsequent event | TA Lease 4
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of sites subject to lease | property		37
Annual minimum rent		$ 46,206
Deferred rent		$ 12,961
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | Subsequent event | Petro Lease
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of sites subject to lease | property		35
Annual minimum rent		$ 61,617
Deferred rent		$ 17,872

Leasing Transactions - Summary

Leasing Transactions - Summary of Various Amounts Reflected in Real Estate Rent Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total real estate rent expense	$ 283,476	$ 274,850
HPT's landlords and other landlords
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cash payments for rent	10,412	10,643
Adjustments to recognize expense on a straight line basis	52	(418)
Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cash payments for rent	289,793	280,894
Change in accrued estimated percentage rent	93	356
Adjustments to recognize expense on a straight line basis	(327)	(383)
Less: sale leaseback financing obligation amortization	(974)	(658)
Less: portion of rent payments recognized as interest expense	(1,675)	(1,681)
Less: deferred tenant improvements allowance amortization	(3,770)	(3,770)
Amortization of deferred gain on sale leaseback transactions	$ (10,128)	$ (10,133)

Leasing Transactions - Summar_2

Leasing Transactions - Summary of Various Amounts Included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)travel_center	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)travel_center	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)travel_center	Jan. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014travel_center
Current HPT Leases Liabilities:
Total current HPT Leases liabilities	$ 42,109	$ 41,389
Noncurrent HPT Leases Liabilities:
Total noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities	$ 353,756	$ 368,782
Travel centers
Various Amounts Related to HPT Leases Included in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Footnotes):
Number of locations acquired | travel_center	1	1
Loss on extinguishment of debt			$ 10,502
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder
Current HPT Leases Liabilities:
Accrued rent	$ 24,721	$ 24,170
Sale leaseback financing obligations	1,032	863
Straight line rent accrual	2,458	2,458
Deferred gain	10,128	10,128
Deferred tenant improvements allowance	3,770	3,770
Total current HPT Leases liabilities	42,109	41,389
Noncurrent HPT Leases Liabilities:
Deferred rent obligation	150,000	150,000
Sale leaseback financing obligations	22,365	22,987
Straight line rent accrual	46,431	46,937
Deferred gain	100,913	111,041
Deferred tenant improvements allowance	34,047	37,817
Total noncurrent HPT Leases liabilities	353,756	$ 368,782
Various Amounts Related to HPT Leases Included in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Footnotes):
Deferred gain from sale of assets	$ 145,462
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | Subsequent event
Noncurrent HPT Leases Liabilities:
Deferred rent obligation				$ 70,458
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | Travel centers
Various Amounts Related to HPT Leases Included in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Footnotes):
Number of locations acquired | travel_center			5
Aggregate deferred gain			$ 1,033
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | Travel centers | 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
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | Travel centers | TA Leases
Various Amounts Related to HPT Leases Included in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Footnotes):
Number of sites leased | travel_center			2
Number of sites subject to capital lease | travel_center			4

Leasing Transactions - As a L_2

Leasing Transactions - As a Lessor (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)franchiseetravel_center	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Rent revenue from operating leases	$ 3,052	$ 4,208
Future minimum lease payments due in 2019	2,202
Future minimum lease payments due in 2020	2,202
Future minimum lease payments due in 2021	2,202
Future minimum lease payments due in 2022	$ 1,101
Travel centers
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Number of sites subject to lease | travel_center	201
Travel centers | Franchise sites
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Number of sites subject to lease | franchisee	2

Shareholders' Equity - Share Aw

Shareholders' Equity - Share Award Plans (Details) - Share award plans - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of common shares authorized under the 2016 Plan (in shares)	4,300
Number of additional awards under the 2007 Plan (in shares)	0
Number of common shares awarded under the Share Award Plans (in shares)	876	751
Aggregate market value of common shares awarded	$ 3,867	$ 3,528
Total share based compensation expense recognized	6,371	5,515
Vesting date fair value of common shares vested	$ 5,147	$ 3,781
Weighted average grant date fair value of common shares awarded (in usd per share)	$ 4.41	$ 4.70
Common shares that remained available for issuance under the 2016 Plan (in shares)	1,765
Total share based compensation related to unvested common shares	$ 8,019
Weighted average remaining service period over which share based compensation related to unvested common shares will be expensed	4 years
Employees, excluding Directors | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of common shares	5 years
Employees, excluding Directors | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of common shares	10 years

Shareholders' Equity - Schedule

Shareholders' Equity - Schedule of Unvested Common Shares Under Share Award Plans (Details) - Share award plans - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Number of Shares
Unvested shares balance at the beginning of the period (in shares)	2,013
Granted (in shares)	876	751
Vested (in shares)	(1,298)
Forfeited/canceled (in shares)	(9)
Unvested shares balance at the end of the period (in shares)	1,582	2,013
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Unvested shares balance at the beginning of the period (in USD per share)	$ 6.68
Granted (in USD per share)	4.41	$ 4.70
Vested (in USD per share)	6.61
Forfeited/canceled (in USD per share)	5.71
Unvested shares balance at the end of the period (in USD per share)	$ 5.49	$ 6.68

