TRAVELCENTERS OF AMERICA INC. /MD/, 10-K filed on 2/25/2020
Annual Report
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Cover Page - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Feb. 24, 2020
Jun. 28, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Entity Information [Line Items]        
Entity Registrant Name TravelCenters of America Inc. /MD/      
Entity Central Index Key 0001378453      
Amendment Flag false      
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31      
Entity Small Business true      
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019      
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY      
Document Type 10-K      
Document Annual Report true      
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2019      
Document Transition Report false      
Entity File Number 001-33274      
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code MD      
Entity Tax Identification Number 20-5701514      
Entity Address, Address Line One 24601 Center Ridge Road      
Entity Address, City or Town Westlake      
Entity Address, State or Province OH      
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 44145-5639      
City Area Code 440      
Local Phone Number 808-9100      
Title of 12(b) Security Shares of Common Stock, $0.001 Par Value Per Share      
Trading Symbol TA      
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ      
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No      
Entity Voluntary Filers No      
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes      
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes      
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer      
Entity Emerging Growth Company false      
Entity Shell Company false      
Entity Listing, Par Value Per Share $ 0.001      
Entity Public Float     $ 121.6  
Closing price per share of common stock (USD per share)     $ 18.10  
Common stock held directly by, or by affiliates of, the directors and the officers of the registrant (in shares)     685,234  
Number of shares of common stock outstanding owned (in shares) 8,307,000     8,080,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   8,306,579    
Documents Incorporated by Reference
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain information required in Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A, or our definitive Proxy Statement.
     
SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder        
Entity Information [Line Items]        
Number of shares of common stock outstanding owned (in shares) 684,000   684,000  
8.25% Senior Notes due 2028        
Entity Information [Line Items]        
Title of 12(b) Security 8.25% Senior Notes due 2028      
Trading Symbol TANNI      
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ      
8.00% Senior Notes due 2029        
Entity Information [Line Items]        
Title of 12(b) Security 8.00% Senior Notes due 2029      
Trading Symbol TANNL      
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ      
8.00% Senior Notes due 2030        
Entity Information [Line Items]        
Title of 12(b) Security 8.00% Senior Notes due 2030      
Trading Symbol TANNZ      
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ      
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Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 17,206 $ 314,387
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,083 and $959 as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively) 173,496 97,449
Inventory 196,611 196,721
Other current assets 32,456 35,119
Total current assets 419,769 643,676
Property and equipment, net 868,503 628,537
Operating lease assets 1,817,998 0
Goodwill 25,259 25,259
Intangible assets, net 20,707 22,887
Other noncurrent assets 78,659 121,749
Total assets 3,230,895 1,442,108
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable 147,440 120,914
Current operating lease liabilities 104,070 0
Current SVC Leases liabilities 0 42,109
Other current liabilities 138,455 125,668
Total current liabilities 389,965 288,691
Long term debt, net 329,321 320,528
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities 1,880,188 0
Noncurrent SVC Leases liabilities 0 353,756
Other noncurrent liabilities 58,885 28,741
Total liabilities 2,658,359 991,716
Stockholders' equity:    
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 16,000 and 8,674 shares of common stock authorized as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and 8,307 and 8,080 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively 8 8
Additional paid-in capital 698,402 695,307
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (172) 355
Accumulated deficit (127,185) (246,773)
Total TA stockholders' equity 571,053 448,897
Noncontrolling interest 1,483 1,495
Total stockholders' equity 572,536 450,392
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 3,230,895 $ 1,442,108
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Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Revenues:    
Total revenues $ 6,117,359 $ 6,232,215
Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation):    
Total cost of goods sold 4,594,769 4,786,169
Site level operating expense 943,810 914,730
Selling, general and administrative expense 155,474 137,945
Real estate rent expense 257,762 283,476
Depreciation and amortization expense 100,260 83,179
Income from operations 65,284 26,716
Interest expense, net 28,356 29,003
Other (income) expense, net (880) 2,060
Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations 37,808 (4,347)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes (4,339) 1,574
Income (loss) from continuing operations 33,469 (2,773)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes 0 (117,631)
Net income (loss) 33,469 (120,404)
Less: net income for noncontrolling interest 124 149
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders 33,345 (120,553)
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes:    
Foreign currency gain (loss), net of taxes of $61 and $(104), respectively 46 (156)
Interest in equity investee's unrealized losses on investments (573) (69)
Other comprehensive loss attributable to common stockholders (527) (225)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ 32,818 $ (120,778)
Net income (loss) per share of common stock attributable to common stockholders:    
Basic and diluted from continuing operations (in USD per share) $ 4.12 $ (0.37)
Basic and diluted from discontinued operations (in USD per share) 0 (14.72)
Basic and diluted (in USD per share) $ 4.12 $ (15.09)
Fuel    
Revenues:    
Total revenues $ 4,247,069 $ 4,395,731
Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation):    
Total cost of goods sold 3,868,351 4,075,704
Nonfuel    
Revenues:    
Total revenues 1,856,147 1,820,341
Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation):    
Total cost of goods sold 726,418 710,465
Rent and royalties from franchisees    
Revenues:    
Total revenues $ 14,143 $ 16,143
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net income (loss) $ 33,469 $ (120,404)
Less: loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes 0 (117,631)
Income (loss) from continuing operations 33,469 (2,773)
Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations:    
Noncash rent credits, net (21,406) (14,799)
Depreciation and amortization expense 100,260 83,179
Deferred income tax provision 5,710 403
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of business acquisitions:    
Accounts receivable (76,636) 27,340
Inventory 154 (9,102)
Other assets 5,152 1,384
Accounts payable and other liabilities 26,698 (31,932)
Other, net 9,066 19,558
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations 82,467 73,258
Net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations 0 8,348
Net cash provided by operating activities 82,467 81,606
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Proceeds from sale of convenience stores business, net 0 310,496
Proceeds from asset sales to SVC 0 55,829
Proceeds from other asset sales 2,919 0
Acquisition of travel centers from SVC (309,637) 0
Distribution from equity investee 5,756 0
Capital expenditures (83,955) (144,781)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired 0 (10,482)
Investment in equity investee (1,500) (2,859)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities of continuing operations (386,417) 208,203
Net cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations 0 (8,904)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (386,417) 199,299
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Proceeds from sale leaseback transactions with SVC 0 517
Sale leaseback financing obligation payments 0 (971)
Acquisition of treasury stock from employees (346) (1,744)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest (136) (101)
Revolving Credit Facility borrowings 7,900 0
Other, net (745) (103)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 6,673 (2,402)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 96 (198)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (297,181) 278,305
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 314,387 36,082
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 17,206 314,387
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:    
Interest paid (including rent classified as interest and net of capitalized interest) 27,819 29,250
Income taxes refunded $ (1,670) $ (228)
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Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
Total
Common Stock
Additional Paid-in Capital
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated Deficit
Treasury Stock
Total TA Stockholders' Equity
Noncontrolling Interest
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017   7,997            
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017 $ 566,495 $ 8 $ 690,680 $ 580 $ (126,220) $ 0 $ 565,048 $ 1,447
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                
Grants under share award plan and stock based compensation, net (in shares)   83            
Grants under share award plan and stock based compensation, net 2,883 $ 0         2,883  
Grants under share award plan and stock based compensation, net     4,627          
Grants under share award plan and stock based compensation, net 1,744         (1,744)    
Retirement of treasury stock 1,744         1,744 1,744  
Distributions to noncontrolling interest (101)             (101)
Other comprehensive 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 8,080 8,080            
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2018 $ 450,392 $ 8 695,307 355 (246,773) 0 448,897 1,495
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                
Grants under share award plan and stock based compensation, net (in shares)   227            
Grants under share award plan and stock based compensation, net 2,749 $ 0         2,749  
Grants under share award plan and stock based compensation, net     3,095          
Grants under share award plan and stock based compensation, net 346         (346)    
Retirement of treasury stock 346         346 346  
Distributions to noncontrolling interest (136)             (136)
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes (527)     (527)     (527)  
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASC 842, net of taxes 86,243       86,243   86,243  
Net (loss) income $ 33,469       33,345   33,345 124
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019 8,307 8,307            
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2019 $ 572,536 $ 8 $ 698,402 $ (172) $ (127,185) $ 0 $ 571,053 $ 1,483
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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]    
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts $ 1,083 $ 959
Common stock, par value (in USD per share) $ 0.001 $ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized 16,000,000 8,674,000
Common stock, shares issued 8,307,000 8,080,000
Common stock, shares outstanding 8,307,000 8,080,000
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Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]    
Foreign currency gain (loss), taxes $ 61 $ (104)
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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
General Information and Basis of Presentation
TravelCenters of America Inc., which we refer to as the Company or we, us and our, is a Maryland corporation. Prior to August 1, 2019, we were organized as a Delaware limited liability company. On August 1, 2019, in conjunction with our conversion from a Delaware limited liability company to a Maryland corporation, we assigned a $0.001 par value per share to our common stock and the excess over the par value has been classified as additional paid-in capital in our consolidated balance sheets. In addition, on August 1, 2019, we completed a reverse stock split of our outstanding shares of common stock pursuant to which every five shares of our issued and outstanding common stock were exchanged for one share of our common stock. The common stock information included within the financial statements and the notes thereto has been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the par value and the reverse stock split for all periods and dates presented. See Note 10 for more information about our reverse stock split.
As of December 31, 2019, we operated or franchised 306 travel centers, standalone truck service facilities 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, 2019, our business included 261 travel centers in 44 states in the United States and the province of Ontario, Canada, primarily along the U.S. interstate highway system, operated primarily under the "TravelCenters of America," "TA," "TA Express," "Petro Stopping Centers" and "Petro" brand names. Of our 261 travel centers at December 31, 2019, we owned 51, we leased 181, we operated two for a joint venture in which we owned a noncontrolling interest and 27 were owned or leased from others by our franchisees. We operated 232 of our travel centers and franchisees operated 29 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, 2019, our business included two standalone truck service facilities operated under the "TA Truck Service" brand name. Of our two standalone truck service facilities, we leased one and owned one. Our standalone truck service facilities offer extensive maintenance and emergency repair and roadside services to large trucks.
As of December 31, 2019, our business included 43 standalone restaurants in 12 states in the United States operated primarily under the "Quaker Steak & Lube," or QSL, brand name. Of our 43 standalone restaurants at December 31, 2019, we operated 16 restaurants (six we owned, nine we leased and one we operated for a joint venture in which we owned 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 225 convenience stores, one standalone restaurant and certain related assets, or our convenience stores business. As a result, the results of our convenience stores business are reported as discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2018, in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). See Note 4 for more information about our discontinued operations.
Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TravelCenters of America Inc. 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. As of December 31, 2019, our accounts receivable balance included $70,229 related to the federal biodiesel blenders' tax credit that the U.S. government retroactively reinstated in 2019 for 2018 and 2019.
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
10 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.
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 our current expectations for projected fuel sales volume, nonfuel revenues, fuel and nonfuel gross margins, site level operating expense 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 including estimates of future cash flows and discount rates, 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 and operating lease assets 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 2019, based on our evaluation of certain low performing owned and leased standalone restaurants, we incurred impairment charges of $2,369 to our property and equipment and $579 to our operating lease 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 primarily include our agreements with franchisees. For 2019, 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 values of the assets. During 2019, we did not record any impairment charges related to, or recognize a revision to the remaining period of amortization of, 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.
We evaluate indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment as of November 30, or more frequently if the circumstances warrant. During 2019, 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 2019, 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. We have two reporting units, which included our travel centers business and our QSL business, as of December 31, 2019. 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.
As of July 31, 2019, our annual goodwill impairment test for the travel centers 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, 2019, our goodwill in those reporting units was not impaired.
Stock Based Employee Compensation. We have historically granted awards of our shares of common stock under our share award plans. Stock awards issued to our Directors vest immediately. Stock awards made to others vest in five equal annual installments beginning on the date of the award. Compensation expense related to stock awards is determined based on the market value of our shares of common stock on the date of the award with the aggregate value of the shares of common stock awarded amortized to expense over the period of time over which the stock based payments vest. We recognize forfeited stock awards as they occur. We include stock based compensation expense in selling, general and administrative expense in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
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 expense within site level operating expense in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). 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 potential 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, 2019 and 2018, were $5,160 and $2,478, 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 lease agreements covering many of our properties, as well as various equipment, with the most significant leases being our five leases with Service Properties Trust (formerly known as Hospitality Properties Trust), or SVC. We recognize operating lease assets and liabilities for all leases with an initial term greater than 12 months. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recognized in our consolidated balance sheets. Our operating lease liabilities represent the present value of our unpaid lease payments. The discount rate used to derive the present value of unpaid lease payments is based on the rates implicit in our leases with SVC and our incremental borrowing rate for all other leases. Certain of our leases include renewal options and purchase options. Renewal periods are included in calculating our operating lease assets and liabilities when they are reasonably certain.
We recognize rent under operating leases without scheduled rent increases as an 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, which reduces our operating lease assets. The rent payments resulting from our sales to SVC of improvements to the properties we lease from SVC are contingent rent. We recognize the expense related to this contingent rent evenly throughout the remaining lease term beginning on the dates of the related sales to SVC. See Note 9 for more information about our leases with SVC and our accounting for them.
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.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or 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. In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-11, Targeted Improvements to ASC 842, or ASU 2018-11, which allowed companies to adopt the standard using the modified retrospective transition method. ASU 2016-02 and 2018-11 are collectively referred to as ASC 842. ASC 842 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. We adopted ASC 842 on January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective transition method, and elected to not restate prior year comparative periods. We elected to adopt the package of practical expedients; accordingly, we retained the lease classification and initial direct costs for any leases that existed prior to adoption and we did not revisit whether any existing or expired contracts contain leases. See Note 9 for more information about the impact of ASC 842.
In June 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation, or ASU 2018-07, which aligns the accounting for stock based payments to nonemployees with the accounting for stock based payments to employees. We adopted ASU 2018-07 on January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective transition method, which had no impact on our prior year comparative period. Historically, compensation expense related to stock awards granted to nonemployees was determined based on the vesting date fair value. Under ASU 2018-07, compensation expense relating to all stock awards is now measured at the grant date fair value and amortized to expense over the period of time over which the stock based payments vest. Upon adoption of ASU 2018-07, stock awards to nonemployees were remeasured using the adoption date fair value, or the market value of our shares of common stock as of January 1, 2019. We include stock based compensation expense in selling, general and administrative expense in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software, which aligns the accounting for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the accounting for implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The capitalized implementation costs are to be amortized over the term of the contract. The new standard is required for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2020, using the prospective transition method. The implementation of this update will not cause a material change to our consolidated financial statements.
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Revenues
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Revenues Revenues
We recognize revenues based on the consideration specified in the contract with the customer, excluding any sales incentives (such as customer loyalty programs and customer rebates) and amounts collected on behalf of third parties (such as sales and excise taxes). The majority of our revenues are 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, 2019, approximately 86.4% of our diesel fuel volume was sold at discounts to posted prices under pricing arrangements with our fleet 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 at our company operated locations. 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®, TechOn-Site® 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 Revenues. 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 revenues on a straight line basis based on the current contractual rent amount. These leases include rent escalations that are contingent on future events, namely inflation or our investing in capital improvements at these travel centers. Because the rent increases related to these factors are contingent upon future events, we recognize the related rent revenues after such events have occurred. See Note 9 for more information about the travel centers we leased to franchisees.
Other. Sales incentives and other promotional activities that we recognize as a reduction to revenues 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 customer loyalty programs. Our customer 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 revenues attributable to the customer 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 revenues 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 revenues when the possibility of redemption becomes remote.
Disaggregation of Revenues
We disaggregate our revenues 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 income (loss). Nonfuel revenues disaggregated by type of good or service for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, were as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
20192018
Nonfuel revenues:
Store and retail services$756,854  $732,220  
Truck service674,203  671,385  
Restaurant425,090  416,736  
Total nonfuel revenues$1,856,147  $1,820,341  
Contract Liabilities
Our contract liabilities, which are presented in our consolidated balance sheets in other current and other noncurrent liabilities, primarily include deferred revenues related to our customer loyalty programs, gift cards, rebates payable to customers and other deferred revenues. The following table shows the changes in our contract liabilities between periods.
Customer
Loyalty
Programs
OtherTotal
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  
Revenues recognized from satisfying performance
obligations during the period
(74,548) (10,064) (84,612) 
Other(6,644) (1,230) (7,874) 
December 31, 201815,490  3,470  18,960  
Increases due to unsatisfied performance obligations
arising during the period
103,228  12,982  116,210  
Revenues recognized from satisfying performance
obligations during the period
(90,462) (10,519) (100,981) 
Other(10,263) (1,111) (11,374) 
December 31, 2019$17,993  $4,822  $22,815  
As of December 31, 2019, we expect the unsatisfied performance obligations relating to our customer loyalty programs will be satisfied within 12 months.
As of December 31, 2019, the deferred initial and renewal franchise fee revenue expected to be recognized in future periods ranges between $119 and $176 for each of the years 2020 through 2024.
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Acquisitions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
Acquisitions Acquisitions
2019 Acquisitions. In January 2019, we entered into agreements, or the Transaction Agreements, with SVC pursuant to which, among other things, we purchased 20 travel centers for $309,637, which amount includes $1,437 of transaction related costs. These acquisitions were accounted for as asset acquisitions that resulted in the derecognition of certain operating lease assets and liabilities for a net recognized aggregate cost basis of the acquired assets of $284,902. See Note 9 for more information about the Transaction Agreements and our leases with SVC and Note 14 for more information about our relationship with SVC.
As of December 31, 2019, we had entered into an agreement to acquire one parcel of land for $1,358, which we expect to account for as an asset acquisition. We expect to complete this acquisition by the end of the second quarter of 2020, but this purchase is subject to conditions and may not occur, may be delayed or the terms may change.
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.
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Discontinued Operations
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
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. We received net proceeds from this sale of $319,853 after transaction related costs of $9,650 and cash sold of $1,106. 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 recognized in the year ended December 31, 2018.
The following table presents the results of operations for our discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
Revenues$742,160  
Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation)610,524  
Site level operating expense103,037  
Selling, general and administrative expense9,443  
Real estate rent expense2,206  
Depreciation and amortization expense 20,418  
Impairment of goodwill69,340  
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes
(72,808) 
Benefit for income taxes14,789  
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes
(58,019) 
Loss on disposal(79,623) 
Benefit for income taxes20,011  
Loss from discontinued operations$(117,631) 
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Property and Equipment
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Property and Equipment Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, net as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, consisted of the following:
December 31,
 20192018
Machinery, equipment and furniture$533,380  $459,892  
Land and improvements316,751  177,322  
Buildings and improvements307,433  197,866  
Leasehold improvements271,451  242,469  
Construction in progress24,678  65,855  
Property and equipment, at cost1,453,693  1,143,404  
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization585,190  514,867  
Property and equipment, net$868,503  $628,537  
Total depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, was $97,232 and $80,938, respectively, which included impairment charges of $2,369 for the year ended December 31, 2019, related to certain standalone restaurants.
The following table shows the amounts of property and equipment owned by SVC but recognized in property and equipment, net 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 SVC under the deferred tenant improvements allowance and as of December 31, 2018, for the assets that did not qualify for sale leaseback accounting. Upon adoption of ASC 842, these failed sale leasebacks were reclassified as operating leases and are included in operating lease assets in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019. See Note 9 for more information about our leases with SVC.
 December 31,
 20192018
Leasehold improvements$101,316  $114,195  
Land and improvements—  14,945  
Buildings and improvements—  9,943  
Machinery, equipment and furniture—  3,282  
Property and equipment, at cost101,316  142,365  
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization81,915  96,266  
Property and equipment, net$19,401  $46,099  
At December 31, 2019, our property and equipment balance included $37,425 of improvements of the type that we historically requested that SVC purchase for an increase in annual minimum rent; however, we may elect not to sell some of those improvements and SVC is not obligated to purchase these improvements.
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Goodwill and Intangible Assets
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets, net, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, consisted of the following:
 December 31, 2019
 CostAccumulated
Amortization
Net
Amortizable intangible assets:   
   Agreements with franchisees$21,145  $(13,350) $7,795  
   Leasehold interests2,094  (2,094) —  
   Other3,913  (3,318) 595  
Total amortizable intangible assets27,152  (18,762) 8,390  
   Carrying value of trademarks (indefinite lives)12,317  —  12,317  
Intangible assets, net$39,469  $(18,762) $20,707  
 December 31, 2018
 CostAccumulated
Amortization
Net
Amortizable intangible assets:   
   Agreements with franchisees$21,645  $(12,308) $9,337  
   Leasehold interests2,754  (2,183) 571  
   Other3,913  (3,251) 662  
Total amortizable intangible assets28,312  (17,742) 10,570  
   Carrying value of trademarks (indefinite lives)12,317  —  12,317  
Intangible assets, net$40,629  $(17,742) $22,887  
Total amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, was $1,609 and $2,452, respectively.
We amortize our amortizable intangible assets over a weighted average period of approximately nine years. The aggregate amortization expense for our amortizable intangible assets as of December 31, 2019, for each of the next five years is:
Total
2020$1,152  
20211,068  
2022961  
2023863  
2024848  
Goodwill
As of December 31, 2019, all of our goodwill balance is deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill by reporting unit was as follows:
December 31,
20192018
Travel centers business$22,213  $22,213  
QSL business3,046  3,046  
   Total goodwill$25,259  $25,259  
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Other Current Liabilities
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Other Current Liabilities Other Current Liabilities
Other current liabilities as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, consisted of the following:
December 31,
 20192018
Taxes payable, other than income taxes$52,320  $42,985  
Accrued wages and benefits21,416  19,830  
Customer loyalty program accruals17,993  15,490  
Self insurance program accruals, current portion13,509  14,623  
Accrued capital expenditures4,721  7,742  
Other28,496  24,998  
Total other current liabilities$138,455  $125,668  
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Long Term Debt
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Long Term Debt Long Term Debt
Long term debt, net as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, consisted of the following:
Interest RateMaturity DateDecember 31,
 20192018
2028 Senior Notes8.25%  January 15, 2028$110,000  $110,000  
2029 Senior Notes8.00%  December 15, 2029120,000  120,000  
2030 Senior Notes8.00%  October 15, 2030100,000  100,000  
Revolving Credit Facility5.00%  July 19, 20247,900  —  
Other long term debt6.06%  March 31, 2027982  1,086  
Deferred financing costs(9,561) (10,558) 
Total long term debt, net$329,321  $320,528  
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 in 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 $112,332, $121,200 and $102,000, respectively, based on their respective closing prices on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, or the Nasdaq, (a Level 1 input) on December 31, 2019.
Revolving Credit Facility
On July 19, 2019, we and certain of our subsidiaries, as borrowers or guarantors, entered into an amendment, or the Amendment, to our amended and restated loan and security agreement, or the Credit Facility, dated October 25, 2011, with Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as administrative agent for various lenders. The Amendment, among other things: (i) extended the maturity of the Credit Facility from December 19, 2019, to July 19, 2024; (ii) reduced the applicable margins on borrowings and standby letter of credit fees by 25 basis points and on commercial letter of credit fees by 12.5 basis points; (iii) made certain adjustments to the limitations on investments, dividends and stock repurchases under the Credit Facility in a manner favorable to us; (iv) reduced the sublimit for issuance of letters of credit under the Credit Facility from $170,000 to $125,000; and (v) made certain adjustments to the borrowing base calculation in a manner we believe to be favorable to us.
Under the Credit Facility, a maximum of $200,000 may be drawn, repaid and redrawn until maturity. The availability of the maximum amount is subject to limits based on qualified collateral. Subject to available collateral and lender participation, the maximum amount of this Credit Facility 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).
As of December 31, 2019, the applicable margin was 1.25% for LIBOR borrowings and standby letter of credit fees, 0.25% for Base Rate borrowings and 0.625% for commercial letter of credit fees, in each case subject to adjustment based on facility availability, utilization and other matters. As of December 31, 2019, the unused line fee was 0.25% per annum, subject to adjustment according to the average daily principal amount of unused commitments under the Credit Facility.
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 SVC 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, 2019, based on our qualified collateral, a total of $111,017 was available to us for loans and letters of credit under the Credit Facility. At December 31, 2019, there were $7,900 of borrowings under the Credit Facility, $31 of accrued interest and outstanding fees and $18,141 of letters of credit issued under that facility, securing certain insurance, fuel tax and other obligations. The outstanding loans, accrued interest and outstanding fees and letters of credit reduce the amount available for borrowing under the Credit Facility, leaving $84,945 available for use as of that date.
IHOP Secured Advance Note
On October 28, 2019, we entered into a multi unit franchise agreement with IHOP Franchisor LLC, or IHOP, in which we agreed to rebrand and convert up to 94 of our full service restaurants to IHOP restaurants over the next five years, or the IHOP Agreement. Concurrent with entering into the IHOP Agreement, we entered into a Secured Advance Note with IHOP, or the IHOP Note, pursuant to which we can borrow up to $10,000 in connection with the costs to convert our full service restaurants to IHOP restaurants. At December 31, 2019, there were no loans outstanding under the IHOP Note.
West Greenwich Term Loan
On February 7, 2020, we entered into a 10 year term loan for $16,600 with The Washington Trust Company, or the West Greenwich Loan. The West Greenwich Loan is secured by a mortgage encumbering one of our travel centers. The interest rate is fixed at 3.85% for five years based on the five year Federal Home Loan Bank rate plus 198 basis points, and will reset thereafter. The West Greenwich Loan requires us to make principal and interest payments monthly. We plan to use the proceeds from the West Greenwich Loan for general business purposes. We may, at our option with 60 days prior written notice, at any time repay the loan in full, at a nominal penalty within the first three years, prior to the end of the 10 year term.
Deferred Financing Costs
The unamortized balance of our deferred financing costs were $9,561 and $10,558 for our Senior Notes and $671 and $216 for our Credit Facility at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, net of accumulated amortization of $5,420 and $4,422, and $1,136 and $904, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we capitalized $688 of the costs related to the Amendment of our Credit Facility and we recognized expense of $47 to write off previously capitalized fees when we amended our Credit Facility. 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 in our consolidated balance sheets. We estimate we will recognize future amortization of deferred financing costs of $1,149 in 2020, $1,146 in each of the years 2021, 2022 and 2023 and $1,075 in 2024. We recognized interest expense from the amortization of deferred financing costs of $1,183 and $1,221 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
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Leasing Transactions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]  
Leasing Transactions, As A Lessee Leasing Transactions
On January 1, 2019, we adopted ASC 842 using the modified retrospective transition method and elected not to restate prior year comparative periods. We elected to adopt the package of practical expedients; accordingly, we retained the lease classification and initial direct costs for any leases that existed prior to adoption and we did not revisit whether any existing or expired contracts contain leases.
On the date we adopted ASC 842, we recognized operating lease assets of $1,785,866 and operating lease liabilities of $1,996,957. We also recognized an adjustment to our beginning accumulated deficit of $86,243, net of taxes, consisting of (i) the previously recognized deferred gain on sale leaseback transactions of $113,712, (ii) the previously recognized liability for certain failed sale leaseback transactions recognized as financings of $1,591 and (iii) the related tax effect of $29,060.
As a Lessee
We have lease agreements covering many of our properties, as well as various equipment, with the most significant leases being our five leases with SVC, which are further described below. Certain of our leases include renewal options, and certain leases include escalation clauses and purchase options. Renewal periods are included in calculating our operating lease assets and liabilities when they are reasonably certain. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recognized in our consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2019, all of our leases were classified as operating leases.
Certain of our operating leases provide for variable lease costs, which primarily include percentage rent and our obligation for the estimated cost of removing underground storage tanks under the SVC Leases (as defined below).
Our lease costs are included in various balances in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), as shown in the following table. For the year ended December 31, 2019, our lease costs consisted of the following:
Classification in our Consolidated
Statements of Operations
and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 Year Ended
December 31,
2019
Operating lease costs: SVC LeasesReal estate rent expense$240,328  
Operating lease costs: otherReal estate rent expense11,082  
Variable lease costs: SVC LeasesReal estate rent expense5,203  
Variable lease costs: otherReal estate rent expense1,149  
Total real estate rent expense257,762  
Operating lease costs: equipment and other
Site level operating expense and selling, general
   and administrative expense
3,088  
Short-term lease costs
Site level operating expense and selling, general
   and administrative expense
2,869  
Sublease incomeNonfuel revenues(2,180) 
Net lease costs$261,539  
During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized impairment charges of $579 to our operating lease assets relating to certain standalone restaurants, which are included in real estate rent expense in our consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
Maturities of our operating lease liabilities that had remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2019, were as follows:
SVC Leases(1)
OtherTotal
Years ended December 31:
2020$271,336  $6,548  $277,884  
2021270,799  5,555  276,354  
2022268,936  4,439  273,375  
2023255,344  3,107  258,451  
2024251,150  1,813  252,963  
Thereafter2,034,504  7,724  2,042,228  
Total operating lease payments3,352,069  29,186  3,381,255  
Less: present value discount(2)
(1,391,435) (5,562) (1,396,997) 
Present value of operating lease liabilities$1,960,634  $23,624  $1,984,258  
(1) Includes rent for properties we sublease from SVC and pay directly to SVC's landlords.
(2) The discount rate used to derive the present value of unpaid lease payments is based on the rates implicit in the SVC Leases and our incremental borrowing rate for all other leases.
The weighted average remaining lease term as of December 31, 2019, was approximately 13 years. Our weighted average discount rate as of December 31, 2019, was 9.1%.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, we paid $279,168 for amounts that had been included in the measurement of our operating lease liabilities.
As of December 31, 2019, our operating lease assets and liabilities consisted of the following:
SVC LeasesOtherTotal
Operating lease assets$1,796,406  $21,592  $1,817,998  
Current operating lease liabilities98,574  5,496  104,070  
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities1,862,060  18,128  1,880,188  
As previously disclosed in our 2018 Annual Report and under the previous lease accounting standard, 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 then due under the SVC Leases, including the amount attributed to the lease of those sites that were accounted for as a financing as of December 31, 2018, in our consolidated balance sheet as reflected in the sale leaseback financing obligations):
Total
Years ended December 31:
2019$302,855  
2020301,220  
2021299,393  
2022296,551  
2023295,534  
Thereafter1,980,078  
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 entered into in January 2019, as further described below.
Leasing Agreements with SVC. As of December 31, 2019, we leased from SVC a total of 179 properties under five leases, 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 SVC Leases. In January 2019, we entered into the Transaction Agreements, pursuant to which:
We purchased 20 travel center properties from SVC, which we previously leased from SVC, for a total acquisition cost of $309,637, including $1,437 of transaction related costs.
Upon completing these transactions, these travel centers were removed from the SVC Leases and our annual minimum rent due to SVC was reduced by $43,148.
The term of each SVC Lease was extended by three years.
Commencing on April 1, 2019, we began to pay SVC 16 quarterly installments of approximately $4,404 each (an aggregate of $70,458) to fully satisfy and discharge our $150,000 deferred rent obligation to SVC that otherwise would have become due in five installments between 2024 and 2030. We paid to SVC $13,211 in respect of such obligation during the year ended December 31, 2019.
Commencing with the year ending December 31, 2020, we will be obligated to pay to SVC 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.
Certain of the 179 travel center properties that we continue to lease from SVC were reallocated among the SVC Leases.
As a result of the Transaction Agreements, our operating lease assets and liabilities each increased by $23,673 and our asset retirement obligations increased by $2,420. In addition, the purchase of the 20 travel center properties resulted in the derecognition of certain operating lease assets and liabilities. See Note 3 for more information about these acquisitions.
The number of properties leased, the terms, the annual minimum rent and the deferred rent balances owed by us under the SVC Leases, as of December 31, 2019, were as follows:
Number
of Properties
Initial Term
End Date(1)
Annual Minimum
Rent as of
December 31, 2019
Deferred Rent(2)
TA Lease 136  December 31, 2032$49,707  $15,148  
TA Lease 236  December 31, 203144,077  14,068  
TA Lease 335  December 31, 202942,409  13,870  
TA Lease 437  December 31, 203346,067  14,161  
Petro Lease35  June 30, 203561,654  —  
Total179  $243,914  $57,247  
(1) We have two renewal options of 15 years each under each of the SVC Leases.
(2) Commencing April 1, 2019, we began to pay SVC $70,458 in 16 equal quarterly installments of $4,404 each for deferred rent we owe SVC. Under our rent deferral agreement with SVC, deferred rent shall be accelerated and interest shall begin to accrue thereon at 1.0% per month on the deferred rent amounts if certain events occur, including: our default under the SVC Leases; a change of control of us, as defined in the rent deferral agreement; or our declaration or payment of a dividend or other distribution in respect of our common stock. The total amount of deferred rent outstanding as of December 31, 2019, was $57,247.
On October 14, 2019, we and SVC amended the SVC Leases, pursuant to which, among other things, certain of the 179 travel center properties that we lease from SVC were reallocated among the SVC Leases. We accounted for this amendment as a lease modification. As a result, our operating lease assets and liabilities each increased by $33,816. The amendments did not have a material impact on our real estate rent expense.
The SVC 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 SVC leases the property and subleases it to us. We also are required generally to indemnify SVC 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 SVC Leases require us to maintain the leased properties, including structural and non-structural components.
We recognized total rent expense of $245,531 and $273,012 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, under the SVC Leases.