Shareholders' Equity - Treasury

Shareholders' Equity - Treasury Shares (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Number of common shares acquired (in shares)	449	272
Aggregate value of common shares acquired	$ 1,744	$ 1,175
Number of treasury shares retired (in shares)	449	272
Carrying value of treasury shares retired	$ 1,744	$ 1,175

Shareholders' Equity - (Loss) I

Shareholders' Equity - (Loss) Income Per Common Share from Continuing Operations Attributable to Common Shareholders (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Dilutive share securities outstanding	$ 0	$ 0
(Loss) income from continuing operations	(2,773)	19,902
Less: net income for noncontrolling interests	149	132
(Loss) income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	(2,922)	19,770
Less: (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to participating securities	(125)	1,028
(Loss) income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	$ (2,797)	$ 18,742
Weighted average common shares (in shares)	38,244	37,524
Basic and diluted (loss) income per common share from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders (in USD per share)	$ (0.07)	$ 0.50
Weighted average number of unvested shares outstanding (in shares)	1,705	2,057

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Benefit for income taxes	$ 1,574	$ 80,250
Deferred tax asset based on U.S. federal tax rate of 35%		48,983
Decrease in tax benefit due to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act	0	4,619
Valuation allowance	1,310	$ 1,027
Domestic Tax Authority
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards	318,110
Federal tax credit carryforwards	31,377
State and Local Jurisdiction
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards	224,790
Net operating loss to expire in 2031 | Domestic Tax Authority
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards	57,971
Net operating loss to expire in 2019 | State and Local Jurisdiction
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards	2,689
Tax credit to expire between 2020 and 2025 | Domestic Tax Authority
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Federal tax credit carryforwards	$ 468

Income Taxes - Effective Tax Ra

Income Taxes - Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. federal statutory rate applied to loss before income taxes and discontinued operations	$ 994	$ 20,815
Benefit of tax credits	3,977	2,688
Provision to return adjustments	560	443
Nondeductible executive compensation	(210)	0
Other nondeductible expenses	(430)	(318)
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	(2,957)	1,648
Uncertain tax position resolution	0	58,602
Tax rate change	0	(4,619)
Other, net	(360)	991
Total tax benefit	$ 1,574	$ 80,250

Income Taxes - Components of In

Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Benefit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current tax benefit:
Federal	$ 1,737	$ 32,883
State	240	(5,575)
Total current tax benefit	1,977	27,308
Deferred tax benefit:
Federal	3,581	44,831
State	(3,984)	8,111
Total deferred tax benefit	(403)	52,942
Total tax benefit	$ 1,574	$ 80,250

Income Taxes - Components of De

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred tax assets:
Tax loss carryforwards	$ 76,250	$ 61,961
Deferred gains	33,882	32,949
Tax credit carryforwards	31,377	27,414
Reserves	16,186	16,844
Straight line rent accrual	12,516	13,542
Deferred tenant improvements allowance	9,531	11,228
Asset retirement obligations	625	2,765
Other	488	6,083
Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	180,855	172,786
Valuation allowance	(1,310)	(1,027)
Total deferred tax assets	179,545	171,759
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	(97,306)	(120,297)
Goodwill and intangible assets	(3,374)	(5,632)
Other	0	(1,466)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(100,680)	(127,395)
Net deferred tax assets	$ 78,865	$ 44,364

Income Taxes - Uncertain Tax Po

Income Taxes - Uncertain Tax Positions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Recognized uncertain tax position, beginning of period	$ 0	$ 28,301
Recognized uncertain tax position, changes to current year tax position		0
Recognized uncertain tax position, lapse in statute of limitations		(28,301)
Recognized uncertain tax position, end of period		0
Unrecognized uncertain tax position, beginning of period	0	31,441
Unrecognized uncertain tax position, changes to current year tax position		(1,140)
Unrecognized tax position, lapse in statute of limitations		(30,301)
Unrecognized uncertain tax position, end of period		0
Uncertain tax position resolution	$ 0	$ 58,602

Equity Investments - Equity Inv

Equity Investments - Equity Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Other expense (income), net
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
(Loss) income from equity investees	$ (2,027)	$ 1,088
Other noncurrent assets
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment balance	$ 40,065	$ 42,502

Equity Investments - Summarized

Equity Investments - Summarized Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 125,136	$ 113,679
Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation)	87,189	72,364
Operating income	2,862	10,402
Net income	$ 1,482	7,808
Difference between revenue guidance in effect before and after ASC 606 | Adoption of ASU 2014-09 | Fuel products
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total revenues		(13,956)
Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation)		$ (13,956)