In addition to the payment of annual minimum rent, the SVC Leases provide for payment to SVC of percentage rent, calculated at 3.0% of the increase in total nonfuel revenues at each property over base year levels (the base year is 2012 for 35 properties, 2015 for 138 properties, 2017 for two properties, 2019 for three properties and 2020 for one property). The percentage rent amounts due for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, were $4,075 and $3,591, respectively. As noted above, pursuant to the Transaction Agreements, we are obligated to pay additional percentage rent commencing with the year ended December 31, 2020.
Under the SVC Leases, we may request that SVC 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 SVC multiplied by the greater of (i) 8.5% or (ii) a benchmark U.S. Treasury interest rate plus 3.5%. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we sold to SVC $56,346 of improvements we made to properties leased from SVC; as a result, pursuant to the terms of the SVC Leases, our annual minimum rent payable to SVC increased by $4,789. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we did not sell to SVC any improvements we made to properties leased from SVC. At December 31, 2019, our property and equipment balance included $37,425 of improvements of the type that we historically requested that SVC purchase for an increase in annual minimum rent; however, we may elect not to sell some of those improvements and SVC is not obligated to purchase these improvements.
As permitted by the SVC Leases, we sublease a portion of certain travel centers to third parties to operate other retail operations. These subleases are classified as operating leases. We recognized sublease rental income of $2,180 and $2,294 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
The following table summarizes the various amounts related to the SVC Leases that are included in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018.
December 31,
2018
Current SVC Leases liabilities: 
Accrued rent$24,721  
Sale leaseback financing obligations(1)
1,032  
Straight line rent accrual(2)
2,458  
Deferred gain(3)
10,128  
Deferred tenant improvements allowance(4)
3,770  
Total current SVC Leases liabilities$42,109  
Noncurrent SVC Leases liabilities:   
Deferred rent obligation(5)
$150,000  
Sale leaseback financing obligations(1)
22,365  
Straight line rent accrual(2)
46,431  
Deferred gain(3)
100,913  
Deferred tenant improvements allowance(4)
34,047  
Total noncurrent SVC Leases liabilities$353,756  
(1) Sale Leaseback Financing Obligations. As of December 31, 2018, the assets related to two travel centers we leased from SVC were reflected in our consolidated balance sheet, as were the related financing obligations. This accounting was required primarily because, at the time of the inception of the prior leases with SVC, more than a minor portion of these two travel centers was subleased to third parties. Upon adoption of ASC 842, these failed sale leasebacks were reclassified as operating leases, which resulted in a gain that was recognized in our beginning accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2019. See above for more information about the impact of adopting ASC 842.
(2) Straight Line Rent Accrual. As of December 31, 2018, the straight line rent accrual included the accrued rent expense from 2007 to 2012 for stated increases in our annual minimum rent due under our then existing TA Lease. The TA Leases we entered into in connection with a transaction agreement we entered into with SVC in 2015 contain no stated rent payment increases. Prior to the adoption of ASC 842, we amortized this accrual on a straight line basis over the current terms of the TA Leases as a reduction of real estate rent expense. The straight line rent accrual also included our obligation for the estimated cost of removing underground storage tanks at properties leased from SVC at the end of the related lease; we recognized these obligations on a straight line basis over the term of the related leases as additional real estate rent expense. As of January 1, 2019, the straight line rent accrual was reclassified as a reduction to our operating lease assets and the obligation for the estimated cost of removal of underground storage tanks was reclassified to other noncurrent liabilities. As of December 31, 2019, our obligation for the estimated cost of removal of underground storage tanks was $22,216.
(3) Deferred Gain. The deferred gain primarily included $145,462 of gains from the sales of travel centers and certain other assets to SVC during 2015 and 2016. Prior to the adoption of ASC 842, we amortized the deferred gains on a straight line basis over the terms of the related leases as a reduction of real estate rent expense. Upon adoption of ASC 842, we recognized the unamortized deferred gain of $85,053, net of taxes, in our beginning accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2019. See above for more information about the impact of adopting ASC 842.
(4) Deferred Tenant Improvements Allowance. SVC funded certain capital projects at the properties we lease under the SVC Leases without an increase in rent payable by us. In connection with SVC's initial capital commitment, we recognized a liability for rent deemed to be related to this capital commitment as a deferred tenant improvements allowance. Prior to the adoption of ASC 842, we amortized the deferred tenant improvements allowance on a straight line basis over the terms of the SVC Leases as a reduction of real estate rent expense. Upon the adoption of ASC 842, the unamortized balance of the deferred tenant improvements allowance was reclassified as a reduction to our operating lease assets as of January 1, 2019.
(5) Deferred Rent Obligation. Pursuant to a rent deferral agreement with SVC, we previously deferred as of December 31, 2010, a total of $150,000 of rent payable to SVC, which remained outstanding as of December 31, 2018, and had been due in five installments between 2024 and 2030. Upon the adoption of ASC 842, these future lease payments were included in our calculation of our operating lease assets and liabilities and the deferred rent obligation was reclassified as a reduction to our operating lease assets as of January 1, 2019. In January 2019, as described above and pursuant to the terms of the Transaction Agreements, our deferred rent obligation was reduced to $70,458, payable in 16 equal quarterly installments commencing on April 1, 2019, and our operating lease assets and liabilities were remeasured using these revised payment amounts. The total amount of deferred rent outstanding as of December 31, 2019, was $57,247.
As a Lessor
As of December 31, 2019, we leased two travel centers to franchisees. These two 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. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we leased four travel centers to franchisees, two of which expired prior to December 31, 2018. Rent revenues from these operating leases totaled $2,293 and $3,052 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Future minimum lease payments due to us for the two leased sites under these operating leases as of December 31, 2019, were $2,287 for each of the years 2020 and 2021 and $1,144 for 2022. See above for information regarding certain travel centers that we leased from SVC in which we sublease a portion of the travel centers to third parties to operate other retail operations.
Leasing Transactions, As A Lessor Leasing Transactions
On January 1, 2019, we adopted ASC 842 using the modified retrospective transition method and elected not to restate prior year comparative periods. We elected to adopt the package of practical expedients; accordingly, we retained the lease classification and initial direct costs for any leases that existed prior to adoption and we did not revisit whether any existing or expired contracts contain leases.
On the date we adopted ASC 842, we recognized operating lease assets of $1,785,866 and operating lease liabilities of $1,996,957. We also recognized an adjustment to our beginning accumulated deficit of $86,243, net of taxes, consisting of (i) the previously recognized deferred gain on sale leaseback transactions of $113,712, (ii) the previously recognized liability for certain failed sale leaseback transactions recognized as financings of $1,591 and (iii) the related tax effect of $29,060.
As a Lessee
We have lease agreements covering many of our properties, as well as various equipment, with the most significant leases being our five leases with SVC, which are further described below. Certain of our leases include renewal options, and certain leases include escalation clauses and purchase options. Renewal periods are included in calculating our operating lease assets and liabilities when they are reasonably certain. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recognized in our consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2019, all of our leases were classified as operating leases.
Certain of our operating leases provide for variable lease costs, which primarily include percentage rent and our obligation for the estimated cost of removing underground storage tanks under the SVC Leases (as defined below).
Our lease costs are included in various balances in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), as shown in the following table. For the year ended December 31, 2019, our lease costs consisted of the following:
Classification in our Consolidated
Statements of Operations
and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 Year Ended
December 31,
2019
Operating lease costs: SVC LeasesReal estate rent expense$240,328  
Operating lease costs: otherReal estate rent expense11,082  
Variable lease costs: SVC LeasesReal estate rent expense5,203  
Variable lease costs: otherReal estate rent expense1,149  
Total real estate rent expense257,762  
Operating lease costs: equipment and other
Site level operating expense and selling, general
   and administrative expense
3,088  
Short-term lease costs
Site level operating expense and selling, general
   and administrative expense
2,869  
Sublease incomeNonfuel revenues(2,180) 
Net lease costs$261,539  
During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized impairment charges of $579 to our operating lease assets relating to certain standalone restaurants, which are included in real estate rent expense in our consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
Maturities of our operating lease liabilities that had remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2019, were as follows:
SVC Leases(1)
OtherTotal
Years ended December 31:
2020$271,336  $6,548  $277,884  
2021270,799  5,555  276,354  
2022268,936  4,439  273,375  
2023255,344  3,107  258,451  
2024251,150  1,813  252,963  
Thereafter2,034,504  7,724  2,042,228  
Total operating lease payments3,352,069  29,186  3,381,255  
Less: present value discount(2)
(1,391,435) (5,562) (1,396,997) 
Present value of operating lease liabilities$1,960,634  $23,624  $1,984,258  
(1) Includes rent for properties we sublease from SVC and pay directly to SVC's landlords.
(2) The discount rate used to derive the present value of unpaid lease payments is based on the rates implicit in the SVC Leases and our incremental borrowing rate for all other leases.
The weighted average remaining lease term as of December 31, 2019, was approximately 13 years. Our weighted average discount rate as of December 31, 2019, was 9.1%.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, we paid $279,168 for amounts that had been included in the measurement of our operating lease liabilities.
As of December 31, 2019, our operating lease assets and liabilities consisted of the following:
SVC LeasesOtherTotal
Operating lease assets$1,796,406  $21,592  $1,817,998  
Current operating lease liabilities98,574  5,496  104,070  
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities1,862,060  18,128  1,880,188  
As previously disclosed in our 2018 Annual Report and under the previous lease accounting standard, 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 then due under the SVC Leases, including the amount attributed to the lease of those sites that were accounted for as a financing as of December 31, 2018, in our consolidated balance sheet as reflected in the sale leaseback financing obligations):
Total
Years ended December 31:
2019$302,855  
2020301,220  
2021299,393  
2022296,551  
2023295,534  
Thereafter1,980,078  
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 entered into in January 2019, as further described below.
Leasing Agreements with SVC. As of December 31, 2019, we leased from SVC a total of 179 properties under five leases, 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 SVC Leases. In January 2019, we entered into the Transaction Agreements, pursuant to which:
We purchased 20 travel center properties from SVC, which we previously leased from SVC, for a total acquisition cost of $309,637, including $1,437 of transaction related costs.
Upon completing these transactions, these travel centers were removed from the SVC Leases and our annual minimum rent due to SVC was reduced by $43,148.
The term of each SVC Lease was extended by three years.
Commencing on April 1, 2019, we began to pay SVC 16 quarterly installments of approximately $4,404 each (an aggregate of $70,458) to fully satisfy and discharge our $150,000 deferred rent obligation to SVC that otherwise would have become due in five installments between 2024 and 2030. We paid to SVC $13,211 in respect of such obligation during the year ended December 31, 2019.
Commencing with the year ending December 31, 2020, we will be obligated to pay to SVC 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.
Certain of the 179 travel center properties that we continue to lease from SVC were reallocated among the SVC Leases.
As a result of the Transaction Agreements, our operating lease assets and liabilities each increased by $23,673 and our asset retirement obligations increased by $2,420. In addition, the purchase of the 20 travel center properties resulted in the derecognition of certain operating lease assets and liabilities. See Note 3 for more information about these acquisitions.
The number of properties leased, the terms, the annual minimum rent and the deferred rent balances owed by us under the SVC Leases, as of December 31, 2019, were as follows:
Number
of Properties
Initial Term
End Date(1)
Annual Minimum
Rent as of
December 31, 2019
Deferred Rent(2)
TA Lease 136  December 31, 2032$49,707  $15,148  
TA Lease 236  December 31, 203144,077  14,068  
TA Lease 335  December 31, 202942,409  13,870  
TA Lease 437  December 31, 203346,067  14,161  
Petro Lease35  June 30, 203561,654  —  
Total179  $243,914  $57,247  
(1) We have two renewal options of 15 years each under each of the SVC Leases.
(2) Commencing April 1, 2019, we began to pay SVC $70,458 in 16 equal quarterly installments of $4,404 each for deferred rent we owe SVC. Under our rent deferral agreement with SVC, deferred rent shall be accelerated and interest shall begin to accrue thereon at 1.0% per month on the deferred rent amounts if certain events occur, including: our default under the SVC Leases; a change of control of us, as defined in the rent deferral agreement; or our declaration or payment of a dividend or other distribution in respect of our common stock. The total amount of deferred rent outstanding as of December 31, 2019, was $57,247.
On October 14, 2019, we and SVC amended the SVC Leases, pursuant to which, among other things, certain of the 179 travel center properties that we lease from SVC were reallocated among the SVC Leases. We accounted for this amendment as a lease modification. As a result, our operating lease assets and liabilities each increased by $33,816. The amendments did not have a material impact on our real estate rent expense.
The SVC 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 SVC leases the property and subleases it to us. We also are required generally to indemnify SVC 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 SVC Leases require us to maintain the leased properties, including structural and non-structural components.
We recognized total rent expense of $245,531 and $273,012 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, under the SVC Leases.
In addition to the payment of annual minimum rent, the SVC Leases provide for payment to SVC of percentage rent, calculated at 3.0% of the increase in total nonfuel revenues at each property over base year levels (the base year is 2012 for 35 properties, 2015 for 138 properties, 2017 for two properties, 2019 for three properties and 2020 for one property). The percentage rent amounts due for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, were $4,075 and $3,591, respectively. As noted above, pursuant to the Transaction Agreements, we are obligated to pay additional percentage rent commencing with the year ended December 31, 2020.
Under the SVC Leases, we may request that SVC 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 SVC multiplied by the greater of (i) 8.5% or (ii) a benchmark U.S. Treasury interest rate plus 3.5%. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we sold to SVC $56,346 of improvements we made to properties leased from SVC; as a result, pursuant to the terms of the SVC Leases, our annual minimum rent payable to SVC increased by $4,789. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we did not sell to SVC any improvements we made to properties leased from SVC. At December 31, 2019, our property and equipment balance included $37,425 of improvements of the type that we historically requested that SVC purchase for an increase in annual minimum rent; however, we may elect not to sell some of those improvements and SVC is not obligated to purchase these improvements.
As permitted by the SVC Leases, we sublease a portion of certain travel centers to third parties to operate other retail operations. These subleases are classified as operating leases. We recognized sublease rental income of $2,180 and $2,294 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
The following table summarizes the various amounts related to the SVC Leases that are included in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018.
December 31,
2018
Current SVC Leases liabilities: 
Accrued rent$24,721  
Sale leaseback financing obligations(1)
1,032  
Straight line rent accrual(2)
2,458  
Deferred gain(3)
10,128  
Deferred tenant improvements allowance(4)
3,770  
Total current SVC Leases liabilities$42,109  
Noncurrent SVC Leases liabilities:   
Deferred rent obligation(5)
$150,000  
Sale leaseback financing obligations(1)
22,365  
Straight line rent accrual(2)
46,431  
Deferred gain(3)
100,913  
Deferred tenant improvements allowance(4)
34,047  
Total noncurrent SVC Leases liabilities$353,756  
(1) Sale Leaseback Financing Obligations. As of December 31, 2018, the assets related to two travel centers we leased from SVC were reflected in our consolidated balance sheet, as were the related financing obligations. This accounting was required primarily because, at the time of the inception of the prior leases with SVC, more than a minor portion of these two travel centers was subleased to third parties. Upon adoption of ASC 842, these failed sale leasebacks were reclassified as operating leases, which resulted in a gain that was recognized in our beginning accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2019. See above for more information about the impact of adopting ASC 842.
(2) Straight Line Rent Accrual. As of December 31, 2018, the straight line rent accrual included the accrued rent expense from 2007 to 2012 for stated increases in our annual minimum rent due under our then existing TA Lease. The TA Leases we entered into in connection with a transaction agreement we entered into with SVC in 2015 contain no stated rent payment increases. Prior to the adoption of ASC 842, we amortized this accrual on a straight line basis over the current terms of the TA Leases as a reduction of real estate rent expense. The straight line rent accrual also included our obligation for the estimated cost of removing underground storage tanks at properties leased from SVC at the end of the related lease; we recognized these obligations on a straight line basis over the term of the related leases as additional real estate rent expense. As of January 1, 2019, the straight line rent accrual was reclassified as a reduction to our operating lease assets and the obligation for the estimated cost of removal of underground storage tanks was reclassified to other noncurrent liabilities. As of December 31, 2019, our obligation for the estimated cost of removal of underground storage tanks was $22,216.
(3) Deferred Gain. The deferred gain primarily included $145,462 of gains from the sales of travel centers and certain other assets to SVC during 2015 and 2016. Prior to the adoption of ASC 842, we amortized the deferred gains on a straight line basis over the terms of the related leases as a reduction of real estate rent expense. Upon adoption of ASC 842, we recognized the unamortized deferred gain of $85,053, net of taxes, in our beginning accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2019. See above for more information about the impact of adopting ASC 842.
(4) Deferred Tenant Improvements Allowance. SVC funded certain capital projects at the properties we lease under the SVC Leases without an increase in rent payable by us. In connection with SVC's initial capital commitment, we recognized a liability for rent deemed to be related to this capital commitment as a deferred tenant improvements allowance. Prior to the adoption of ASC 842, we amortized the deferred tenant improvements allowance on a straight line basis over the terms of the SVC Leases as a reduction of real estate rent expense. Upon the adoption of ASC 842, the unamortized balance of the deferred tenant improvements allowance was reclassified as a reduction to our operating lease assets as of January 1, 2019.
(5) Deferred Rent Obligation. Pursuant to a rent deferral agreement with SVC, we previously deferred as of December 31, 2010, a total of $150,000 of rent payable to SVC, which remained outstanding as of December 31, 2018, and had been due in five installments between 2024 and 2030. Upon the adoption of ASC 842, these future lease payments were included in our calculation of our operating lease assets and liabilities and the deferred rent obligation was reclassified as a reduction to our operating lease assets as of January 1, 2019. In January 2019, as described above and pursuant to the terms of the Transaction Agreements, our deferred rent obligation was reduced to $70,458, payable in 16 equal quarterly installments commencing on April 1, 2019, and our operating lease assets and liabilities were remeasured using these revised payment amounts. The total amount of deferred rent outstanding as of December 31, 2019, was $57,247.
As a Lessor
As of December 31, 2019, we leased two travel centers to franchisees. These two 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. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we leased four travel centers to franchisees, two of which expired prior to December 31, 2018. Rent revenues from these operating leases totaled $2,293 and $3,052 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Future minimum lease payments due to us for the two leased sites under these operating leases as of December 31, 2019, were $2,287 for each of the years 2020 and 2021 and $1,144 for 2022. See above for information regarding certain travel centers that we leased from SVC in which we sublease a portion of the travel centers to third parties to operate other retail operations.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Stockholders' Equity
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]  
Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity
On August 1, 2019, in conjunction with our conversion from a Delaware limited liability company to a Maryland corporation, we increased our authorized shares of common stock from 8,674 shares to 16,000 shares. In addition, we completed a reverse stock split of our outstanding shares of common stock pursuant to which every five shares of our issued and outstanding common stock were exchanged for one share of our common stock. No fractional shares were issued in the reverse stock split. Instead, fractional shares that otherwise would have resulted from the reverse stock split were purchased by us at the closing price of our common stock on July 31, 2019. The common stock information included within this Annual Report has been retrospectively adjusted to reflect this reverse stock split for all dates and periods presented.
Share Award Plans
On May 19, 2016, our stockholders approved the TravelCenters of America LLC 2016 Equity Compensation Plan, and in 2019, the plan was amended and restated to reflect our conversion to a Maryland corporation and our reverse stock split effective August 1, 2019, which are collectively referred to as the 2016 Plan. Under the terms of the 2016 Plan, 860 shares of common stock 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 of common stock previously registered for offer and sale under the 2007 Plan but not yet issued were deregistered, although shares of common stock 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 270 and 175 shares of common stock under the 2016 Plan during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, with aggregate market values of $2,647 and $3,867, respectively, based on the closing prices of our shares of common stock on the Nasdaq on the dates of the awards. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we recognized total stock based compensation expense of $3,441 and $6,371, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the vesting date fair value of shares of common stock that vested was $1,754 and $5,147, respectively.
The weighted average grant date fair value of shares of common stock awarded during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, was $9.78 and $22.07, per share of common stock, respectively. Shares of common stock issued to Directors vested immediately and the related stock based compensation expense was recognized on the date of the award. Shares of common stock issued to others vest in five equal annual installments beginning on the date of the award. The related stock based compensation expense was determined based on the market value of our shares of common stock on the date of the award with the aggregate value of the awarded shares of common stock expensed over the period of time over which the stock based payments vest. As of December 31, 2019, 88 shares of common stock remained available for issuance under the 2016 Plan. As of December 31, 2019, there was a total of $5,293 of stock based compensation expense related to unvested shares of common stock that will be expensed over a weighted average remaining service period of approximately three years. The following table sets forth the number and weighted average grant date fair value of unvested shares of common stock and shares of common stock awarded under the Share Award Plans for the year ended December 31, 2019.
 Number of
Shares of
Common Stock
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value Per Share
of Common Stock
Unvested shares of common stock as of December 31, 2018316  $27.44  
Granted270  9.78  
Vested(168) 22.15  
Forfeited/canceled(6) 26.57  
Unvested shares of common stock as of December 31, 2019412  18.03  
Treasury Stock
Certain recipients of stock awards may elect to have us withhold the number of their vesting shares of common stock with a fair market value sufficient to fund the required tax withholding obligations with respect to their stock awards and during the year ended December 31, 2019, we acquired fractional shares of common stock that resulted from the reverse stock split on August 1, 2019. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we acquired through this share withholding process and the reverse stock split 37 and 89 shares of common stock, respectively, with an aggregate value of $346 and $1,744, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we retired 37 and 89 shares of treasury stock, $0.001 par value, respectively, with a carrying value of $346 and $1,744, respectively, that reduced our shares of common stock outstanding.
Income (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock from Continuing Operations Attributable to Common Stockholders
We calculate basic earnings per share of common stock by dividing income (loss) from continuing operations available to common stockholders for the period by the weighted average shares of common stock outstanding during the period. The income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to participating securities is deducted from our income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders to determine the income (loss) from continuing operations available to common stockholders. We calculate diluted earnings per share of common stock by adjusting weighted average outstanding shares of common stock, assuming conversion of all potentially dilutive stock securities, using the treasury stock method; but we had no dilutive stock securities outstanding as of December 31, 2019, nor at any time during the two year period then ended. Unvested shares of common stock issued under our Share Award Plans are deemed participating securities because they participate equally in earnings and losses with all of our other shares of common stock.
The following table presents a reconciliation of income (loss) from continuing operations to income (loss) from continuing operations available to common stockholders and the related earnings per share of common stock.
 Year Ended December 31,
 20192018
Income (loss) from continuing operations $33,469  $(2,773) 
Less: net income for noncontrolling interest124  149  
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders33,345  (2,922) 
Less: income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to participating securities
1,301  (125) 
Income (loss) from continuing operations available to common stockholders$32,044  $(2,797) 
Weighted average shares of common stock(1)
7,783  7,649  
Basic and diluted income (loss) per share of common stock
from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders
$4.12  $(0.37) 
(1) Reflects the retrospective adjustment related to the reverse stock split completed on August 1, 2019, and excludes unvested shares of common stock awarded under our Share Award Plans, which shares of common stock are considered participating securities because they participate equally in earnings and losses with all of our other shares of common stock. The weighted average number of unvested shares of common stock outstanding was 316 and 341 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
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Income Taxes
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes Income Taxes
We had a tax provision of $4,339 for the year ended December 31, 2019, and a tax benefit of $1,574 for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation
 Year Ended December 31,
 20192018
U.S. federal statutory rate applied to income (loss) before income taxes and
   discontinued operations
$(7,940) $994  
State income taxes, net of federal benefit635  (2,957) 
Benefit of tax credits4,020  3,977  
Provision to return adjustments(31) 560  
Nondeductible executive compensation(109) (210) 
Other nondeductible expenses(530) (430) 
Other, net(384) (360) 
Total (provision) benefit for income taxes$(4,339) $1,574  
Components of the (Provision) Benefit For Income Taxes
 Year Ended December 31,
 20192018
Current tax benefit:  
Federal$1,019  $1,737  
State352  240  
Total current tax benefit1,371  1,977  
Deferred tax provision:      
Federal(6,163) 3,581  
State453  (3,984) 
Total deferred tax provision(5,710) (403) 
Total (provision) benefit for income taxes$(4,339) $1,574  
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
December 31,
 20192018
Deferred tax assets:      
Tax loss carryforwards$63,185  $76,250  
Tax credit carryforwards35,624  31,377  
Leasing arrangements32,007  55,929  
Reserves18,204  16,186  
Asset retirement obligations1,278  625  
Other704  488  
Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowance151,002  180,855  
Valuation allowance(1,209) (1,310) 
Total deferred tax assets149,793  179,545  
Deferred tax liabilities:      
Property and equipment(102,051) (97,306) 
Goodwill and intangible assets(3,708) (3,374) 
Total deferred tax liabilities(105,759) (100,680) 
Net deferred tax assets$44,034  $78,865  
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had a valuation allowance of $1,209 and $1,310, 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, 2019, we had carryforwards for federal net operating losses, state net operating losses and federal tax credits of $264,143, $183,561 and $35,624, respectively. Although not anticipated, $3,600 of the federal net operating losses are scheduled to expire in 2030 if unused. We anticipate $81 of the state net operating losses will expire in 2020 and $50 will expire in 2021; if not utilized, a portion of the state net operating losses may need to be written off; however, a valuation allowance relating to these losses has been recorded. Although not anticipated, the remaining state net operating losses are scheduled to begin to expire in 2022 if unused. Federal tax credit carryforwards of $434 may expire between 2021 and 2024 if unused, with the remainder expected to be utilized prior to their expiration beginning in 2030.
The net deferred tax assets presented in the table above are included in other noncurrent assets in our consolidated balance sheets.
Our U.S. federal income tax returns are subject to tax examinations for the years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2016, through the current period. Our state and Canadian income tax returns are generally subject to examination for the tax years ended December 31, 2015, through the current period. 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.
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Equity Investments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]  
Equity Investments Equity Investments
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, our investment in equity affiliates, which is presented in our consolidated balance sheets in other noncurrent assets, and our proportional share of our investees' net income (loss), which is included in other (income) expense, net in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), were as follows:
PTP
Other(1)
Total
Investment balance:
As of December 31, 2019$24,517  $5,983  $30,500  
As of December 31, 201821,260  18,805  40,065  
Income (loss) from equity investments:
Year ended December 31, 2019$5,657  $(4,750) $907  
Year ended December 31, 20183,652  (5,679) (2,027) 
(1) Includes our investments in Affiliates Insurance Company, or AIC, and QuikQ LLC, or QuikQ.
Petro Travel Plaza Holdings LLC
Petro Travel Plaza Holdings LLC, or PTP, is a joint venture between us and Tejon Development Corporation that owns two travel centers, three convenience stores and one standalone restaurant in California. We own a 40.0% interest in PTP and we receive a management fee from PTP to operate these locations. We recognized management fee income of $849 and $1,562 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which is included in nonfuel revenues in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
QuikQ LLC
QuikQ is a joint venture between us and Love's Travel Stops and Country Stores, Inc. QuikQ is an independent full-service fuel payment solutions provider. We own a 50.0% interest in QuikQ.
Affiliates Insurance Company
We, SVC and five other companies to which RMR provides management services each currently own 14.3% of AIC, an Indiana insurance company. Although we own less than 20% of AIC, we use the equity method to account for this investment because we believe that we have significant influence over AIC because a majority of our Directors, and one of our employees, are also directors of AIC.
AIC is in the process of dissolving. In connection with its dissolution, we and each of the other AIC shareholders received a capital distribution of $9,000 in December 2019.
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 statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) in connection with our equity investments.
Year Ended December 31,
20192018
Total revenues$126,750  $125,448  
Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation)80,579  87,189  
Income from operations9,259  2,742  
Net income7,206  1,363  
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, 2019, were not impaired given these companies' overall financial condition and earnings trends.
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Business Management Agreement with RMR
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]  
Business Management Agreement with RMR Related Party Transactions
We have relationships and historical and continuing transactions with SVC, RMR, ABP Trust, Adam D. Portnoy and others related to them, including other companies to which RMR or its subsidiaries provide management services and some of which have directors, trustees or officers who are also our Directors or officers.
Relationship with SVC
We are SVC's largest tenant and SVC is our principal landlord and largest stockholder and as of December 31, 2019, owned 684 shares of our common stock, representing approximately 8.2% of our outstanding shares of common stock.
RMR provides management services to both us and SVC and Adam D. Portnoy, the Chair of our Board of Directors and one of our Managing Directors, also serves as the chair of the boards of trustees or boards of directors of several of the other public companies to which RMR provides management services and as a managing trustee or managing director of all these companies, including serving as the chair of the board of trustees and as a managing trustee of SVC. Ethan S. Bornstein, Adam D. Portnoy's brother-in-law, is an executive officer of SVC. See Note 9 for more information about our lease agreements and transactions with SVC.
Spin-Off Transaction Agreement. In connection with our spin-off from SVC in 2007, we entered a transaction agreement with SVC and RMR, pursuant to which we granted SVC 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 SVC 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 SVC or such other companies invest before we do. We also agreed that for so long as we are a tenant of SVC 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 SVC 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 SVC's ability to qualify as a real estate investment trust and to indemnify SVC for any liabilities it may incur relating to our assets and business.
Lease Arrangements. As of December 31, 2019, we leased from SVC a total of 179 properties under the SVC Leases. We have also engaged in other transactions with SVC, including in connection with the Transaction Agreements. See Notes 3 and 9 for more information about our relationship, agreements and transactions with SVC.
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. See Note 13 for more information about our business management agreement with RMR.
Adam D. Portnoy is the sole trustee, an officer and the controlling shareholder of ABP Trust, which is the controlling shareholder of The RMR Group Inc., a managing director and the president and chief executive officer of The RMR Group Inc. and an officer and employee of RMR. Both of our Managing Directors and our Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, and Secretary are officers and employees of RMR. The RMR Group Inc. is the managing member of RMR. As of December 31, 2019, RMR owned 299 shares of our common stock, representing approximately 3.6% of our outstanding shares of common stock. See Note 13 for more information about our relationship with RMR.
Stock Awards to RMR Employees. We award shares of common stock to certain employees of RMR who are not also Directors, officers or employees of ours. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we awarded to such persons a total of 20 and 10 of our shares of common stock valued at $184 and $228, in aggregate, respectively, based upon the closing prices of our shares of common stock on the Nasdaq on the dates the awards were made. These share awards to RMR employees are in addition to the fees we paid to RMR and the stock 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 stock awards and activity as well as certain stock purchases we made in connection with stock award recipients satisfying tax withholding obligations on vesting stock awards.
Relationship with AIC
We, SVC and five other companies to which RMR provides management services each currently own 14.3% of AIC, an Indiana insurance company.
We and the other AIC shareholders historically participated in a combined property insurance program arranged and reinsured in part by AIC. The policies under that program expired on June 30, 2019, and we and the other AIC shareholders elected not to renew the AIC property insurance program; we have instead purchased standalone property insurance coverage with unrelated third party insurance providers. 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 ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Our investment in AIC had a carrying value of $298 and $8,632 as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. These amounts are included in other noncurrent assets in our consolidated balance sheets. We recognized income of $575 and $516 related to our investment in AIC for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $664 during the year ended December 31, 2019, related to previously unrealized gains and losses on securities held for sale, which amounts are included in other (income) expense, net in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Our other comprehensive loss attributable to common stockholders includes our proportional share of unrealized gains and losses on securities held for sale, which are owned by AIC, of $91 and $69 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Our other comprehensive loss attributable to common stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2019, also includes the reclassification to other (income) expense, net of the $664 previously unrealized gains and losses on securities held for sale.
RMR historically provided management and administrative services to AIC for a fee equal to 3.0% of the total premiums paid for insurance arranged by AIC. As a result of the property insurance program having been discontinued, AIC has not occurred fees payable to RMR since that time.
AIC is in the process of dissolving. See Note 12 for more information regarding our investment in AIC.
Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance
We, The RMR Group Inc., RMR and certain companies to which RMR or its subsidiaries provide management services, including SVC, participate in a combined directors' and officers' liability insurance policy. The current combined policy expires in September 2020. We paid aggregate premiums of $122 and $157 in the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, for these policies.
Executive Officer Retirements
In December 2019, we and RMR entered into a retirement agreement with our former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Andrew J. Rebholz. Pursuant to his retirement agreement, Mr. Rebholz will continue to serve, through June 30, 2020, as a non-executive employee in order to assist in transitioning his duties and responsibilities to his successor. Under Mr. Rebholz’s retirement agreement, consistent with past practice, we will continue to pay Mr. Rebholz his current annual base salary of $300 until June 30, 2020, and we paid Mr. Rebholz a cash bonus in respect of 2019 in the amount of $1,000 in December 2019. Subject to the satisfaction of certain other conditions, after his retirement on June 30, 2020, we will make an additional cash payment to Mr. Rebholz in the amount of $1,000 and fully accelerate the vesting of any of our unvested shares of common stock previously awarded to Mr. Rebholz.
Pursuant to his retirement agreement, Mr. Rebholz granted us or our nominee a first right of refusal in the event he determines to sell any of our shares of common stock that he owns, pursuant to which we may elect during a specified period to purchase those shares of common stock at the average closing price per share of common stock for the 10 trading days preceding the date of his written notice to us of his intent to sell. In the event that we decline to exercise our purchase right, RMR may elect to purchase such shares of common stock at the price offered to us. Mr. Rebholz also agreed that, as long as he owns our shares of common stock, he will vote those shares of common stock at stockholders’ meetings in favor of nominees for director and proposals recommended by the Board.