Business Management Agreement_2

Business Management Agreement with RMR (Details) - RMR - Affiliated entity $ in Thousands	7 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Business management agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Annual business management fee percentage		0.60%
Business management agreement, automatic renewal term (in years)		1 year
Period before which written notice is required to be given (in days)		120 days
Period for written notice to withdraw, subject to approval by majority vote of Independent Directors		60 days
Multiple in calculating termination fee		2.875
Period over which base management fee is determined as basis to calculate termination fee		24 months
Period of transition services (in days)		120 days
Business management agreement | Selling, general and administrative expenses
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Business management fee		$ 14,570	$ 14,030
Expense for internal audit costs		$ 236	$ 276
Property management agreement | Selling, general and administrative expenses
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Property management fee	$ 78

Related Party Transactions - Re

Related Party Transactions - Relationship with HPT (Details)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2019propertytravel_center	Dec. 31, 2018propertytravel_centerdirectorshares	Dec. 31, 2017travel_centerdirectorshares	Dec. 31, 2015travel_center
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of common shares outstanding owned (in shares) | shares		40,402,000	39,984,000
Travel centers
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of sites subject to lease		201
Number of locations acquired		1	1
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of common shares outstanding owned (in shares) | shares		3,420,000
Percentage of outstanding common shares owned		8.50%
Number of TA Managing Directors who are also managing trustees of HPT | director		1
Number of TA Managing Directors, President, CEO who are also officers of HPT | director			1
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | Travel centers
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of locations acquired				5
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT Leases
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of sites subject to lease | property		199
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT Leases | Subsequent event
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of sites subject to lease | property	179
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | HPT Leases | Travel centers | Subsequent event
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of locations acquired	20
HPT | Principal landlord and largest shareholder | Maximum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of any class of equity shares that can be acquired		9.80%

Related Party Transactions - Ou

Related Party Transactions - Our Manager, RMR (Details) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2018shares	Jul. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)directorshares	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)directorshares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)directorshares	Oct. 31, 2018shares
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of common shares outstanding owned (in shares) | shares			39,984		40,402	39,984
President and CEO | Current annual salary paid
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
President and CEO compensation per retirement agreement | $				$ 300
President and CEO | Cash bonus paid relating to 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
President and CEO compensation per retirement agreement | $			$ 2,060
President and CEO | Cash payment paid in lieu of share grants
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
President and CEO compensation per retirement agreement | $			$ 475
President and CEO | Cash payment, additional
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
President and CEO compensation per retirement agreement | $		$ 1,505
President and CEO | Number of unvested common shares fully accelerated vesting (in shares)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of unvested common shares fully accelerated vesting (in shares) | shares	625
RMR | Affiliated entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of TA Managing Directors who are also managing directors, president and CEO of RMR | director					1
Number of TA Managing Directors, President, CEO who are also officers of RMR | director			1			1
Number of common shares outstanding owned (in shares) | shares					1,493
Percentage of outstanding common shares owned					3.70%		3.70%
RMR | Affiliated entity | Restricted shares
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of common shares awarded under the Share Award Plans (in shares) | shares					51	67
Market value of common shares awarded | $					$ 228	$ 319
RMR | Affiliated entity | President and CEO | Number of common shares owned with right to purchase
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of shares sold by former President and CEO to RMR (in shares) | shares							1,493

Related Party Transactions - _2

Related Party Transactions - Relationship with AIC (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)company	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Other noncurrent assets
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying value of investment	$ 40,065	$ 42,502
AIC | Equity method investee
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest (as a percent)	14.30%
Service fee percentage	3.00%
AIC | Equity method investee | Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to common shareholders
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Unrealized (losses) and gains on securities held for sale	$ (69)	461
AIC | Equity method investee | Other expense (income), net
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Income from equity investees	516	608
AIC | Equity method investee | Other noncurrent assets
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Amount of investment	6,054
Carrying value of investment	8,632	8,185
AIC | Equity method investee | Property insurance annual premium
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Annual premiums paid for property insurance	$ 2,502	$ 1,721
RMR | Affiliated entity
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of companies managed by RMR | company	5

Related Party Transactions - Di

Related Party Transactions - Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
RMR | Affiliated entity | Directors and officers liability insurance
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Aggregate premiums paid	$ 157	$ 156

Contingencies (Details)

Contingencies (Details) - Environmental issue	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Commitments and contingencies
Total recorded liabilities	$ 2,434,000
Expected recoveries of future expenditures	665,000
Net loss contingency liability	1,769,000
Loss contingency insurance limit for liabilities per incident	20,000,000
Loss contingency insurance limit for liabilities	$ 20,000,000

Inventory (Details)

Inventory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventory	$ 196,721	$ 187,237
Nonfuel products
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventory	163,302	152,925
Fuel products
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventory	$ 33,419	$ 34,312