Mr. Rebholz’s retirement agreement contains other terms and conditions, including cooperation, confidentiality, non-solicitation, non-competition and other covenants, and a waiver and release. Mr. Rebholz’s retirement agreement also contains certain terms relating to RMR and other companies to which RMR or its affiliate provides management services.
In November 2017, we entered into a retirement agreement with our then Managing Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, Thomas M. O’Brien. Mr. O’Brien resigned those positions on December 31, 2017, and he remained a non-executive employee of ours until June 30, 2018, in accordance with his retirement agreement. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we accelerated the vesting of previously granted stock awards and made an additional cash payment to Mr. O'Brien resulting in additional compensation expense of $3,571.
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 traded 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. See Note 14 for more information regarding our relationship, agreements and transactions with RMR.
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 $13,409 and $14,570 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. These amounts are included in selling, general and administrative expense and loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
The current term of our business management agreement with RMR ends on December 31, 2020, 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 $284 and $236 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. These amounts are included in selling, general and administrative expense in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) 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.
RMR has agreed to provide certain transition services to us for 120 days following termination by us or notice of termination by RMR.
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Related Party Transactions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions
We have relationships and historical and continuing transactions with SVC, RMR, ABP Trust, Adam D. Portnoy and others related to them, including other companies to which RMR or its subsidiaries provide management services and some of which have directors, trustees or officers who are also our Directors or officers.
Relationship with SVC
We are SVC's largest tenant and SVC is our principal landlord and largest stockholder and as of December 31, 2019, owned 684 shares of our common stock, representing approximately 8.2% of our outstanding shares of common stock.
RMR provides management services to both us and SVC and Adam D. Portnoy, the Chair of our Board of Directors and one of our Managing Directors, also serves as the chair of the boards of trustees or boards of directors of several of the other public companies to which RMR provides management services and as a managing trustee or managing director of all these companies, including serving as the chair of the board of trustees and as a managing trustee of SVC. Ethan S. Bornstein, Adam D. Portnoy's brother-in-law, is an executive officer of SVC. See Note 9 for more information about our lease agreements and transactions with SVC.
Spin-Off Transaction Agreement. In connection with our spin-off from SVC in 2007, we entered a transaction agreement with SVC and RMR, pursuant to which we granted SVC 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 SVC 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 SVC or such other companies invest before we do. We also agreed that for so long as we are a tenant of SVC 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 SVC 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 SVC's ability to qualify as a real estate investment trust and to indemnify SVC for any liabilities it may incur relating to our assets and business.
Lease Arrangements. As of December 31, 2019, we leased from SVC a total of 179 properties under the SVC Leases. We have also engaged in other transactions with SVC, including in connection with the Transaction Agreements. See Notes 3 and 9 for more information about our relationship, agreements and transactions with SVC.
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. See Note 13 for more information about our business management agreement with RMR.
Adam D. Portnoy is the sole trustee, an officer and the controlling shareholder of ABP Trust, which is the controlling shareholder of The RMR Group Inc., a managing director and the president and chief executive officer of The RMR Group Inc. and an officer and employee of RMR. Both of our Managing Directors and our Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, and Secretary are officers and employees of RMR. The RMR Group Inc. is the managing member of RMR. As of December 31, 2019, RMR owned 299 shares of our common stock, representing approximately 3.6% of our outstanding shares of common stock. See Note 13 for more information about our relationship with RMR.
Stock Awards to RMR Employees. We award shares of common stock to certain employees of RMR who are not also Directors, officers or employees of ours. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we awarded to such persons a total of 20 and 10 of our shares of common stock valued at $184 and $228, in aggregate, respectively, based upon the closing prices of our shares of common stock on the Nasdaq on the dates the awards were made. These share awards to RMR employees are in addition to the fees we paid to RMR and the stock 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 stock awards and activity as well as certain stock purchases we made in connection with stock award recipients satisfying tax withholding obligations on vesting stock awards.
Relationship with AIC
We, SVC and five other companies to which RMR provides management services each currently own 14.3% of AIC, an Indiana insurance company.
We and the other AIC shareholders historically participated in a combined property insurance program arranged and reinsured in part by AIC. The policies under that program expired on June 30, 2019, and we and the other AIC shareholders elected not to renew the AIC property insurance program; we have instead purchased standalone property insurance coverage with unrelated third party insurance providers. 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 ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Our investment in AIC had a carrying value of $298 and $8,632 as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. These amounts are included in other noncurrent assets in our consolidated balance sheets. We recognized income of $575 and $516 related to our investment in AIC for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $664 during the year ended December 31, 2019, related to previously unrealized gains and losses on securities held for sale, which amounts are included in other (income) expense, net in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Our other comprehensive loss attributable to common stockholders includes our proportional share of unrealized gains and losses on securities held for sale, which are owned by AIC, of $91 and $69 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Our other comprehensive loss attributable to common stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2019, also includes the reclassification to other (income) expense, net of the $664 previously unrealized gains and losses on securities held for sale.
RMR historically provided management and administrative services to AIC for a fee equal to 3.0% of the total premiums paid for insurance arranged by AIC. As a result of the property insurance program having been discontinued, AIC has not occurred fees payable to RMR since that time.
AIC is in the process of dissolving. See Note 12 for more information regarding our investment in AIC.
Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance
We, The RMR Group Inc., RMR and certain companies to which RMR or its subsidiaries provide management services, including SVC, participate in a combined directors' and officers' liability insurance policy. The current combined policy expires in September 2020. We paid aggregate premiums of $122 and $157 in the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, for these policies.
Executive Officer Retirements
In December 2019, we and RMR entered into a retirement agreement with our former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Andrew J. Rebholz. Pursuant to his retirement agreement, Mr. Rebholz will continue to serve, through June 30, 2020, as a non-executive employee in order to assist in transitioning his duties and responsibilities to his successor. Under Mr. Rebholz’s retirement agreement, consistent with past practice, we will continue to pay Mr. Rebholz his current annual base salary of $300 until June 30, 2020, and we paid Mr. Rebholz a cash bonus in respect of 2019 in the amount of $1,000 in December 2019. Subject to the satisfaction of certain other conditions, after his retirement on June 30, 2020, we will make an additional cash payment to Mr. Rebholz in the amount of $1,000 and fully accelerate the vesting of any of our unvested shares of common stock previously awarded to Mr. Rebholz.
Pursuant to his retirement agreement, Mr. Rebholz granted us or our nominee a first right of refusal in the event he determines to sell any of our shares of common stock that he owns, pursuant to which we may elect during a specified period to purchase those shares of common stock at the average closing price per share of common stock for the 10 trading days preceding the date of his written notice to us of his intent to sell. In the event that we decline to exercise our purchase right, RMR may elect to purchase such shares of common stock at the price offered to us. Mr. Rebholz also agreed that, as long as he owns our shares of common stock, he will vote those shares of common stock at stockholders’ meetings in favor of nominees for director and proposals recommended by the Board.
Mr. Rebholz’s retirement agreement contains other terms and conditions, including cooperation, confidentiality, non-solicitation, non-competition and other covenants, and a waiver and release. Mr. Rebholz’s retirement agreement also contains certain terms relating to RMR and other companies to which RMR or its affiliate provides management services.
In November 2017, we entered into a retirement agreement with our then Managing Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, Thomas M. O’Brien. Mr. O’Brien resigned those positions on December 31, 2017, and he remained a non-executive employee of ours until June 30, 2018, in accordance with his retirement agreement. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we accelerated the vesting of previously granted stock awards and made an additional cash payment to Mr. O'Brien resulting in additional compensation expense of $3,571.
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Contingencies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
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 SVC Leases, we generally have agreed to indemnify SVC for any environmental liabilities related to properties that we lease from SVC and we are required to pay all environmental related expenses incurred in the operation of the leased properties. We have entered into certain other arrangements in which we have agreed to indemnify third parties for environmental liabilities and expenses resulting from our operations.
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, 2019, we had an accrued liability of $2,441 for environmental matters as well as a receivable for expected recoveries of certain of these estimated future expenditures of $574, resulting in an estimated net amount of $1,867 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 incidental to the ordinary course of business, including commercial disputes, employment related claims, wage and hour claims, premises liability claims and tax audits, among others. 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.
On April 5, 2019, two plaintiffs filed a class action complaint against us in Ohio state court alleging that certain credit and debit card receipts printed by us included more information than permitted by the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act. The complaint did not seek any actual damages, but plaintiffs sought statutory damages for the individual plaintiffs and members of the class, as well as declaratory relief, punitive damages, attorneys' fees and costs. In June 2019, we filed a motion to dismiss. On July 5, 2019, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint, which added a request for injunctive relief and on August 2, 2019, we filed a renewed motion to dismiss. After briefing by the parties, on November 13, 2019, the Ohio state court granted our motion and entered a judgment dismissing the case.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Inventory
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]  
Inventory Inventory
Inventory at December 31, 2019 and 2018, consisted of the following:
December 31,
 20192018
Nonfuel products$161,560  $163,302  
Fuel products35,051  33,419  
Total inventory$196,611  $196,721  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
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 Inc. 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
10 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.
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 our current expectations for projected fuel sales volume, nonfuel revenues, fuel and nonfuel gross margins, site level operating expense 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 including estimates of future cash flows and discount rates, 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 and operating lease assets 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 2019, based on our evaluation of certain low performing owned and leased standalone restaurants, we incurred impairment charges of $2,369 to our property and equipment and $579 to our operating lease 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 primarily include our agreements with franchisees. For 2019, 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 values of the assets. During 2019, we did not record any impairment charges related to, or recognize a revision to the remaining period of amortization of, 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.
We evaluate indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment as of November 30, or more frequently if the circumstances warrant. During 2019, 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 2019, 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. We have two reporting units, which included our travel centers business and our QSL business, as of December 31, 2019. 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.
As of July 31, 2019, our annual goodwill impairment test for the travel centers 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, 2019, our goodwill in those reporting units was not impaired.
Share Based Employee Compensation Stock Based Employee Compensation. We have historically granted awards of our shares of common stock under our share award plans. Stock awards issued to our Directors vest immediately. Stock awards made to others vest in five equal annual installments beginning on the date of the award. Compensation expense related to stock awards is determined based on the market value of our shares of common stock on the date of the award with the aggregate value of the shares of common stock awarded amortized to expense over the period of time over which the stock based payments vest. We recognize forfeited stock awards as they occur. We include stock based compensation expense in selling, general and administrative expense in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
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 expense within site level operating expense in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). 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 potential 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 Leasing Transactions. Leasing transactions are a material part of our business. We have lease agreements covering many of our properties, as well as various equipment, with the most significant leases being our five leases with Service Properties Trust (formerly known as Hospitality Properties Trust), or SVC. We recognize operating lease assets and liabilities for all leases with an initial term greater than 12 months. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recognized in our consolidated balance sheets. Our operating lease liabilities represent the present value of our unpaid lease payments. The discount rate used to derive the present value of unpaid lease payments is based on the rates implicit in our leases with SVC and our incremental borrowing rate for all other leases. Certain of our leases include renewal options and purchase options. Renewal periods are included in calculating our operating lease assets and liabilities when they are reasonably certain. We recognize rent under operating leases without scheduled rent increases as an 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, which reduces our operating lease assets. The rent payments resulting from our sales to SVC of improvements to the properties we lease from SVC are contingent rent. We recognize the expense related to this contingent rent evenly throughout the remaining lease term beginning on the dates of the related sales to SVC.Certain of our leases include renewal options, and certain leases include escalation clauses and purchase options. Renewal periods are included in calculating our operating lease assets and liabilities when they are reasonably certain. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recognized in our consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2019, all of our leases were classified as operating leases.
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.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or 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. In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-11, Targeted Improvements to ASC 842, or ASU 2018-11, which allowed companies to adopt the standard using the modified retrospective transition method. ASU 2016-02 and 2018-11 are collectively referred to as ASC 842. ASC 842 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. We adopted ASC 842 on January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective transition method, and elected to not restate prior year comparative periods. We elected to adopt the package of practical expedients; accordingly, we retained the lease classification and initial direct costs for any leases that existed prior to adoption and we did not revisit whether any existing or expired contracts contain leases. See Note 9 for more information about the impact of ASC 842.
In June 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation, or ASU 2018-07, which aligns the accounting for stock based payments to nonemployees with the accounting for stock based payments to employees. We adopted ASU 2018-07 on January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective transition method, which had no impact on our prior year comparative period. Historically, compensation expense related to stock awards granted to nonemployees was determined based on the vesting date fair value. Under ASU 2018-07, compensation expense relating to all stock awards is now measured at the grant date fair value and amortized to expense over the period of time over which the stock based payments vest. Upon adoption of ASU 2018-07, stock awards to nonemployees were remeasured using the adoption date fair value, or the market value of our shares of common stock as of January 1, 2019. We include stock based compensation expense in selling, general and administrative expense in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software, which aligns the accounting for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the accounting for implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The capitalized implementation costs are to be amortized over the term of the contract. The new standard is required for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2020, using the prospective transition method. The implementation of this update will not cause a material change to our consolidated financial statements.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenues based on the consideration specified in the contract with the customer, excluding any sales incentives (such as customer loyalty programs and customer rebates) and amounts collected on behalf of third parties (such as sales and excise taxes). The majority of our revenues are 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, 2019, approximately 86.4% of our diesel fuel volume was sold at discounts to posted prices under pricing arrangements with our fleet 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 at our company operated locations. 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®, TechOn-Site® 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 Revenues. 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 revenues on a straight line basis based on the current contractual rent amount. These leases include rent escalations that are contingent on future events, namely inflation or our investing in capital improvements at these travel centers. Because the rent increases related to these factors are contingent upon future events, we recognize the related rent revenues after such events have occurred.
Other. Sales incentives and other promotional activities that we recognize as a reduction to revenues 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 customer loyalty programs. Our customer 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 revenues attributable to the customer 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 revenues 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 revenues when the possibility of redemption becomes remote.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements, ASC 842
On January 1, 2019, we adopted ASC 842 using the modified retrospective transition method and elected not to restate prior year comparative periods. We elected to adopt the package of practical expedients; accordingly, we retained the lease classification and initial direct costs for any leases that existed prior to adoption and we did not revisit whether any existing or expired contracts contain leases.
On the date we adopted ASC 842, we recognized operating lease assets of $1,785,866 and operating lease liabilities of $1,996,957. We also recognized an adjustment to our beginning accumulated deficit of $86,243, net of taxes, consisting of (i) the previously recognized deferred gain on sale leaseback transactions of $113,712, (ii) the previously recognized liability for certain failed sale leaseback transactions recognized as financings of $1,591 and (iii) the related tax effect of $29,060.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
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
10 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, 2019 and 2018, consisted of the following:
December 31,
 20192018
Machinery, equipment and furniture$533,380  $459,892  
Land and improvements316,751  177,322  
Buildings and improvements307,433  197,866  
Leasehold improvements271,451  242,469  
Construction in progress24,678  65,855  
Property and equipment, at cost1,453,693  1,143,404  
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization585,190  514,867  
Property and equipment, net$868,503  $628,537  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Revenues (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
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, 2019 and 2018, were as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
20192018
Nonfuel revenues:
Store and retail services$756,854  $732,220  
Truck service674,203  671,385  
Restaurant425,090  416,736  
Total nonfuel revenues$1,856,147  $1,820,341  
Changes in contract liabilities between periods The following table shows the changes in our contract liabilities between periods.
Customer
Loyalty
Programs
OtherTotal
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  
Revenues recognized from satisfying performance
obligations during the period
(74,548) (10,064) (84,612) 
Other(6,644) (1,230) (7,874) 
December 31, 201815,490  3,470  18,960  
Increases due to unsatisfied performance obligations
arising during the period
103,228  12,982  116,210  
Revenues recognized from satisfying performance
obligations during the period
(90,462) (10,519) (100,981) 
Other(10,263) (1,111) (11,374) 
December 31, 2019$17,993  $4,822  $22,815  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Discontinued Operations (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]  
Schedule of Results of Operations for Discontinued Operations
The following table presents the results of operations for our discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
Revenues$742,160  
Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation)610,524  
Site level operating expense103,037  
Selling, general and administrative expense9,443  
Real estate rent expense2,206  
Depreciation and amortization expense 20,418  
Impairment of goodwill69,340  
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes
(72,808) 
Benefit for income taxes14,789  
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes
(58,019) 
Loss on disposal(79,623) 
Benefit for income taxes20,011  
Loss from discontinued operations$(117,631) 
v3.19.3.a.u2
Property and Equipment (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
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
10 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, 2019 and 2018, consisted of the following:
December 31,
 20192018
Machinery, equipment and furniture$533,380  $459,892  
Land and improvements316,751  177,322  
Buildings and improvements307,433  197,866  
Leasehold improvements271,451  242,469  
Construction in progress24,678  65,855  
Property and equipment, at cost1,453,693  1,143,404  
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization585,190  514,867  
Property and equipment, net$868,503  $628,537  
SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder  
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 SVC but recognized in property and equipment, net 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 SVC under the deferred tenant improvements allowance and as of December 31, 2018, for the assets that did not qualify for sale leaseback accounting. Upon adoption of ASC 842, these failed sale leasebacks were reclassified as operating leases and are included in operating lease assets in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019. See Note 9 for more information about our leases with SVC.
 December 31,
 20192018
Leasehold improvements$101,316  $114,195  
Land and improvements—  14,945  
Buildings and improvements—  9,943  
Machinery, equipment and furniture—  3,282  
Property and equipment, at cost101,316  142,365  
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization81,915  96,266  
Property and equipment, net$19,401  $46,099  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of components of intangible assets, net
Intangible assets, net, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, consisted of the following:
 December 31, 2019
 CostAccumulated
Amortization
Net
Amortizable intangible assets:   
   Agreements with franchisees$21,145  $(13,350) $7,795  
   Leasehold interests2,094  (2,094) —  
   Other3,913  (3,318) 595  
Total amortizable intangible assets27,152  (18,762) 8,390  
   Carrying value of trademarks (indefinite lives)12,317  —  12,317  
Intangible assets, net$39,469  $(18,762) $20,707  
 December 31, 2018
 CostAccumulated
Amortization
Net
Amortizable intangible assets:   
   Agreements with franchisees$21,645  $(12,308) $9,337  
   Leasehold interests2,754  (2,183) 571  
   Other3,913  (3,251) 662  
Total amortizable intangible assets28,312  (17,742) 10,570  
   Carrying value of trademarks (indefinite lives)12,317  —  12,317  
Intangible assets, net$40,629  $(17,742) $22,887  
Schedule of the aggregate amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for each of the next five years The aggregate amortization expense for our amortizable intangible assets as of December 31, 2019, for each of the next five years is:
Total
2020$1,152  
20211,068  
2022961  
2023863  
2024848  
Schedule of goodwill by reporting unit Goodwill by reporting unit was as follows:
December 31,
20192018
Travel centers business$22,213  $22,213  
QSL business3,046  3,046  
   Total goodwill$25,259  $25,259  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Other Current Liabilities (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of components of other current liabilities
Other current liabilities as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, consisted of the following:
December 31,
 20192018
Taxes payable, other than income taxes$52,320  $42,985  
Accrued wages and benefits21,416  19,830  
Customer loyalty program accruals17,993  15,490  
Self insurance program accruals, current portion13,509  14,623  
Accrued capital expenditures4,721  7,742  
Other28,496  24,998  
Total other current liabilities$138,455  $125,668  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Long Term Debt (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of long term debt, net
Long term debt, net as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, consisted of the following:
Interest RateMaturity DateDecember 31,
 20192018
2028 Senior Notes8.25%  January 15, 2028$110,000  $110,000  
2029 Senior Notes8.00%  December 15, 2029120,000  120,000  
2030 Senior Notes8.00%  October 15, 2030100,000  100,000  
Revolving Credit Facility5.00%  July 19, 20247,900  —  
Other long term debt6.06%  March 31, 2027982  1,086  
Deferred financing costs(9,561) (10,558) 
Total long term debt, net$329,321  $320,528  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Leasing Transactions (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]  
Schedule of lease costs as a lessee For the year ended December 31, 2019, our lease costs consisted of the following:
Classification in our Consolidated
Statements of Operations
and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 Year Ended
December 31,
2019
Operating lease costs: SVC LeasesReal estate rent expense$240,328  
Operating lease costs: otherReal estate rent expense11,082  
Variable lease costs: SVC LeasesReal estate rent expense5,203  
Variable lease costs: otherReal estate rent expense1,149  
Total real estate rent expense257,762  
Operating lease costs: equipment and other
Site level operating expense and selling, general
   and administrative expense
3,088  
Short-term lease costs
Site level operating expense and selling, general
   and administrative expense
2,869  
Sublease incomeNonfuel revenues(2,180) 
Net lease costs$261,539  
Schedule of maturities of operating lease liabilities with remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year
Maturities of our operating lease liabilities that had remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2019, were as follows:
SVC Leases(1)
OtherTotal
Years ended December 31:
2020$271,336  $6,548  $277,884  
2021270,799  5,555  276,354  
2022268,936  4,439  273,375  
2023255,344  3,107  258,451  
2024251,150  1,813  252,963  
Thereafter2,034,504  7,724  2,042,228  
Total operating lease payments3,352,069  29,186  3,381,255  
Less: present value discount(2)
(1,391,435) (5,562) (1,396,997) 
Present value of operating lease liabilities$1,960,634  $23,624  $1,984,258  
(1) Includes rent for properties we sublease from SVC and pay directly to SVC's landlords.
(2) The discount rate used to derive the present value of unpaid lease payments is based on the rates implicit in the SVC Leases and our incremental borrowing rate for all other leases.
Schedule of operating lease assets and liabilities
As of December 31, 2019, our operating lease assets and liabilities consisted of the following:
SVC LeasesOtherTotal
Operating lease assets$1,796,406  $21,592  $1,817,998  
Current operating lease liabilities98,574  5,496  104,070  
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities1,862,060  18,128  1,880,188  
Schedule of future minimum operating lease payments
As previously disclosed in our 2018 Annual Report and under the previous lease accounting standard, 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 then due under the SVC Leases, including the amount attributed to the lease of those sites that were accounted for as a financing as of December 31, 2018, in our consolidated balance sheet as reflected in the sale leaseback financing obligations):
Total
Years ended December 31:
2019$302,855  
2020301,220  
2021299,393  
2022296,551  
2023295,534  
Thereafter1,980,078  
Total$3,475,631  
Principal landlord and largest stockholder | SVC  
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]  
Schedule of annual minimum rent and deferred rent under the SVC Leases
The number of properties leased, the terms, the annual minimum rent and the deferred rent balances owed by us under the SVC Leases, as of December 31, 2019, were as follows:
Number
of Properties
Initial Term
End Date(1)
Annual Minimum
Rent as of
December 31, 2019
Deferred Rent(2)
TA Lease 136  December 31, 2032$49,707  $15,148  
TA Lease 236  December 31, 203144,077  14,068  
TA Lease 335  December 31, 202942,409  13,870  
TA Lease 437  December 31, 203346,067  14,161  
Petro Lease35  June 30, 203561,654  —  
Total179  $243,914  $57,247  
(1) We have two renewal options of 15 years each under each of the SVC Leases.
(2) Commencing April 1, 2019, we began to pay SVC $70,458 in 16 equal quarterly installments of $4,404 each for deferred rent we owe SVC. Under our rent deferral agreement with SVC, deferred rent shall be accelerated and interest shall begin to accrue thereon at 1.0% per month on the deferred rent amounts if certain events occur, including: our default under the SVC Leases; a change of control of us, as defined in the rent deferral agreement; or our declaration or payment of a dividend or other distribution in respect of our common stock. The total amount of deferred rent outstanding as of December 31, 2019, was $57,247.
Schedule of various amounts related to SVC Leases included in the consolidated balance sheet
The following table summarizes the various amounts related to the SVC Leases that are included in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018.
December 31,
2018
Current SVC Leases liabilities: 
Accrued rent$24,721  
Sale leaseback financing obligations(1)
1,032  
Straight line rent accrual(2)
2,458  
Deferred gain(3)
10,128  
Deferred tenant improvements allowance(4)
3,770  
Total current SVC Leases liabilities$42,109  
Noncurrent SVC Leases liabilities:   
Deferred rent obligation(5)
$150,000  
Sale leaseback financing obligations(1)
22,365  
Straight line rent accrual(2)
46,431  
Deferred gain(3)
100,913  
Deferred tenant improvements allowance(4)
34,047  
Total noncurrent SVC Leases liabilities$353,756  
(1) Sale Leaseback Financing Obligations. As of December 31, 2018, the assets related to two travel centers we leased from SVC were reflected in our consolidated balance sheet, as were the related financing obligations. This accounting was required primarily because, at the time of the inception of the prior leases with SVC, more than a minor portion of these two travel centers was subleased to third parties. Upon adoption of ASC 842, these failed sale leasebacks were reclassified as operating leases, which resulted in a gain that was recognized in our beginning accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2019. See above for more information about the impact of adopting ASC 842.
(2) Straight Line Rent Accrual. As of December 31, 2018, the straight line rent accrual included the accrued rent expense from 2007 to 2012 for stated increases in our annual minimum rent due under our then existing TA Lease. The TA Leases we entered into in connection with a transaction agreement we entered into with SVC in 2015 contain no stated rent payment increases. Prior to the adoption of ASC 842, we amortized this accrual on a straight line basis over the current terms of the TA Leases as a reduction of real estate rent expense. The straight line rent accrual also included our obligation for the estimated cost of removing underground storage tanks at properties leased from SVC at the end of the related lease; we recognized these obligations on a straight line basis over the term of the related leases as additional real estate rent expense. As of January 1, 2019, the straight line rent accrual was reclassified as a reduction to our operating lease assets and the obligation for the estimated cost of removal of underground storage tanks was reclassified to other noncurrent liabilities. As of December 31, 2019, our obligation for the estimated cost of removal of underground storage tanks was $22,216.
(3) Deferred Gain. The deferred gain primarily included $145,462 of gains from the sales of travel centers and certain other assets to SVC during 2015 and 2016. Prior to the adoption of ASC 842, we amortized the deferred gains on a straight line basis over the terms of the related leases as a reduction of real estate rent expense. Upon adoption of ASC 842, we recognized the unamortized deferred gain of $85,053, net of taxes, in our beginning accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2019. See above for more information about the impact of adopting ASC 842.
(4) Deferred Tenant Improvements Allowance. SVC funded certain capital projects at the properties we lease under the SVC Leases without an increase in rent payable by us. In connection with SVC's initial capital commitment, we recognized a liability for rent deemed to be related to this capital commitment as a deferred tenant improvements allowance. Prior to the adoption of ASC 842, we amortized the deferred tenant improvements allowance on a straight line basis over the terms of the SVC Leases as a reduction of real estate rent expense. Upon the adoption of ASC 842, the unamortized balance of the deferred tenant improvements allowance was reclassified as a reduction to our operating lease assets as of January 1, 2019.
(5) Deferred Rent Obligation. Pursuant to a rent deferral agreement with SVC, we previously deferred as of December 31, 2010, a total of $150,000 of rent payable to SVC, which remained outstanding as of December 31, 2018, and had been due in five installments between 2024 and 2030. Upon the adoption of ASC 842, these future lease payments were included in our calculation of our operating lease assets and liabilities and the deferred rent obligation was reclassified as a reduction to our operating lease assets as of January 1, 2019. In January 2019, as described above and pursuant to the terms of the Transaction Agreements, our deferred rent obligation was reduced to $70,458, payable in 16 equal quarterly installments commencing on April 1, 2019, and our operating lease assets and liabilities were remeasured using these revised payment amounts. The total amount of deferred rent outstanding as of December 31, 2019, was $57,247.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Stockholders' Equity (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]  
Schedule of number and weighted average grant date fair value of unvested shares of common stock and shares of common stock awarded under the Share Award Plans The following table sets forth the number and weighted average grant date fair value of unvested shares of common stock and shares of common stock awarded under the Share Award Plans for the year ended December 31, 2019.
 Number of
Shares of
Common Stock
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value Per Share
of Common Stock
Unvested shares of common stock as of December 31, 2018316  $27.44  
Granted270  9.78  
Vested(168) 22.15  
Forfeited/canceled(6) 26.57  
Unvested shares of common stock as of December 31, 2019412  18.03  
Reconciliation of income (loss) from continuing operations to income (loss) from continuing operations available to common stockholders
The following table presents a reconciliation of income (loss) from continuing operations to income (loss) from continuing operations available to common stockholders and the related earnings per share of common stock.
 Year Ended December 31,
 20192018
Income (loss) from continuing operations $33,469  $(2,773) 
Less: net income for noncontrolling interest124  149  
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders33,345  (2,922) 
Less: income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to participating securities
1,301  (125) 
Income (loss) from continuing operations available to common stockholders$32,044  $(2,797) 
Weighted average shares of common stock(1)
7,783  7,649  
Basic and diluted income (loss) per share of common stock
from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders
$4.12  $(0.37) 
(1) Reflects the retrospective adjustment related to the reverse stock split completed on August 1, 2019, and excludes unvested shares of common stock awarded under our Share Award Plans, which shares of common stock are considered participating securities because they participate equally in earnings and losses with all of our other shares of common stock. The weighted average number of unvested shares of common stock outstanding was 316 and 341 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Income Taxes (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of effective tax rate reconciliation
Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation
 Year Ended December 31,
 20192018
U.S. federal statutory rate applied to income (loss) before income taxes and
   discontinued operations
$(7,940) $994  
State income taxes, net of federal benefit635  (2,957) 
Benefit of tax credits4,020  3,977  
Provision to return adjustments(31) 560  
Nondeductible executive compensation(109) (210) 
Other nondeductible expenses(530) (430) 
Other, net(384) (360) 
Total (provision) benefit for income taxes$(4,339) $1,574  
Schedule of components of the (provision) benefit for income taxes
Components of the (Provision) Benefit For Income Taxes
 Year Ended December 31,
 20192018
Current tax benefit:  
Federal$1,019  $1,737  
State352  240  
Total current tax benefit1,371  1,977  
Deferred tax provision:      
Federal(6,163) 3,581  
State453  (3,984) 
Total deferred tax provision(5,710) (403) 
Total (provision) benefit for income taxes$(4,339) $1,574  
Schedule of components of deferred tax assets and liabilities
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
December 31,
 20192018
Deferred tax assets:      
Tax loss carryforwards$63,185  $76,250  
Tax credit carryforwards35,624  31,377  
Leasing arrangements32,007  55,929  
Reserves18,204  16,186  
Asset retirement obligations1,278  625  
Other704  488  
Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowance151,002  180,855  
Valuation allowance(1,209) (1,310) 
Total deferred tax assets149,793  179,545  
Deferred tax liabilities:      
Property and equipment(102,051) (97,306) 
Goodwill and intangible assets(3,708) (3,374) 
Total deferred tax liabilities(105,759) (100,680) 
Net deferred tax assets$44,034  $78,865  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Equity Investments (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]  
Schedule of financial information for investment in equity affiliates
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, our investment in equity affiliates, which is presented in our consolidated balance sheets in other noncurrent assets, and our proportional share of our investees' net income (loss), which is included in other (income) expense, net in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), were as follows:
PTP
Other(1)
Total
Investment balance:
As of December 31, 2019$24,517  $5,983  $30,500  
As of December 31, 201821,260  18,805  40,065  
Income (loss) from equity investments:
Year ended December 31, 2019$5,657  $(4,750) $907  
Year ended December 31, 20183,652  (5,679) (2,027) 
(1) Includes our investments in Affiliates Insurance Company, or AIC, and QuikQ LLC, or QuikQ.
The following table sets forth summarized financial information of our equity investments and does not represent the amounts we have included in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) in connection with our equity investments.
Year Ended December 31,
20192018
Total revenues$126,750  $125,448  
Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation)80,579  87,189  
Income from operations9,259  2,742  
Net income7,206  1,363  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Inventory (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of inventory
Inventory at December 31, 2019 and 2018, consisted of the following:
December 31,
 20192018
Nonfuel products$161,560  $163,302  
Fuel products35,051  33,419  
Total inventory$196,611  $196,721  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - General Information and Basis of Presentation (Details)
12 Months Ended
Aug. 01, 2019
$ / shares
Dec. 31, 2019
state
restaurant
travel_center
truck_service_facility
segment
store
$ / shares
Dec. 31, 2018
$ / shares
Dec. 05, 2018
convenience_store
restaurant
Accounting Policies [Abstract]        
Common stock, par value (in USD per share) | $ / shares $ 0.001 $ 0.001 $ 0.001  
Reverse stock split conversion ratio 0.20      
Number of reportable segments | segment   1    
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]        
Number of sites | store   306    
Travel centers        
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]        
Number of states | state   44    
Travel centers | Company operated sites        
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]        
Number of sites   232    
Number of sites owned   51    
Number of sites leased   181    
Number of sites operated under joint venture   2    
Travel centers | Franchisee operated sites        
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]        
Number of sites   29    
Number of sites owned by franchisees or leased from others   27    
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   261    
Truck service facilities        
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]        
Number of sites owned | truck_service_facility   1    
Number of sites leased | truck_service_facility   1    
Truck service facilities | TA Truck Service brand        
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]        
Number of sites | truck_service_facility   2    
Restaurants        
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]        
Number of states | state   12    
Restaurants | Company operated sites        
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]        
Number of sites | restaurant   16    
Number of sites owned | restaurant   6    
Number of sites leased | restaurant   9    
Number of sites operated under joint venture | restaurant   1    
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    
Restaurants | Disposal group, disposed of by sale        
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]        
Number of sites | restaurant       1
Convenience stores | Disposal group, disposed of by sale        
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]        
Number of sites | convenience_store       225
v3.19.3.a.u2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
General business tax credit carryforward  
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]  
Federal biodiesel blenders' tax credit $ 70,229
v3.19.3.a.u2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Property and Equipment (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Buildings and site improvements | Minimum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Estimated useful lives 10 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
v3.19.3.a.u2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Impairment (Details)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
reportingUnits
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Number of reporting units | reportingUnits 2
Depreciation and amortization expense  
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]  
Impairment charges to property and equipment $ 2,369
Real estate rent expense  
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]  
Impairment charges to operating lease assets $ 579
v3.19.3.a.u2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Stock Based Employee Compensation (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Share award plans | Employees, excluding Directors  
Stock-based Compensation Arrangement by Stock-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Vesting period of stock issued to other than directors 5 years
v3.19.3.a.u2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Asset Retirement Obligations (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]    
Asset retirement obligations $ 5,160 $ 2,478
v3.19.3.a.u2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Leasing Transactions (Details)
Dec. 31, 2019
lease
SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder | SVC Leases  
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]  
Number of leases with SVC 5
v3.19.3.a.u2
Revenues - Narrative (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Percent of diesel fuel volume sold at discounts 86.40%
v3.19.3.a.u2
Revenues - Disaggregation of Nonfuel Revenues (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Total nonfuel revenues $ 6,117,359 $ 6,232,215
Nonfuel    
Total nonfuel revenues 1,856,147 1,820,341
Store and retail services    
Total nonfuel revenues 756,854 732,220
Truck service    
Total nonfuel revenues 674,203 671,385
Restaurant    
Total nonfuel revenues $ 425,090 $ 416,736
v3.19.3.a.u2
Revenues - Changes in Contract Liabilities Between Periods (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Movement in Deferred Revenue [Roll Forward]    
Beginning Balance $ 18,960 $ 19,846
Increases due to unsatisfied performance obligations arising during the period 116,210 91,600
Revenues recognized from satisfying performance obligations during the period (100,981) (84,612)
Other (11,374) (7,874)
Ending Balance 22,815 18,960
Customer Loyalty Programs    
Movement in Deferred Revenue [Roll Forward]    
Beginning Balance 15,490 15,165
Increases due to unsatisfied performance obligations arising during the period 103,228 81,517
Revenues recognized from satisfying performance obligations during the period (90,462) (74,548)
Other (10,263) (6,644)
Ending Balance 17,993 15,490
Other    
Movement in Deferred Revenue [Roll Forward]    
Beginning Balance 3,470 4,681
Increases due to unsatisfied performance obligations arising during the period 12,982 10,083
Revenues recognized from satisfying performance obligations during the period (10,519) (10,064)
Other (1,111) (1,230)
Ending Balance $ 4,822 $ 3,470
v3.19.3.a.u2
Revenues - Contract Liabilities (Details)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Minimum  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Deferred initial and renewal franchisee fee revenue $ 119
Maximum  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Deferred initial and renewal franchisee fee revenue $ 176
Customer Loyalty Programs | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Expected timing for unsatisfied performance obligations to be satisfied 12 months
v3.19.3.a.u2
Acquisitions - Narrative (Details)
$ in Thousands
1 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2019
USD ($)
travel_center
Jun. 30, 2020
USD ($)
parcel_of_land
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
franchisee
travel_center
tireRetreadFacility
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired     $ 0 $ 10,482
Forecast        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Number of locations acquired, asset acquisition | parcel_of_land   1    
Purchase price, asset acquisitions   $ 1,358    
Franchisee operated and leased sites        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Number of franchisees | franchisee       2
Travel centers        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Purchase price, asset acquisitions       $ 5,202
Number of locations acquired, business combination | travel_center       1
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired       $ 10,482
Travel centers | SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Number of locations acquired, asset acquisition | travel_center 20      
Purchase price, asset acquisitions $ 309,637      
Transaction related costs 1,437      
Net recognized aggregate cost basis of acquired assets $ 284,902      
Travel centers | Franchisee operated and leased sites        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Number of franchisees | franchisee       1
Tire retread facility        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Number of locations acquired, asset acquisition | tireRetreadFacility       1
Purchase price, asset acquisitions       $ 2,805
v3.19.3.a.u2
Discontinued Operations - Narrative (Details) - Disposal group, disposed of by sale - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 05, 2018
Dec. 31, 2018
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]    
Aggregate sales price $ 330,609  
Net proceeds from sale 319,853  
Transaction related costs 9,650  
Cash sold $ 1,106  
Loss on disposal   $ 79,623
v3.19.3.a.u2
Discontinued Operations - Results of Operations for Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]    
Loss from discontinued operations $ 0 $ (117,631)
Disposal group, disposed of by sale    
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]    
Revenues   742,160
Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation)   610,524
Site level operating expense   103,037
Selling, general and administrative expense   9,443
Real estate rent expense   2,206
Depreciation and amortization expense   20,418
Impairment of goodwill   69,340
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes   (72,808)
Benefit for income taxes   14,789
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes   (58,019)
Loss on disposal   (79,623)
Benefit for income taxes   20,011
Loss from discontinued operations   $ (117,631)
v3.19.3.a.u2
Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, at cost $ 1,453,693 $ 1,143,404
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization 585,190 514,867
Property and equipment, net 868,503 628,537
Depreciation and amortization expense    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]    
Impairment charges to property and equipment 2,369  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Depreciation expense 97,232 80,938
Principal landlord and largest stockholder | SVC    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, at cost 101,316 142,365
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization 81,915 96,266
Property and equipment, net 19,401 46,099
Principal landlord and largest stockholder | SVC | SVC Leases    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]    
Property and equipment that may be sold to SVC for an increase in annual minimum rent 37,425  
Machinery, equipment and furniture    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, at cost 533,380 459,892
Machinery, equipment and furniture | Principal landlord and largest stockholder | SVC    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, at cost 0 3,282
Land and improvements    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, at cost 316,751 177,322
Land and improvements | Principal landlord and largest stockholder | SVC    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, at cost 0 14,945
Buildings and improvements    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, at cost 307,433 197,866
Buildings and improvements | Principal landlord and largest stockholder | SVC    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, at cost 0 9,943
Leasehold improvements    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, at cost 271,451 242,469
Leasehold improvements | Principal landlord and largest stockholder | SVC    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, at cost 101,316 114,195
Construction in progress    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, at cost $ 24,678 $ 65,855
v3.19.3.a.u2
Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets, Net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Total amortizable intangible assets, Cost $ 27,152 $ 28,312
Total amortizable intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization (18,762) (17,742)
Total amortizable intangible assets, Net 8,390 10,570
Intangible assets, Cost 39,469 40,629
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization (18,762) (17,742)
Intangible assets, Net 20,707 22,887
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 21,145 21,645
Total amortizable intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization (13,350) (12,308)
Total amortizable intangible assets, Net 7,795 9,337
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization (13,350) (12,308)
Leasehold interests    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Total amortizable intangible assets, Cost 2,094 2,754
Total amortizable intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization (2,094) (2,183)
Total amortizable intangible assets, Net 0 571
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization (2,094) (2,183)
Other    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Total amortizable intangible assets, Cost 3,913 3,913
Total amortizable intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization (3,318) (3,251)
Total amortizable intangible assets, Net 595 662
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization $ (3,318) $ (3,251)
v3.19.3.a.u2
Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]    
Total amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets $ 1,609 $ 2,452
Weighted average period of amortizable intangible assets 9 years  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Future Amortization Expense (Details)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Total  
2020 $ 1,152
2021 1,068
2022 961
2023 863
2024 $ 848
v3.19.3.a.u2
Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Goodwill by Reporting Unit (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
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
v3.19.3.a.u2
Other Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]    
Taxes payable, other than income taxes $ 52,320 $ 42,985
Accrued wages and benefits 21,416 19,830
Customer loyalty program accruals 17,993 15,490
Self insurance program accruals, current portion 13,509 14,623
Accrued capital expenditures 4,721 7,742
Other 28,496 24,998
Total other current liabilities $ 138,455 $ 125,668
v3.19.3.a.u2
Long Term Debt - Schedule of Long Term Debt, Net (Details) - USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total long term debt, net $ 329,321,000 $ 320,528,000
Credit Facility    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate 5.00%  
Revolving Credit Facility $ 7,900,000 0
Other    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate 6.06%  
Other long term debt $ 982,000 1,086,000
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
v3.19.3.a.u2
Long Term Debt - Senior Notes (Details) - Senior Notes
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
2028 Senior Notes  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Redemption price of debt instrument (as a percent) 100.00%
Fair value of debt instrument $ 112,332
2029 Senior Notes  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Redemption price of debt instrument (as a percent) 100.00%
Fair value of debt instrument $ 121,200
2030 Senior Notes  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Redemption price of debt instrument (as a percent) 100.00%
Fair value of debt instrument $ 102,000
v3.19.3.a.u2
Long Term Debt - Revolving Credit Facility (Details) - Credit Facility
7 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jul. 19, 2019
USD ($)
Rate
Jul. 18, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Rate
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]        
Sublimit for issuance of letters of credit $ 125,000,000 $ 170,000,000    
Maximum borrowing capacity     $ 200,000,000  
Increase in maximum borrowing capacity subject to available collateral and lender participation     $ 300,000,000  
Fee on unused commitments (as a percent) | Rate     0.25%  
Amount available for borrowings and letters of credit     $ 111,017,000  
Borrowings outstanding     7,900,000 $ 0
Accrued interest and outstanding fees     31,000  
Outstanding amount of letters of credit     18,141,000  
Amount under Credit Facility available for use     $ 84,945,000  
LIBOR        
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]        
Reduction on applicable margins on variable rates (in basis points) | Rate 25      
Fee on borrowings and letters of credit (as a percent) | Rate     1.25%  
Commercial paper        
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]        
Reduction on applicable margins on variable rates (in basis points) | Rate 12.5      
Fee on borrowings and letters of credit (as a percent) | Rate     0.625%  
Base rate        
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]        
Fee on borrowings and letters of credit (as a percent) | Rate     0.25%  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Long Term Debt - IHOP Secured Advance Note (Details)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
store
Oct. 28, 2019
USD ($)
restaurant
yr
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Number of sites | store 306    
Term to rebrand and convert restaurants (in years) | yr   5  
Borrowings outstanding $ 329,321,000   $ 320,528,000
IHOP Secured Advance Note      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Maximum borrowing capacity   $ 10,000,000  
Borrowings outstanding $ 0    
Full service restaurants | IHOP brand      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Number of sites | restaurant   94  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Long Term Debt - West Greenwich Term Loan (Details)
Feb. 07, 2020
USD ($)
yr
travel_center
Dec. 31, 2019
travel_center
Travel centers | Company operated sites    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Number of sites owned   51
West Greenwich Term Loan | Subsequent event    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Loan term (in years) 10 years  
Face amount | $ $ 16,600,000  
Interest rate 3.85%  
Period in which Federal Home Loan Bank rate is fixed (in years) 5 years  
Term of Federal Home Loan Bank rate | yr 5  
Amount added to fixed Federal Home Loan Bank rate (in basis points) 198  
Period to repay loan in full prior to termination (in days) 60 days  
Period for nominal penalty (in years) 3 years  
West Greenwich Term Loan | Subsequent event | Travel centers | Company operated sites    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Number of sites owned 1  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Long Term Debt - Deferred Financing Costs (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Increased deferred financing costs related to Credit Facility Amendment $ 688  
Write off of deferred financing costs related to Credit Facility Amendment 47  
Future amortization of deferred financing costs in 2020 1,149  
Future amortization of deferred financing costs in 2021 1,146  
Future amortization of deferred financing costs in 2022 1,146  
Future amortization of deferred financing costs in 2023 1,146  
Future amortization of deferred financing costs in 2024 1,075  
Interest expense from amortization of deferred financing costs 1,183 $ 1,221
Senior Notes    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Accumulated amortization 5,420 4,422
Senior Notes | Long term debt, net    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Unamortized deferred financing costs (9,561) (10,558)
Credit Facility    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Accumulated amortization 1,136 904
Credit Facility | Other noncurrent assets    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Unamortized deferred financing costs $ (671) $ (216)
v3.19.3.a.u2
Leasing Transactions - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Jan. 01, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]      
Operating lease assets $ 1,817,998   $ 0
Operating lease liabilities $ 1,984,258    
ASC 842      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]      
Operating lease assets   $ 1,785,866  
Operating lease liabilities   1,996,957  
Adjustment to beginning accumulated deficit, net of taxes   86,243  
Adjustment for previously recognized deferred gain on sale leaseback transactions   113,712  
Adjustment for previously recognized liability for certain failed sale leaseback transactions   1,591  
Adjustment for related tax effect   $ 29,060  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Leasing Transactions - As a Lessee Narrative (Details)
$ in Thousands
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
lease
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Operating lease weighted average remaining lease term (in years)   13 years  
Operating lease weighted average discount rate   9.10%  
Amount paid included in measurement of operating lease liabilities   $ 279,168  
Real estate rent expense      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Impairment charges to operating lease assets   $ 579  
SVC Leases | Principal landlord and largest stockholder | SVC      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Number of leases with SVC | lease   5  
Decrease (increase) in annual minimum rent $ (43,148)   $ 4,789
v3.19.3.a.u2
Leasing Transactions - Schedule of Lease Costs as a Lessee (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Real estate rent expense $ 257,762 $ 283,476
Net lease costs 261,539  
Site level operating expense and selling, general and administrative expense    
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Short-term lease costs 2,869  
SVC Leases | SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder    
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Variable lease costs 4,075 3,591
Real estate rent expense 245,531 273,012
Sublease income (2,180) $ (2,294)
SVC Leases | Real estate rent expense | SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder    
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Operating lease costs 240,328  
Variable lease costs 5,203  
SVC Leases | Nonfuel revenues | SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder    
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Sublease income (2,180)  
Other | Real estate rent expense    
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Operating lease costs 11,082  
Variable lease costs 1,149  
Equipment and other | Site level operating expense and selling, general and administrative expense    
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Operating lease costs $ 3,088  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Leasing Transactions - Schedule of Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities (Details)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
2020 $ 277,884
2021 276,354
2022 273,375
2023 258,451
2024 252,963
Thereafter 2,042,228
Total operating lease payments 3,381,255
Less: present value discount (1,396,997)
Present value of operating lease liabilities 1,984,258
SVC Leases  
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
2020 271,336
2021 270,799
2022 268,936
2023 255,344
2024 251,150
Thereafter 2,034,504
Total operating lease payments 3,352,069
Less: present value discount (1,391,435)
Present value of operating lease liabilities 1,960,634
Other  
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
2020 6,548
2021 5,555
2022 4,439
2023 3,107
2024 1,813
Thereafter 7,724
Total operating lease payments 29,186
Less: present value discount (5,562)
Present value of operating lease liabilities $ 23,624
v3.19.3.a.u2
Leasing Transactions - Schedule of Operating Lease Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Operating lease assets $ 1,817,998 $ 0
Current operating lease liabilities 104,070 0
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities 1,880,188 $ 0
SVC Leases    
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Operating lease assets 1,796,406  
Current operating lease liabilities 98,574  
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities 1,862,060  
Other    
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Operating lease assets 21,592  
Current operating lease liabilities 5,496  
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities $ 18,128  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Leasing Transactions - Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments (Details)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]  
2019 $ 302,855
2020 301,220
2021 299,393
2022 296,551
2023 295,534
Thereafter 1,980,078
Total $ 3,475,631
v3.19.3.a.u2
Leasing Transactions - Leasing Agreements with SVC Narrative (Details)
$ in Thousands
1 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Oct. 14, 2019
USD ($)
Apr. 01, 2019
USD ($)
installment
Jan. 31, 2019
USD ($)
travel_center
Jun. 30, 2020
USD ($)
parcel_of_land
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
property
lease
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
installment
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Total real estate rent expense           $ 257,762 $ 283,476
Aggregate selling price of improvements sold           $ 0 55,829
Forecast              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Number of locations acquired | parcel_of_land       1      
Acquisition of travel centers from SVC       $ 1,358      
Travel centers              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Acquisition of travel centers from SVC             5,202
SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Deferred rent obligation             150,000
SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder | Travel centers              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Number of locations acquired | travel_center     20        
Acquisition of travel centers from SVC     $ 309,637        
Transaction related costs     1,437        
SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder | SVC Leases              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Number of sites leased | property           179  
Number of leases with SVC | lease           5  
Decrease (increase) in annual minimum rent     $ (43,148)       $ 4,789
Extension of lease term (in years)     3 years        
Number of payments for deferred rent obligation | installment   16         5
Payment due for deferred rent obligation   $ 4,404          
Deferred rent obligation   $ 70,458       $ 57,247 $ 150,000
Deferred rent obligation installment payments           13,211  
Increase in operating lease assets and liabilities $ 33,816   $ 23,673        
Increase in asset retirement obligation due to Transaction Agreements     2,420        
Total real estate rent expense           $ 245,531 273,012
Rate of percentage rent incurred           3.00%  
Percentage rent incurred           $ 4,075 3,591
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 of improvements sold           $ 0 56,346
Property and equipment that may be sold to SVC for an increase in annual minimum rent           37,425  
Sublease income           $ 2,180 $ 2,294
SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder | SVC Leases | Forecast              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Rate of percentage rent incurred         0.005    
SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder | SVC Leases | Travel centers              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Number of locations acquired | travel_center     20        
Acquisition of travel centers from SVC     $ 309,637        
Transaction related costs     $ 1,437        
Number of properties subject to lease | property           179  
SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder | SVC Leases | Travel centers | Base Year 2012              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Number of sites leased | property           35  
SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder | SVC Leases | Travel centers | Base Year 2015              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Number of sites leased | property           138  
SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder | SVC Leases | Travel centers | Base Year 2017              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Number of sites leased | property           2  
SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder | SVC Leases | Travel centers | Base Year 2019              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Number of sites leased | property           3  
SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder | SVC Leases | Travel centers | Base Year 2020              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Number of sites leased | property           1  
SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder | TA Leases              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Number of leases with SVC | lease           4  
SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder | Petro Lease              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Number of leases with SVC | lease           1  
Deferred rent obligation           $ 0  
SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder | Petro Lease | Travel centers              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Number of properties subject to lease | property           35  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Leasing Transactions - Schedule of Annual Minimum Rent and Deferred Rent Under the SVC Leases (Details) - SVC - Principal landlord and largest stockholder
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
property
renewal_option
Apr. 01, 2019
USD ($)
installment
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
installment
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]      
Deferred rent     $ 150,000
TA Lease 1      
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]      
Annual minimum rent $ 49,707    
Deferred rent 15,148    
TA Lease 2      
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]      
Annual minimum rent 44,077    
Deferred rent 14,068    
TA Lease 3      
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]      
Annual minimum rent 42,409    
Deferred rent 13,870    
TA Lease 4      
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]      
Annual minimum rent 46,067    
Deferred rent 14,161    
Petro Lease      
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]      
Annual minimum rent 61,654    
Deferred rent 0    
SVC Leases      
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]      
Annual minimum rent 243,914    
Deferred rent $ 57,247 $ 70,458 $ 150,000
Number of renewal options | renewal_option 2    
Renewal term (in years) 15 years    
Number of payments for deferred rent obligation | installment   16 5
Payment due for deferred rent obligation   $ 4,404  
Interest rate percentage on deferred rent amounts 1.00%    
Travel centers | TA Lease 1      
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]      
Number of properties subject to lease | property 36    
Travel centers | TA Lease 2      
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]      
Number of properties subject to lease | property 36    
Travel centers | TA Lease 3      
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]      
Number of properties subject to lease | property 35    
Travel centers | TA Lease 4      
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]      
Number of properties subject to lease | property 37    
Travel centers | Petro Lease      
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]      
Number of properties subject to lease | property 35    
Travel centers | SVC Leases      
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]      
Number of properties subject to lease | property 179    
v3.19.3.a.u2
Leasing Transactions - Summary of Various Amounts Included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Apr. 01, 2019
USD ($)
installment
Jan. 01, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
installment
travel_center
Current SVC Leases Liabilities:        
Total current SVC Leases liabilities $ 0     $ 42,109
Noncurrent SVC Leases Liabilities:        
Total noncurrent SVC Leases liabilities 0     353,756
ASC 842        
Various Amounts Related to SVC Leases Included in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Footnotes):        
Deferred gain from sale of assets     $ 113,712  
SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder        
Current SVC Leases Liabilities:        
Accrued rent       24,721
Sale leaseback financing obligations       1,032
Straight line rent accrual       2,458
Deferred gain       10,128
Deferred tenant improvements allowance       3,770
Total current SVC Leases liabilities       42,109
Noncurrent SVC Leases Liabilities:        
Deferred rent obligation       150,000
Sale leaseback financing obligations       22,365
Straight line rent accrual       46,431
Deferred gain       100,913
Deferred tenant improvements allowance       34,047
Total noncurrent SVC Leases liabilities       353,756
Various Amounts Related to SVC Leases Included in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Footnotes):        
Estimated cost of removal of underground storage tanks 22,216      
Deferred rent obligation       150,000
SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder | SVC Leases        
Noncurrent SVC Leases Liabilities:        
Deferred rent obligation 57,247 $ 70,458   150,000
Various Amounts Related to SVC Leases Included in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Footnotes):        
Deferred gain from sale of assets       145,462
Deferred rent obligation $ 57,247 $ 70,458   $ 150,000
Number of payments for deferred rent obligation | installment   16   5
SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder | SVC Leases | ASC 842        
Various Amounts Related to SVC Leases Included in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Footnotes):        
Unamortized deferred gain, net of taxes recognized due to ASC 842     $ 85,053  
SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder | Travel centers | TA Leases        
Various Amounts Related to SVC Leases Included in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Footnotes):        
Number of sites leased | travel_center       2
v3.19.3.a.u2
Leasing Transactions - As a Lessor Narrative (Details)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
travel_center
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
travel_center
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]    
Rent revenue $ 2,293 $ 3,052
Future minimum lease payments due in 2020 2,287  
Future minimum lease payments due in 2021 2,287  
Future minimum lease payments due in 2022 $ 1,144  
Travel centers | Franchise units    
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]    
Number of sites leased | travel_center 2 4
Number of sites leased, expired | travel_center   2
v3.19.3.a.u2
Stockholders' Equity - Narrative (Details)
Aug. 01, 2019
shares
Dec. 31, 2019
shares
Jul. 31, 2019
shares
Dec. 31, 2018
shares
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]        
Common stock, shares authorized 16,000,000 16,000,000 8,674,000 8,674,000
Reverse stock split conversion ratio 0.20      
v3.19.3.a.u2
Stockholders' Equity - Share Award Plans (Details) - Share award plans - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Stock-based Compensation Arrangement by Stock-based Payment Award [Line Items]    
Number of shares of common stock authorized under the 2016 Plan (in shares) 860  
Number of additional awards under the 2007 Plan (in shares) 0  
Number of shares of common stock awarded under the 2016 Plan (in shares) 270 175
Aggregate market value of shares of common stock awarded $ 2,647 $ 3,867
Total stock based compensation expense recognized 3,441 6,371
Vesting date fair value of shares of common stock vested $ 1,754 $ 5,147
Weighted average grant date fair value of shares of common stock awarded (in USD per share) $ 9.78 $ 22.07
Shares of common stock that remained available for issuance under the 2016 Plan (in shares) 88  
Total stock based compensation related to unvested shares of common stock $ 5,293  
Weighted average remaining service period over which stock based compensation related to unvested shares of common stock will be expensed 3 years  
Employees, excluding Directors    
Stock-based Compensation Arrangement by Stock-based Payment Award [Line Items]    
Vesting period of shares of common stock 5 years  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Unvested Shares of Common Stock Under Share Award Plans (Details) - Share award plans - $ / shares
shares in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Number of Shares of Common Stock    
Unvested shares of common stock balance at the beginning of the period (in shares) 316  
Granted (in shares) 270 175
Vested (in shares) (168)  
Forfeited/canceled (in shares) (6)  
Unvested shares of common stock balance at the end of the period (in shares) 412 316
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share of Common Stock    
Unvested shares of common stock balance at the beginning of the period (in USD per share) $ 27.44  
Granted (in USD per share) 9.78 $ 22.07
Vested (in USD per share) 22.15  
Forfeited/canceled (in USD per share) 26.57  
Unvested shares of common stock balance at the end of the period (in USD per share) $ 18.03 $ 27.44
v3.19.3.a.u2
Stockholders' Equity - Treasury Stock (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Aug. 01, 2019
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]      
Number of shares of common stock acquired (in shares) 37 89  
Aggregate value of shares of common stock acquired $ 346 $ 1,744  
Number of treasury stock retired (in shares) 37 89  
Treasury stock, par value (in USD per share) $ 0.001 $ 0.001 $ 0.001
Carrying value of treasury stock retired $ 346 $ 1,744  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Stockholders' Equity - Income (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock from Continuing Operations Attributable to Common Stockholders (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]    
Dilutive stock securities outstanding $ 0 $ 0
Income (loss) from continuing operations 33,469 (2,773)
Less: net income for noncontrolling interest 124 149
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders 33,345 (2,922)
Less: income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to participating securities 1,301 (125)
Income (loss) from continuing operations available to common stockholders $ 32,044 $ (2,797)
Weighted average shares of common stock (in shares) 7,783 7,649
Basic and diluted income (loss) per share of common stock from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders (in USD per share) $ 4.12 $ (0.37)
Weighted average number of unvested shares of common stock outstanding (in shares) 316 341
v3.19.3.a.u2
Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]    
(Provision) benefit for income taxes $ (4,339) $ 1,574
Valuation allowance 1,209 $ 1,310
Domestic Tax Authority    
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]    
Net operating loss carryforwards 264,143  
Federal tax credit carryforwards 35,624  
State and Local Jurisdiction    
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]    
Net operating loss carryforwards 183,561  
Net operating loss to expire in 2030 | Domestic Tax Authority    
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]    
Net operating loss carryforwards 3,600  
Net operating loss to expire in 2020 | State and Local Jurisdiction    
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]    
Net operating loss carryforwards 81  
Net operating loss to expire in 2021 | State and Local Jurisdiction    
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]    
Net operating loss carryforwards 50  
Tax credit to expire between 2021 and 2024 | Domestic Tax Authority    
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]    
Federal tax credit carryforwards $ 434  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Income Taxes - Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]    
U.S. federal statutory rate applied to income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations $ (7,940) $ 994
State income taxes, net of federal benefit 635 (2,957)
Benefit of tax credits 4,020 3,977
Provision to return adjustments (31) 560
Nondeductible executive compensation (109) (210)
Other nondeductible expenses (530) (430)
Other, net (384) (360)
Total (provision) benefit for income taxes $ (4,339) $ 1,574
v3.19.3.a.u2
Income Taxes - Components of the (Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Current tax benefit:    
Federal $ 1,019 $ 1,737
State 352 240
Total current tax benefit 1,371 1,977
Deferred tax provision:    
Federal (6,163) 3,581
State 453 (3,984)
Total deferred tax provision (5,710) (403)
Total (provision) benefit for income taxes $ (4,339) $ 1,574
v3.19.3.a.u2
Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred tax assets:    
Tax loss carryforwards $ 63,185 $ 76,250
Tax credit carryforwards 35,624 31,377
Leasing arrangements 32,007 55,929
Reserves 18,204 16,186
Asset retirement obligations 1,278 625
Other 704 488
Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowance 151,002 180,855
Valuation allowance (1,209) (1,310)
Total deferred tax assets 149,793 179,545
Deferred tax liabilities:    
Property and equipment (102,051) (97,306)
Goodwill and intangible assets (3,708) (3,374)
Total deferred tax liabilities (105,759) (100,680)
Net deferred tax assets $ 44,034 $ 78,865
v3.19.3.a.u2
Equity Investments - Schedule of Equity Investments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Other (income) expense, net    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Income (loss) from equity investees $ 907 $ (2,027)
Other (income) expense, net | PTP    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Income (loss) from equity investees 5,657 3,652
Other (income) expense, net | Other    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Income (loss) from equity investees (4,750) (5,679)
Other noncurrent assets    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Investment balance 30,500 40,065
Other noncurrent assets | PTP    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Investment balance 24,517 21,260
Other noncurrent assets | Other    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Investment balance $ 5,983 $ 18,805
v3.19.3.a.u2
Equity Investments - Narrative (Details)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
company
convenience_store
travel_center
restaurant
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Capital distribution from AIC $ 5,756 $ 0
Affiliated entity | RMR    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Number of companies managed by RMR | company 5  
PTP | Equity method investee    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Ownership interest (as a percent) 40.00%  
Management fee income $ 849 $ 1,562
PTP | Equity method investee | Travel centers    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Number of sites operated under joint venture | travel_center 2  
PTP | Equity method investee | Convenience stores    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Number of sites operated under joint venture | convenience_store 3  
PTP | Equity method investee | Restaurants    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Number of sites operated under joint venture | restaurant 1  
QuikQ | Equity method investee    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Ownership interest (as a percent) 50.00%  
AIC | Equity method investee    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]    
Ownership interest (as a percent) 14.30%  
Capital distribution from AIC $ 9,000  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Equity Investments - Summarized Financial Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]    
Total revenues $ 126,750 $ 125,448
Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation) 80,579 87,189
Income from operations 9,259 2,742
Net income $ 7,206 $ 1,363
v3.19.3.a.u2
Business Management Agreement with RMR - Narrative (Details) - RMR - Affiliated entity - Business management agreement - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
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 (in days) 60 days  
Multiple in calculating termination fee 2.875  
Period over which base management fee is determined as basis to calculate termination fee (in months) 24 months  
Period of transition services (in days) 120 days  
Selling, general and administrative expense    
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Business management fee $ 13,409 $ 14,570
Expense for internal audit costs $ 284 $ 236
v3.19.3.a.u2
Related Party Transactions - Relationship with SVC (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
director
property
shares
Jun. 28, 2019
shares
Dec. 31, 2018
shares
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Number of shares of common stock outstanding owned (in shares) 8,307,000   8,080,000
SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Number of shares of common stock outstanding owned (in shares) 684,000 684,000  
Percentage of outstanding shares of common stock owned 8.20%    
Number of TA Managing Directors who are also managing trustees of SVC | director 1    
SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder | SVC Leases      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Number of sites leased | property 179    
SVC | Principal landlord and largest stockholder | Maximum      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Percentage of voting shares that can be acquired 9.80%    
v3.19.3.a.u2
Related Party Transactions - Our Manager, RMR (Details) - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Number of shares of common stock outstanding owned (in shares) 8,307 8,080
RMR | Affiliated entity    
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Number of shares of common stock outstanding owned (in shares) 299  
Percentage of outstanding shares of common stock owned 3.60%  
RMR | Affiliated entity | Restricted stock    
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Number of shares of common stock awarded under the 2016 Plan (in shares) 20 10
Aggregate market value of shares of common stock awarded $ 184 $ 228
v3.19.3.a.u2
Related Party Transactions - Relationship with AIC (Details)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
company
Jun. 30, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Other noncurrent assets        
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]        
Carrying value of investment $ 30,500   $ 40,065  
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 income (loss) attributable to common stockholders        
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]        
Unrealized gains and losses on securities held for sale $ 91   (69)  
AIC | Equity method investee | Other (income) expense, net        
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]        
Income from equity investees 575   516  
Income from previously unrealized gains and losses on securities held for sale 664      
AIC | Equity method investee | Other noncurrent assets        
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]        
Carrying value of investment $ 298   $ 8,632  
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      
v3.19.3.a.u2
Related Party Transactions - Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
RMR | Affiliated entity | Directors and officers liability insurance    
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Aggregate premiums paid $ 122 $ 157
v3.19.3.a.u2
Related Party Transactions - Executive Officer Retirements (Details)
$ in Thousands
6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
tradingDays
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]        
Period to sell shares of common stock (in trading days) | tradingDays     10  
Managing Director and CEO | Current annual salary paid | Forecast        
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]        
Managing Director and CEO compensation per retirement agreement   $ 300    
Managing Director and CEO | Cash bonus paid relating to 2019        
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]        
Managing Director and CEO compensation per retirement agreement     $ 1,000  
Managing Director and CEO | Additional cash payment | Forecast        
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]        
Managing Director and CEO compensation per retirement agreement $ 1,000      
Managing Director and CEO | Cash payment and acceleration of stock awards        
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]        
Managing Director and CEO compensation per retirement agreement       $ 3,571
v3.19.3.a.u2
Contingencies - Environmental Contingencies (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]  
Total recorded liabilities $ 2,441,000
Expected recoveries of future expenditures 574,000
Net recorded liability 1,867,000
Environmental issue  
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]  
Environmental liability insurance maximum coverage per incident 20,000,000
Environmental liability insurance annual coverage limit $ 20,000,000
v3.19.3.a.u2
Contingencies - Legal Proceedings (Details)
Apr. 05, 2019
Plaintiff
Settled litigation  
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]  
Number of plaintiffs 2
v3.19.3.a.u2
Inventory (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Inventory [Line Items]    
Total inventory $ 196,611 $ 196,721
Nonfuel products    
Inventory [Line Items]    
Total inventory 161,560 163,302
Fuel products    
Inventory [Line Items]    
Total inventory $ 35,051 $ 33,419